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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Program

• Electronic Testing
• Testing Windows
• Fees
• Application and Documentation
• CCST Application Audit Process
• Examination Process
• Resource Materials
• Reschedule
• Retest
• Renewal
• General
• Private Testing
• CCST Exam Change in July 2013

Electronic Testing

ISA CCST exams are offered in an electronic format through one of two global testing center networks. Levels I and III are available through the Prometric network and CCST Level II is available through the Castle Worldwide network. For more information on testing center locations, visit www.isa.org/examschedule . Paper and pencil exams will still be offered for private companies in the US Check the box on your application for electronic testing and review the details below as they apply to electronic testing vs. private exam sites.

When can I take the CCST electronic exam?

Each year, the CCST exam is available electronically during three testing windows. Each exam testing window will have a deadline for applications to be considered for testing in that window. Eligible candidates will only be able to test during the testing windows.

As of 1 January 2011, the candidate eligibility window, or testing window, has been extended to twelve (12) consecutive months. Once your application is approved, testing must be completed within your assigned twelve-month testing window which is based on your application submission/postmark date. Please allow six (6) weeks for application review and notification of eligibility to test and testing window assignment.

In order to schedule an exam, you will need to send your completed application by the specified application deadline for your preferred exam testing window. The application deadlines and testing windows are as follows:

Your first exam testing date and all rescheduling and retesting must be scheduled during the testing window for which you are approved to test. 

You may reschedule your exam once, and the rescheduled date must be during your approved testing window.

You may schedule up to two (2) retests during your approved twelve-month testing window. Each retest must be scheduled a minimum of 30 days after your last exam date (this includes your initial exam date).

If you do not successfully pass the CAP or CCST exam within your twelve-month testing window, you must reapply for the exam by submitting a new application and fee. Once approved you will be given a new twelve-month testing window based on your application submission/postmark date. 

Fees

What are the Fees?
Fees for CCST vary depending on the level you apply for and the location you requset to take your exam. There are no group discounts for certification application fees.

Application Fees

Reschedule Fees with proper advance notification for Levels I and III
Candidates may reschedule an exam appointment during their six month eligibility period if they contact Thomas Prometric at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled exam time for United States/Canadian test center and at least 5 days prior to the scheduled exam time for Non-United States/Canadian test centers. No reschedule fee will apply if this advance notice requirement is met.

Reschedule Fees with proper advance notification for Level II
Candidates may reschedule an exam appointment during their eligibility period if they contact Castle Worldwide at least 5 business days in advance of their scheduled exam date for US and Canadian test centers or 30 days in advance for Non-US and Canadian test centers. Reschedule fees will apply as follows:

Reschedule Fees without proper advance notification
Candidates who do not sit for their schduled exam and do not give proper advance notice of intent to reschedule their exam will incur fees as follows:

Retest Fees
You may retest twice within your twelve (12) month eligibility period by paying the fees below. If you are outside the twelve (12) month eligibility period, full application fees will apply. Retest dates must be at least 30 days after the last exam date.

No-Show and Late Arrivals
For candidates who fail to appear for a scheduled exam, or arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, fees will apply. See Reschedule fees without proper advance notification. You must reschedule your exam within your twelve (12) month eligibility period. 

What forms of payment does ISA accept for the application fee and/or private testing fee?
ISA will accept check, certified check, money order, or wire transfer in US Dollars. Make checks payable to ISA. For wire transfer account information, please contact ISA Customer Service at info@isa.org or +1 919-549-8411. The following credit cards are accepted: AMEX, Discover card, Master Card, and VISA. Purchase orders are not accepted.

Payment should be received with the application. If you are sending payment separately please include this information with the applicataion. Applications cannot be processed without payment.

Is the application fee refundable?
CCST fess are NOT refundable. It is the responsibility of the applicant to thoroughly review the requirements for an examination to determine if he/she is qualified. No refunds will be made for applicants who do not show up for testing on the appropriate test date.

Application and Documentation

Please choose the appropriate box on the CCST application for the level you are applying for as well as for electronic testing vs. private site testing. Please review the program requirements in the CCST Handbook. All documentation requirements remain the same whether you test electronically or in a private site.

Does the application have to be typed?
The application may be typed or handwritten legibly in ink. Please do not use pencil.
You can also apply online.

Where do I mail my completed CCST application form and payment?
Send all materials to one of the following addresses:

 Will I receive notice of my eligibility status?
Allow up to four weeks after submitting your application for notification of eligibility and eligibility code for electronic exam scheduling. You cannot schedule an electronic exam until your application has been approved and you have received your eligibility notice. For private site exam candidates, you will be contacted by ISA within two weeks of receipt of your application.

What documentation is necessary to meet the testing requirements?
As an applicant, you must meet the testing requirements as outlined in the Program Handbook under Requirements on the CCST web page. Back-up documentation with original signatures that verifies all work experience and training, and official transcripts that document your education are necessary ONLY if your application is audited. See CCST Application Audit Process below.

Certificates of completion do not qualify as documentation of training or as an apprenticeship. Copies of transcripts are not accepted. It is the applicants’ responsibility to read, understand, and complete the necessary documentation for the audit process.

Does CST Associate Recognition apply toward the requirements?
Yes, achieving CST in Training Recognition equals one year education. ISA will verify that you are a CSTiT but you must document this on the Education Summary page of the application.

Do all of the details of Work Experience and Education need to be completed on the application?
Yes. ISA reviews the details to ensure your work experience, education, and apprenticeship training meet the minimum requirements for qualification. ISA reserves the right to contact current and previous employers to verify the information submitted. In the event your application is audited, the information received in the application will be compared to what is submitted in the CCST Application Audit Appendix. See CCST Application Audit Process (below).

How do I get verification of my previous employment?
You must contact previous supervisors and have them sign the Verification of Employment form for that particular period of employment. This form is provided in the CCST application. Information needed to process the form includes your name, title, location of employment, name of company, dates of employment, description of work activities, and your supervisor’s signature. To meet the requirements for the level for which you are applying, the entire period must be documented by fully completed and signed Verification of Employment forms. ISA will not send these documents to previous employers. It is your responsibility as an applicant to submit all of the necessary documentation.

What if a previous employer is no longer in business or my former supervisor cannot be located? How do I verify this period of employment?
A colleague can verify this period of employment by signing the Verification of Employment form in the presence of a Notary Public.

What if I cannot locate anyone to verify a period of employment?
To apply for certification, you must document the entire period necessary to fulfill the requirement. If you cannot fully document the years, then you must postpone your application.

Does my work experience in HVAC, environmental temperature control, qualify as work experience for the CCST program?
HVAC work experience does qualify as related work experience for testing; however, it does not qualify as instrumentation.

Does my military experience qualify towards the CCST requirements? If so, how do I document this period?
Your military experience will qualify as long as it relates to CCST responsibilities as defined in the program guide. To document this period, a copy of your military DD 214 form and a written or typed description of the duties you performed must be submitted.

Why do I need to keep a copy of my CCST application before submitting it to ISA?
If ISA contacts you regarding your application, you will need to refer to what you submitted. ISA is not able to fax or mail the application if you need this information, or if the application is selected for audit. See CCST Application Audit Process (below).

CCST Application Audit Process

How will I know if I have been audited?

Any CCST applicant selected for audit will receive notification via US Mail at the address used when the CCST application was submitted to ISA. It is the applicants’ responsibility to maintain their current, preferred address with ISA to ensure notifications are received.

Why was my application selected for audit?

All CCST applications are subject to audit. A random selection of CCST applications will be chosen for audit each year.

How do I complete the necessary audit documentation?

If your application was selected, you will be required to verify your employment history, education, and apprenticeship training as it relates to your application eligibility. Download the CCST Audit Documentation that was part of the original application and follow the instructions to submit the necessary documentation.

How long do I have to submit audit documentation?

Applicants who are audited must complete the CCST Audit Documentation and return it with all necessary documentation to ISA within sixty (60) days of audit notification. Failure to do so will result in revocation of your application and certification.

This appendix should be completed only if you are notified by ISA that your CCST application is being audited. Please review the audit requirements so you are aware of what documentation you will need to submit in the event that your application is audited.

What if I am unable to provide the necessary documentation?

If you have not yet taken a CCST exam, your application will be denied. If you have already passed a CCST exam your certification will be revoked. See Application and Documentation above to review what information is required.

Examination Process

What will I receive after I submit my CCST application?
If your application does not include all the necessary documentation, you will be notified and given an opportunity to provide the remaining documentation to meet the requirements for the level applied. Once your application is approved, you will receive an Eligibility Letter with information on how to schedule your exam date and location for electronic exams, or a Confirmation Letter with the date, time, and site address of your private site exam.

Once my application is approved, how long am I eligible to test?
You are eligible to take the exam for twelve (12) months after your application is postmarked to ISA. You must complete all testing in the next two testing windows.

Once I take the examination, how long will it be before I am notified of my status?
For candidates who take the exam electronically you will receive immediate results of your pass/fail status. If you pass, your certificate and wallet card will be mailed within thirty (30) days. If you take the exam in a private site, notification of your status wiill be mailed within thirty (30) days of your exam date.

How is the passing score set for the CCST exams?
A modified Angoff Method is used to determine the pass point for each form of each exam. The modified Angoff Method uses expert judgements to determine the difficulty level of the exam. The easier the exam, the higher the pass point. Likewise, the more difficult the exam, the lower the pass point.

The following is a basic outline of the modified Angoff Method (some details have been omitted):

1. A group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) independently rate each exam question within a given form of the exam. The ratings are defined as the probability, or likelihood, that an acceptably (minimally) competent person with the requisite education and experience will answer the question correctly. An acceptably (minimally) competent person is defined as someone who adequately performs all job functions safely and requires no further training to do so.
2. The SMEs review each exam question as group. A statistical consensus is reached for the difficulty rating of each exam question.
3. After the data are refined, the final step is to calculate the mean, or average, of all the test question ratings. This becomes the overall pass point estimation.

When do I need to arrive at the test site?
For electronic exams, candidates should arrive at the exam location no later than the scheduled exam time. For private exam sites, candidates must report to the exam location 30 minutes prior to the start time of the exam to sign-in and receive instruction. All examinations are given in a four hour time period.

What should I bring with me to the exam site?
The following is a listing of items you need to bring to the exam site. A calculator will be provided on the computer for those taking the exam electronically.

Electronic Exam candidates:

Your Confirmation Letter from Prometric and a government issued photo i.d.

Private Exam candidates:

Your Confirmation Notice from ISA
A government issued photo i.d.
A non-programmable self-powered or battery-operated calculator
Two (2) number 2 pencils

Are there any materials I cannot bring to the exam?
All exams are closed book for both electronic and private site exams. No reference material will be allowed in any exam room. A calculator will be provided on the computer for those taking the exam electronically so electronic exam candidates will not be allowed to bring one in. A location for personal items such as a pocket book, palmtop, mobile phone, or pager will be made available to you. Please note that storage space will be limited.

Resource Materials

What study materials are available to help me prepare for the CCST program?
A study guide is available for each level of CCST certification and provides practice with similar types of questions as those found on the CCST exams. ISA also publishes a technicians guide book series that covers many topics found in CCST. Learn more about these valuable CCST study resources, including how to purchase them, by visiting www.isa.org/books. Contact ISA at 919-549-8411 for further information.

Are there any preparatory courses for the CCST program?

A CCST Review Course is available as a preparation course for taking the certification exam at level I. This course is offered by ISA and can be offered at your location. ISA also offers a complete technical skills training path of courses as well as distance education programs that are helpful to those preparing for CCST. An ISA Training Service Consultant can give you more information. Simply e-mail Matt Rothkopf at mrothkopf@isa.org for more information on ISA Training Courses. If you qualify for CCST, you may be eligble to take the exam free if you register for the CCST review course.

Reschedule

If I need to reschedule an electronic exam for Levels I and III, what do I need to do?
You may reschedule only one time and the rescheduled date you choose must be within your twelve (12) month eligibility period. You must reschedule your exam more than 48 hours before the exam date for locations in the United States or Canada or more than 5 days for any other Prometric testing center. If you reschedule with less notice than is required you will incur fees. See reschedule fees without proper notice.

If I need to reschedule an electronic exam for Level II, what do I need to do?
You may reschedule only one time and the rescheduled date you choose must be within your twelve (12) month eligibility period. You must reschedule your exam more than 5 business days prior to exam date for an exam location in the United States. For canidates outside the United States, you must reschedule 30 days in advance of your scheduled exam date. See reschedule fees without proper notice.

If I need to reschedule an exam being offered at a private site, what do I need to do?
You may reschedule only one time and the rescheduled date you choose must be within your twelve (12) month eligility period. If you reschedule your private exam date with less than 45 days before the exam date due to a situation which prevents you from taking your exam as scheduled, the fee is $125. Please mail the reschedule form with payment to ISA. You may reschedule to take the exam electronically if your company cannot arrange another private site. There is no fee if you reschedule your exam prior to 45 days before the exam date.

Retest

Is there a time period that must pass before I can retest?
Yes, you must allow thirty (30) days from the last exam date to retest within your twelve (12) month eligibility period.

Download the Retest Form

How many times can I retest?
You may retest a maximum of two times within your twelve (12) month eligibility period. Retest within twelve (12) months of the date of the original testing, and you only pay the retest fee rather than the entire application fee. You must allow thirty days between your exams.

Renewal

How will I know I need to renew?
ISA sends renewal reminders in the forms of letters, postcards, and e-mails; however, it is the responsibility of the certificant to send the paperwork in at the appropriate time. Please ensure that you keep your contact information updated with ISA so that you will receive these notifications.

What is the renewal fee?

• Renewal by PDPs (no exam)
  • $185 ISA Member
  • $230 Affiliate Member/Community Member/List
• Renewal by exam
  • See Application fees grid in the Application Fees section above.

How do I apply for CCST Renewal?
You are required to renew your CCST certification every three years. Renewal applicants must pay the renewal fee (see above) and submit a Renewal Application indicating the Professional Development Points (PDPs) earned in the three year renewal period. The Renewal Policies and the Renewal Application are available for downloading at www.isa.org/CCST. Both documents are also available by calling ISA at + 1919-549-8411. Payment must be received with the application before it will be processed.

When is my CCST Renewal Application due?
Renewal applications will not be accepted more than 90 days prior to your certificate expiration date. Your CCST Renewal Application is due postmarked 60 days prior to the expiration date printed on your CCST certificate. This will allow each CCST to maintain Active Status of the certification. The Renewal Application is available online for downloading and will also be mailed to each CCST six (6) months from the expiration date on each CCST’s certificate.

How many points can I earn for work experience?
Each year of employment earns 30 PDP's. A minimum of 60 points is required from work experience. You can renew your certificate simply by working in instrumentation, measurement and control, electrical, electronic or mechanical technologies during your three year renewal term.

In order to renew through work experience only (90 PDP's), your renewal application must be received on or before your expiration date; however, you cannot claim the third year of work experience more than 90 days out. If you submit your renewal application more than 90 days prior to your expiration date, you must have at least 30 PDPs from other activities.

How do I keep records of the PDPs I earn during the three year certified period?
Use the Personal Log you received to record the number of points earned in each Activity Category. Remember to document any relevant activities, including signed statements from employers, CEU transcripts, or certificates of completion with the number of hours for training programs. Keep this information with the Personal Log in the event your CCST Renewal Application is selected for audit. The Personal Log is available for downloading from www.isa.org/CCST or from ISA at +1 919-549-8411

What is a Renewal Audit?
A random selection of renewal applications will be audited, and those certificants will be required to provide verification of the points listed on the application.

What happens if I forget to renew?
If you do not submit your renewal application showing 90 PDPs within 4 months after your expiration date, your certification is considered lapsed. Once your certification lapses, you must reapply and retest to become certified again.

General

How do I get a copy of my CCST certificate in case I lose it or if my supervisor wants one?
To receive a duplicate copy of your certificate, send a written request to ISA with your mailing address and payment of $15 each for a duplicate certificate or wallet card ($30 for both). Once your payment is received, a certificate and/or wallet card will be mailed to you.

What is the difference between the CCST program and the NICET Certification?
NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, offers a four level certification program for instrumentation engineering technologists. The CCST program is designed specifically to the control systems technician, and is more application focused.

Private Testing

How do I establish a local test site for the CCST examinations?
If you are inside the US and have four or more applicants to test, ISA will contact a local proctor to administer the exam at your location at no additional charge. If you have less than four applicants to test, the site fee is $250. Contact ISA for information on private test offerings in the United States. ISA no longer offers private exam sites outside the US Contact Stephanie Johnson at +1 919-990-9308 or sjohnson@isa.org for the details.

When are applications due?
Applications for private exam sites must be received by ISA six (6) weeks prior to the desired exam date.

CCST Exam Change in July 2013

How are the current and new exams different?
The knowledge and skill bases for the questions on the current versions of the examinations were derived from the actual practice of control systems technicians as outlined in the 2002 CCST Role Delineation Study. The questions on the new versions of the exams, which will be offered starting 1 July 2013, have been developed based on the latest CCST job task analysis study conducted in 2012.

Click here to review and compare the performance domains and test specifications and the task lists required for each level for both the current and new versions of the exams.

When are the CCST exams changing?
The new versions of the CCST Level I, II, and III exams will be administered starting 1 July 2013.

What is the deadline to apply to take the current versions of the CCST exams?
Wednesday, 15 May 2013 (extended from 15 January 2013), is the application deadline for 2013 Testing Window 1, which is the last Window in which the current versions of the exams will be offered. 2013 Testing Window 2 starts 1 July 2013, which the when the new versions of the exams will be administered.

By when do I have to pass the current version of the CCST exam?
The last day to sit for and pass a current CCST exam, for any level, is 30 June 2013. After that date, all first-time exams and retests, regardless of your Testing Window, will be for the new versions of the exams.

How are the ISA CCST Testing Windows being affected by this change?
The CCST Testing Windows have been temporarily modified. To allow each approved applicant more time to sit for the current CCST exams, we have modified our CCST Testing Window timeframes and structure for applications recevied between 16 Janaury - 15 May 2013. 

If you submit your application between 16 Jaunary and 15 May 2013, once approved, you will be able to take your exam immediately and will have twelve months from your approval letter date to pass the CCST exam. Just remember that you will only be able to sit for a current version of the exam until 30 June 2013.

The Testing Window structure will revert to normal starting 16 May 2013. If your application is received after 15 May 2013, once approved, you will be able to start testing during 2013 Testing Window 3, which begins 1 November 2013, and you must pass your exam by 31 October 2014. All exams administered at this time will be the new versions.
 

How is my testing window affected by this change?

• Individuals in 2012 Testing Window 1 (1 March 2012 – 28 February 2013) are not immediately affected by the exam change, as they must pass their exams by 28 February 2013. If they do not pass their exams by then, they must reapply as first-time applicants. If they submit their applications by 15 May 2013 and are approved to sit for the exam, they will become members of 2013 Testing Window 1 (see below). If they submit their applications after 15 May 2013, if they are approve to sit for the exam, they will be able to take their exam during 2013 Testing Window 3 (see below).
   
• Individuals in 2012 Testing Window 2 (1 July 2012 – 30 June 2013) are not immediately affected by the exam change, as they must pass their exams by 30 June 2013—the current exam version pass deadline. If they do not pass their exams by then, they must reapply as first-time applicants. In this case, the earliest window for which they can qualify is 2013 Testing Window 3 (1 November 2013 – 31 October 2014), which means they must take the new versions of the exams.
   
• Individuals in 2012 Testing Window 3 (1 November 2012 – 31 October 2013) will have until 30 June 2013 to pass the current version of the exams as any first time exams and retests scheduled on or after 1 July 2013 will be for the new versions of the exams. They still have until 31 October 2013 to pass their exam.
   
• Individuals in 2013 Testing Window 1 (Applications received and approved between 16 September 2012 - 15 May 2013) will have until 30 June 2013 to pass the current version of the exams as any first time exams and retests scheduled on or after 1 July 2013 will be for the new versions of the exams. They will have 12 months from their approval date to pass their exams.
   
• 2013 Testing Window 2 has been eliminated to accomodate the extension of Testing Window 1 in order to allow more individuals the option and opportunity to take and pass the current versions of the CCST exams, before they change 1 July 2013.
   
• Individuals in 2013 Testing Window 3 (1 November 2013 – 31 October 2014) or later must take the new versions of the exams.
   

How is my paper and pencil exam affected?
Individuals taking CCST paper and pencil exams prior to 1 July 2013 will receive the current versions of the exams. All paper and pencil exams administered on or after 1 July 2013 will be the new versions of the exams.

How does the exam change affect retesting?
All retests and first time exams scheduled before 1 July 2013 will be for the current versions of the exams. All retests and first-time exams scheduled on or after 1 July 2013 will be for the new exams.

Will the current versions of the exams be available after 1 July 2013?
No. On 1 July 2013, the current versions of the exams will no longer be available, as they will have been replaced in the testing system with the new versions.