Exam Rules and Policies

1. Prepare and Schedule the Exam

PECB is a certification body that provides education¹ certification, and certificate programs for individuals on a wide range of disciplines.

Our training services are provided globally through our Partners.

To schedule PECB certification exams, candidates have two options:

1. Contact one of the PECB partners who provide training courses and exam sessions. To find a training course provider in a particular region, candidates should go to Active Partners. The PECB training course schedules are available on Training Events.
2. Take a PECB exam remotely from their home or any location they desire through the PECB Exam application, which can be accessed here: Exam Events.

It is highly recommended that at least 48 hours prior to the online exam date the candidate accesses the PECB Online Examinee Guide, and checks the technical requirements by clicking here.

Candidates are responsible for their own studying and preparation for certification exams. No specific set of training courses or curriculum of study is required as part of the certification process. Nevertheless, attending a training course can significantly increase the chances of successfully passing a PECB exam. This does not apply to Foundation Certificate Program exams requirements, as in this case attending the training course is part of the requirements for the Certificate Program.

To ensure equal opportunities for all qualified persons, PECB will make reasonable accommodations for candidates, when appropriate. If candidates need special accommodations because of a disability or a specific physical condition, they should inform the Partner in order for them to make proper arrangements. Any information candidates provide regarding their disability/need will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Click here to download the Examination Special Accommodation Request Form.

2. Take the Exam

Candidates are required to arrive/be present at least 30 minutes before the exam starts. Candidates who arrive late will not be given additional time to compensate and may not be allowed to sit for the exam. 

Candidates are required to bring a valid identity card (national ID card, driver’s license, passport) and show it to the Invigilator. 

Exams are provided electronically via the PECB Exams application. The use of secondary electronic devices, such as tablets and phones, are not allowed during the exam. The exam session is supervised remotely by a PECB Invigilator via the PECB Exams application and an external/integrated camera.

PECB Exam Types:

• Multiple-choice, closed-book, where the candidates are not allowed to use any reference materials. Usually, Foundation and Transition exams are of this type.
• Essay-type, open-book, where candidates are allowed to use the following reference materials:
  • A hard copy of main standard 
  • Training course materials (through KATE and/or printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (through KATE and/or printed)
  • A hard copy dictionary
• Multiple-choice, open-book, where candidates are allowed to use the following reference materials:
  • A hard copy of main standard 
  • Training course materials (through KATE and/or printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (through KATE and/or printed)
  • A hard copy dictionary

Note: Essay-type exams will be gradually transitioning to Multiple-choice, open-book exams.

For specific information about exam types, languages available, and other details, visit the List of PECB Exams

3. Receive the Exam Results

Essay type exams

Exam results will be communicated via email. The only possible results are pass and fail; no specific grade will be included. The time span for the communication of those results starts from the exam date and lasts three to eight weeks.

Candidates who successfully complete the exam will be able to apply for one of the credentials of the respective certification scheme.  

For candidates who fail the exam, a list of the domains where they have performed poorly will be added to the email to help them prepare better for a retake.

Candidates who disagree with the results may request a re-evaluation by writing to examination.team@pecb.com within 30 days of receiving the results. Re-evaluation requests received after 30 days will not be processed. If candidates do not agree with the results of the re-evaluation, they have 30 more days from the date of receiving the re-evaluation results to file a complaint through the PECB Ticketing System. Complaints received after 30 days will not be processed.

Multiple-choice exams

4. Exam Retake Policy 

There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can retake an exam. However, there are certain limitations in terms of the time span between exam retakes.

• If a candidate does not pass the exam on the 1st attempt, s/he must wait 15 days after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (1st retake).

Note: Candidates who have completed the training course with one of our partners, and failed the first exam attempt, are eligible to retake for free the exam within a 12-month period from the date the coupon code is received, because the fee paid for the training course, includes a first exam attempt and one retake). Otherwise, retake fees apply.

For candidates that fail the exam retake, PECB recommends they attend a training course in order to be better prepared for the exam.

To arrange exam retakes, based on exam format, candidates that have completed a training course, must follow the steps below: 

1. Online Exam: when scheduling the exam retake, use initial coupon code to waive the fee
2. Paper-Based Exam: candidates need to contact the PECB Partner who has initially organized the session for exam retake arrangement (date, time, place, costs).

Candidates that have not completed a training course with a partner, but sat for the online exam directly with PECB, do not fall under this policy. The process to schedule the exam retake is the same as for the initial exam.

5. Reschedule the Exam

For any changes with regard to the exam date, time, location, or other details, please contact online.exams@pecb.com

6. Exam Security

A significant component of a professional certification credential is maintaining the security and confidentiality of the exam. PECB relies upon the ethical behavior of certification holders and applicants to maintain the security and confidentiality of PECB exams. Any disclosure of information about the content of PECB exams is a direct violation of PECB’s Code of Ethics. PECB will take action against any individuals that violate such rules and policies, including permanently banning individuals from pursuing PECB credentials and revoking any previous ones. PECB will also pursue legal action against individuals or organizations who infringe upon its copyrights, proprietary rights, and intellectual property.