9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Join  Shop

Renew

Connect

Blogs
Login
InTech

ISAGCA

Logo Merchandise

Career Center

 

ISA Certification and Certificate Programs / Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Go to 

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 1/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

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.

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 2/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Certified Control Systems Technician — Level 1

With a five-year minimum education and experience requirement, earning this

certification confirms that you possess vast knowledge of calibration,
maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.

Certified Control Systems Technician Specialist — Level 2

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.

Certified Control Systems Technician Master — Level 3

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.

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 3/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

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 recent
CCST job task analysis study. To see a complete explanation of the domains and
the percentage of exam questions included from each domain, visit the CCST
Body of Knowledge page.

How to Apply

There is no application form for CCST certification. The process involves

confirming that you meet the following requirements and then taking an exam.

Requirements

Commit to the ISA Code of Conduct; and

Be fully compliant with the CCST certification criteria, qualifications, and
conditions for which you are applying; and
Acknowledge that you are subject to a random application verification audit,
and if audited you agree to provide the supporting documents required
documentation proving that proves your qualifications.

Note: by paying the exam fee, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met,
and can document that you meet the requirements for the CCST certification for
which you are applying.

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 4/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

Click the appropriate button below to add the exam fee to your cart. After you
complete your purchase and your payment has successfully processed, you will
receive a payment confirmation email. Then, one month before your exam
window, you will receive an email with the exam invitation and instructions for
scheduling your exam. 

Pay Exam Fee for CCST — Level 1

Pay Exam Fee for CCST Specialist — Level 2

Pay Exam Fee 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 exam at a Scantron test center. The CCST exams are multiple choice
and have different time durations and questions.

Exam Questions Duration

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) —

150 4 hours
Level 1

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

125 3 hours
Specialist — Level 2

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Master

150 4 hours
— Level 3

Learn more about Certification Exams and Testing.

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 5/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

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 exam 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 topics 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 exam reflect the tasks performed
in the range of practice settings throughout the United States. Familiarity with the
following standards and codes is recommended. Download 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

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 6/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

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 exam that reference
US standards and codes.

Certification Links

Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Certification Exams and Testing

Recertification

Certificate Programs

Important Announcement for CAPs and CCSTs

We are pleased to announce that our Certified Automation Professional®

(CAP)® and Certified Control System Technician® (CCST®) certification
programs have a brand-new look! Please check your Badgecert account to
access your new logo.

International Society of Automation

PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 919-549-8411
Fax: +1 919-549-8288

Contact Us
https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 7/8
9/14/22, 8:08 AM Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
Contact Us
About
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Do Not Sell My Info - CA Residents Only

© 2022 International Society of Automation

     

https://www.isa.org/certification/ccst 8/8