Your Skills. Your Advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Tosa certification

How long does a certification take?

Certification is limited to 60 minutes. The average duration is 43 minutes.

Is this certification recognized?

Tosa certifications are recognized across many industries, with regular expansion into new industries. Tosa is currently recognized with healthcare, accounting, banking/insurance, HR/recruitment, consulting, legal, logistics, manufacturing, IT services, training & development, government/public services, marketing/communications, academia (primary education and higher education), and more.

Tosa certifications are also recognized internationally in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Dominican Republic, French Polynesia, Cameroon, Guyana, and more. We continue to gain recognition as we grow and service 50+ countries around the world.

What is the passing score?

There is no pass or fail with Tosa certifications. Tosa certifies your individual proficiency level with a numeric score between 0-1,000 and a placement on 5-level proficiency ranking from beginner to expert (beginner, basic, productive, advanced, expert).

How do I present my Tosa score on my resume?

The official standard is: Tosa [Software Name] [Version]: [Score] / 1000 (Level), for example: "Tosa Excel 2019: 880/1,000 (Expert)"

Can I have access to the test questions and answers?

We do not expose our certification question bank. You can access the questions and answers from your Tosa assessment (to aid in test preparation).

For how long is a Tosa certification valid?

Tosa Certification diplomas are valid for three years from the date of issue. You can elect to have a reminder sent to you before your certification expires. Login to your candidate account to setup your reminder.

Why are Tosa certifications valid for 3 years?

Skill levels evolve or decline over time, depending on use of the software or tool. New software and software versions are released every year, and skills must be updated. We cannot legitimately certify a digital skills level for more than 3 years. Limiting the certification validity reinforces the need for life-long learning and professional development.

How do I add/share my Tosa certification on LinkedIn?

For directions on how to add your certification to your LinkedIn profile. Watch this short instructional video to learn more

How can I highlight my certification to help with my job search?

Tosa improves employability by validating an individual’s skills with a non-bias, third party, internationally recognized certification. Your Tosa certification score can be displayed on your LinkedIn page (more here), and your resume. For example:

Many employers recognize Tosa certifications and utilize our assessments for recruiting purposes.

How can I prepare best for the certification?

Full practice tests, or Tosa assessments, are available for purchase to help you prepare for your certification. These assessments provide extensive results reports with skill gaps and access to your test questions and answers to help you prepare for your Tosa certification.

You can also practice online using our abbreviated tests available here. This quick and free evaluation before the certification will give you an estimated score on 3-level scale (0 to 350, 351 to 550, and 551 to 1,000).

We have partnered with multiple online learning providers and training companies that deliver Tosa aligned courses. Contact us for more information.

Do you offer learning material?

To provide an independent, impartial skill validation we do not publish learning resources. We work with several providers that offer curriculum or training course content that is aligned to the Tosa skills frameworks. If you would like a referral for preparation materials, please contact us.

Can I re-test?

Yes. Additional certifications can be purchased/taken without a mandatory waiting period. The number of test sessions is not limited.

Is there an option to retake a failed certification?

Tosa certifications are not pass/fail certifications. Instead, you will receive a score certifying your individual level of proficiency. As you increase your skills, you can retake the Tosa certification to validate your new skill level.

How long is my certification pack valid for?

Certification packs are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Are my certification packs transferrable? (to other individuals)

Certification packs cannot be transferred.

How should I include my Tosa score on my resume?

TAKING A Tosa CERTIFICATION TEST (exam conditions, equipment, minimum configuration, test duration, troubleshooting, etc.)

What are the exam rules for Tosa certifications?

The exam conditions are identical as for in person testing in a Tosa Approved Center Remote proctoring test. Candidates must be alone in a well-lit and quite room, communication with others during the test is prohibited, and the candidate must stay within the view of their webcam. The use of electronic devices, headphones/earbuds, or documents is not permitted during the test. Breaks are not permitted; candidates must remain in the field of the webcam during the entire duration of the test.

Can I use my notes during the test?

No, the use of notes, documents, other electronic devices, headphones/earbuds are not permitted during the test.

What are the technical requirements to take a Tosa certification?

For the best performance, your operating system must be up to date (Windows 10 and up; Mac OSX 10.6 and up), and you’ll need a minimum screen resolution of 1280 x760. You will also need to use a recently updated browser. We recommend utilizing Firefox version 80+ or Chrome version 80+.
Remote proctoring requires a webcam and a microphone connected to your computer. The RPnow secure browser must be installed on your computer, requiring administrative rights.
Tosa tests can be taken on PC or Mac. Tosa certifications can only be taken on a desktop or laptop computer. While assessment tests can be taken on an iPad utilizing Office 2013 for iPad, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to take advantage of the larger screen size and in-application questions. Tosa tests cannot be taken on smart phones.

Is there a way to verify that my equipment is compatible ahead of time?

For the best performance, your operating system must be up to date (Windows 10 and up; Mac OSX 10.6 and up), and you’ll need a minimum screen resolution of 1280 x760. You will also need to use a recently updated browser. We recommend utilizing Firefox version 80+ or Chrome version 80+.

Contact your exam sponsor or the Isograd Support Team to request a link to a configuration check test.

Can I appeal my score?

If you have concerns about your certification score, contact your exam sponsor or the Isograd Support Team.

How do I contact support in case of technical issue?

If you experience technical issues during your test, you can connect with Support directly from your exam. You can also contact us via email at support@isograd.com or by phone depending on your service level agreement.

How long does it take to receive my certification diploma or certificate of completion?

If you took the certification in-person, in an Approved Tosa Test Center, your certification diploma or certificate of completion will be emailed to you within 3 business days. Remember to check your spam folder. If you took the certification using remote proctoring, the process to review your session and validate your result takes between 7 and 10 business days.

Once validated you can also retrieve the certification diploma or certificate of completion in your candidate portal.

Can I use a tablet or a mobile device to take a test?

Tosa certifications can only be taken on a desktop or laptop computer. While assessment tests can be taken on an iPad utilizing Office 2013 for iPad, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to take advantage of the larger screen size and in-application questions. Tosa tests cannot be taken on smart phones.

What if I don't receive my certification diploma or certificate of completion?

Diplomas for certifications taken in-person are issued within 3 business days, and up to 10 business days for tests taken with remote proctoring. After this time frame, if you still have not received your diploma, please double check your spam folder or you can retrieve your certification diploma in your candidate portal. If you are still unable to locate your diploma, please contact your exam sponsor, or the Isograd Support Team.

What if I encounter a technical problem during my session?

If you experience technical issues during your test, you can connect with Support directly from your exam. You can also contact us via email at support@isograd.com or by phone depending on your service level agreement.

REMOTE PROCTORING SERVICES

What are the hardware and software requirements to take remote proctored certification?

Tosa tests can be taken on PC or Mac. Tosa certifications can only be taken on a desktop or laptop computer. For the best performance, your operation system must be up to date (Windows 10 and up; Mac OSX 10.6 and up), and you’ll need a minimum screen resolution of 1280 x760. You will also need to use a recently updated browser. We recommend utilizing Firefox version 80+ or Chrome version 80+.

Remote proctoring requires a webcam and a microphone connected to your computer. The RPNow secure browser must be installed on your computer, requiring administrative rights.

Can I take the certification remotely if my webcam isn’t working?

No, remote proctored Tosa Certifications requires a working web cam and microphone.

What do I do in case of technical issues during a remote proctored test?

If you experience technical issues during your test, you can connect with Support directly from your exam.

I forgot to upload my photo ID during the check process, can I provide it afterwards?

No, photo ID cannot be provided afterwards. If you failed to upload your photo ID, you will still be allowed to take your test; however, to validate your diploma, we will ask you or your exam sponsor to confirm your identity.

How long does it take to receive the certification diploma or certificate of completion after a remote proctored certification?

If you took the certification using remote proctoring, the process to review your session and validate your result takes between 7 and 10 business days.

Once validated you can also retrieve the certification diploma or certificate of comletion in your candidate portal.

What is the RPNow software for?

RPNow is a proprietary, secure browser that is part of our remote proctoring solution. It prevents candidates from accessing any resources outside the test environment, while recording the candidate’s screen. All remote proctored Tosa tests are required to use RPNow.

I have an issue downloading the remote proctoring software, what can I do?

If you experience trouble downloading the remote proctoring software, please click here for more information

Do I have to schedule an appointment with a proctor?

If you are taking your Tosa test in an Approved Testing Center, contact the center directly for questions about scheduling. If you are utilizing remote proctoring for your test, there is no need to schedule time with a proctor. Simply click through the link you received via email, download the RPNow proprietary browser, and take your test when and where it is convenient for you.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A Tosa CERTIFICATION

How can I prepare best for the certification?

Full practice tests, or Tosa assessments, are available for purchase to help you prepare for your certification. These assessments provide extensive results reports with skill gaps and access to your test questions and answers to help you prepare for your Tosa certification.

You can also practice online using our abbreviated tests available here. This quick and free evaluation before the certification will give you an estimated score on 3-level scale (0 to 350, 351 to 550, and 551 to 1,000).

We have partnered with multiple online learning providers and training companies that deliver Tosa aligned courses. Contact us for more information.

Where can I find online courses to prepare for Tosa certifications?

We have partnered with multiple online learning providers and training companies that deliver Tosa aligned courses. Contact us for more information.

Where can I find in person courses to prepare for Tosa certifications?

We have partnered with multiple online learning providers and training companies that deliver Tosa aligned courses. Contact us for more information.

Can I take the Tosa assessment multiple times to practice before the exam?

Yes. Our certification packs contain up two Tosa assessments to help you prepare for your certification exam.

PERSONAL DATA/SECURITY

Who reviews the recording of my exam session?

All remote proctored certifications are subject to a two-step proctor review. The first review is done by PSI to flag any cheating attempts or anomalies, which Isograd then reviews.

How long is my personal information kept?

Isograd, in compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) retains candidate data for 4 years, after which personal data is automatically anonymized. A candidate can contact Isograd to have their personal information anonymized at any time by emailing dpo@isograd.com.

The only personal information that Isograd retains is the individuals’ first name, last name, and email address.

What is the process for removing my personal information from your database?

You can request your personal information to be deleted at any time by email to dpo@isograd.com.

I’ve lost my login information; how can I recover it?

If you have lost or forgotten your login information, return to the Login page and click “Forgot Password.” If you have forgotten which email address you used to set up your account, please contact Support.

Tosa INTEGRATION with LMS or ATS

Which LMS do you integrate with?

Our platform integrates with most LMS (Blackboard, Moodle, edX, IMS Global, Canvas, etc...) through LTI or API.

What features of the platform are available through the integration?

Most of the standard features of our platform are available through integration. For more information, please request a copy of our LTI/API documentation by email contact@isograd.com.

Can I still access the portal directly even though I’m using it through an LMS?

Yes, you can still access the portal directly.