Getting Started & Preparing
How do I get started with CCO certification?
Start in the myCCO Portal:
- Create a free account using a valid email address.
- Complete identity verification, including submitting a valid photo ID.
- Use myCCO to apply for exams and manage your certification.
Go to myCCO Portal →
What can I do in the myCCO Portal?
Use myCCO Portal to:
- Submit exam applications
- Schedule exams
- View exam results and certifications
- Order certification cards
- Update account information
- Share credentials
Go to myCCO Portal →
What requirements do I need to meet to earn a CCO certification?
Requirements vary by certification program. Review the applicable certification program page and Candidate Handbook for eligibility requirements, required exams, and program-specific policies. Please see our Certifications At-A-Glance page.
View Certifications At-A-Glance →
How much does a CCO exam cost?
Exam fees vary by certification program and exam. Check the Certifications At-A-Glance page for current pricing.
View Certifications At-A-Glance →
How should I prepare for a CCO exam?
Start with the Candidate Handbook and exam outline for your certification program. You can also use exam reference materials, CCO Store resources, self-study, or exam-preparation training. Please see our Prepare page.
View Prepare →
Where can I find training for a CCO exam?
Use the Find Training Providers page to locate CCO exam-preparation training. CCO recommends starting with CCO EDU Accredited Training Providers, which have met CCO EDU's rigorous accreditation standards. High Volume Training Providers may also be listed but are not CCO EDU accredited.
Learn more →
How do I request testing accommodations?
Submit a CCO Application for Testing Accommodations with the required supporting documentation at least four weeks before your testing date.
Scheduling & Taking Your Exams
What are my options for taking a CCO written exam?
You can take a written exam through:
- OPT — remote testing on a compatible computer with a live proctor
- EOT — group testing at an approved host site
- TCT — in-person testing at an approved third-party test center
Please see our Written Exams page.
View Written Exams →
What computer and internet requirements apply to OPT and EOT?
OPT and EOT require a supported Windows or macOS computer, the latest Google Chrome, and a stable non-cellular internet connection. Minimum bandwidth is 3 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload per device; 12 Mbps download per device is recommended. Please see our Computer / Technical Requirements page.
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What do I need to bring to a CCO written exam?
Bring the valid identification required in your exam instructions. Follow your scheduling confirmation for any additional test-day requirements and do not bring unauthorized materials into the testing area. Please see our Written Exams page.
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What is a CCO practical exam?
A CCO practical exam is a hands-on assessment of your skills. You perform defined tasks on the applicable equipment to demonstrate the competencies required for your certification program. Please see our Practical Exams page.
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How do I schedule a CCO practical exam?
Start by finding a CCO-credentialed Practical Proctor.
- Apply through myCCO.
- Receive your authorization code.
- Arrange a test date with the Practical Proctor.
- Give the code to the Practical Proctor on test day.
Please see our Practical Exams page.
View Practical Exams →
Can I take my practical exam before my written exam?
Yes. You may take the written and practical exams in either order, as long as all required exams are completed within the applicable certification time frame. Both written and practical exams must be completed within 1 year in order to gain certification. Please see our Candidate Handbook page and select your desired program for more details.
View Candidate Handbook →
Can I get more time to complete my required exams?
In certain circumstances, you may request an extension for the practical exam. CCO does not automatically provide a grace period after the required exam-completion window. Please see our Handbooks and Forms page.
View Handbooks and Forms →
How long does CCO take to review a practical exam extension request?
Allow up to two weeks for CCO to review a complete extension request. Missing documentation may delay the review. Please see our Handbooks and Forms page.
View Handbooks and Forms →
Results & Earning Your Certification
When will I get my written exam results?
Your preliminary written exam result appears on-screen immediately after you finish the exam. You can view them in your myCCO portal profile.
View myCCO Portal →
Will CCO tell me what I need to improve if I do not pass a written exam?
Yes. If you do not pass a written exam, you will receive a strength-and-weakness report showing content areas where additional study may be helpful upon completion. You can access this in your myCCO portal profile.
View myCCO Portal →
Can I retake a CCO exam if I do not pass?
Yes. You may retake an exam after meeting the applicable retest requirements and paying the required fee. Review your certification program requirements before scheduling another attempt. Please see our Exam Retake Policy.
View Policies →
How soon will my CCO certification be issued after I pass?
Your certification is issued within 10 business days after you complete all certification requirements. Once a certification is issued, you will receive an email and it will be visible in your myCCO Portal profile. We are unable to expedite any requests to issue a certification sooner than 10 business days.
Go to myCCO Portal →
Managing & Maintaining Your Certification
How do I replace a lost or stolen CCO certification card?
Order a replacement certification card through the myCCO Portal. The replacement card fee is $30.
Go to myCCO Portal →
How do I change the email address on my myCCO account?
In order to update your email address, you must contact CCO. Please email candidate@ccocert.org or go to the Contact Us page and fill out the form.
Go to Contact Us →
How long is a CCO certification valid, and when should I recertify?
Most CCO certifications are valid for five years while some are valid for 3 years. CCO recommends starting the recertification process at least six months before expiration. Check your myCCO dashboard for your expiration date. The specific certification program page will have more details about certification time frame as well as the candidate handbook.
What happens if my CCO certification expires?
If your certification expires, you would need to reapply/test on all the applicable exams that are required for certification. Since most programs require a written and practical, you would need to take both written and practical exams. Login to your myCCO Portal page to fill out your application.
Go to myCCO Portal →
