How to choose the right CRSP exam date
When should you do this?
So you’ve applied and gotten approved by the BCRSP to take the CRSP exam. Congratulations! Now, you need to pick an exam date. But which one?
Picking the right exam date
Overall it could be said that candidates have 24 months and 3 attempts to write the CRSP exam. However, this is only possible if candidates write the first exam at the end of the first year. The reason for this is because, following the first attempt, they will have 12 months to use the other 2 attempts. Let’s take a look at some examples.
The diagram below demonstrates the optimal case that would make the best use of the time frame. In this example, candidates should write the exam towards the end of the first 12 months. This way, they will have another 12 months for the remaining 2 attempts if needed.
But, the this timeline could be shorter!
Assuming that a candidate writes the exam 3 months after their application has been approved and they were not successful in meeting the grade requirement, they will still only have another 12 months from that point to make their 2nd and 3rd attempts. Therefore, in this example, the overall time frame would be 15 months for all three attempts. (Keep in mind that a $175 fee is required for every attempt made.) See below for a diagram.
Moving on to exam preparation, it’s important to understand why the timing and planning aspects are important. If a candidate has a strong academic/knowledge background and has already prepared well for the examination, they could sit the exam almost immediately after their application is approved. On the other hand, if they haven’t studied or aren’t comfortable with the material yet, it would be better to take the exam later on in the 2 year window to maximize study time.
As shown in the example below, a preparation window of 2 to 4 months between having the application approved and sitting the exam is being used.
The best advice for anyone who is planning to write the CRSP exam is to set a date congruent with your schedule and register. After taking some time to consider your individual timeline and how comfortable you are with the content, setting a date and following through by registering is the perfect way to stay accountable as it sets a deadline for you to work towards.
Remember, the BCRSP application process takes roughly 3 to 5 months. Most candidates take on this certification alongside their work or other full-time commitments, so it’s easy to forget about it and set it aside when convenient. Tip: by selecting and committing to an exam date early on, you give yourself a fixed target to keep in mind as you study.