Taking the CSBA Exam
If you have successfully completed the nine-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:
- Controlled Group Examinations:
Controlled examinations are those scheduled for groups by local providers, such as colleges or other entities hosting the SBA course. They are set up for a particular time and occur in a location with a computer lab. Please check with your instructor or local SBA course provider for information on controlled CSBA exams in your area.
- Individually Proctored Examinations:
Students may arrange to take the exam on an individual basis. Download the CSBA Exam Policies and Procedures (PDF) for for furtherinstructions on how to schedule your own exam.
Difficulties registering? Contact the SBA Institute Exam Administrator.
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 200 true/false, multiple choice, and fill in the blank questions randomly selected from 300 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 200 questions achieve a passing score, and earn the designation of Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA). This designation is certified through the Sustainable Building Advisor Institute.
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. The SBA Institute verifies this list prior to accepting exam registration and payment information (if applicable). Registration and payment will be cancelled by the SBA Institute if students who register for the exam are found to be ineligible.