Paperbased Exam Rules and Policies

1. Prepare and Schedule the Exam

OpenSM is a certification body which provides education¹ and certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024 for individuals on a wide range of disciplines.

Our training services are provided globally through our Resellers.

To schedule OpenSM certification exams, candidates may contact one of the OpenSM resellers who provide training courses and exam sessions. To find a training course provider in a particular region, candidates should go to Active Resellers. The OpenSM training course schedules are available on Training Events.

Candidates are responsible for their own studying and preparation for certification exams. No specific set of training courses or curriculum of study is required as part of the certification process. Nevertheless, attending a training course can significantly increase the chances of successfully passing a OpenSM exam. This does not apply to Foundation Certificate Program exams requirements, as in this case attending the training course is part of the requirements for the Certificate Program.

To ensure equal opportunities for all qualified persons, OpenSM will make reasonable accommodations for candidates, when appropriate. If candidates need special accommodations because of a disability or a specific physical condition, they should inform the Reseller/Distributor in order for them to make proper arrangements. Any information candidates provide regarding their disability/need will be treated with strict confidentiality.

2. Take the Exam

Candidates are required to arrive/be present at least 30 minutes before the exam starts. Candidates who arrive late will not be given additional time to compensate and may not be allowed to sit for the exam.

Candidates are required to bring a valid identity card (national ID card, driver’s license, passport) and show it to the Invigilator.

If requested on the day of the exam, additional time can be provided to candidates taking the exam in a non-native language, as follows:

• 10 additional minutes for Foundation exams
• 20 additional minutes for Service Manager exams
• 30 additional minutes for Expert exams

Exams are provided on paper, where candidates are not allowed to use anything but the exam paper and a pen. The use of electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, or phones, is not allowed. The exam session is supervised by a OpenSM approved Invigilator at the location where the Reseller has organized the training course.
  
OpenSM Exam Types:

• Multiple-choice, closed-book, where the candidates are not allowed to use any reference materials. Usually, Foundation and Transition exams are of this type.
• Essay-type, open-book, where candidates are allowed to use the following reference materials:
  • A hard copy of main standard 
  • Training course materials (printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (printed)
  • A hard copy dictionary
• Multiple-choice, open-book, where candidates are allowed to use the following reference materials:
  • A hard copy of main standard 
  • Training course materials (printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (printed)
  • A hard copy dictionary

Note: Essay-type exams will be gradually transitioning to Multiple-choice, open-book exams.

For specific information about exam types, languages available, and other details, visit the List of OpenSM Exams

3. Receive the Exam Results

Exam results will be communicated via email.   The only possible results are pass and fail; no specific grade will be included.

Essay type exams

The time span for the communication of results for essay type exams starts from the exam date and lasts three to eight weeks.

Candidates who successfully complete the exam will be able to apply for one of the credentials of the respective certification scheme.  

For candidates who fail the exam, a list of the domains where they have performed poorly will be added to the email to help them prepare better for a retake.

Candidates who disagree with the results may request a re-evaluation by writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within 30 days of receiving the results. Re-evaluation requests received after 30 days will not be processed. If candidates do not agree with the results of the re-evaluation, they have 30 more days from the date of receiving the re-evaluation results to file a complaint through the OpenSM Ticketing System. Complaints received after 30 days will not be processed.

Multiple-choice exams

The time span for the communication of the results for multiple-choice exams starts from the exam date and lasts two to four weeks.

Candidates who successfully complete the exam will be able to apply for one of the credentials of the respective certification scheme.  

For candidates who fail the exam, a list of the domains where they have performed poorly will be added to the email to help them prepare better for a retake. 

If candidates do not agree with the results, they have 30 days from the date of receiving the results to file a complaint through the OpenSM Ticketing System. Complaints received after 30 days will not be processed.

4. Exam Retake Policy 

There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can retake an exam. However, there are certain limitations in terms of the time span between exam retakes.

• If a candidate does not pass the exam on the 1st attempt, they must wait 15 days after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (1st retake).
  Note: Candidates who have completed the training course but failed the exam are eligible to retake the exam once for free within a 12-month period from the initial date of the exam. Otherwise, retake fees apply.

• If a candidate does not pass the exam on the 2nd attempt, they must wait three months after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (2nd retake). Retake fees apply.

Note: For candidates that fail the exam on the 2nd retake, OpenSM recommends they attend a training course in order to be better prepared for the exam. 

• If a candidate does not pass the exam on the 3rd attempt, they must wait six months after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (3rd retake). Retake fees apply.
• After the 4th attempt, the waiting period for further retake exams is 12 months from the date of the last attempt. Retake fees apply.

To arrange exam retakes (date, time, place, costs), candidates need to contact the OpenSM ATO who has initially organized the session.

5. Reschedule the Exam

For any changes with regard to the exam date, time, location, or other details, please contact your ATO.

6. Exam Security

A significant component of a professional certification credential is maintaining the security and confidentiality of the exam. OpenSM relies upon the ethical behavior of certification holders and applicants to maintain the security and confidentiality of OpenSM exams. Any disclosure of information about the content of OpenSM exams is a direct violation of OpenSM’s Code of Ethics. OpenSM will take action against any individuals that violate such rules and policies, including permanently banning individuals from pursuing OpenSM credentials and revoking any previous ones. OpenSM will also pursue legal action against individuals or organizations who infringe upon its copyrights, proprietary rights, and intellectual property.