Exam Retake Policy

This policy applies to all Encrypted Syntax certification exams, including CEPT, CCES, and CDOE.

1. Overview

The Encrypted Syntax retake policy is designed to give candidates a fair second chance while protecting the integrity and difficulty of the certifications.

  • Each exam attempt is a full 7-day practical lab exam with report submission.
  • If you do not pass your first attempt, you are eligible for one free retake.
  • A third attempt (and any further attempts) requires purchase of a new $150 exam voucher.

2. Eligibility for Retakes

To be eligible for a retake, all of the following must be true:

  • You completed an initial exam attempt for CEPT, CCES, or CDOE.
  • Your exam was graded and resulted in a fail decision.
  • You did not violate any academic integrity or exam conduct rules.
  • You submitted a report (or at minimum, clearly attempted the exam environment).

Encrypted Syntax may deny retake eligibility in cases of suspected fraud, misconduct, or abuse of the exam environment.

3. Free Retake (Second Attempt)

If you fail your first attempt, you are entitled to one free retake of the same certification exam.

  • Timing: The free retake must be started immediately or within 7 days of the failure notification email.
  • Exam Version: The free retake uses the same exam version and lab environment as your first attempt.
  • Format: You receive another 7-day exam window with full lab access and a new report deadline.

If you do not schedule or start your free retake within 7 days, the free retake offer may be forfeited and a paid voucher may be required for future attempts.

4. Paid Retake (Third Attempt and Beyond)

If you fail both your initial attempt and your free retake, you may attempt the exam again by purchasing a new voucher.

  • Voucher Cost: Each additional attempt requires a new $150 exam voucher.
  • Exam Version: The third attempt may use the same or a different exam version at Encrypted Syntax’s discretion.
  • Attempt Structure: Each paid attempt provides a full 7-day exam window with lab access and a new report deadline.

Voucher purchases are generally non-refundable once an exam window has been scheduled or started.

5. Scheduling, Rescheduling & No-Shows

  • Scheduling: Retake dates are chosen from the available exam windows listed in your exam portal or provided by the exam support team.
  • Rescheduling (Before Start): You may request to reschedule a retake before your exam window begins, subject to availability and reasonable notice.
  • No-Shows / Non-Participation: If your exam window opens and you do not meaningfully engage with the lab or submit a report, the attempt may still be counted as used.

Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in loss of retake privileges or additional fees.

6. Academic Integrity & Retake Denial

Academic integrity is critical to protecting the value of Encrypted Syntax certifications. The following actions can result in losing retake privileges:

  • Collaboration with other individuals during the exam.
  • Sharing exam content, flags, screenshots, configurations, or walkthroughs.
  • Posting exam details to forums, Discord servers, or social media.
  • Using AI tools or external resources to directly solve your specific exam environment.
  • Attempting to attack, disrupt, or damage the lab infrastructure.

In cases of serious misconduct, Encrypted Syntax may impose a permanent ban from all future exams and certifications.

7. How to Request a Retake

Retake requests are handled directly through your exam communication channel.

  • Follow the instructions in your failure notification email to request your free retake or purchase a new voucher.
  • Provide your full name, certification (CEPT, CCES, or CDOE), and the exam attempt you are requesting (free retake or paid retake).
  • Select from the available exam windows offered by the Encrypted Syntax exam team.

If you have questions about eligibility, timing, or logistics, contact the exam support team using the email address listed in your exam instructions.

8. Policy Changes

Encrypted Syntax may update this retake policy to reflect changes in exam delivery, infrastructure, or certification requirements.

The version of the retake policy in effect at the time you schedule your exam window will be the version that applies to that attempt.