Securities Training Corporation
The combination of a high-quality study package for every need and budget, a responsive instructor hotline, and a money-back ensure makes Securities Training Corporation our choice as the best overall exam prep provider.
Securities Training Corporation (STC) was one of the first companies to offer exam prep courses back when securities exams were first introduced in 1969. Since then, it has strived to be the industry leader. By adding a money-back ensure to its offering of high-quality study packages, along with responsive instructor support, STC makes our list as the best overall exam prep provider.
Starting at $323.95, STC's base study package, SIE/Series 7 Top-Off Standard, is as fully loaded as some other providers' premium packages. The enrollment, valid for six months, includes both online and printed study manuals, access to an instructor hotline, 24/7 tech support, and final exams. It also features Crunch Time Facts, which summarize the study manual's "must-know" facts by chapter.
With the next package tier, the $485.93 SIE/Series 7 Top-Off Premiere, students can add on-demand lectures and online flash cards. The flash cards, which can be organized by course, chapter, or FINRA exam sections, allow students to test their knowledge and focus on areas of weakness. This package also comes with the pass ensure and additional exams.
Finally, for $559.08, students can add live virtual or in-person classes with the SIE/Series 7 Top-Off Premier Plus package. The package also includes weekly instructor-led question-and-answer sessions.
STC boasts a self-published 95% pass rate. Between a high pass rate and its money-back guarantee, STC's exam prep course offers students a great return on investment.
Upon paying the exam fee, the application process is complete, and you have acknowledged that you meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3.
Your next steps are outlined as follows: Further details can be found at the links below:Exam | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) | 373 USD | 467 USD |
Certified Control System Technician® (CCST®) Level 1 | 331 USD | 415 USD |
Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Specialist—Level 2 | 315 USD | 397 USD |
Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Master—Level 3 | 331 USD | 415 USD |
If you have paid for or your company has arranged for you to take a CCST review course, the application fee is included in the course price. View list of available CCST review courses here.
ISA accepts payment via check, certified check, money order, PayPal payment, wire transfer in US Dollars, or credit card. Purchase orders are not accepted. All application fees are non-refundable.
All ISA certification exams are closed book and have multiple-choice questions. The CCST Specialist – Level 2 certification exam is three hours long, and all other certification exams are four hours long. Please see the information below for the number of questions in each exam.
Exam | Questions |
Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) | 175 |
Certified Control System Technician® (CCST®) Level 1 | 150 |
Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Specialist—Level 2 | 125 |
Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Master—Level 3 | 150 |
You will receive your exam invitation (Notice to Schedule Exam) email 15 days before your assigned exam window begins. View the application deadlines below.
Exam Window | Application Submission Deadline |
---|---|
2023 Window 3: 1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024 |
15 September 2023 |
2024 Window 1: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2025 |
15 January 2024 |
2024 Window 2: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025 |
15 May 2024 |
2024 Window 3: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2025 |
15 September 2024 |
If you have attended any CCST review course, you will not be placed into an exam window. You will receive your exam invitation near the end of your review course and have a 12-month exam window in which to take the exam.
If you have not received your exam invitation within the allotted time frame, please check your spam or junk folder for an email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com. If you still need help locating your exam invitation, please email certifications@isa.org for assistance. In certain instances, you may need to provide an alternate email address, as some server firewalls may block the receipt of the exam invitation email.
Please log into your ISA account, then access the “My Credentials” tab to view your credential status and/or pay your recertification fee. If you have issues logging into your ISA account or completing your payment process, please contact one of our customer service representatives at info@isa.org or +1 919-549-8411 for assistance. For additional information, visit the Recertification page.
Recertification Fees | Member Price | Non-Member Price | |
Certified Automation Professional® (CAP ®) | By PDPs (no exam) | 270 USD | 340 USD |
By Exam | 336 USD | 420 USD | |
Certified Control System Technician® (CCST) (all levels) |
By PDPs (no exam) | 210 USD | 265 USD |
By Exam | 300 USD | 375 USD |
You will receive your digital badge via email after passing an exam or renewing a certification or certificate. If you did not receive it, please look in your spam and junk folders for an email from isa_badges@isa.org. If you still need help locating your digital badge, please email certifications@isa.org for assistance.
To access, manage, and/or share your secure digital badge, use your email address and password to enter your BadgeCert portfolio.
If it is your first time accessing your portfolio or you have forgotten your password, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.
Please email certifications@isa.org for assistance if you have not received your digital badge within:
Your exam invitation, or Notice to Schedule (NTS), email from Meazure Learning will have links for you to check your computer system. If you take your exam online, it is important to verify that your computer meets the minimum requirements and that you have reliable access to the Internet. An internet connection disruption will suspend the exam session.
IMPORTANT: If taking the exam online, you must use a computer on which you have full admin access.
If you have computer system questions after following the instructions provided by Meazure Learning's schedule confirmation email, please contact Meazure Learning at +1 919-572-6880 or candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Note: Meazure Learning, Scantron, and ProctorU are all one-and-the-same organization.
For all CCST level exams, Units Conversion Tables will be provided to candidates in either paper format (paper/pencil exams) or accessible within the electronic test interface for reference during the exam. Click here to review the Units Conversion Tables.
It is important to be certain when selecting the method and time you want to take the exam. You may incur fees if you change the time and method of testing. Exams must be scheduled in advance as follows:
If you are within your exam window or eligibility period, you may reschedule your exam appointment before the online and Exam Center reschedule cut-off times via the online exam scheduling system. If you are outside your exam window and want to request an extension, please contact certifications@isa.org.
There is no rescheduling fee. However, it must be changed no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time.
There is no rescheduling fee. However, it must be changed at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Additionally, you must reschedule the new appointment no less than two calendar days in advance of the new appointment at a Meazure Learning test center.
You will incur a rescheduling fee of 50 USD. Rescheduling fees are payable to Meazure Learning via a secure e-commerce site (credit card). The reschedule cut-off time is no later than two calendar days prior to the exam appointment. Additionally, if you are scheduling a new online exam appointment, it must be done no less than 24 hours prior to the new appointment date and time.
You can cancel an exam through Meazure Learning's online exam scheduling system.
You may retest as many times as needed, if you do not pass or if you miss your scheduled exam, within your exam window or eligibility period. However, there is a fee each time that is payable to ISA. If you need to retest or have missed your exam, you must submit a request to certification@isa.org.
If a candidate fails their exam, they may retest as many times as needed within their 12-month certification exam window or six-month certificate eligibility period. There is a fee each time retesting is needed. If a candidate does not pass the exam within the program exam deadline, the applicant must reapply for that certification or register again for the certificate course to sit for the exam.
If you fail to appear for a scheduled exam or arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, you will be considered a no-show and forfeit your exam. However, you may retake a missed exam by paying a rescheduling fee to ISA if you are within your exam window or eligibility period. To request a rescheduled exam, email certifications@isa.org with your request. See exam procedures section #4, Rescheduling an Exam, for reschedule fee costs.
You may qualify for an exception if you meet certain conditions and submit documentation to Meazure Learning no later than five calendar days after the scheduled exam appointment. If the exception is approved, there will be a no-show exemption fee of 50 USD payable via secure e-commerce (credit card) and collected by Meazure Learning. Please contact Meazure Learning by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for more details.All ISA certification exams are closed-book and have multiple choice questions. We apply a modified Angoff Method to determine the pass point for each exam (learn more about the modified Angoff Method below). Our certification exams last between 3 and 4 hours and our certificate exams last two hours.
ISA does not provide a passing score; you are only notified whether you passed or failed. If you fail an exam, you will receive a score report that lists the domains and indicates the percentage of questions answered correctly within each domain. Note that the percentages are not used to calculate a candidate’s passing score.
You will see your exam results on the screen at the completion of the exam. You will also receive your exam results immediately via email from (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). If you do not receive an email containing your results within 24 hours, please contact Meazure Learning by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for assistance.
If you pass your exam, you will receive an email containing a digital badge from isa_badges@isa.org within one business day of completing the exam. To access, manage, and/or share your secure digital badge, use your email address and password to enter your BadgeCert portfolio. If it is the first time accessing your portfolio or if you have forgotten your password, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.
Be advised that we update our databases and systems with the previous month’s exam data in the first part of the following month. ISA will update your credential status on the “My Credentials” tab from your ISA account and in ISA's Credential Directory within the first ten (10) business days of the following month you took your exam.
The modified Angoff Method uses expert judgements to determine the difficulty level of the exam. The easier the exam, the higher the pass point. Likewise, the more difficult the exam, the lower the pass point. The following is a basic outline of the modified Angoff Method (some details have been omitted):
The CRCM advisory board has determined that a competent compliance professional's expertise includes the following Domains.
Please review the CRCM Examination Outline for additional details.
While ABA recommends these resources as appropriate examination preparation, ABA does not guarantee that you will pass the exam by completing these educational programs or studying these materials alone. The CRCM exam assesses not only your knowledge of the subjects on the exam outline, but also your application of that knowledge. You should refer frequently to the CRCM Examination Outline when preparing for the exam.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The only legitimate resource for ABA’s certifications, including reference materials, are available on www.aba.com. Any other resources or guides related to ABA’s certification programs offered for sale on third party platforms such as Amazon and eBay is not authorized by the ABA and such purchases are at the buyer’s risk. While it is not illegal for publishers to write separate resources to potential customers, it can be difficult to determine the legitimacy of offers from these organizations, especially if they contain unauthorized uses of ABA’s federally protected logo. If you do not make your purchase with ABA directly, we will not be able to assist you in any capacity. Please contact ABA Customer Service at 1-800-BANKERS to be directed to a legitimate resource.
Certificates
Sharpen your compliance expertise with training from ABA, a leader in bank compliance. Choose individual courses or complete a certificate program to save money and streamline your learning.
Training
Whether you are an emerging or experienced professional, our comprehensive compliance solutions will help you stay up-to-date on regulatory issues.
Schools
Master the challenges of regulatory change more effectively with three levels of practical, in-depth training. This immersive educational experience is taught by respected compliance practitioners and subject matter experts. By attending the schools, you will develop a vital, ongoing network of contacts and resources you can rely on well into the future.
Exam Prep
An interactive, user-friendly online course that allows students to study at their own pace, with access to resources and practice questions modeled after an actual exam.
Exam Application
When you're ready to apply, double check the eligibility requirements, select your exam date, and submit your application.
All persons taking one of ABA Professional Certifications' examinations are expected to abide by all rules and regulations governing the examination before, during and after the examination. Possession of copies of any current or previous examination given by ABA Professional Certifications is not authorized and is a violation of the rules governing certification exams. Persons taking an ABA Professional Certifications examination are not permitted to take notes about the examination.
Any person found to have violated any of the rules governing ABA Professional Certifications exams, or to have conducted themselves in a dishonest or unethical manner with respect to the taking of an ABA Professional Certifications exam is subject to sanctions determined to be appropriate by ABA Professional Certifications, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to: denial of certification; denial of the right to take any or all ABA Professional Certifications examinations. Answer sheets provided at paper/pencil testing sites determined, before grading, to have been completed by a person who has violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules will not be graded. We reserve the right to pursue any and all remedies available to it, including legal remedies, with respect to any violation of its examination rules against anyone who violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules or aided another in violating these rules.
Any person found to have violated any of the rules governing ABA Professional Certifications exams, or to have conducted themselves in a dishonest or unethical manner with respect to the taking of an ABA Professional Certifications exam is subject to sanctions determined to be appropriate by ABA Professional Certifications, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to: denial of certification; denial of the right to take any or all ABA Professional Certifications examinations. Answer sheets provided at paper/pencil testing sites determined, before grading, to have been completed by a person who has violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules will not be graded. We reserve the right to pursue any and all remedies available to it, including legal remedies, with respect to any violation of its examination rules against anyone who violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules or aided another in violating these rules.
Project management is one of the fastest-growing professions, with an estimated 25 million jobs expected to be created around the world by 2030. To fill these roles, businesses across industries are seeking new project managers with the qualifications and expertise necessary to make a positive impact in their organizations.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are both specialized credentials offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® that Improve credibility and offer professionals opportunities to increase their skills, lead larger projects and advance their careers.
In order to choose the certification that best aligns with your intended career goals, it is critical to understand the differences between CAPM and PMP certification. These differences include prerequisites, cost, level of difficulty and industry-wide perception of the credentials.
Because those planning to earn CAPM certification are not required to have project management experience or a four-year degree, the CAPM is ideal for accurate community college graduates or current undergraduates who want to bolster their resume with a credential that demonstrates a commitment to a career in project management.
While the CAPM is ideal for people beginning their careers, there are some additional prerequisites, including that candidates must complete 23 contact hours before taking the exam. Contact hours are hours spent in project management education or training. These hours can be completed on site or online, enabling candidates to fulfill this requirement without putting their professional, educational or personal obligations on hold. Some universities may also offer project management education at this level as a part of a degree program.
OR
Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include exam fees.
The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM exam at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP exam is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.
PMI members | Non-members | |
---|---|---|
CAPM exam cost | $225 | $300 |
PMP exam cost | $405 | $575 |
A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.
Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM exam is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.
The CAPM exam questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM exam reference list.
The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.
Like the CAPM, the PMP exam also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.
To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Examination Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.
The CAPM exam consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The exam questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.
CAPM Domain | Proportion of exam Questions |
---|---|
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts | 36% |
Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies | 17% |
Agile Frameworks/Methodologies | 20% |
Business Analysis Frameworks | 27% |
Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.
The PMP exam consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.
PMP Domain | Proportion of exam Questions |
---|---|
People: includes managing conflict; building and leading a team; supporting team members and stakeholders; and collaboration | 42% |
Process: includes communication, risk management, scope and schedule planning/management and project methodology selection | 50% |
Business Environment: includes managing project compliance, assessing project value and integrating organizational change | 8% |
Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.
Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.
PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.
PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.
While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.
Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?
Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP exam requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.
How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?
CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for accurate graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.
How much experience do you need for PMP certification?
The experience needed to qualify for the PMP exam and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:
The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.
Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?
PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM exam or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.
Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?
No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.
How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?
According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.
Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?
Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.
Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP exam in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.
Project Management Essentials
This 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.
Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.
Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.
PMP exam Preparation
PMP exam Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® exam Prep content.
Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the exam and learn how to build a personal study plan.
This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.
Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
To learn more about Purdue University’s online Project Management courses and , fill out this form. You can also email us at PMonline@purdue.edu or call us at (888) 390-0499 to speak to one of our program advisors.
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Purdue University respects your right to privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails and calls from a representative of Purdue University, which may include the use of automated technology. Consent is needed to contact you, but is not a requirement to register or enroll.
Sources
Project Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf
Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf
On occasion, the best-laid plans need to be changed. Please understand that changes incur administrative costs both for ABA and our exam partner, Meazure Learning.
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your exam after application, please review the fee schedule and procedures below.
Please note that fees and refunds are based on the dates applicable to your current exam registration.
Before Application Due Date | After Application Due Date | 2 Business Days or Less Prior to Scheduled exam Date or End of the exam Window | |
---|---|---|---|
Transferto a future exam date/window |
No fees | $175 fee to ABA | Entire exam Fee Forfeited - No Changes Permitted |
Reschedulewithin the same exam window |
No fees | $50 fee to Meazure Learning if a testing date had been selected | Entire exam Fee Forfeited - No Changes Permitted |
Cancel |
Refund of exam Fee minus $100 application fee | Refund of exam Fee minus $275 | Entire exam Fee Forfeited - No Changes Permitted |
ABA will consider waiving fees in case of a medical emergency. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and supporting documentation may be required. If you would like to transfer your certification exam registration to a future exam window (or to entirely cancel), please submit the Exam Window Change/Cancellation Form. Fees are subject to change without notice.
Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements.
All doctoral students must take a certification examination or examinations as part of their Certification (towards the Ed.D. and Ed.D. CTAS degree) or Master of Philosophy (towards the Ph.D. degree) requirements.
Most Certification Examinations are taken on dates set by the college in February, June, and October, proctored by the Office of Doctoral Studies, however, some programs have take-home or internal examination requirements.
Please click your Department's link on the left to find the Certification Examination requirements for your program.
For those programs that require a Certification Examination Application form, it can be downloaded in the Forms section of our website. Please review our calendar to see when the next examination is being held and when the deadline for submission of the application form is.
Please see the following link for information on the college policy for Certification Examination retakes.