CSEP Certification Exam Attempts Policy

To maintain the highest standards, the CSEP Professional Standards Program™ and CSEP Board of Directors have approved a new exam policy that limits the number of attempts candidates can take each (both Theory and Practical) certification exam.

Main policy points:

Exam Attempt Limit

Within the certification period a CSEP certification candidate is allowed a maximum of two attempts at each of the CSEP Theory and Practical Exams.

Note that once a candidate has already successfully completed one exam they are also still bound by the 6 month deadline in which to complete both exams successfully and register with CSEP as a certified member.

Applying for a Third Attempt

An individual who is not successful after their second exam attempt, of either exam, must apply for an extension in order to receive a third attempt, regardless of where they are in the certification period, i.e. if their 6 month deadline has started or not. A template will be provided to candidates at the time they are unsuccessful at their second attempt. The application should include a rationale for why the extension should be granted and outline a study/skill development plan that the individual will undertake to improve their knowledge and/or skills prior to their third attempt.

If Third Attempt Application is Approved

If a candidate’s application is approved the candidate will be granted a third attempt and an additional 6 months in which to successfully complete the exam and register with CSEP. If the candidate has not been successful at either exam, and therefore their 6 month certification deadline clock has not started, than the 6 month extension period will begin on the date the extension was granted.

If a candidate’s 6 month certification clock has started and they apply for a third attempt prior to the end of their original 6-months, and are approved, they cannot take the third exam attempt until the start of the 6 month extension period.

Any successful exam grade that was achieved prior to the 6-month extension period will remain valid during the extension period.

If Unsuccessful at Third Exam Attempt

If at the end of the 6 month extension period and third exam attempt the individual was still unsuccessful they are required to undergo a 6 month waiting period. The waiting period will start immediately after the 6 month extension period ends.

After the 6 month waiting period, if the individual is still interested in becoming certified they must submit a special application. At this time previously successful exam attempts will no longer be valid. If the individual is approved they are required to challenge and successfully complete both the practical and theory exam.

Examples of this policy in action