The Institutes offer exams in four quarterly testing windows each year. You can take your exam at any time during your registered window — no appointment needed.
Testing Window Dates
| Window | Dates |
|---|---|
| Q1 | January 15 – March 15 |
| Q2 | April 15 – June 15 |
| Q3 | July 15 – September 15 |
| Q4 | October 15 – December 15 |
You can test day or night, up until 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of the window. If the final day falls on a weekend, the window is extended to the next business day.
Important: The testing window you select when purchasing a course is only a planning estimate. It does not lock you in. You choose your actual exam window when you register for the exam — which is a separate purchase.
How It Works
- You choose a testing window when you register and pay for your exam.
- You can take the exam any time during that window — there’s no specific date or time slot to schedule.
- You may register for up to 4 unique exams per testing window. Retakes don’t count toward this limit.
What If You’re Not Ready?
If your testing window is approaching and you’re not prepared:
- Transfer to a later window before the current window closes. A transfer fee applies. See Understanding Exam Transfers & Study Materials.
- Online transfers are available through your account.
- Phone transfers are available until 6:00 p.m. ET on the last business day of the window.
Important: If you don’t test and don’t transfer before the window closes, your exam registration is forfeited. You’ll need to register and pay again for a future window.
Common Misunderstandings
- “I’m locked into the window I picked at checkout.” No — the window selected during course purchase is a planning estimate only. Your exam window is chosen separately.
- “I need to schedule a specific date and time.” No — you can test anytime during the window. Just log in and launch.
- “I can transfer after the window closes.” No — transfers must be completed before the window ends.
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