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 have two options:

1. 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.
2. Take a OpenSM exam remotely from their home or any location they desire through the OpenSM Exam application, which can be accessed here: Exam Events.

It is highly recommended that at least 48 hours prior to the online exam date the candidate accesses the OpenSM Online Examinee Guide, and checks the technical requirements.

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. 

Exams are provided electronically via the OpenSM Exams application. The use of electronic devices, such as tablets and phones, is not allowed. The exam session is supervised remotely by a OpenSM Invigilator via the OpenSM Exams application and an external/integrated camera.

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 (accessed through OpenSM Exams app and/or printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (accessed through OpenSM Exams app and/or 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 (accessed through OpenSM Exams app and/or printed)
  • Any personal notes taken during the training course (accessed through OpenSM Exams app and/or 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

Essay type exams

Exam results will be communicated via email. The only possible results are pass and fail; no specific grade will be included. The time span for the communication of those results 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

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 (1^st 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 2^nd attempt, they must wait three months after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (2^nd retake). Retake fees apply.

Note: For candidates that fail the exam on the 2^nd 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 3^rd attempt, they must wait six months after the initial date of the exam for the next attempt (3^rd retake). Retake fees apply.

• After the 4^th 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 Reseller/Distributor 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.