KCS v6 Fundamentals is an entry-level certification which ensures common understanding of KCS basics.
The exam is based on material outlined in the KCS v6 Fundamentals Study Guide and designed with the following question in mind: If you hired someone to capture, structure, and reuse knowledge based on interactions, what would you expect them to know and understand about KCS?
The KCS v6 Fundamentals self-paced online training is available for an additional cost, and discounted when purchased with this course.
- Prerequisites: The KCS v6 Fundamentals self-paced online training is recommended but not required. Purchase the course separately for $145, or bundle the certification exam with the course for $195.
- Format and Pricing: $95 online, non-proctored exam of about 25 questions with a 60 minute time limit. Reference materials can be used during the exam.
- The KCS v6 Fundamentals Exam is currently available in English, German, and French. The Study Guide is currently only available in English.
- All fees are non-refundable.
- Digital Badge: Upon successfully passing the exam, you will be issued a digital badge through Credly.
Purchase Options
Self-Enrollment
Access Key
Access keys can be distributed to individuals for self-enrollment.
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Add the KCS v6 Fundamentals self-paced course to save $45 at checkout.
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Exam expires 12 weeks after launch.
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Learning Objectives
The KCS v6 Fundamentals Certification designates individuals who demonstrate a basic understanding of:
- KCS concepts including KCS Principles and Core Concepts
- Benefits of KCS and the creation, reuse, and improvement of knowledge articles
- The KCS article and the process for creating one
- How to integrate KCS processes into the workflow
- How the knowledge worker’s KCS performance should be assessed to drive desired behaviors
- Leading vs. lagging indicators
Intended Audience
- Anyone interested in demonstrating an understanding of the basics of KCS
- Knowledge workers fielding interactions with employees, peers, or customers
- Internal or external Support Agents
The certification standards and exam are developed and maintained by a committee of Members from the Consortium for Service Innovation. No specific product or technology is covered in the exam. Specifics about individual company content standard, roles, workflow, and life cycle states that are unique to an organization are not included in the exam.
Exam Results
At the completion of the KCS v6 Fundamentals Certification exam, you will receive a graded percentage. This level of exam feedback is only available for the KCS v6 Fundamentals exam as your first step along the KCS certification journey.
The pass line, or cut score, is not the same as an A-F grading scale. The pass line is set at the minimum amount of correct answers based on the questions on the exam. The passing percentage was determined using psychometric calculations and statistically sound sample testing results.
If the candidate’s exam registration was paid for by the candidate’s company, that company has the right to receive the Pass/Fail exam result. Results for exams paid for by an individual candidate will be kept confidential.
If necessary, you may purchase a retake exam for $95.
Certification Renewal
Certification begins on the date of passing the online exam and ends one year after the Consortium releases the next iteration of KCS Practices certification. KCS v6 certification was released on September 1, 2016.
KCS Community Rules of Conduct
Participation in Consortium for Service Innovation certification activities indicates that you have read and agree to the Consortium’s Member Rules of Conduct. Lack of adherence to these rules of conduct will be grounds for loss of certification status and exclusion from the KCS network at the Consortium’s discretion.
Self-Paced Training & Exams
- KCS v6 Fundamentals & Exam
- Digital Transformation Fundamentals
- Managing in a Digital Economy
- Intelligent Swarming Fundamentals & Exam
Instructor-Led Training & Exams
- KCS v6 Practices Workshop & Exam
- KCS v6 Coach Workshop
- Knowledge Domain Analysis Workshop
- KCS v6 Leadership Workshop
- KCS v6 Trainer Exam
The Only Certifying Body for KCS
The Consortium for Service Innovation, whose Members created and maintain the KCS methodology, is the only certifying body for KCS. We offer KCS certification for people and KCS designations for KCS Verified Tools, KCS Aligned Tools, and KCS Aligned Services.