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Frequently Asked Questions/help-center/frequently-asked-questions

Frequently Asked Questions

CERTIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

1. Which certification suits me best?

Both TSI certifications have specific eligibility requirements based on your education and professional work experience. Please refer to the “Candidacy Norms” to check the eligibility.

2. Can I obtain a TSI credential without having the required work experience?

Technically yes. The TSI credential policy can serve you well here! You just have to check if your Master’s degree (full-time) from a TSI-recognized or TSI-affiliated institution. In other words, if you are a current student or an alumnus of TSI recognized or a TSI-affiliated institution, the work-experience requirement for a TSI certification may be significantly lessened, or even waived!

3. What should you do if your candidature is disapproved on eligibility grounds?

In response to our disapproval of the applicant’s candidature on eligibility grounds, the applicant must fill the Candidacy Reconsideration Request Form available here for reconsidering the eligibility for the TSI credential exam applied for. The form must be submitted together within 5 business days after candidature disapproval notification. Attach the required documents along with the form and send them via Contact Us.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & AUDITS

4. How do I switch the certification programs if I've already registered for a program?

To switch the certification programs, please write to us via /through the Contact Us form.

5. What is the procedure used by TSI to review applications?

The submission of an application indicates that you agree to comply with the terms of the auditing process. if your application is picked for an audit, a notification is sent to you carrying the necessary details of the process, required documents, and timelines. You need to fill out the 'Candidacy Audit Response Form' available here and send it with the required documents mentioned in the form through Contact Us.

TSI LEARNING RESOURCES

6. How will I receive the learning resources?

Your learning resources will be shipped to the address that you provide us in your myTSI dashboard. Please do ensure that your information is correct and complete. You will also get access to additional resources on your myTSI dashboard.

7. Do I need to pay extra for study materials?

You do not have to pay any additional amount for the learning resources.

8. Can I buy the TSI Business Strategy Handbook even if I am not an applicant?

No. The learning resources are not intended for the open market, and its availability and access are restricted to only authorized users, including candidates earning the TSI certification program.

EXAM AND RESULTS

9. How long is the process of earning certification?

You have a period of 365 days from the date of the payment to study for, prepare for, and take your TSI exam. Your exam results will be available immediately upon completing the exam online. Your official TSI credential box – including your certification, lapel pin, and more – will be shipped to your address within 3-4 weeks.

10. Can I take my TSI certification exam using my own laptop or personal computer?

Yes. Both TSI exams are proctored online, and you can take them at your convenience after your computer and surroundings are ExamStrong™ verified.

11. What IDs are accepted to register for my exam with ExamStrong™?

The examinee must carry two valid forms of ID from the list below. Please note that both IDs can either be primary IDs or one primary and one secondary ID.

Primary ID

The primary ID must be original and valid, containing both, the examinee’s photo, and signature.

  • Government issued driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • State/Country ID card
  • Employee/School ID
Secondary ID

The secondary ID must be original and valid, containing the examinee’s name and signature, or the examinee’s name and a recent photo.

Please Note: All IDs required must be issued by the country in which the candidate is testing. If the candidate does not have a qualifying primary ID issued from the country they are testing in, an International Travel Passport from their country of citizenship is required, along with a secondary ID.

The first and last name that the candidate uses to register must match exactly the first and last name on both of the IDs that are presented on test day.

12. What is the duration of TSI certification exams?

Both TSI exams are 75 minutes long.

13. What is the exam format?

Both TSI exams are multiple choice-based. Each question has four choices, with one or more options being the correct answer. You need not answer every question before moving to the next. You can always review or return or alter the answers to previously answered questions. Therefore, make sure that the answers to each question are properly reviewed before submitting the exam.

14. Can I use electronic devices (like mobile phones, digital watches etc.) during the examination?

You are not allowed to use any electronic devices during the examination. Please read our examinee conduct policy here.

15. Am I allowed to take breaks during the exam?

No. The exam is proctored live and must be completed all at once without any breaks.

16. At what time should I reach the examination room/location?

You should reach the chosen exam room/location at least 60 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure the exam room and the computer are thoroughly checked, verified, and approved by the TSI-authorized testing body.

17.What are the minimum system requirements for online-proctored exams?

System Requirements

Must  Have

Display (Resolution)

1024 x 768 [Recommended]

Network Connection

Wired Network [Strongly Recommended by Authorized Exam Machine for better Exam Delivery Performance]

Internet Connection Speed

Minimum 1 Mbps

Web Browser(s)

Latest Version of Google Chrome Only

Webcam

Internal or an External Webcam must be connected to the computer

Firewall(s)

Corporate firewalls (including VPNs) often cause this Exam Delivery method to fail. Please take your exam in a setting without these Firewalls

Admin Rights

Should have Admin Rights on your Laptop/Computer

18. What if I have canceled my exam but want to reapply for it now?

If you cancel the scheduled examination appointment, you can immediately reapply from your myTSI dashboard by paying a nominal fee of USD 50.

19. How do I reschedule my exam?

You can reschedule your exam from your User Account only 72 hours before your scheduled examination. If you want to reschedule your exam within 72 hours of your examination date, you can do so by paying a nominal fee of USD 50.

20. How many questions are there in each of the exams?

Program ABSP™ SBSP™
No. of Questions 50 50

Please click here for more details.

21. What do I need to score to pass an exam?

Though scoring 65 percent marks in a TSI certification exam may be generally sufficient, but unlike typical university academic tests with standardized and fixed qualifications, passing grades, or numeric scores, the TSI certification qualification criteria are dynamic – they vary across time and examinee batches. Also, they hinge on a statistical measure of the scores obtained by the global 85 percentile of the examinees in a given time period.

22. When can I expect to get my result?

You can view your result immediately after submitting the online test. Your test results will also be published on your User Account within 96 business hours of completing the exam.
You will also receive an email with the Credbadge- the Unique Credential code to showcase your digital badge within 3-4 days of passing the exam. The official credential box will be shipped to you within 3-4 weeks.

23. What if I am not able to pass my TSI certification exam on the first attempt?

If you fail in your first attempt, you will be required to pay a nominal fee of USD 50 via your myTSI dashboard to retake the exam. Please note that you can apply to reappear right after your examination result gets published.

24. What if I miss my scheduled appointment (‘No Show’)?

Examinees missing a scheduled exam because of emergencies should directly contact TSI to report the matter.

The following reasons for missing out on, or not showing up for a scheduled TSI Certification examination have been defined as acceptably genuine, and deemed as justified for grant of Retake permissions if requested:

  • If examinees have been unfortunately affected by Covid infections, or are under quarantine, or are facing immobility due to Covid-related restrictions or disruptions.
  • If examinees themselves or any of their immediate family members meet a serious accident or develop a sudden medical condition demanding serious attention.
  • If there is a bereavement in the family.
  • If examinees are summoned by courts, or are drafted on juries, or are required for some urgent national duty.

Examinees forced to miss out on their scheduled TSI exam for any of the above-mentioned reasons are required to contact TSI and request for a Retake by submitting doctor’s or hospital certificates etc., as proofs of the emergency encountered.

RENEWAL & UPGRADE

25. What is Recertification?

Recertification is the process of renewing one's certification. Recertification implies that you are building upon your knowledge, growing as a professional, and increasing your experience daily. Recertification is the process where the candidate who already holds the said certification, retakes the same at the end of the certification validity period.

26. How do I maintain my TSI certification?

Renewal is compulsory to keep your TSI certifications current and live. You are required to renew your credential before the standard renewal deadline. TSI will send you reminder emails for the renewal of your credential, wherein you simply have to click the links mentioned in these communications, or log into your myTSI dashboard and register for renewal. Please make sure to keep your email address current to receive email reminders.

27. What if I fail to renew my credential?

The TSI credential holder should upgrade or renew their credential within the standard renewal period. In case they fail to do so, they also have a 60 day convenience period for renewal.

For more information, please Contact Us.

28. When can I submit my recertification application?

SBSP™ certificants receive renewal reminder emails periodically to ensure timely action wherein you simply have to click the links mentioned in these communications or log in to your myTSI account and register for renewal.

29. My certification validity has expired but I have to renew my certification what should I do?

TSI credentials have a convenience period (grace period) for renewal and also have provisions for reactivation and revival. Kindly visit www.thestrategyinstitute.org for more details on our policies.

30. What is the Difference between Recertification and upgradation?

Recertification:
Recertification is the process of renewing one's certification. Recertification implies that you are building upon your knowledge, growing as a professional, and increasing your experience daily. Recertification is the process where the candidate who already holds the said certificate, retakes the same at the end of the certification validity period.
Upgrade:
Upgradation is the process of replacing an existing certification with a better, improved, and more relevant certification.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

31. When will I get an invoice for my certification fee?

The invoice is generated immediately after the payment is realized and can be downloaded easily from your myTSI dashboard.

32. What are the available modes of fee payments?

Payments can be made via debit or credit cards. We accept a range of cards including Visa, American Express, MasterCard among others. Payment for company-sponsored applicants can be done via electronic checks or wire transfers, and further information may be sought by writing to us via .

33. What is the refund policy in case I wish to withdraw from the certification program?

For withdrawal requests made within 24 hours from payment, the total fee paid will be refunded after deducting the processing charges of USD 80. However, no refund will be processed for withdrawal requests after 24 hours.

34. Can I pay the fee in installments?

No. Payments must be made in a single installment.

35. Do I have to pay the fee again if I cancel an exam I scheduled?

Examinees canceling their exams and want to re-take the exam are required to pay a nominal fee of USD 50 from their myTSI dashboard.

DIGITAL BADGING AND CREDENTIAL

36. Do I have to pay extra for my digital badge?

There will be no additional cost incurred by you for displaying your digital badge; Storing, managing, and broadcasting your credential is free. We provide you with a best-in-class platform to display your hard-earned TSI credential.

37. How do I share my digital badge?

Using CredBadge's sharing options, you can directly share your digital badge on professional networking sites, personal websites, e-mails, and popular social media platforms. Each digital badge has a unique URL that can be embedded.

Follow the step-by-step instructions here:
  • Log in to your User Account
  • Click on "View Result" under your qualification and then click on "Share your Credential."
  • You will be redirected to CredBadge, our digital badging partner.
  • Log in to your CredBadge account [Use your registered e-mail, password, and candidate/registrant ID of your myTSI account.
  • Click on the corresponding social media icon (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or E-mail) on the bottom left.

Broadcast your achievements. Get the recognition you deserve!

38. Can I get a hard-copy certification in addition to the digital one?

Yes, you will receive both – a digital badge and a hard copy of your certification. The official credential box will be shipped to your registered shipping address within 3-4 weeks of you successfully passing the exam.

39. How can I inform my employer of the successful completion of my exam?

You can notify your employer about your credential award by logging in to your myTSI dashboard and clicking on Notify My Employer button to add the email address of the individual you want to notify. TSI will send an email to that person about your TSI credential award.

40. What is the procedure for obtaining a duplicate certificate?

To get a duplicate certificate in the event of losing your original one, you must generate a service request from your myTSI dashboard. An additional fee of USD 100 will have to be incurred by you.

SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS

41. How do I track my TSI shipments?

You will get shipment and tracking notifications from the outsourced logistics vendor as soon as your Learning Resources and your Credential Box are shipped.

42. What should I do if I haven't received my shipment although I received the shipment delivered notification?

If you've received a shipment delivery e-mail but still have not received the Learning Resources or your credential box, we advise you to:

  • lodge a complaint with the specified carrier service
  • write to us in the Contact Us form.

43. What if my kit is delivered to the wrong address?

In case your Learning Resources have been delivered to an incorrect address, please register a complaint with the carrier using the tracking details provided by TSI Logistics.

44. What happens if I am not available to receive the shipment?

If you are not available to accept the shipment delivery, the shipper may deliver the Learning Resources at your mentioned address after verification.

45. Can I change my shipping/mailing address once I have paid the certification fee?

Yes, you will be able to change your shipping/ mailing address after you have paid the certification fee till the time your Learning Resources are shipped. Once it is shipped, you will not be able to change your address. So please ensure that you provide us with the correct address to avoid any hassle at the time of delivery of your Learning Resources.

46. Can I reschedule the date of delivery of my TSI Learning Resources/Credential Box?

Yes, it may be possible. Please refer to the shipping details shared by the logistics team and contact your carrier to check the possibility of rescheduling your shipment delivery date.

47. What do I do if I received a damaged or wrong set of books?

If you have received damaged books or the wrong set of books in your Resource Box, please write to us via Contact Us within 24 hours of receipt of your kit. We regret to inform you that we will not be able to accept any complaints after 24 hours.

48. Do I have to pay any additional duties and taxes?

You may have to pay the customs duties and other levies – if any – in your country. As a recipient, you are responsible for the clearance of the Learning Resources or the Credential Box consignment.

Note: TSI or its partners/representatives will not be responsible for any delays due to delivery carrier factors, weather, natural calamities, international customs regulations, holidays, customer error, or any other unforeseen events beyond the control of the shipper.

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