CDCES
What to Expect
You will receive a pass/fail result onscreen at the conclusion of your exam. A score report will be sent by PSI in pdf format within 48 hours after completion of your exam. The Exam Handbook has important information on understanding the score report results.
You Passed!
If you pass the the exam:
- Retain your score report until you receive your formal certificate packet. Results are processed on a monthly basis.
- You can view your unique certification number and expiration date in your CBDCE account dashboard.
- You can view and obtain an online verification.
- Certificate packets are processed on a monthly basis. Once processed, your congratulatory letter, CDCES certificate and wallet card will be printed and sent to you. This can take up to 3 months depending on when you test in the month.
- Notify CBDCE of any changes to your contact information to ensure you receive your certificate packet.
Here are some next steps:
Take advantage of resources exclusively for CDCESs.
It's never too early to learn about how to renew.
Taking the Exam Again
If you did not pass the exam and believe irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor, you may file an appeal. Refer to Appeals FAQs.
If you need to retake the exam:
- Review the domain scores and the content outline to help you identify opportunities for further study.
- You can reapply at any time providing you still meet the requirements.
- You will need to pay the exam fee each time you apply.
Appeals FAQs
If I don’t pass the exam can I appeal?
In the rare event that a problem arises in the administration of an exam, it may affect an individual or group of applicants. Problems may include, without limitation, power failures, defective equipment, or other disruptions of exam administrations such as natural disasters or other emergencies. Applicants who do not pass the exam and believe irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor may file an appeal with the CEO. Visit the Reconsideration of Adverse Exam Administration Decision Policy for details.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON TIMEFRAME TO SUBMIT EXAM APPEALS: All appeal requests must be filed no later than fifteen (15) days after the applicant's examination administration date.
An individual who chooses to file an appeal (the appellant) shall be responsible for any expenses that he or she incurs in connection with this process. There shall not be any right of appeal based on the applicant's failure to submit a complete application (including submittal of any required audit documentation), pay the required application fees, or pass the CBDCE certification exam, nor shall there be any right of appeal based on the certificants failure to submit a complete application for renewal by continuing education, pay the required fees, or respond to requests for additional application information. These applications shall be deemed incomplete.
If my application is rejected, can I appeal?
Application appeals are available only to individuals whose applications are rejected because of failure to meet eligibility requirements. Appeals are not available to individuals whose applications are rejected for any other reason, including being incomplete or improperly completed, or when for other reasons evaluation of application cannot be completed. Visit the Reconsideration of Adverse Exam Administration Decision Policy for details.
An individual who chooses to file an appeal (the appellant) shall be responsible for any expenses that he or she incurs in connection with this process. There shall not be any right of appeal based on the applicant's failure to submit a complete application (including submittal of any required audit documentation), pay the required application fees, or pass the CBDCE certification exam, nor shall there be any right of appeal based on the certificants failure to submit a complete application for renewal by continuing education, pay the required fees, or respond to requests for additional application information. These applications shall be deemed incomplete.