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BICSI Installer 1 (INST1)

Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for INST1, with direct links to official sources.

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QuestionsTwo-part exam: hands-on performance exam of six tasks (pass/fail per task); written exam of 75 multiple-choice questions drawn from the ITSIMM, based on knowledge and application

Testing timeHands-on exam: six tasks with a 20-minute-per-task time limit, given the last day of the IN101 course (generally a Friday afternoon) or virtually via webcam; written exam: 2 hours, computer-based

ScoringPass/fail; both parts must be successfully passed to become a BICSI Installer 1. Hands-on: proctors give pass/fail results after each task; one free same-day retest per failed task, and failing the same task twice or failing a total of two hands-on tasks requires retaking the hands-on exam on another date. Written: computer-based pass/fail exam; no numeric passing score is published for it on BICSI's web pages

Exam feeExam application fee USD 400 (BICSI store list price, 'Installer 1 Exam Fee'; BICSI members receive a discount, member price shown only at login), paid when the application is submitted; exam-only candidates not taking the IN101 course additionally pay a USD 135 virtual walk-in exam fee for INST1 (scheduling of a hands-on exam with a BICSI Training Delivery Specialist plus shipment of the INST1 hands-on exam materials kit) and a USD 50 walk-in scheduling fee; exam application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; the exam fee is not included in the IN101 course fee (course pricing member USD 1,725 / nonmember USD 1,845)

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Exam overview

What to know before choosing your prep

Who runs it: BICSI
Category: Networking
Current version: Current specification based on BICSI's ITSIMM, 8th edition; no separately versioned exam label (the IN101 course and the exam both reference the 8th edition of the Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual)
Where it applies: Global
Exam languages: English
Testing provider: Pearson VUE (written exam); BICSI proctors / BICSI Training Delivery Specialist (hands-on exam)
Format: Hands-on performance exam in person (last day of the IN101 course) or virtually via webcam using the examinee's own tools plus a BICSI-supplied materials kit; written exam computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center or at home via OnVUE
Availability: Exam application due at least seven days before the hands-on exam date; the hands-on exam is typically given the last day of the IN101 course (generally Friday afternoon) or scheduled as a virtual walk-in; the written exam is scheduled through Pearson VUE only after passing the hands-on exam; rescheduling/cancellation with Pearson VUE requires at least one business day's notice
Results: Hands-on: proctors give pass/fail results after each task on exam day. Written: result timing is not published on BICSI's HTML pages (the Installation Handbook PDF, not used here, carries result details)
Credential validity: The INST1 certificate is non-renewable — no expiration or recertification requirement is published for it
Remote testing: Available

Exam structure

Two separately administered parts, both required. Hands-on performance exam: six tasks to industry standards with a 20-minute per-task time limit, given the last day of the IN101 course or virtually. Written exam: 75 multiple-choice questions drawn from the ITSIMM (knowledge and application), computer-based, taken only after the hands-on exam has been completed successfully and scheduled through Pearson VUE

Where rules vary

BICSI is a global ICT industry association; the INST1 certificate is an internationally recognized entry-level installation credential, with the written exam delivered at Pearson VUE test centers located globally (plus OnVUE at-home testing) and the hands-on exam available virtually by webcam

Eligibility

No prior ICT industry installation experience requirement; physical requirements include distinguishing colors, manual dexterity for fine motor tasks, standing for extended periods, climbing ladders, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds; BICSI recommends at least 50 hours of ITSIMM study for exam candidates

Retake policy

Hands-on: one free same-day retest per failed task; failing the same task twice or failing a total of two hands-on tasks requires retaking the hands-on exam on another date. Overall: during the one-year exam eligibility period from application approval, a 30-day waiting period between each unsuccessful exam attempt; after a third unsuccessful attempt, a 90-day waiting period begins; each retest requires the appropriate exam retest fee; if the exam is not passed within the eligibility period, a new application must be submitted