Q. Who benefits from NSCA Credentials?
A. NSCA made the decision to launch a credentialing program to advance the commercial electronic systems industry, create a career path for professionals in our industry and to promote standards within the industry. Every stakeholder in our industry benefits from having work done by a C-SI™ or C-EST®.
Q. What are the requirements to take the C-SI™ exam?
A. Candidates must have 2000 cumulative hours of verifiable (by a supervisor) work experience, and an affirmation in writing that they have no history of felony convictions related to practice in the field of electronic systems and they will abide and be bound by the NSCA Credentialing Policies. All of these requirements must be completed within a 24-month window from the date a candidate's application is received.
Q. What is the best resource available to prepare for the C-SI™ exam?
A. The EST training series of books developed in conjunction with the NSCA and other industry associations and published by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is the most comprehensive resource currently available to candidates to prepare for the exams. The EST training series*, along with the information NSCA provides to you about testing, should be used for testing preparation.
The C-SI™ exam consists of a 75-question written test and a hands-on performance verification examination.
The EST training series of books can be purchased in the NSCA bookstore. The NSCA University also offers review courses.
Q. What are the requirements to take the C-EST® exam?
A. Candidates must have 4000 cumulative hours of verifiable (by a supervisor) work experience, two third-party endorsements that attest to the candidate's on-the-job experience and abilities, and an affirmation in writing that they have no history of felony convictions related to practice in the field of electronic systems and they will abide and be bound by the NSCA Credentialing Policies. All of these requirements must be completed within a 36-month window from the date a candidate's application is received.
Q.What is the best resource available to prepare for the C-EST® exam?
A. The EST training series of books developed in conjunction with the NSCA and other industry associations and published by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is the most comprehensive resource currently available to candidates to prepare for the exams. The EST training series*, along with the information NSCA provides to you about testing, should be used for testing preparation.
The C-EST® exam consists of a 100-question written test and a hands-on performance verification examination.
The EST training series of books can be purchased in the NSCA bookstore. NSCA University also offers review courses.
Q. What is the cost to sit for each certification exam?
A. The cost of the C-SI™ is $175, and the C-EST® exam is $275. Should a candidate need to re-take either the written portion or the hands-on performance verification component of the C-SI™ the cost is $75 per portion, and of the C-EST® the cost is $100 per per portion.
Q. Does everyone have to take a test to receive a designation?
A. Yes, all individuals must successfully complete the written exam, performance verification, and all related requirements (submission and approval of original application paperwork and requirements, subject to random audit).
Q. How do certificants maintain their credentials?
A. Prior to the end of a 36-month cycle, NSCA certificants must provide documentation of obtaining Learning Units (LUs) through continuing education. C-SI™s must obtain 12 LUs, and C-EST®s must obtain 24 LUs. There is a renewal application and a non-refundable renewal application fee.