Cúram Certification FAQs

Getting Cúram Certified

Why become Cúram Certified?

By achieving a Cúram Certification, you can validate your knowledge of the Cúram solution, demonstrating that you have the skills and expertise required to work as a Cúram Business Analyst or Cúram Developer. In addition, Cúram Certification offers the following benefits:

• Increase your competence and credibility leading to greater job satisfaction, job security and earning potential
• Increase your access to top companies and projects (meet the criteria for Cúram projects)
• Deepen your understanding of the product following formal training 

Do I have to attend a training course before attempting Cúram Certification?

Cúram certification exams are based on fundamental learning sessions. These learning sessions provide the range of competencies needed to pass the exam. The cost of the learning session includes one free attempt at the corresponding certification exam.

You may request a training waiver if you have one or more years of Cúram project experience. This waiver enables you to attempt the certification exam without attending a fundamental learning session, and also includes a free attempt at the exam.

Can I get a waiver based on my experience?

Yes. To be eligible for a training waiver you must have one or more years of Cúram project experience. This must be verified by a Cúram Software employee. 

How do I apply for a waiver?

To apply for a training waiver, please send an email to learning@curamsoftware.com. Please include the following information with your application: 

• Name of candidate 
• Number of years of Cúram project experience 
• Cúram project location(s) 
• Working dates at each project location

Cúram Global Learning Services (GLS) will notify you within ten business days if your training waiver has been approved. Candidates with approved training waivers are eligible to take the exam upon receipt of payment details to Cúram GLS. All waiver fees are paid directly to Cúram Software.

How much does the waiver cost and what do I get for it?

The training waiver costs US$750. You will receive course materials, access to a runtime system, reference guides, and a voucher number for one free attempt at the certification exam.

I attended a fundamental learning session in the past but have not attempted the certification exam. What can I do to get certified?

To become certified, you have to pass the certification exam. The procedure for attempting the exam depends on when you attended the fundamental learning session:

• Less than 90 days ago:  You have one free attempt at the exam (using the voucher number).
• Greater than 90 days, but less than one year ago: You can attempt the exam but must pay the exam fee (US$150)
• Greater than one year ago: You must retake the learning session, or apply for a training waiver. You may then attempt the certification exam.

I have attended a fundamental learning session for Cúram V5.0. Can I take the certification exam for Cúram V5.2?

No, you must take the version of the exam that corresponds to the version of the learning session you attended. A certification for a previous version of Cúram may however be upgraded to the most recent version by completing a web-based upgrade course.

Registering for a exam

How do I register for an exam? 

To register for an exam you need to:

• Obtain your voucher number
• Decide on the amount of preparation time you need 
• Schedule the exam for the location, time and date on the Prometric Site

How quickly should I schedule my exam after completing the learning session?

Cúram GLS strongly recommend that you schedule your exam as quickly as possible after attending the learning session to ensure the most desirable date, time, and location for the exam. By setting a target date you can also better plan your preparation.

GLS recommends that certification candidates take the exam within 6-8 weeks of completing the fundamental learning session. However, this depends on whether or not you have adequate time to prepare. The amount of preparation time required will differ for each candidate, depending on experience, study techniques, and so on. GLS recommends that candidates spend approximately 8 hours a week preparing for the certification exam over a period of 6-8 weeks.

How do I pay for the exam?

If you are attempting the exam for the first time with 90 days of attending a fundamental learning session then payment is not required as the exam fee is included in the training price. 

For subsequent exam attempts, or if you are attempting the exam more than 90 days after attending a fundamental learning session, a fee is required. This fee is paid directly to the testing provider (Prometric). If a training waiver has been granted, then payment is made to Cúram Software.

How do I receive  my voucher number?

The voucher number will be mailed to you by Cúram once you have attended a fundamental learning session or received a training waiver. If you have to pay for the certification exam, the voucher number is sent to you by the testing provider (Prometric) on receipt of payment.  

Where can I take the exam?

You can take the certification exam at any Authorized Prometric Testing Center (APTC). Thomson Prometric have a test center locator button on their website.

This feature performs a search for the nearest testing facility, based on your location. Once the nearest test facility is found, the website includes an online map and directions to the testing center.

When can I take the exam? Can I take it at weekends or after hours?

Exams times and schedules may vary by each location. Click here to schedule your exam or determine exam hours in your location.

While students may take the exam anytime within the 90 day test period, GLS recommends scheduling the exam as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

What is the policy for canceling a certification exam appointment?

To cancel or reschedule your test appointment, you must contact your local Prometric customer service representative before noon two business days prior to the test appointment. You can contact a Prometric representative via the Prometric website. There is no charge for rescheduling or canceling an appointment if the change is made before noon two business days prior to your appointment.

Customers who do not appear for a scheduled exam forfeit the full exam fee. If the exam fee was paid with a voucher number, the voucher number will be invalidated and is unavailable for future use.

If I purchase a voucher and do not take the exam, can I apply for a credit?

Credits cannot be given for previously purchased voucher numbers. 

For how long is a voucher number valid?

Voucher numbers are valid for 90 days from the date they were issued. Individual candidates are responsible for knowing when their voucher numbers expire and this information can be found on the details sent with it.

I've just realized that my voucher is due to expire tomorrow. Is it still possible to schedule an exam before it expires? 

Exams must be scheduled at least 24 hours before your voucher expires.

What is the exam eligibility period and is this different than the 90-day window?

Yes, this is different. Your exam eligibility covers your access to an exam. Cúram Software provides access to an exam for one year. This is to ensure you are qualifying on the most recent versions of the Cúram Business Application Suite™ (CBAS). It also ensures that you are testing on the same version as your training.

Do I have to take the exam in the country where I took the training or where I currently reside?

No. The exam can be taken in any Authorized Prometric Testing Center.

I have missed the 90 day window due to work or personal issues. How can I take the exam?

After a voucher expires, the voucher number is void and cannot be reactivated. Therefore, candidates who fail to schedule and complete the certification exam during the 90-day window are required to pay a fee.

I've lost the email with my voucher number. How do I get another voucher number?

Please contact learning@curamsoftware.com.

Is the voucher number transferable?

No. Cúram  voucher numbers should be used by one person, one time, for one exam fee only. A candidate cannot transfer or resell a certification voucher number.

Certification preparation

How do I prepare for the certification exam?

To be prepared for the certification exam you must:

• know the material presented during the fundamental learning session
• be familiar with the recommended guides in the Cúram Documentation Centre™
• preferably, gain hands-on experience using the Cúram environment

The amount of preparation time required will differ for each candidate, depending on experience, study techniques, and so on. Cúram GLS recommends that candidates spend approximately 8 hours a week preparing for the certification exam, over a period of 6-8 weeks.

Further information and guidance on examinable topics is provided to attendees at the fundamental learning sessions and in specific Certification Exam sheets.  

How much time should I spend preparing for the exam?

The amount of preparation time required for the certification exam will differ for each candidate based on their individual learning requirements, study techniques, and professional background. As a general guideline, Cúram GLS recommend that you spend approximately 8 hours a week preparing for the exam over a period of 6-8 weeks.

How soon after taking the training should I take the exam?

I've just realized that my voucher is due to expire tomorrow. Is it still possible to schedule an exam before it expires? 

Exams must be scheduled at least 24 hours before your voucher expires.

What topics will I be examined in? Do I  need to know all the material in the fundamental learning session?

The exams are based on the topics and material covered in the fundamental learning sessions, and also topics covered in the product guides. The Certification Exam sheets provide a list of examinable topics. The course material may also outline which product guides and chapters to cover.

Are sample exams or sample questions available?

The fundamentals learning sessions include a set of 10 sample questions. Beware of  fraudulent websites offering “Cúram practice exam resources”. These websites do not have practice exam questions and do not have authorization from Cúram to sell or otherwise distribute certification exam materials.

Will I only be asked questions on things covered in the course manual?

No. While the certification exam questions are mostly based on the material in the fundamental learning sessions, you should also be familiar with topics from the product guides. 

How do I access the Cúram environment and guides when preparing for the certification exam? 

When you have completed your fundamental learning session, you will be provided with access to a Cúram runtime environment for a period of 90 days. This includes access to the business and developer guides.

The runtime environment is hosted on a public server, and you will receive login credentials for this server in an email at the end of your fundamental training session. Since it is not possible to provide a development environment, those taking developer certification are strongly advised to access a development environment within their workplace. Please contact learning@curamsoftware.com if you have not received the email containing the login details for the public server.

How do I access a development environment to prepare for the Cúram  Certified Developer (CCD) exam?

Since it is not possible to provide you with a development environment, those taking developer certification are strongly advised to access a development environment within their workplace. It is strongly advised that you have access to a development environment to prepare for your CCD exam.

Taking the exam

What is the format of the certification exams? 

All Cúram certification exams have the same format - a closed-book computer-based test, consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions covering key concepts, which candidates have one hour to complete. The multiple choice questions in an exam may have one correct answer (multiple-choice single answer) or more than one correct answer (multiple-choice multiple answer). The exam itself is taken in a Prometric testing centre to ensure that candidates are evaluated in an industry standard testing environment.

Are the exams difficult?

The exams can be very challenging, going beyond simple recall and requiring candidates to demonstrate an understanding of topics for the job role.

What are the pass marks?

The pass mark for both the CCP and CCD exams in Cúram V5.0 is 67.5%. In Cúram V5.2, the pass mark for the CCP exam is 70%, whereas for the CCD exam it is 65%.

What identification should I bring to the testing centre to be allowed to take the exam?

On arriving at the test center, you will be required to present two valid forms of ID, of which one must be a valid photo ID, such as passport or government-sponsored ID card.

Do I need to bring any materials with me when I take the exam?

No. It is not permitted to use any product information, for example, any documents or other artifacts from the Documentation Center, during the exam. Candidates will be provided with an erasable note board and marker for notes and calculations to assist them as they answer the questions.

What if I arrive late for the exam?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late you will NOT be allowed to sit the exam.

If a question in the certification exam has more than one correct answer, will I be told how many answers are correct?

If you are sitting a certification exam for Cúram V5.0, you will be told exactly how many answers are correct for each question in the exam. For a Cúram V5.2 exam, you are instructed to select either one correct answer or more than one correct answer (which is either 2 or 3 correct answers for the CCD exam, and 2,3, or 4 correct answers for the CCP exam).

How are questions marked? Is there negative marking? Will I get credit for responses that are partially correct?

Each correctly answered question is worth 1 mark. There is no negative marking - marks are not deducted for incorrect answers. If a question has more than one correct answer, all the correct answers must be selected for the question to be marked correct.

When do I get my exam results?

You will be given your score, as well as an analysis of your performance in each of the Cúram knowledge categories as soon as you complete the exam. The testing centre will also provide you a printed version of this information.

Can I see what questions I answered incorrectly?

No. At the end of the exam you will be told how many questions from each section you answered correctly. You will not be shown the specific questions that you answered incorrectly.

What happens if I do not pass an exam?

You may retake the exam subject to certain conditions.

Retaking the Exam

I've failed an exam, how soon can I retake it?

The period of time allowed between successive attempts of the certification exam depends on how many attempts have been made to date:

• If this is your second attempt, you may retake the exam immediately
• If this is your third attempt, you must wait at least 20 business days from the date of the previous attempt before retaking the exam
• If this is your fourth attempt, you must get written permission from Cúram Software (learning@curamsoftware.com) before retaking the exam

In this context, please note that:

• You cannot retake a passed exam.
• If an exam is scheduled and subsequently not taken this is deemed as an attempt.
• Any exam taken and passed at the fourth attempt without written consent from Cúram Software will not be validated.
• Any exam taken and passed at the third attempt within 20 business days of the second attempt will not be validated.

How many times can I take the exam?

You can take the same certification exam three times. If you need to take it a fourth time then you must get written permission from Cúram Software (learningservices@curamsoftware). If an exam is taken for a fourth time and passed without written permission the exam will not be validated. Exam retakes require payment of the full exam fee and are not discounted.

Do I have to pay for any retakes I sit?

Yes. Exam retakes require payment of the full exam fee ($150) and are not discounted.

How do I pay for a retake?

All exam re-take fees are paid directly to the testing vendor, Thompson Prometric.

Do I get access to the runtime environment and guides if I need to retake the exam outside of the 90-day window?

Yes, please contact learning@curamsoftware.com to get access to the runtime environment in this situation.

Certificate

I've completed my certification exam, how and when will I receive my certificate?

A certificate will be mailed to the address provided when you scheduled your exam within three weeks from the date on which you passed the exam. The shipment of the certificate takes three weeks because it involves collaboration between numerous groups, such as the test center, Cúram, distribution centers, and the shipping provider. Please contact us at learning@curamsoftware.com if you have not received your certificate within this time.

Do I receive a new certificate if I upgrade my skills via Web-based training?

No. Certificates are only issued if an actual exam has been taken.

I have not received my certificate, what do I do?

If you have not received your certificate within three weeks of passing your certification exam, please contact learning@curamsoftware.com.

How can I correct or change my name if it has been misspelled in the database and on my certificate?

If your name is misspelled on the certificate then contact learning@curamsoftware.com and a new certificate will be sent to you.

Maintaining Certification Status

How long is my certification valid for?

Certifications are currently valid for all 5.x (V5.2, V5.1 and V5.0) and 4.x (V4.5 and V4.0) versions of the product. Certifications for versions 4.x will remain valid until release 6.0, which is in line with the normal end-of-life support of the product.

When can I upgrade my certification?

People who are certified on releases that are due to reach normal end-of-life will be notified as soon as the date for the new release has been decided. However, you do not have to wait until your certification is due to expire before upgrading your certification. In fact it is recommended that you maintain your certification on the latest version to keep up-to-date on the latest developments with the new functionality and changes introduced in the various releases of the product. The upgrade courses can be taken at any time through the Cúram eLearning Passport™ .

How do I upgrade my certification?

You must complete one or more Web-based training (WBT) upgrade courses. The upgrade courses can be accessed via the Cúram eLearning Passport™ - Cúram Software's WBT solution. Please check the specific exam data sheets for upgrade requirements.

If I upgrade my certification via one or more Web-based training (WBT) courses, do I receive a certificate?

No. Certificates are only issued if an actual exam has been taken. When you upgrade via a Web-based training course, or courses, your certification status is updated on Cúram's records. If your certification needs to be validated Cúram will be happy to do so.

What happens if I do not upgrade my certification?

Candidates with a valid certification must keep their skills updated by upgrading their skills on new versions of Cúram. If no new exams or upgrades are taken within that period, your certification will be suspended for (6) six months. Candidates have (6) six months to recertify their Cúram certification. If a candidate does not recertify within the (6) month suspension period, the core fundamentals course must be retaken as well as the exam of the most recent release must be completed.

When exactly is the certification date? Is it the date when I took the exam, the date when the certification is issued, or another date?

The date that appears on the certificate reflects the date that the exam was passed.

Other

If I become Cúram Certified and I change employers, does my certification remain valid?

Yes, your certification is independent of your employer.  Therefore, Cúram Software does not need to be notified of change of employers to keep your record up to date.

If I want to request an appeal for an exam score, who do I contact and what process should I follow?

Appeals on an exam score should be sent to learning@curamsoftware.com. The request should detail the reason for the appeal. Global Learning Services then reviews the appeal and responds with a final decision within twenty business days.

How can a third-party verify my certification status?

A third-party may request the certification status of a person by contacting learning@curamsoftware.com. Global Learning Services will provide the following information:

• Whether the person is certified or not
• The Cúram version that they are certified for
• When they were certified

Can a third-party see my exam results?

No. The only information Cúram will provide to a third-party is your certification status, the certification version, and the date on which you achieved certification.

How do I report fraudulent activity?

Please contact learning@curamsoftware.com.

Who can I contact for assistance with my Certification question?

Please contact learning@curamsoftware.com.