Taking an test is the final step to earning an ISA certification. Upon paying the test fee, the application process is complete, and you have acknowledged that you meet the requirements listed below in numbers 1–3.
- Commit to the ISA Code of Conduct.
- Meet the education and work experience requirements for the specific certification for which you are applying.
- Acknowledge that you are subject to a random application verification audit.
- Agree to provide the supporting documents proving your qualifications if you are audited.
- Pay the test fee. (See “Exam Fee” section below for more information.)
Next Steps
- Watch for an email from coming from our testing provider, Meazure Learning (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). Expect to receive it fifteen days before your test window. The email will include information about how to schedule your test online or at a test center. NOTE: If you have attended a CCST review course and wish to apply for CCST certification, you must also meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3. Since the application fee is included in the cost of all CCST review courses, you will receive an test invitation within three business days after completing the review course.
- Schedule and take your exam. You will be notified whether you pass or not immediately upon completing the exam.
- Watch for an email summarizing your test results. If you pass your exam, you will also receive your digital badge and you will be listed in the ISA Credential Directory.
- Watch for an email from certification@isa.org regarding an audit. You will only receive this email if you have been randomly selected to be audited. If you do not receive this email, you do not need to do anything. Audits are conducted three times per year, so it may take several months after completing your test to receive an email if you have been selected for an audit.
Certification Exams Available
All ISA certification exams are closed book and have multiple choice questions. The CCST Specialist—Level 2 certification test is three hours long and all other certification exams are four hours long. 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 |
Exam Fees
Submit payment to apply for the chosen certification when you can confirm that you meet the certification requirements to sit for the test and can test within the deadline of the test window of your choosing. You will be notified by email with the next steps to schedule your exam.
CAP
- CAP Requirements
- CAP Application Fee
- 347 USD — ISA Members
- 467 USD — Non-members
CCST
Apply for CCST Certification for Free
Register for one of the CCST review courses and apply for certification for no additional fee. The following courses qualify: Level I Review Course (TS00), Level II Review Course (TS02) or Level III Review Course (TS03). You will automatically receive an test invitation once you start the course. By paying for the review course, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met and can document the requirements for the certification level for which you are applying.
Payment Methods
ISA accepts payment for test fees by check, certified check, money order, PayPal payment, wire transfer in US Dollars, or credit card. Make checks payable to ISA. For wire transfer account information, please contact ISA Customer Service. The following credit cards are accepted: AMEX, Discover card, Master Card, and VISA. Purchase orders are not accepted.
Fees are nonrefundable. It is your responsibility as the applicant to thoroughly review the requirements of the certification for which you are applying. No refunds will be made for applicants who do not appear for testing on the appropriate test date. There are no group discounts for certification application fees.
Exam Scheduling
After you pay your test fee to complete the application process, you will receive an test invitation (Notice to Schedule Exam) email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com 15 days before the beginning of your assigned test window with steps to schedule the exam. Follow the instructions in the email to schedule your exam—online or at a test center—through the online test scheduling system. You can get more information about your test window deadline by accessing the “My Credentials” tab in your ISA account.
If you have not received your test invitation within that time frame, please check your spam or junk folder for an email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com, as some server firewalls may block the receipt of the email. If you still are unable to find your test invitation, please email certifications@isa.org for assistance.
See further related details on the Exam Procedures page.
Exam Windows
If you are applying for CAP or CCST certification, you have a twelve-month test window. You may take the test at a Exam Center or online during one of three test windows (see chart below). Each test window will have a deadline for applications to be submitted. Eligible candidates will only be able to take the test during the following exam windows.
| 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 2025 – 30 June 2025 |
15 May 2024 |
| 2024 Window 3: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2025 |
15 September 2024 |
Review Course Testing: If you have attended a review course (paid for by you or sponsored by a company), you will receive your test invitation near the end of your review course and have a twelve (12) month test eligibility period based on the date of your review course.
Digital Badging
After passing the CAP or CCST certification exam, you will earn a digital badge. 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, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.
Grievances Appeal Process
If you feel you were wrongly denied certification, either original or renewal, from the CAP or CCST programs, then you have the right to appeal. Review the Grievances Appeal Process.
Your test invitation, or Notice to Schedule (NTS), email from Meazure Learning will have links for you to check your computer system. If you take your test 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 test session.
IMPORTANT: If taking the test online, you must use a computer on which you have full admin access.
Requirements:
- You must be alone in the room throughout the test
- You are required to have a webcam installed on your test workstation
- PC computers are recommended; however MACs are also acceptable
- Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, dual/multiple monitors, and projectors are not permitted to be used as a testing device
- Your computer must meet the system and equipment requirements listed here
Additional Resources
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.
- Your valid, government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card)
- The printed test confirmation notice you received from Meazure Learning
- No other items can be brought into the test environment
- A calculator and any other necessary resource materials will be provided on the computer for those taking the test electronically
- No reference material will be allowed in any test room
- Please note that storage space will be limited
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:
- Candidates in the United States and Canada: you must submit your scheduling request at least two calendar days prior to your desired test date
- Candidates in other countries: you must submit your scheduling request at least five calendar days prior to your desired test date
If you are within your test window or eligibility period, you may reschedule your test appointment before the online and Exam Center reschedule cut-off times via the online test scheduling system. If you are outside your test window and want to request an extension, please contact certifications@isa.org.
Changing from online test to another online exam
There is no rescheduling fee. However, it must be changed no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time.
Changing from online test to Exam Center exam
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.
Changing from Exam Center test to another Exam Center exam
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 test appointment. Additionally, if you are scheduling a new online test appointment, it must be done no less than 24 hours prior to the new appointment date and time.
Reschedule Fees:
CAP Associate and CST Associate:- ISA members: 76 USD
- Non-members: 95 USD
- ISA members: 120 USD
- Non-members: 150 USD
- ISA members: 108 USD
- Non-members: 135 USD
- ISA members: 116 USD
- Non-members: 145 USD
You can cancel an test through Meazure Learning's online test scheduling system.
- Online test appointments must be cancelled no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time. There is no cancellation fee
- Exam center appointments must be cancelled no less than two calendar days prior to the scheduled testing appointment. There is a cancellation fee of 50 USD payable to Meazure Learning via a secure e-commerce site (credit card)
You may retest as many times as needed, if you do not pass or if you miss your scheduled exam, within your test 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 test window or six-month certificate eligibility period. There is a fee each time retesting is needed. If a candidate does not pass the test within the program test 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 test 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 test by paying a rescheduling fee to ISA if you are within your test window or eligibility period. To request a rescheduled exam, email certifications@isa.org with your request. See test 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 test 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 test (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 test results on the screen at the completion of the exam. You will also receive your test 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 test 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.
Modified Angoff Method
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):
- A group of subject matter experts (SMEs) independently rate each test question within a given form of the exam. The ratings are defined as the probability, or likelihood, that an acceptably (minimally) competent person with the requisite education and experience will answer the question correctly. An acceptably (minimally) competent person is defined as someone who adequately performs all job functions safely and requires no further training to do so.
- The SMEs review each test question as a group. A statistical consensus is reached for the difficulty rating of each test question.
- After the data is refined, the final step is to calculate the mean, or average, of all the test question ratings. This becomes the overall pass point estimation.
The CCEL Vans may only be operated by permanent employees of the University and by CWRU students, all of whom meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid U.S. driver's license
- Are at least 18 years of age
- Have completed the CCEL Van Driver Certification Process, as described below.
CCEL Van Driver Certification Process
The following steps must be completed (doesn't have to be in order) before a CCEL van may be reserved or driven:
- Watch the CCEL Van training video.
- Download a copy of the CCEL Van Use Packet and read the material thoroughly. This packet includes information about the van reservation process, van usage rates, automobile incident procedures, and the van use contract.
- Attend CWRU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) one-hour Driver Safety Training.
- A valid U.S. driver's license is required for the training.
- You must sign up online for the training (dates and times listed in form) before attending.
- Training sessions are offered biweekly and held in-person at the EHS office (directions here).
- Be sure to keep a copy of the form given by EHS after completing the training to submit to the CCEL office or upload in the online CCEL Van Driver Certification Test.
- Complete the online CCEL Van Driver Certification Test. This is an open book test, so you are welcome to refer to the van use packet and training video to answer the questions.
Upon completing the CCEL Van Certification Test, you will receive an email notifying you of your CCEL van driver certification status. Certified CCEL van drivers must abide by all van use regulations when operating a CCEL van, as outlined in the Van Use Packet above.
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.
MTTC tests are meant to ensure that each certified teacher has the necessary skills and subject area knowledge to serve in Michigan's schools. These tests are designed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Education.
Save all official MTTC score reports in a safe place because you may need them for employment or teacher certification in other states. If you need new score reports, additional copies may be ordered using these instructions.
In order to be certified, students must pass the MTTC subject area tests that correspond to the major and minor field(s) of study. These tests should not be taken until the final year of the program, but it is highly recommended that students pass their MTTC subject area test(s) before student teaching.
- Find out which subject tests you need to take.
- Subject area test scores are valid for five years from the date of testing (students need to be recommended for certification within those five years).
- Register at the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification website.
- The fee for each subject test is $129.
- During the registration process, be sure to identify yourself as a Calvin student and also request that your scores be sent to Calvin.
- Be careful to enter an accurate social security number. It is a huge inconvenience if you enter an incorrect number. Canadians, please register using your U.S. social security number, not your Canadian social insurance number.
- When asked if you are completing an “alternative route” to teacher certification, answer “No” (Calvin’s program is a traditional route).
- Candidates with diagnosed disabilities may register for alternative testing arrangements.
- Candidates who do not speak English as a primary language may request additional time for any MTTC test except world language subject tests.
- Be sure to review the appropriate study guides. Depending on your subject area, you may find helpful practice problems at education.com or 240Tutoring. Curriculum Collection middle or high school textbooks may be used to review content.
- Tests are no longer offered on campus. All MTTC tests are now computer-based only. Exam Center locations are available in cities worldwide.
Elementary Education Students
Students seeking elementary certification must also take the Elementary Education MTTC test #103. Do not take the new Lower or Upper Elementary tests 117-124. When registering for the Elementary Education test, report elementary education as a "major." Take the time to review the online study guide and test objectives. Spend extra time studying for these subareas, which have lower pass rates:
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Health and Physical Education
Special Education Program Students
Candidates interested in teaching grades 9–12 special education in a Michigan public school may need to take additional MTTC tests later in consultation with the hiring school (mathematics, integrated science, and/or language arts).
If you have questions, contact Calvin's certification and assessment coordinator at (616) 526-6208 or certification@calvin.edu.
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 latest 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
- A four-year degree
- 36 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification
- While the PMP certification does not require a bachelor’s degree, job candidates who hold a four-year degree have a significant advantage. PMP candidates with a secondary degree must have 60 months of experience in leading and directing projects to qualify, while those with a four-year degree are only required to have 36 months of experience.
- In addition, the PMP certification requires 35 hours of project management education, compared to the CAPM’s 23-hour minimum requirement. Purdue’s flexible online Project Management Essentials course fulfills the hourly requirement of both certifications.
CAPM vs. PMP Certification test Cost
Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include test fees.
The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM test at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP test is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.
| PMI members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|
| CAPM test cost | $225 | $300 |
| PMP test 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.
How Difficult Are the CAPM and PMP Certification Exams?
Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM test is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.
The CAPM test 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 test 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 test 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.
CAPM test Details
The CAPM test consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The test questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.
| CAPM Domain | Proportion of test 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.
PMP test Details
The PMP test 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 test 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.
CAPM vs. PMP Certification: Industry-Wide Benefits
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?
Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP test 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 latest 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 test and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:
- Professionals with a four-year degree must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
- Professionals without a four-year degree must have a minimum of five years (60 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
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 test or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the test 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 test 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 with CAPM certification need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) over the three-year cycle in order to maintain their status. These PDUs are broken down into nine PMI Talent Triangle PDUs and six Giving Back PDUs.
- Those who have a PMP certification will need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 60 PDUs over the three-year cycle to maintain their status. PMP professionals have some choice in how they distribute their required PDUs; visit the PMI’s requirements page for more information.
Purdue University’s Online Project Management Courses
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 test 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 test Preparation
PMP test 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® test Prep content.
Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the test 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.
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Information
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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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
Month-long testing windows offer candidates the ability to take the test on the day and time that is most convenient during a 30-day period.
1. Where are the test sites located?
Test Sites are located across the United States. At the time of scheduling the exam, candidates can select a site based on their zip code.
2. What are the typical hours of operation for a test site?
The normal hours of operation at Test Sites are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but times can vary. When registering, confirm the hours with the site you wish to select.
3. What do candidates need to bring to the test site?
Candidates are required to bring one (1) form of valid (non-expired), government issued, photo ID to the test site. Additionally, candidates must bring a copy of their Confirmation Notice which is emailed to them at the time of registration.
4. What is the test site change or cancellation policy?
If you wish to reschedule or cancel a testing appointment within the same test window, you must contact Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) at least 2 business days before the scheduled appointment. Canceling or rescheduling a testing appointment more than 2 business days in advance is subject to a $50 fee. Canceling or rescheduling less than 2 business days in advance of an appointment is not permitted.
5. In addition to the $50 test site fee, what are the ABA fees that will apply if candidates wish to move to another test window?
Please review the procedures and fee schedule on the Certification test Change Policy page. All change and cancellation requests must be made by submitting the Exam Window Change/Cancellation Form.
ABA will consider waiving fees in case of a medical emergency. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
6. Can I take the certification test on my computer at home or at work?
Yes. ABA offers candidates the option of testing at home or another location via live remote proctoring (LRP). Candidates can select the LRP option at the time of scheduling their test date, usually 30 days before the start of the test window. Visit the Test Taker Resource Center for more detailed information. You can also review What to Expect for a demonstration of the test process.7. How much time do I get to complete the exam?
Based on the certification, the test time is either 3 hours or 4 hours:
3-Hour test (150 questions) - CAFP, CFMP, CISP
4-Hour test (200 questions) - CERP, CRCM, CTFA
8. During the exam, can I skip questions and return to them later?
Yes. Questions can be marked and returned to at a later point in the exam, if time permits. Be sure to answer all questions, as only answered questions are scored. To help you navigate the test, please click on one of the links below to preview the test system prior to your test date:
9. Can I review or change my answers?
Yes. Questions can be marked for review and answers changed, if time permits.
10. Are individuals with disabilities accommodated?
Yes. All testing centers are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, accommodations can be made for LRP test candidates. You must submit your request for reasonable accommodations, along with supporting documentation with your test application.
11. How are exams scored?
The test is scored on a "Pass/Fail" system using a predetermined cut off score based on advisory board analysis of the degree of difficulty for each question. Exams are scored based on your personal performance and are not graded on a curve.
All ABA Professional Certification exams use scaled scoring. Scaled scores are recommended by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Many testing programs, including the ACT® and SAT®, use scaled scores.
Exam scores are based on the total number of items answered correctly. The total number of items correct is then converted to a scaled score for reporting purposes. Scaled scores are a mathematical conversion of the number of items that a candidate correctly answers so that there is a consistent scale used across all versions of a test.
All ABA Professional Certification exams are scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 800, with the passing score set at 500.
Each test contains a small number of randomly embedded questions that are included for statistical research purposes. These questions do not count against candidate scores. This form of piloting questions before they are scored is part of ABA's efforts in continuous quality improvement.
Score results are confidential. You must sign an Exam Score Release Form if you want to authorize a third party to receive your score results.
12. How long will it take to receive test results?
An instant pass/fail outcome is provided for most computer-based exams at the testing sites. Official score results are delivered via email within 6 weeks after the close of the test window.
On occasion, ABA holds scores to conduct statistical analysis. This means that for some exams, instant outcomes will NOT be provided at the test sites and all outcomes and score results will be emailed within 6 weeks after the close of the test window.
13. What is the test fee?
All test fees are listed on each certification's webpage.
14. How and when do I select my test date, time, and location?
- When purchasing the test and completing the online application process, you will select your 30 day testing window during which you wish to take the exam.
- Once your test application is approved by ABA Professional Certifications, you will receive registration information via email from Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) approximately 30 days prior to the start of the test window.
- Please add [email protected] to your safe sender list to ensure you receive the email.
- The email will contain your unique log-in ID and password that you will use to register at your preferred test site on the day and time of your choosing. You will also have the option to schedule the date and time for an LRP test at this time.
- Please contact ABA if you do not receive an email from Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) at least 15 days before the start of your test window.
15. What is your test retake policy?
- You must wait a minimum of 90 days before you are allowed to retake an test on the next scheduled test date.
- There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam.
- You must pass the test within a 3 year period from the date of your first test attempt or a new application and full fee is required.
- For more information, please refer to the test Application page for the certification that you are seeking.
Almost seven in ten of the 2,926 candidates who took the CFP Certification test in July passed.
The CFP Board stats show that the 67% pass rate was the highest since July 2015 (70%), although the test blueprint has been updated twice since, in March 2016 and March 2022.
Ten states accounted for more than half (1,562) of those taking the test last month – California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Colorado, Ohio and Massachusetts – although the individual states’ pass rates is not reported.
Asked after the test why they wanted to gain CFP Certification, 41% said to demonstrate experience on the job (41%), and 25% said to distinguish themselves as a fiduciary.
Firms showed strong support for their candidates with 77% of test takers saying they had received some financial support from their employer during the examination process.
“As CFP Board continues to foster growth in the financial planning profession, we are committed to providing access to the tools CFP® certification candidates need to prepare for the exam,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. “Congratulations to candidates from across the country for passing this rigorous exam.”
Prepping for the exam
Exam takers from last month’s round were asked how they prepared for the examination.
The top answers included:
- CFP Board Practice test 1
- the test Candidate Handbook
- the Candidate Preparation Toolkit.
Other resources used included CFP Board supplementary resources and guidance documents, the CFP Board Candidate Forum and webinars.
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.
