Don’t make these stupid mistakes when you apply for the NCIDQ Exam

Did you know that you can apply for the NCIDQ Exam year-round? Creating your candidate account is free! The next application deadline is the end of July. Complete applications submitted by that date are eligible for review for the fall exams.

While it's easy to set up your account, simple screw-ups could cost you 6 months or more. So here are a few mistakes that we'd like to help you avoid:

Not using the official CIDQ Work Verification Forms when applying.

The correct forms are available at https://www.cidq.org/apply. Unfortunately, CIDQ will not accept W2s, pay stubs, portfolios, or other records.

Not using the correct application.

Don't use the IDFX-only application (option 2) to apply for all three NCIDQ Exam sections. The IDFX application allows you to apply for the IDFX exam only. Also, don't make the mistake of using the application for all three exams (option 1) for IDFX-only.

Not completing your payment for the application or registration.

You must click the blue button “Purchase Items” to complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation email with your Control Number sent to the email you set up in your MyNCIDQ profile.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within 20 minutes, get on the phone and call Kimberly or Ray at CIDQ at 202.721.0220. Don't wait, as you may miss the deadline.

Not scheduling your exam with Prometric Test Centers after paying for the Exam.

After you pay for the exam, you still need to register at Prometric. Your registration is only valid for the current (Spring or Fall) exam window and does not roll over.

Not making sure the name in your MyNCIDQ profile matches your photo ID.

Your name as listed in your MyNCIDQ profile must match the name on your government-issued photo ID exactly. Prometric will turn away test takers at check-in if their ID does not match the admission information. CIDQ can help you make changes Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm, at least one day before the exam.

Not canceling ahead of time.

If you must cancel, do so via Prometric at least seven (7) days before your scheduled exam. Cancellation fees will apply. If you have an emergency, send the official form to cancelexam@cidq.org no later than 10 days after your scheduled exam. You must include the appropriate documentation of any medical emergencies or accidents.

Not paying attention to the timelines and deadlines.

Once you have the approval to sit for the NCIDQ Examination, you must take and pass all three exam sections within a specific timeline. You'll receive your personal timeline upon successful application. If you do not pass within this timeframe, all scores are void, and you will need to reapply and retake all sections.

Not keeping your MyNCIDQ Profile up to date.

CIDQ will send all-important communication to the email you provide. Make sure you whitelist all emails from @certmetrics.com, @cidq.org, and @qpractice.com. We recommend setting up a Gmail filter to automatically label all of these together with “NCIDQ Exam” in your inbox.

Have more questions about the exam? Learn more about how to figure out the NCIDQ Exam requirements.

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4th time’s a charm! I finally passed the Practicum with your help. I had belonged to study groups in the past but the critiques and methods finally helped me correct my errors and pass. Wish I had this option 2 years a ago!

C. Young

You can pass the NCIDQ Exam.
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