Timing, Attempts & Test-Day Pacing
CSI currently lists each CSC exam as 100 multiple-choice questions in two hours, with a 60% passing grade and three attempts allowed per exam. Exams are proctored and may be delivered remotely or at a test centre.
Pacing benchmark
120 minutes ÷ 100 questions = about 72 seconds per question on average. Do not force every question into exactly 72 seconds; bank time on straightforward items.
Attempts
CSI currently lists three attempts per exam. Candidates should consult CSI directly for current scheduling, rescheduling, identification and attempt-policy details.
Official source: CSI CSC Exam & Credits.
A practical CSC exam timing strategy
Two hours for 100 questions works out to about 72 seconds per question on average. Treat that as a planning benchmark, not a stopwatch requirement for every item.
Checkpoint example
At question 25, about 30 minutes of the two-hour exam would have elapsed at an even pace. At question 50, roughly 60 minutes; at question 75, roughly 90 minutes. Short calculations may need extra time, so preserve a final review buffer where possible.
Common timing trap
Spending four minutes on one difficult multiple-choice item can cost time needed for several easier ones. Identify the tested concept, eliminate clearly incorrect choices, and move on according to the actual exam interface and rules.
CSC exam format FAQs
Are Exam 1 and Exam 2 separate? Yes. CSI currently describes two proctored multiple-choice exams; confirm registration and scheduling directly with CSI.
Is 60% enough to pass? CSI currently lists 60% as the passing grade for each exam. A practice score is not a prediction of your official result.
Should I practise untimed or timed? Start untimed while learning new concepts, then use timed CSC mock exams to test endurance and pacing. Try 50 free practice questions first.