Taking the CSBA Exam
If you have successfully completed the 9-month Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA) course, congratulations! Your next step is becoming a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA). Read on to register for the exam, and learn about the exam format and policies.
Registering
There are two ways to take the CSBA Exam.
- The first is with your graduating class at one of the dates
and times arranged by your instructor. If you are eligible to take the
CSBA Exam, you can register
online. This link will direct you to the NaSBAP CSBA Exam Registration
Page, administered by Seattle Central Community College. Need help with this? Please follow these instructions.
You can select your testing date and location as indicated by the available schedule of your course provider. The registration deadline is ten (10) days prior to the available exam date. Please note that some testing locations may have limited slots available. The exam fee is $200*. Once you have registered you will receive a confirmation email with a link to pay by credit card. Payment must be made no later than three (3) days before the exam.
*Some locations include the exam fee in your tuition. If you're not sure if you've already paid, ask your instructor - The second is by individually proctored exams. Download the CSBA Exam Policies and Procedures (.pdf) for instructions.
Difficulties registering? Contact Doug Romine at Seattle Central Community College.
Exam Purpose and Content
The purpose of the CSBA Exam is to substantiate knowledge and understanding of the sustainable building concepts taught in the SBA course. Graduates of the SBA course are tested on the eight (8) course units, which include:
- Fundamentals of Sustainable Building
- The Importance of Place
- Energy and Lighting
- Green Materials
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Water Conservation and Quality
- Sustainable Construction Management
- Sustainable Building Operations and Management
CSBA Exam Format
The CSBA Exam is an online format, and consists of 250 true/false and multiple choice questions randomly selected from 350 questions, which represent a cross section of topics from the eight (8) course units. Graduates are only tested on material taken directly from required readings (the Student SBA Notes, and the Philosophy of Sustainable Design text, by Jason McLennan, and any additional required reading material). Graduates are not tested on material by guest instructors, as this information is regionally focused and varies among course providers. The CSBA Exam is a closed book test (no materials are allowed in the exam – this includes the Student Notes, text books, or other student prepared information).
Passing the CSBA Exam
Graduates who correctly answer 70% of the 250 questions achieve a passing score, and earn the designation of Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA). This designation is certified through the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program (NaSBAP).
CSBA Exam Policies and Eligibility Requirements
Only graduates who have successfully completed the nine-month SBA course are eligible to take the CSBA exam. Successful course completion includes attendance for a minimum of eight (8) of the nine (9) in-class units; completion of monthly written assignments; participation in class; and presentation of the Team Project. Local SBA course providers will provide a list of SBA graduates eligible to take the exam. NaSBAP verifies this list prior to accepting exam registration and payment information. Registration and payment will be cancelled by NaSBAP if students who register for the exam are found to be ineligible.