Paper/Pencil Testing Option
Paper/Pencil Testing Option to Be Sunset January 1, 2024.
Candidates desiring to sit for paper/paper written exam(s) should visit the Test Dates and Locations page to see a schedule of upcoming exams and then submit a completed Candidate Application form with the appropriate documentation to CCO.
How to Apply for CCO Written Exams
- Go to my.ccocert.org and login or register for an account.
- Once logged in, submit an online application and pay for the exam(s).
- Submit your application no less than two weeks days prior to the exam date.
- Once your application has been processed, you will receive an authorization email. Exams you’ve been approved to take will show in the myCCO portal as Upcoming Exams.
Candidates who decide not to take exams, do not test within six months of application submission, or do not cancel exams per the cancellation policy will forfeit their fees.
Deadlines
Candidate applications for PPT exams are due at least two weeks prior to scheduled exam date.
Please note that all deadlines are UPON RECEIPT deadlines and that Candidates and Test Site Coordinators are solely responsible for making sure that complete and accurate applications reach CCO by the stated deadline.
Candidate Cancellation Policy
Should a candidate be unable to sit for the examination for any reason, CCO must receive email notification at candidate@nccco.org no later than seven business days prior to the examination date. Candidates will receive a refund of exam fees paid within 30 days of the cancellation, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Candidates wishing to cancel after the deadline or not sitting for the examination will forfeit all application fees and will NOT receive a refund.
Candidate Emergency Cancellations or Withdrawals
Only the following situations will be accepted as grounds for cancelling after the deadline (seven business days before scheduled exam):
- Called to work—supporting documentation required: letter from employer
- Candidate illness—supporting documentation required: doctor’s note
- Family death—supporting documentation required: death certificate or obituary notice
Emergency-related requests require submission of a letter describing the situation. Full name, address, and Candidate ID/CCO Certification number must be included along with the scheduled test date, written test administration number, and supporting documentation indicated above. Submissions should be sent to: candidate@nccco.org.
CCO MUST receive written notification and supporting documentation within seven business days after the scheduled examination date or all application fees will be forfeited.
If the request is approved, candidates will receive a refund of exam fees paid within 30 days of the approval, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Identification at the Test Site
Candidates must bring valid (not expired) government-issued photo identification that includes date of birth to the test site on the day of the test administration. Candidates will be required to sign the test site roster upon entry to the testing area.
Acceptable forms of photo identification for paper/pencil tests are a current:
- Passport
- Government-issued driver’s license
- Military identification card
- U.S. government-issued alien registration card
NOTE: Candidates without appropriate identification documents will NOT be admitted to take the CCO written examination(s) and all fees will be forfeited.
Materials to Bring to the Test Site
Each candidate must bring the following items to the test site:
- Valid photo identification
- Admission letter for the specific test date (recommended)
- Two sharpened #2 pencils (to complete the examination answer sheet)
- A good eraser
NOTE: No books, scratch paper, calculators, reference materials, beepers, cellular phones, or other personal items will be allowed in the examination room. Basic four-function calculators are supplied onscreen for exams that permit calculator use.
Score Reporting
CCO written examinations are electronically scored off-site at CCO facilities. For this reason, it is important to complete the answer sheet according to the instructions provided by the Chief Examiner on the day of the exam. Candidates will receive credit only for answers recorded on the scannable answer sheet. Answers marked in the test booklet(s) will NOT be counted toward a candidate’s score.
All candidates receive a score report of their performance. Examination results are mailed to candidates approximately 12 business days after the examination administration.