Exam Cost and Registration Fees
Passing the exam marks true mastery of the curriculum and is the most important task required to earn the CDS™ charter. On average, candidates report investing over 300 hours of study in advance of successfully passing each level.
Just 30% of all exam takers achieve the charter
Exam Structure
150 multiple choice questions
Exam Length
3 Hours
Question Format
Multiple choice questions
Exam Results Availability
Within 60 days of taking the exam
Pass Rate
30%
Form a Plan with Our Exam Readiness Checklist
Months Prior to the Exam
Address the items below several months before your first exam:
Weeks Prior to the Exam
Consider these tasks during the weeks leading up to your exam:
The Day of the Exam
Have the following things ready to go on exam day:
- Review all testing policies
- Confirm your valid id card
- Print your exam admission ticket
- Check for testing conditions
- Select a quiet, well lit room
- Select comfortable clothing for exam day
- Plan your food
- Make sure your computer have high speed internet and a working camera
- Check you computer again for high speed internet and camera
- Check if you have required software installed on your computer
- Make sure you are in quiet place and have no intervention or connection with anyone else
- Keep your phone away from you at all times
Understanding Your Results
Exams are graded as either “pass” or “did not pass,” along with detailed performance feedback.
On average, 30% people who appear for the exam get the charter.