CSA Exam Only
If you are seeking the CSA designation and believe you already meet the education and/or experience requirements to designate that are listed below, you may choose to purchase the CSA Exam Only.
You may take the CSA exam before you complete the education/experience requirement.
Education / Experience Requirements to designate:
| Option 1: |
Complete the CSA course or its training equivalent AND have one year of paid work experience working with seniors OR 50 hours of volunteering with seniors in the last three years |
| Option 2: |
Have two years of paid work experience working with seniors OR 100 hours of volunteer experience with seniors within the last three years |
| Option 3: |
A certificate or degree in a field related to working with seniors from an accredited college or university |
Click here to see a complete list of CSA designation requirements.
Please Note:
- You have 2 years from the date you pass the CSA exam to complete all designation requirements.
- The CSA credential can only be used by individuals who meet all designation requirements, make satisfactory payment arrangements with SCSA, and are notified by SCSA that they have been designated.
- Professional CE is not available with the CSA Exam Only option.
| Definition of Terms - Education / Experience |
|
| A senior: |
A person who is age 65 and over. |
|
| Paid work experience: |
Any full time, or equivalent, work experience which includes working with a senior population. Examples include nurses that work with senior patients or financial advisors that have senior clients. 2,080 hours of paid work experience equal one year of work experience (40 hours a week, 52 weeks). |
|
| Volunteer Experience: |
Any volunteer experience that involves working directly with seniors. Providing direct care for a senior relative or family member can be included as volunteer experience for up to HALF of the requirement. Volunteer experience must be within the last three years. |
|
| Training the is equivalent to the CSA Course: |
Any self-study or classroom training program that addresses the same or similar objectives and instructional content. Applicants will be asked to provide SCSA documentation that verifies the equivalency. This documentation is subject to review and approval by the SCSA Certification Manager and, as needed, by the SCSA Certification Council. |
|
| Types of certificate or degree programs that are acceptable: |
Certificates or degrees must be awarded by an accredited college or university. The field of study can vary, but must be related to seniors. Gerontology programs meet the requirement. Other areas of study including psychology, sociology, nursing, social work, ministry, health sciences, and nursing home administration are also acceptable. Additional areas of study may be accepted if the applicant can document that the program included course work applicable to seniors. |
Options and Fees
Register now for the CSA Exam Only
Paths to Designation