Candidate Handbook
The Certified Exam Security Professional Certification Handbook sets forth all of the policies and procedures that apply to the CESP Certification Program, sponsored by the Institute for Exam Security.
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The Certified Exam Security Professional Certification Handbook sets forth all of the policies and procedures that apply to the CESP Certification Program, sponsored by the Institute for Exam Security.
View Handbook
Competencies 1-5
Competencies 6-10
Competencies 11-15
These sample items are meant to give you an idea of the type of content that will be assessed on the exam. They also provide an opportunity to experience the Discrete Option Multiple Choice (DOMC) item format.
This practice exam is NOT intended to predict your performance on the actual CESP exam.
There are a number of test security professionals who may benefit from obtaining the CESP Generalist certification. This certification is designed for the individual who has responsibility within a testing program for recommending and implementing test security topics, processes, and best practices. This individual makes recommendations to leadership regarding planning, designing, implementing, responding to test security best practices and potential threats to test security.
The individual seeking the CESP – Generalist certification is someone who is involved in all aspects of test security. This individual may be in or seek a position with the responsibility for strengthening the security of high stakes examinations and preserving the integrity of secured test content.
The CESP – Generalist has base level knowledge to identify the organization’s test security goals, understand test security roles and responsibilities, describe various aspects of secure test design, and analyze straightforward responses to theft and fraud detection, in order to maintain a secure test environment.
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The CESP – Generalist exam score scale is 0-200.
The cost to take the exam is $175 (US). Payment to take the exam will be by way of credit card.
There are a number of references that you can use to prepare for the CESP – Generalist exam. These references include: books, articles, white papers, breach summaries, webinars, industry standards, and guidebooks. While all of these references are recommended, there are several that are mandatory and will be necessary for you to review prior to taking the exam.
We recommend becoming familiar with the DOMC (Discrete Option Multiple Choice) test item. To get a general overview of this new item type, please visit: www.trydomc.com.
A CESP practice exam is available. These sample items are meant to give you an idea of the type of content that will be assessed on the exam. To take the CESP practice exam click here.
Instructional materials will be delivered through a web-based, content delivery tool. Modules of instruction will be organized according to each competency. Each module will have quizzes to help students assess their progress and content understanding. This web-based, self-paced format will allow individuals to complete the instruction at their own pace.
Because the CESP-Generalist exam will include DOMC (Discrete Option Multiple Choice) items, the quizzes for the training will include sample DOMC items. These sample items will allow candidates to become familiar with the DOMC item format. For more information on DOMC items and to try out some practice exams, please go to: www.trydomc.com
There are a number of testing program environments where test security professionals may benefit from obtaining the CESP - Generalist certification.
Because the certification is designed for the generalist, the topics being tested within the certification have applicability across the test security spectrum. The generalist is someone who an organization's leadership can depend upon for information when critical situations arise. The generalist is also a recommender of test security policies and practices. They are an invaluable resource to any testing program because they can help prevent test security issues from arising in the first place.
Individuals who have successfully passed the CESP – Generalist, Level 1 exam and have no further plans to attempt Level 2 certification shall not be permitted to take it again, except for purposes of recertification as specified by the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) policy. Individuals who are attempting CESP – Generalist, Level 2 certification and have passed the CESP - Generalist exam, Level I may take two (2) additional attempts to achieve CESP – Generalist, Level 2 certification. If after the second (2nd) attempt the candidate does not achieve Level 2 status, they must wait for a period of at least ninety (90) calendar days from the date of their last attempt to pass such examination so that the they can take time to study before attempting the exam again. Once an individual has passed the CESP Level 2 exam, they shall be not permitted to take it again, except for purposes of recertification as specified by the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) policy.
Certificants will be required to participate in a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain certification as a CESP – Generalist. A CESP Generalist must demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work in the growing field of test security by achieving a passing score on a periodic CESP recertification exam. Certificants will be required to recertify every five (5) years after the date of initial CESP certification and every five (5) years following each recertification. The CESP program will notify Certificants six months prior to the recertification date of the requirement to take a recertification exam. Certificants who fail the recertification exam or do not take a recertification exam within thirty (30) days of the date required shall no longer be certified until such time as all recertification requirements are met.
To take a CESP certification exam you will need:
To get the best testing experience, we recommend that you run the latest version of the browser software.
The proctor administering your exam will contact you prior to your testing date to make sure the technology piece of the exam experience is working properly.