Five-Year Testing Window

Download a PDF of the most frequently asked questions about the NCIDQ Examination.

How long do I have to pass the NCIDQ Examination?

You must pass all sections of the examination within a five-year period or retest. This five-year “rolling” window of time describes the way in which the timing accrues. Rather than one five-year fixed period of time, your time “rolls” forward in five-year increments depending on when you pass an exam section. In other words; once you pass an exam section, you have five years for that section's score to be valid. If you do not pass the exam within those five years, that first section will no longer count.

Example:
In the below example, the candidate passes Section 1 in 2010, and therefore has until 2015 to pass all three sections. If the candidate does not pass all three sections within those five years, the candidate's Section 1 score is forfeited. Although the candidate passes Section 2 in 2013, the candidate must still pass all three sections by 2010 or else Section 1 is forfeited. By passing Section 2, the candidate now has until 2018 to pass all three sections, and this cycle is repeated until the candidate passes all three sections within a five-year period.

2010   I  2011  I  2012  I    2013   I  2014  I     2015    I    2016    I    2017    I       2018      I

Pass                                                                Deadline to Section 1  ------------------------------------------->pass all three                                                                        sections or                                                                                                retake Sec. 1

Pass                      (Sec. 1 is                                         New Deadline                                            Section 2   ----------forfeited if ---------------------------->to pass all                                                                                                 all three                                                       three sections                                                                                                sections aren't                                            or retake                                                                                                passed now)                                                Sec. 2 only

Retake/       Pass               Deadline met!                                                                                                                         Pass              Section 3       Exam                                                                                                                         Section 1                              passed

NCIDQ made me eligible for the exam three years ago, but I haven’t taken any sections yet. What will happen to me?

You must attempt at least one section within two years of being made eligible or your eligibility status will be voided. You will have to reapply under the current eligibility standards and resubmit all new documentation and pay any fees.

I passed Section III in the spring of 2009 but I haven’t taken any sections since then. How long do I have to complete the exam?

You must pass both Section 1 and Section 2 before December 31, 2014. After that date, NCIDQ will void any sections passed more than five years earlier, and candidates must retake those sections and complete the exam within a new five-year window.

I will finish my work experience next spring and am planning to take the exam next fall. Do I have to complete the exam by 2014?

No, only people who have been made eligible before 2010 have to meet the 2014 requirement. You have a five-year window in which to complete all sections.