Applicants' Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are CCI Self Assessment Exams intended to be used as a study guide?

No. CCI Self Assessment Exams are intended to be used only as an assessment tool, so that applicants/candidates can determine their strengths and weaknesses based on the subject matrix for each examination. Applicants/candidates will not receive exact question/answer combinations; only a score report broken down by the subject matrix will be returned.  Click here for the order form.

2. Are there any study guides or review courses to assist me in preparation for the examination?

CCI does not endorse nor can we recommend any review course or educational material. There are several sources of review material advertised in CCI's official publication, The Pulse, or here. Review courses offered by a variety of groups and businesses are also advertisers in The Pulse. CCI does not endorse any third party review course, even those who may advertise in The Pulse.
 

3. What type of identification will I need to obtain admission to the Pearson examination site?

It will be necessary to have two (2) forms of non-expired identification, including at least one (1) current, government issued source of identification that includes a photo. A valid driver's license with a picture and a passport are two examples of acceptable forms of identification.

4. When will I get my results?

Preliminary results are delivered immediately at the Pearson Professional Center (PPC). Official results will be mailed from CCI approximately 3 weeks after the examination.

5. If I must retake an examination, what is the time requirement for retaking the examination?

There is a 45-day waiting period to re-take an examination.

6. On what dates are the examinations offered?

CCI has gone to a computer-based testing format, thus allowing the examinations we offer to be taken year-round based on availability at Pearson Testing Centers.

7. Where are the test sites for the examinations?

The examinations offered by CCI are administered by Pearson Professional Centers, which has over 3200 sites worldwide. A complete list of Pearson test sites can be found at www.pearsonvue.com/cci.

8. What are the qualifications for the examinations?

The qualifications are listed in the CCI Examination Application and Overview Booklet

9. After I submit my application, how long will it take before I receive something back from CCI?

CCI requires 2-3 weeks from receipt of exam application for processing. Once the application has been processed and approved, you will be mailed an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter which will include your 90-day testing window.

10. What is the $100 non-refundable examination filing fee?

The $100 non-refundable examination filing fee is for the staff resources required to review and process applications.

It is CCI’s policy to deposit all examination fees at the time the application is received. If an application is not complete when submitted (invalid documentation of qualification, missing required documentation, missing signature, etc.), CCI will make electronic copies of the application and return the original application and supporting documentation with an explanation of the reason(s) for denial and return. The applicant will have 60 days to return a completed application and required documents for approval, or contact CCI headquarters with an estimated time-schedule of when the completed application with required documents will be resubmitted by the applicant. If CCI headquarters does not receive these documents or any communication within 60 days after the original application was returned, CCI will refund the examination fee minus a $100 filing fee.

It is extremely important for all applicants to read the entire 2012 Examination Application and Overview booklet to be fully aware of CCI’s application requirements and appropriate supporting documentation. Please note that the samples of the required supporting documentation are provided for your assistance. Please use these sample documents when having your employer, educator or clinical advisor write your verification letters.
 

11. How do I schedule an examination?

To schedule or reschedule your examination appointment, please contact Pearson Professional Centers at 1-800-869-4102 or at www.pearsonvue.com/cci.

12. If I fail the examination and have to retest, do I have to pay the fee again?

Yes. The full fee is required each time you take an examination.

13. If I fail an examination, must I reapply to retest?

When you complete your exam, you will receive an official results letter. Attached to your results letter will be an application to test. If your re-application is submitted within 6 months of your original application being received at CCI headquarters, supporting documentation does not need be resubmitted. If your re-application is submitted after 6 months from the original application being received at CCI headquarters, all supporting documentation must be updated with new letters and signatures in order for your re-application to be processed. A 45-day waiting period must be met before you can retake the exam for a second time.

14. How does one cover the hundreds of possible subjects listed in the detailed outlines?

CCI as a credentialing agency can not provide recommendations on how to study. A detailed outline of each examination and popular reference materials are found in the CCI Examination Application and Overview Booklet. Applicants may also order a self assessment exam. These exams are not intended as study guides, but as a tool to assess the applicants' knowledge in each of the subject categories found on the credentialing examination.

15. Will CCI's exam qualifications be changed?
Although CCI's examination qualifications are currently under review, the qualifications may be revised and effective no sooner than January 1, 2013.

16. How long is my credential good for after I pass my exam?

A credential is active 9-12 months after passing exam. Refer to chart on page 61 of the 2012 CCI Application and Examination Overview Booklet.

17. Can I have an extension to test?

Each applicant will be granted one (1) 90-day extension to test. If exam is not taken by the end of the extension period, testing fee will be forfeited and applicant will have to reapply to take the test. If applicant has made an appointment with Pearson prior to requesting the extension, appointment must be cancelled before CCI is contacted.

18. Why aren't all the questions on the examination scored?

All CCI credentialing examinations consist of 100 or more multiple choice questions. Some of the items on the examination may not be scored. These items are not identified for examination candidates at the time of testing. This is standard practice and enables CCI to evaluate questions which may be used in future examinations. These items are not scored when your examination results are calculated and thus will not affect your score. The time you have been allotted to take the examination has been determined by taking into consideration the number of scored and unscored items.