Apply to Take the CDCES Exam
Apply and Schedule
BE Ready
Exam applications are taken on a year-round basis but don't apply until you’re ready to take the test. You’ll have to take the exam no later than 90 days from the date your application is approved. Are you ready to apply? Click the "Apply for the Examination" button below.
IMPORTANT TESTING SITE INFORMATION
For those individuals currently scheduled, we encourage candidates to check their emails and voice mails often in order to review communications regarding last-minute updates regarding their scheduled test date. If you have questions on your testing date or site, please contact PSI at 833-333-4754. PSI customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday (all times Central Time). Peak times are during the lunch time and at end of day. Please note that there may be higher than normal response times and thank you for your patience and understanding during these times.
Looking for the test center locations? Visit the CBDCE test center webpage at PSI for test center locations.
Ready to apply for the CDCES Examination? You will first need to create an account with CBDCE. Click the "Apply for the Examination" button below to create your CDCES account.
Apply and Schedule
Effective March 1, 2024 you will apply for the CDCES Exam through CBDCE but will first need to create an account with CBDCE.
Effective with March 1, 2024: If approved, you will be emailed an eligibility confirmation notice which includes the 90-day window during which you’ll need to schedule and take your exam. Keep it handy. There's a lot of important and valuable information in it. Once you’ve got the confirmation notice, you can schedule your exam through your CBDCE account that you created. Because appointments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, you will want to schedule your exam appointment as quickly as possible after approval in order to have the most flexibility.
To apply for the CDCES exam, create and log into your CBDCE account > click on "Get Certified > Application > Create New Application" and follow through the application pages through application submittal and payment.
To schedule your exam, you can do so, easily, in your CBDCE account. Log into your CBDCE account, click on "Get Certified" > click on "details" in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal to schedule your exam. Please be mindful of the required timeframes for rescheduling as some fees may apply.
Apply here
For full details, review the
Exam Handbook
Exam Handbook
If you're pursuing the Unique Qualifications Pathway
Requests for Special Accommodations
Refer to the Exam Handbook for information about the process and to access the forms. (Exception: Comfort items that appear on the Pre-Approved Comfort Aids list--refer to Comfort Items and Accommodations below.)
You will be notified once your accommodation has been approved. After approval of your accommodation, you will need to complete an online form through the PSI website to schedule your exam. This form will identify the type of request as well as desired dates, times, and modality or test center locations. This online form is set up to streamline the process to create fewer back and forth emails. Need assistance with your special accommodation? Contact the PSI special accommodations team at 1-800-367-1565 Ext. 6750.
Comfort Items and Accommodations:
Effective May 2023, test takers no longer need to formally request testing accommodations for items that fall on the "Pre-Approved Comfort Aids" list (List). This List includes specific medicine and medical devices including those attached to a person's body, communication aids, mobility devices, and service animals. Test Center Administrators and online proctors will perform an inspection of the aids prior to testing. Also note if an approved medical device makes alert noises, it must be able to be silenced. If the medical device is not able to be silence, a formal special accommodation request must be provided. Take a moment to review the List to see if your accommodation falls within the listing.
Live Remote Proctoring
Exciting News! Candidates now have the option of taking the CDCES exam by either testing at a PSI Test Center or testing by Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).
Testing via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) allows a candidates to test using their own computer from their home. The candidate must have a computer that meets the requirements for the LRP. To learn more about the requirements for LRP testing, click Guide to LRP below.
Candidates should thoroughly review the information on testing choices in the CBDCE Examination Handbook and the Guide to Live Remote Proctoring to determine which option is best for them.
Watch PSI's video on what to expect in a LRP environment.
-
To launch through your CBDCE account > log into your CBDCE account > click on Get Certified > click on ‘details’ in the application > click on Schedule Exam > you will be redirected to the PSI test taker portal where you will launch your exam.
-
To launch through the PSI test taker portal > Go to the PSI test taker portal -- here is a direct link to the test taker portal: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbdce/auth/login. Once at that link, you will see a login screen for CBDCE > Enter your CBDCE account user name and password > will redirect to the PSI test taker portal to launch your exam.
- Don't wait until the last minute to figure out your computer situation or to locate your PSI account login information.
- Run your compatibility test to make sure that the computer you are testing on is compatible with the PSI testing environment. Reminder that if you will be using a work computer, you must have administrative rights to download the exam platform.
- You will launch your CDCES exam from your CBDCE account. Be sure you have you login information handy so there are no issues when logging in to take your exam. You may even want to login to your CBDCE account a day or two before to ensure no login trouble on your exam day.
- Thoroughly review the LRP Guide for specific computer requirements, testing information, and rules for testing via LRP.
Audits
Individuals selected for audit will need to gather the documents and upload in their CBDCE account. Documents required are:
2. Verification of Professional Practice and DCE Experience Form(s) - Completed and signed (by supervisor)
3. Proof of continuing Education (CE) activities (certificates of completion)
Review the audit documents for more information and instructions on uploading in your CBDCE account.
Paper Applications
CBDCE
1340 Remington Rd, Suite J
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847-228-9795
Email: info@cbdce.org
About the Exam
Those individuals who will be taking the exam from July 1, 2024 and forward the examination is a computer-based examination composed of 175 multiple-choice questions, objective questions given over a total testing time of four (4) hours. Twenty-five of the 175 questions are new pre-test questions that allow CBDCE to collect meaningful statistics on but are not included in the determination of individual Examination score. These pre-test qustions are not idetified separately and are scattered throughout the examination.
Final To Do List
- Put the test date, time, and location on your calendar.
- Testing at a Center? Check the location of the testing center and take a drive by before your appointment. Watch the video provided by PSI/AMP, CBDCE’s testing agency. It offers useful information and details about the exam appointment day and test center procedures.
- Testing by LRP? Review CBDCEs Guide to LRP. Do one last computer compatibility check on the computer you will be testing on. You can launch your LRP exam from your PSI account, once logged in click on "Launch Exam" link (which will be available 30 minutes prior to your exam time). Watch the video provided by PSI, CBDCE's testing agency for what to expect when taking an exam via LRP.
- And last but not least, get a good night’s sleep before your exam appointment!