Verifying Computer Set-Up for Online Exams

Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) email from Scantron will have links for you to check your computer system. It is important to verify that your computer meets the minimum requirements below, and that you have reliable access to the Internet. An internet connection disruption will suspend the test session. If you have computer system questions after following the instructions provided by Scantron's schedule confirmation email, please contact Scantron at +1 919-572-6880 or candidatesupport@scantron.com. 

IMPORTANT: If taking the test online, you must use a computer on which you have full admin access.

Note: Scantron is changing to Meazure Learning. Scantron, Meazure Learning, and ProctorU are all one-in-the-same organization.

On or before 4 October, 2022:

Items to Bring for In-Person Exams

• Your valid, government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card) 
• The printed test confirmation notice you received from Scantron.
• No other items can be brought into the test environment. A calculator and any other needed resource materials will be provided on the computer for those taking the test electronically.

All ISA certification exams are closed-book. No reference material will be allowed in any test room. Please note that storage space will be limited.

For all CCST level exams, Units Conversion Tables will be provided to candidates in either paper format (paper/pencil exams) or accessible within the electronic test interface for reference during the exam. Click here to review the Units Conversion Tables.

Cancelation and Rescheduling Policies

Cancelling an Exam

You can cancel an test through the online test scheduling system.

• Online test appointments must be cancelled no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time. There is no cancellation fee
• Exam center appointments must be cancelled no less than two calendar days prior to the scheduled testing appointment. There is a cancellation fee of 50 USD payable to Scantron via a secure e-commerce site (credit card)

Scheduling a Retest or Missed Exam

You may retest as many times as needed within your test window. However, there is a retest fee each time that is payable to ISA. If you are outside your test window, contact certifications@isa.org. If you are within your test window, you may reschedule your test appointment before the online and Test Center reschedule cut-off times via the online test scheduling system.

Rescheduling Exams

There is no rescheduling fee to change the time and date from one online test appointment to another online test appointment. However, it must be changed no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time.

There is no rescheduling fee to change the time and date of an online test appointment to an Test Center appointment. However, it must be changed at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Additionally, you must reschedule the new appointment no less than two calendar days in advance of the new appointment at a Scantron test center.

You will incur a rescheduling fee of 50 USD if you change the appointment time and/or date of a Test Center test appointment. Rescheduling fees are payable to Scantron via a secure e-commerce site (credit card). The reschedule cut-off time is no later than two calendar days prior to the test appointment. Additionally, if you are scheduling a new online test appointment, it must be done no less than 24 hours prior to the new appointment date and time.

No-Shows and Late Arrivals

Retaking Missed Exams

If you are within your test window, you may retake a missed exam. However, there will be a reschedule fee, payable to ISA. To reschedule, email certifications@isa.org or contact customer service at info@isa.org or +1 919-549-8411 with your request.

You may qualify for an exception if you meet certain conditions and submit documentation to Scantron no later than five calendar days after the scheduled test appointment. If the exception is approved, there will be a no-show exemption fee of 50 USD payable via secure e-commerce (credit card) and collected by Scantron. Please contact Scantron by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@scantron.com for more details.

Exam Results

Scantron will email the results to you immediately after you complete the exam. If you pass, you will receive an email containing a digital badge from isa_badges@isa.org within 48 hours of completing the exam.

ISA does not provide a passing score; you are only notified whether you passed or failed. If you fail an exam, you will receive a score report that lists the domains and indicates the percentage of questions answered correctly within each domain. Note that the percentages are not used to calculate a candidate’s passing score.

If you do not receive an email containing your results within 24 hours, please contact Scantron by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@scantron.com.

Domains

The CTFA advisory board has determined that a competent trust advisor professional's expertise includes the following domains: 

• Fiduciary Principles and Applications
• Integrated Planning and Advice (Financial and Tax)
• Asset Management - Interaction of All Asset Types
• Administration of Trust Accounts
• Risk/Compliance Management
• Ethics
• Relationship Management

Please review the CTFA Examination Outline for additional details, as well as the FAQ Document and Webinar on test Changes.

Study Resources 

While ABA recommends these resources as appropriate examination preparation, ABA does not ensure that you will pass the test by completing these educational programs or studying these materials alone. The CTFA test assesses not only your knowledge of the courses on the test outline, but also your application of that knowledge. You should refer frequently to the CTFA test Outline when preparing for the exam.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The only legitimate resource for ABA’s certifications, including reference materials, are available on www.aba.com. Any other resources or guides related to ABA’s certification programs offered for sale on third party platforms such as Amazon and eBay is not authorized by the ABA and such purchases are at the buyer’s risk. While it is not illegal for publishers to write separate resources to potential customers, it can be difficult to determine the legitimacy of offers from these organizations, especially if they contain unauthorized uses of ABA’s federally protected logo. If you do not make your purchase with ABA directly, we will not be able to assist you in any capacity. Please contact ABA Customer Service at 1-800-BANKERS to be directed to a legitimate resource.

Exam Format, Scoring and Reporting

• 200 multiple-choice questions (see Sample Questions)
• Maximum 4 hour timeframe allowed
• The February test will only cover laws and regulations in effect through 12/31 of the prior year. All other exams will cover current laws and regulations.
• Calculators will be provided
• Instant "Pass/Fail" outcome provided for most computer based exams at test sites. Occasionally, instant outcomes are not provided while statistical analysis is conducted.
• Official score reports delivered via email within 6 weeks after the close of the test window 
• For full details, read the Certification test FAQs 

Ready to Apply?

Apply for the CTFA Exam

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On occasion, the best-laid plans need to be changed. Please understand that changes incur administrative costs both for ABA and our test partner, Meazure Learning.

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your test after application, please review the fee schedule and procedures below.

Please note that fees and refunds are based on the dates applicable to your current test registration.

• Database technology is crucial in multiple applications and computing tasks, and certifications help demonstrate job readiness and core competencies. 
• Before pursuing a database platform certification, you should have a solid background in relational database management systems and the SQL language. 
• Valuable certifications are typically tied to specific technology companies and their platforms, such as IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP.
• This article is for IT professionals considering database certifications to further their careers. 

While database platforms have come and gone through the decades, database technology is still critical for multiple applications and computing tasks. IT professionals often seek database certifications to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise as they navigate their career paths and pursue professional growth. 

While database certifications may not be as bleeding edge as Google cloud certifications, cybersecurity certifications, storage certifications or digital forensics certifications, database professionals at all levels possess in-demand career skills — and a plethora of database-related jobs are waiting to be filled.

We’ll look at some of the most in-demand certifications for database administrators, database developers and anyone else who works with databases.

What to know about database roles and certifications

To get a better grasp of available database certifications, it’s helpful to group these certs around job responsibilities. This reflects the maturity of database technology and its integration into most aspects of commercial, scientific and academic computing. As you read about the various database certification programs, keep these job roles in mind: 

• Database administrator (DBA). A DBA is responsible for installing, configuring and maintaining a database management system (DBMS). The job is often tied to a specific platform, such as Oracle, MySQL, DB2 or SQL Server.
• Database developer. A database developer works with generic and proprietary application programming interfaces (APIs) to build applications that interact with a DBMS. Like DBA roles, database developer positions are also often platform-specific.
• Database designer or database architect. A database designer or architect researches data requirements for specific applications or users and designs database structures and application capabilities to match.
• Data analyst or data scientist. A data analyst or scientist is responsible for analyzing data from multiple disparate sources to discover previously hidden insights, determine the meaning behind data, and make business-specific recommendations.
• Data mining or business intelligence (BI) specialist. A data mining or BI specialist focuses on dissecting, analyzing and reporting important data streams, such as customer, supply chain and transaction data and histories.
• Data warehousing specialist. A data warehousing specialist assembles and analyzes data from multiple operational systems (such as orders, transactions, supply chain information and customer data) to establish data history, analyze trends, generate reports and forecasts, and support general ad hoc queries. 

These database job roles highlight two critical issues to consider if you want to be a database professional:

1. You need a solid general background. First, a background in relational database management systems, including an understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL), is a fundamental prerequisite for database professionals of all stripes. 
2. There’s a focus on proprietary technologies. Second, although various efforts to standardize database technology exist, much of the whiz-bang capability that databases and database applications deliver comes from proprietary, vendor-specific technologies. Serious, heavy-duty database skills and knowledge are tied to specific platforms, including various Oracle products (such as the open-source MySQL environment and Oracle itself,) Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2. Most of these certifications relate directly to those enormously popular platforms. 

Best database certifications

Here are details on our five best database certification picks for 2023.

1. IBM Certified Database Administrator — DB2 12

IBM is one of the leaders in the worldwide database market by any objective measure. The company’s database portfolio includes industry-standard DB2, as well as the following:

• IBM Compose
• Information Management System (IMS)
• Informix
• Cloudant
• IBM Open Platform with Apache Hadoop

IBM also has a long-standing and well-populated IT certification program that has been around for more than 30 years and encompasses hundreds of individual credentials. 

After redesigning its certification programs and categories, IBM now has a primary data-centric certification category called IBM Data and AI. It includes a range of database credentials: 

• Database Associate
• Database Administrator
• System Administrator
• Application Developer 

IBM’s is a big and complex certification space, but one where particular platform allegiances are likely to guide readers toward the handful of items most relevant to their interests and needs. 

Database professionals who support DB2 (or aspire to) on IBM’s z/OS should check out the IBM Associate Certified DBA — Db2 12 certification. It’s an entry-level test that addresses routine planning, working with SQL and XML, security, operations, data concurrency, application design, and concepts around database objects.

This certification requires candidates to pass one exam. Pre-exam training and familiarity with concepts, or hands-on experience, are recommended but not required. 

IBM Certified Database Administrator — DB2 facts and figures

Did you know? IBM’s certification offerings are among the best system administrator certifications IT professionals can achieve.

2. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure offers a broad range of tools and add-ons for business intelligence. Azure is a cloud computing platform for application management and Microsoft-managed data centers. Microsoft certifications include various Azure offerings based on job role and experience level.

Microsoft’s certification program is role-centric, centered on the skills you need to succeed in specific technology jobs. Because Azure has such a broad scope, Azure certifications span multiple job roles. However, specific certifications exist for the following positions:

• Data Analysts
• Data Engineers
• Data Scientists
• Database Administrators 

There are also certifications for learners at different experience levels. 

For those looking to take their Azure knowledge to the next level, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification is the perfect place to start. This certification is for beginner database administrators interested in using Azure and mastering data in the cloud. It offers foundational knowledge of core concepts while reinforcing concepts for later use in other Azure role-based certifications, such as those listed below: 

• Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Azure Data Engineer Associate
• Data Analyst Associate 

Azure Data Fundamentals certification facts and figures

3. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator 

Oracle runs its certifications under the auspices of Oracle University. The Oracle Database Certifications page lists separate tracks depending on job role and product. MySQL is perhaps the leading open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). Since acquiring Sun Microsystems in 2010 (which had previously acquired MySQL AB), Oracle has rolled out a paid version of MySQL and developed certifications to support the product. 

If you’re interested in pursuing an Oracle MySQL certification, you can choose between MySQL Database Administration and MySQL Developer. 

The Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator (OCP) credential recognizes professionals who can accomplish the following tasks:

• Install, optimize and monitor MySQL Server.
• Configure replication.
• Apply security.
• Schedule and validate database backups. 

The certification requires candidates to pass a single test (the same test can be taken to upgrade a prior certification). Oracle recommends training and on-the-job experience before taking the exam.

Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator facts and figures

Did you know? According to Oracle, approximately 1.8 million Oracle Certified professionals globally hold certifications to advance their networking careers and professions to validate their IT expertise. 

4. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification

For individuals interested in working in the Oracle environment who have the necessary experience to become a database administrator, Oracle’s Database SQL Certified Associate Certification is another top Oracle certification and an excellent starting point. This test encompasses an understanding of fundamental SQL concepts that individuals must grasp for database projects. 

By earning the certification, individuals demonstrate that they have a range of knowledge in core SQL concepts:

• Familiarity with queries, data modeling, and normalization
• Strong base understanding of the underlying SQL language
• An ability to create and manipulate Oracle Database tables 

This certification also requires candidates to pass a single exam. While Oracle does not specify any prerequisites, the company does state candidates should have familiarity working with the command line. 

Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification facts and figures

5. SAP HANA: SAP Certified Technology Associate — SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05

SAP SE has an extensive portfolio of business applications and analytics software, including cloud infrastructure, applications and storage. The SAP HANA platform’s foundation is an enterprise-grade relational database management system that can be run as an appliance on-premises or in the cloud. The cloud platform lets customers build and run applications and services based on SAP HANA. 

SAP offers a comprehensive certification program built to support its various platforms and products. We’re featuring the SAP Certified Technology Associate — SAP HANA cert because it aligns closely with other certifications we’ve highlighted and is in high demand among employers, according to job board surveys. 

This certification ensures database professionals can install, manage, monitor, migrate and troubleshoot SAP HANA systems. It covers the following skills:

• Managing users and authorizations
• Applying security
• Ensuring high availability 
• Effective disaster-recovery techniques 

SAP recommends that certification candidates get hands-on practice through formal training or on-the-job experience before attempting this exam. The SAP Learning Hub is a subscription service that gives certification candidates access to a library of learning materials, including e-learning courses and course handbooks. 

The annual subscription rate for individual users on the Professional certification track is $2,760. This online training program is designed for those who run, support, or implement SAP software solutions. Though this may seem like a steep price for online training, you will likely be able to pass any SAP certification exams you put your mind to by leveraging all the learning resources available to SAP Learning Hub Professional subscribers. 

Typically, SAP certifications achieved on one of the two most accurate SAP solutions are considered current and valid. SAP contacts professionals whose certifications are nearing end-of-life status and provides information on maintaining their credentials.

SAP Certified Technology Associate facts and figures

Tip: To broaden your skill set, consider pursuing the best sales certifications to better sell and implement various IT solutions, including databases.

Beyond the top 5 database certifications

Additional database certification programs can further the careers of IT professionals who work with database management systems. 

While most colleges with computer science programs offer database tracks at the undergraduate, master and Ph.D. levels, well-known vendor-neutral database certifications exist, including the following: 

• ICCP certifications. The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) offers its unique Certified Data Professional and Certified Data Scientist credentials. Learn more about ICCP certifications from the ICCP website.
• Enterprise DB certifications. EnterpriseDB administers a small but effective certification program with two primary certs: the EDB Certified Associate and the EDB Certified Professional. 

These are some additional certifications: 

These credentials represent opportunities for database professionals to expand their skill sets — and salaries. However, such niches in the database certification arena are generally only worth pursuing if you already work with these platforms or plan to work for an organization that uses them.

Key takeaway: Pursuing additional database certifications can be helpful for professional development if you already work with these platforms or plan to work with them in the future. 

Job board search results

Before pursuing certifications, consider their popularity with employers to gain a helpful perspective on current database certification demand. Here’s a job board snapshot to deliver you an idea of what’s trending.

If the sheer number of available database-related positions isn’t enough motivation to pursue a certification, consider average salaries for database administrators. SimplyHired reports $91,949 as the national average in the U.S., ranging from $64,171 to over $131,753. Glassdoor’s reported average is somewhat lower at $84,161, with a top rung for experienced senior DBAs right around $134,000.

Choosing the right certification

Choosing the best IT certifications to enhance your skills and boost your career can be overwhelming, especially as many available certifications are for proprietary technologies. While picking a database certification can feel like locking yourself into a single technology family, it is worth remembering that many database skills are transferable. Additionally, pursuing any certification shows your willingness to learn and demonstrates competence to current and future employers. 

Ultimately, choosing which certification to pursue depends on the technologies you use at work or would like to use at a future employer.

Jeremy Bender contributed to the reporting and writing in this article. 

Becoming an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician^® (CCST^®) is a mark of career excellence that affirms your commitment to quality and demonstrates your expertise and knowledge of automation and control systems. It provides a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of your skills as a control systems technician.

Who Are CCSTs?

Working in process automation and manufacturing automation industries around the globe, CCSTs are an elite group of automation and control technicians who have proven they possess an extensive knowledge of automation and control systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. They are skilled in pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic instrumentation. They understand process control loops and process control systems, including computer-based systems. 

What is the difference between the CCST program and the NICET Certification? 

NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, offers a four-level certification program for instrumentation engineering technologists. The CCST program is designed specifically for the control systems technician, and is more application focused.

CCST Levels

There are three levels of certification offered for control systems technicians. All certification levels provide a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of an automation technician’s knowledge of and experience with project start-up, commissioning, loop-check, project organization, planning, and documentation.

With a five-year minimum education and experience requirement, earning this certification confirms that you possess vast knowledge of calibration, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.

With a seven-year minimum education and experience requirement, this certification demonstrates Level one knowledge, as well as some knowledge of administration, supervision, or management.

This certification demonstrates level one and two knowledge, including an extensive knowledge of administration, supervision, or management, and has a 13-year minimum education, training, and/or experience requirement.

CCST Certification Requirements

To become an ISA CCST, you must meet certain education and work experience requirements, pass an exam, and commit to the ISA Code of Ethics. Learn more about CCST requirements.

CCST Body of Knowledge (BOK)

The CCST BOK defines automation project domains, the tasks within the domains, and the knowledge and skills required to complete the tasks. CCST exams cover four major domains that have been organized based on the findings in a accurate CCST job task analysis study. To see a complete explanation of the domains and the percentage of test questions included from each domain, visit the CCST Body of Knowledge page.

How to Apply

Apply for CCST — Level 1    

Apply for CCST Specialist — Level 2    

Apply for CCST Master — Level 3

About the Exam

You can take any of the CCST exams online from your office or home if the testing area meets the requirements and your computer meets specifications. You can also take the test at a Scantron test center. The CCST exams are multiple choice and have different time durations and questions.

Learn more about Certification Exams and Testing.

How to Prepare

Want help preparing for a CCST exam? We recommend taking the review course for the certification which you are applying. When you enroll in a CCST review course, the application fee is included in the course price. You will automatically receive an test invitation after you start the course. By paying for the review course, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met and can document the requirements for the certification level for which you are applying. Visit the Prepare for the CCST Exam page to view and select the course format that best suits your needs.

ISA has developed an extensive library of training courses, study guides and reference publications that are built around the technologies and courses covered on the CCST exams. These resources have been developed and reviewed by subject matter experts. Learn how to prepare for a CCST exam.

Reference to Standards and Codes

The aspects of automation covered on the CCST test reflect the tasks performed in the range of practice settings throughout the United States. Familiarity with the following standards and codes is recommended. obtain the Reference to Standards and Codes (PDF).

• ISA Standards
• IEEE Standards
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Codes and Federal Regulations
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standards
• US Food and Drug Administration Regulations
• American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards

For International applicants, note that the validation study for the exams was done in the United States, so there may be questions on the test that reference US standards and codes.