The Knowledge Exam
The exam cut score is 80.0%. Your result is cumulative and a passing score must be explicit. After taking the exam, candidates will receive a printout of their knowledge-based score report at the testing center. The print-out will indicate your score in each competency for a cumulative result.
The cumulative score on the knowledge-based exam must be equal to or greater than 80.0% in order to be eligible for the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® or Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® credentials. Please note that the score must be a clear 80.0% as IDC does not provide extra credit, nor does it round (e.g., a 78.23% is not a passing score).
Unsuccessful candidates will be afforded an opportunity to retake the exam at any time. There is no waiting period to retest. The retest fee is $599 for either credential, and the exam fee will be for a one-time sitting.
Changing or Rescheduling Your Knowledge Exam
Effective 1 January 2021, you must take the CDP or CDE exam within twelve (12) months of the date that you registered. If one-year lapses and you did not complete the test, you must pay the exam change fee. Otherwise, your LMS access will automatically expire at the end of the one-year period. Keep in mind, materials are updated every two (2) years. You will automatically receive access to the online version of the new guide in the LMS, or you can purchase a hard copy of the book.
If you will be testing in December, Candidates are instructed to plan for the exam with plenty of time for holiday schedules.
The exam change fee is $350 and it applies to any previously enrolled Candidate. The fee includes the 2018-2020 online version of the study guide. If you wish to purchase a hard copy of the most recent book, the total exam change fee is $500. Please email [email protected] if you wish to change or reschedule your exam.
Rescheduling the Test
Exam scheduling is offering through PSI on the PanPowered network. You will receive an exam scheduling link in your email that allows you to choose a testing center within a certain radius from your home or office. The exam scheduling link is valid until the end of the month; therefore, you will be able to choose any date or time within the month that you requested the scheduling link.
Occasionally, situations arise in which Candidates are not able to take their knowledge-based exam. There is no fee to reschedule the exam within 48 hours of the test. Simply log-in to the PAN system, and reschedule the exam. If you need to change the exam month, simply change your Exam Date in the LMS and you will receive a new scheduling link on or around the first of the month that you selected. Make sure you cancel your test in the PanPowered system so you don’t lose your testing fee.
Late Cancellations
Any changes within 48 hours of the test is considered a late cancellation and will require a $350 exam change fee. There are no exceptions to this “late cancellation” rule.
Requesting a New Exam Scheduling Link
The Learning Management System allows you to request an exam scheduling link in advance of your preferred test date. All links are emailed on or around the first of the month and expire on the last day of the month. The current monthly exams must conclude before a new monthly scheduling link is sent out. In other words, scheduling links are not emailed months in advance. Nevertheless, you can request as many scheduling links as you please or change the month as many times as you need, at no cost in the LMS. Make sure you request a new exam scheduling link prior to the first of the month. Once you schedule the test, you can only cancel or change it in the PanPowered system.
Retesting If you do not pass the knowledge-based exam with a clear 80.0% or better, you must pay the Exam Retest Fee, which is $599 for either exam in 2021. The retest fee is a per sitting fee.
Withdrawals and/or Refunds Candidates who withdraw from the program within 14 days of their registration date may receive a refund, minus a $500 processing fee. No refunds will be provided, for any reason, after 15 days have expired. Candidates may choose to reschedule or make a substitution in the same calendar year (January 1st through December 31st) without being charged a fee. If a substitution is made in a subsequent calendar year, the $350 Exam Change Fee shall apply.
If a candidate chooses to withdraw, study guides must be returned unused or the cost of the study guide will be deducted from the refund, along with the withdrawal fee. Allow 30 days for refund processing.
Exam Cancellation Candidates who are scheduled to test but cancel their knowledge-based exam within 48 hours of taking the test at an exam center will be charged a fee for the cancellation. The Late Cancellation Fee is $350 before rescheduling can occur.
RecertificationOnce certified, your credentials are valid for three (3) years. Designees may recertify with 20 continuing education credits each three (3) year period (60 total), along with a small fee. The Recertification Fee is $50. If certification lapses more than one (1) year, designees will have to retest but will not have to submit another Candidate Project. The going rate for the CDP® or CDE® exam will apply. If the study guide has changed, candidates may utilize the online version at no cost or purchase a hard copy of the study guide at the going rate.
Alternatively, for a limited time, designees may pay a higher fee ($250) and commit to additional continuing education in exchange for renewing expired credentials. This option does not require taking the exam.