Exam Policies

Anyone aged 16 or over with a valid account and an active voucher may sit an exam. Some advanced credentials list prerequisite certifications or experience on their certification page; where a prerequisite exists it is enforced at booking.

• An exam is unlocked by an active voucher attached to your account.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months from issuance and cover one attempt.
• You may start an unlocked exam at any time; there is no fixed sitting window unless stated on the exam page.

The name on your profile must match your government-issued identification, because it is printed on your certificate. We may request identity verification before releasing a credential and may withhold issuance where identity cannot be confirmed.

• Exams are closed-book unless the exam page explicitly states otherwise.
• Use one device, one screen and a stable internet connection; test your setup before starting.
• No second person, second device, messaging app, remote-desktop tool, or AI assistant may be used.
• Leaving the exam interface, switching tabs excessively, or copying content may be flagged and reviewed.
• The timer runs continuously once started. Unscheduled breaks are not permitted.

• Question types include multiple choice, multiple response and scenario-based items; practical credentials add hands-on or capture-the-flag tasks.
• There is no penalty for incorrect answers — answer every question.
• The pass mark for each credential is published on its certification page and is typically 70%.
• Multiple-choice results are shown immediately after submission. Practical components are graded by an assessor, normally within 5 business days.

If the platform fails during your attempt, your progress is saved and you may resume within the remaining time. Where an attempt is unrecoverable due to a fault on our side, we void it and issue a replacement attempt at no cost. Failures of your own device, power or network are your responsibility, though we review such cases on request.

• First retake: available after a 7-day waiting period.
• Second retake: after 14 days. Third and subsequent retakes: after 30 days.
• A maximum of four attempts per credential per 12-month period.
• Each retake requires a new voucher; discounted retake pricing is shown at checkout.

You may request a rescore within 30 days of your result by emailing contact@secbyte.org with your attempt reference. Rescores are reviewed by an assessor who was not involved in the original grading and are answered within 30 days. Where a rescore changes your outcome, the credential is issued and any retake fee refunded.

Candidates with a documented disability or medical condition may request additional time or other reasonable accommodations at least 5 business days before their attempt by writing to contact@secbyte.org. Supporting documentation is handled confidentially and is not stored with your exam record.

Suspected cheating, impersonation or content disclosure is investigated under the Code of Conduct. Confirmed misconduct results in a voided attempt without refund and may lead to suspension, revocation or a permanent examination ban.

Unless the certification page states a perpetual validity, credentials are valid for three years. Renewal requires either a current-version exam pass or documented continuing professional development. Expired credentials remain publicly verifiable with an "expired" status; they are never deleted.