Certification FAQs and Policies

Click here for CSI Certification Policies

Q. What if I need to reschedule, defer, or cancel my exam? 
Please note that candidates who do not request a cancellation or deferral and do not sit for the exam forfeit all fees. Candidates who then wish to sit for the next exam window must submit a new application and fee. It is the responsibility of the candidate to secure an exam appointment during the exam window. Your registration does not automatically move to the next cycle if you are unable to find an appointment due to a lack of availability or technical issues. 

Rescheduling within the Current Exam Window:

  1. Check the fee schedule below.
  2. Go to the "My Exams" section in your Prolydian account. 
  3. Click the "Reschedule" button located beneath your exam name.

What you need to know: 

    • Remote Exams: Must be rescheduled at least 24 hours before the current appointment. 
    • In-Person Exams: Must be rescheduled at least 48 hours before the current appointment. 
    • New Appointments: Must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the desired date/time.
    • "No-Show" due to extenuating circumstances, such as technical issues or illness, will incur a $75 fee for a new registration. 
 
Days Before Scheduled Exam Fee
3 days or more before your exam $50
2 days or fewer before your exam Rescheduling is not permitted; no refund or credit is available

  


To Defer to the Next Exam Window:  

If you have a medical or significant personal emergency, you can consider submitting a request to defer for one cycle. Submit the CSI Deferral Form - Fall 2026 after you have reviewed the policies, process, and fee schedule below. *Please be as specific as possible and provide supporting documentation with your request to expedite processing. 

If you have a scheduled appointment with Prolydian and if a deferral is approved by CSI, you must cancel your appointment directly through Prolydian via the "My Exams" page within your Prolydian account. Click the "Cancel" button below your scheduled exam. In the window that pops up, click OK. 

Deferred exams must be completed within the next testing window. If an exam is not taken during that timeframe, no refund is provided, and a new application and registration fee will be required.   


Deferral Fees

If an emergency deferral is approved: CSI Fee:
 Registered, no exam scheduled, if received within the exam window $225 CSI member
$300 CSI non-member
$100 Student
Cancelled ≥ 6 days before exam $225 CSI member
$300 CSI non-member
$100 Student
a) Cancelled ≤ 5 days before exam, OR
b) candidate is a "No-show" for a scheduled exam, OR 
c)  candidate is Late > 30 minutes for the scheduled test start time and are refused admission to the test		 Deferral not allowed -
Candidate must pay the full exam fee required for the next cycle

Important: If your request is not approved, an administrative fee of $50 will be charged. 

To Cancel:  

Review the fee schedule and submit a request to CSI using the Exam Cancellation Form 2026. 

If you have a scheduled Prolydian exam, you must cancel it directly through Prolydian via the "My Exams" section within your Prolydian account. Click the "Cancel" button below your exam name. In the window that pops up, click OK. NOTE: Cancelling your appointment with Prolydian does not cancel your exam registration with CSI. 


Cancellation/Refund Fee Schedule

Timing of Cancellation CSI Refund Amount
8 or more days before your scheduled test date* 50% refund of the CSI Exam Fee (amount paid less 50%)
Fewer than 8 days before your scheduled test date No refund or credit. The full CSI Exam Fee is forfeited.


**If you have not yet scheduled a test date, you may request a 50% refund as long as your request is sibmitted at least 8 days before the last day of the exam window.  No refund are available for cancellations made fewer than 8 days before the exam window ends.   

Q. How do I request an ADA accommodation?

Review the ADA Test Accommodations Guidelines for CSI Examination Registrants. Submit your request at least 30 days in advance.

Q: How do I register for an exam?

  • Create a CSI account or sign in to your existing account.
  • From your CSI profile, select Certification from the left navigation.
  • Choose the exam you'd like to take (CDT®, CCS®, CCCA®, or CCPR®).
  • Complete the application and submit your payment under Finance.
  • Wait for your application approval email from CSI.
  • Once approved, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from CSI's testing partner with instructions for scheduling your exam appointment. The ATT email is typically sent within 7 business days after your application is approved.

Q: I registered for my exam. What happens next?

After you submit your application and payment:

  • CSI reviews your application.
  • Once your application is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email.
  • Within approximately 7 business days, you'll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) email from CSI's testing partner.
  • Use the ATT email to schedule your exam date, time, and testing option (remote or in person, where available).


Q. Can my fees be transferred to someone else?
No, exam fees are non-transferable.

 

Q. Can international candidates register?

Yes, but exams are administered remotely (no in-person testing). A passport (in English) is required. 

Q. If I need to retest, when can I do it? Do I need to reapply and pay again?

You can retest in the next exam window (only one attempt per window). A new application and fee are required. 

Q. How do I get the student rate for my CDT exam application?

To qualify for the student rate, you must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a construction industry curriculum at an educational institution.

Select “Student Application” when applying, and upload transcripts that confirm you are currently enrolled in classes for the current term. Transcripts from prior terms alone will not be accepted. 


 

Q. Can I use a work computer for my remote exam appointment? 

If you will be testing from a work provided device, you will need to ensure that you can download Guardian Browser and that any background programs (remote access, viewer, support tools, or security) are disabled. We recommend testing from a personal device if possible. If not possible, work with your IT department ahead of your exam appointment to verify these programs have been disabled as they may prevent you from completing your exam.

 

Q. Have 10 or more certification applicants within your organization?

Organizations registering 10 or more candidates qualify for the member registration rate for all candidates in the group, regardless of individual membership status. 

To register a group, the designated group coordinator must log in to their CSI account and complete the Bulk Certification Registration Form available on the Certification page. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact Jess Dowling in Membership Services.

Q. Why do I have to wait for my CSI certification exam results?

CSI exams undergo a passing score analysis after the testing window closes. Experts review and adjust exam questions before setting the final passing score. 

This process takes 6-8 weeks and begins only after all candidates have completed the exam.


Q. I passed! Now what?

Celebrate and share your achievement! 

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