Exam Pattern

• The CDCS certification consists of one mandatory unit that you must successfully complete to obtain the certificate.
• Unit 1: Principles and Practices of Documentary Credit Transactions (PDT)
• This unit is assessed through a single examination lasting three hours and 15 minutes. The exam comprises a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (Part A) and document checking exercises (Part B), with a total of 100 marks.
• Part A is worth 60 marks.
• Part B is worth 40 marks.
• The examination consists of a total of 70 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections: Part A and Part B.
• Part A includes 60 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 mark (60 x 1 = 60 marks).
• Part B includes 10 multiple-choice analysis-type questions, each worth 1 mark (10 x 1 = 10 marks).
• Part B also features 3 simulation exercises, each worth 10 marks. In these exercises, you are tasked with identifying 5 out of 10 listed discrepancies. You receive 2 marks for each correct discrepancy (2 x 5 x 3 = 30 marks in total).
• There is no penalty for incorrect answers (no negative marking) in the exam.
• The overall passing mark is 70%.

However, you must achieve a minimum of 60% in Part B, which amounts to at least 24 marks (60% of 40) in Part B, to pass the CDCS exam.

Let’s illustrate this with an example: If you score 55 marks (91.67%) out of 60 in Part A and 23 marks (57.5%) out of 40 in Part B, your total score is 78 marks (78%) out of 100, which surpasses the overall passing mark of 70%. However, you won’t pass the CDCS exam because your score in Part B falls below the required cut-off of 60%. It’s crucial to keep this in mind while preparing for the CDCS exam.

You have the option to book your exam at a designated test center worldwide and receive your results within 10 minutes.

• The registration fee for the CDCS exam is £615 (approximately 102 Rs.62,730), which includes study materials and a one-time exam fee.
• The exam resit fee is £350 (approximately 102 Rs.35,700).
• Discount for Indian Candidates £59.
• You have a 12-month period, starting from your registration date, to take and pass the CDCS exam.
• CDCS registrations remain open throughout the year, allowing you to choose a convenient exam date.
• To book your exam, you must make arrangements directly with Pearson VUE. You can do this up to three months before the exam or as little as one working day before the exam date, depending on availability.
• Your CDCS designation is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must participate in the recertification program or retake the exam at the end of the three-year period. Details on recertification can be found on the official CDCS exam website.
• It is recommended to official website to get for updated information.