Here’s what to know before you sit down to take your Institutes designation exam.
Exam Format
- 50 questions — multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, or numeric entry (formats vary by exam)
- 65 minutes to complete
- One attempt per registration — if you don’t pass, you must register and pay for a retake
- Passing score: 70%
Before You Start
Important: You can take your exam anytime during your testing window — 24/7, no appointment needed. But once you launch the exam, the 65-minute timer starts and cannot be paused.
- Test your setup first using the Tech Check tool.
- Use a laptop or desktop — phones and tablets are not supported.
- Ensure your webcam and microphone are working — both must remain on.
- Use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox (latest version).
- Find a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free space.
- Disable any VPN before starting.
Taking the Exam
- Log in to your account at TheInstitutes.org.
- Go to My Courses & Exams and select Launch Exam.
- Complete the Exam Administration Affidavit, an academic integrity acknowledgment.
- Begin your exam — the timer starts immediately.
- Submit your exam when finished.
After You Submit
- Pass/non-pass results appear immediately on screen.
- Your official student record updates within 48 hours.
- If you passed, your designation progress updates automatically.
- If you did not pass, you can register for a retake. See Exam Retakes: Limits, Cost & How to Re-Register.
Note: The Institutes do not provide detailed score breakdowns or individual question results for credentialing exams.
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