Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I register for the exam?
Exam candidates must register for the CTWS exam either through the online registration process or through the mail using the CTWS downloadable registration form.

Q. How much does the exam cost?
The CTWS exam fee is $99.00.

Q. How long do I have to take the exam after I register?
After registration, candidates have 30 days to take the examination.

Q. Where do I take the exam?
The exam may be taken online via any computer that has Internet access.

Q. How do I schedule an exam?
Upon registration for the CTWS exam, a candidate will receive an email containing their CTWS exam course access information. This will typically happen on the same or next business day after registration. Upon receipt of the CTWS exam course access information, a candidate has 30 days to take the CTWS exam.

Q. Where do I find the Candidate Bulletin of Information for the exam?
The CTWS Candidate Handbook is found on the Home Page of this Web site in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

Q. Do I need to confirm my registration?
No. The CTWS exam course access information that candidates are emailed contains a link that will take them to a login page to begin taking the CTWS exam.

Q. What should I study?
Much of the test is based on knowledge that is gained from experience. We do offer a list of recommended study resources.

Q. How long is the exam?
2 hours and 45 minutes are given to take the exam.

Q. How many questions are on the exam?
There are 60 multiple choice questions and 2 essay questions.

Q. When will I know the results?
All candidates will receive immediate online notification that they have completed taking the test. This allows candidates to know the exam was completed, but not whether they have passed or failed. The results will be emailed out within 1 to 2 weeks following the exam. TO PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF YOUR TEST RESULTS, NO RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE.

Q. Who has access to score results?
The results will be provided only to the examinee.

Q. Why does it take 1 to 2 weeks to get the exam results?
The essay portions of the exam require additional time to be hand graded. This also provides time to ensure that all procedures were followed in order to protect the integrity of the exam and to protect the individual examinees.

Q. Will my employer be notified of my exam result and/or score?
No. Scores are provided only to examinees who do not pass the exam.

Q. How Is The Test Scored?
Your performance on the test will be measured against a predetermined standard of knowledge. This standard is the basic level of knowledge that, in CTS's sole opinion, can reasonably be expected of individuals with basic competence in technical writing. You will NOT be measured against the performance of the other individuals taking the test. This means that if everyone who takes the test meets the knowledge standard, everyone will pass.

Q. What is the passing score on the test?
The passing score for the CTWS test is set by CTS. CTS reviews each test question and sets a reasonable passing threshold based on overall test difficulty. These judgments in aggregate determine the passing score. Procedures will be in place to protect the security of the exam before, during and after the administration of the exam.

Q. What happens if I PASS the test?
If you PASS the test, you will be informed only that you have successfully completed the credentialing process. You will NOT be notified of your actual score.

Q. What happens if I FAIL the test?
If you FAIL the test, you WILL be notified of your score and the minimum score required to pass. This information is provided to assist you in deciding whether to retake the test and how to plan your preparation efforts for future tests.

Q. What if I want to retake the exam?
If initially unsuccessful, the examination may be repeated once within 90 days of the initial exam date; if unsuccessful on the second try, for all subsequent retakes candidates must wait a period of at least six months from the last retake. The retake fee is $49.00.

Q. When do I get my CTWS certificate?
After a candidate has received notification that they have passed the CTWS certification exam, a printed certificate will be mailed to them within an additional 1-2 weeks.

Q. What if I do if I have a problem or a question?
If you have a problem with anything or a question, please contact us by email at info@certificationtestingservice.com or by calling 877-884-0612.