Step 3: The Certification Exam

Resume and Cover Letter Writing Exam

For the NCRW exam, you will be given a candidate profile and asked to write a resume and cover letter based solely on the raw profile provided. You will have five days to complete the project, which is handled via email. Your documents will be reviewed by two graders and you will receive your results within four weeks.

If you fail the exam, you must wait 45 days to retake it ($150.00 fee). If you fail the exam a second time, you must wait 120 days for a retake ($150.00 fee). If you fail the exam a third time you must wait one year for your next retake ($150.00 fee). Following a failure the Certification Commission will provide resource recommendations for you to improve yours skills prior to your next retake.

This is a resume writing certification exam. Your submission must reflect your original writing and design skills and not rely on AI-generated content or resume templates. You may leverage AI tools for limited support (such as ensuring relevant keywords are included), but resume and cover letter content must not be produced verbatim by AI. Templates are not permitted, as they prevent graders from evaluating layout, formatting, and design skills. If a grader identifies clear indicators of AI or template use, point deductions may be applied. These deductions affect your overall score and may result in a failing grade.

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