Exam Policies

Summary

NOTE: Effective July 15, 2025 SCTE will transition to Automated Remote Proctoring only. Read about the update here.

Certification exams are administered by an authorized SCTE proctor.
Each SCTE certification requires passing a single exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.
The standard time limit is 2 hours, except for DVEP and IPEP, which allow 3 hours.
All exams are open book. Candidates must provide their own materials and may use the Internet.

Certification Exam Policy

Identification Requirement

You must present a government-issued or company-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) before starting the exam. The proctor will verify your identity.

Proctoring Requirement

An SCTE-approved proctor must be present for the entire duration of the exam.

SCTE Certification Code of Ethics

All SCTE certification candidates agree to the following Code of Ethics:

To uphold and advance the honor and dignity of the profession, and in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct, I acknowledge that:

I will be honest and impartial and will serve with devotion and integrity my employer, clients, and the public.
I will strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession.
I will endeavor to support the professional development of those under my supervision.
I will present my work truthfully and give credit where due.
I will act as a faithful agent for my employer or client and will disclose any affiliations that may influence my judgment.
I will support the mission and efforts of the Society.
I will uphold and abide by the rules of the SCTE certification program.

Open Book Format & Calculators

Exams are open book.
You must bring your own reference materials and scratch paper.
Acceptable materials include: books, printed documents, personal notes, calculators, tables, and Internet resources.
Reference materials may not be shared.
All scratch paper will be collected at the end of the exam.
Retaining notes or exam-related materials is prohibited.
Calculator may be used as long as it does not disturb others or require special accommodations (e.g., external power).
If the calculator generates a printout (tape), the printout must be surrendered to the proctor at the conclusion of the exam.

Exam Structure

Content & Time Limits

Each exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Questions assess certification competencies.
Most exams have a 2-hour limit.
- The DVEP and IPEP exams have a 3-hour limit.
When the time limit expires, your exam will automatically be submitted for grading, regardless of completion.

Scoring and Results

A minimum score of 76% is required to pass.
Passing criteria are established by the SCTE Certification Subcommittee.
Results are provided only to the candidate, unless written authorization is given to share them with others.

Question Challenges

If you believe a question is:

Incorrect,
Outdated, or
Outside the scope of the certification,

you may challenge it by submitting your feedback using the “Challenge Box” in the exam interface. Comments submitted through this feature are automatically emailed to SCTE. Challenges must be submitted before you log out of the exam.

If You Do Not Pass

You will receive an email within one business day highlighting the content areas where you need improvement.
You may retake the exam beginning the next day.
Each attempt requires a new testing fee.

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

SCTE certification is a professional designation granted by SCTE. To maintain the credibility of its certifications, SCTE has adopted Administrative Procedures allowing members and the public to file complaints regarding the conduct of:

Certification candidates
Certificants
Proctors

Violations of the SCTE Certification Code of Ethics or other certification standards may result in disciplinary action by SCTE.

To submit a complaint email: certification@scte.org