Knowledge-Cenered Support

The KCS Principles certification exam is designed to test an individual’s comprehension of the KCSSM methodology. In response to the needs of the industry, HDI and the Consortium for Service Innovation jointly developed the first KCS Principles course in 2003 in order to promote and share the KCS methodology. Working with members of the Consortium for Service Innovation, HDI developed the KCS Principles Certification Standard in 2006. This standard summarizes the core range of knowledge an individual is expected to know based on KCS version 5. In 2007, HDI released the KCS Principles Certification Exam as a means to test and then recognize individuals that can demonstrate their comprehension of KCS.

About HDI Certification Exams

All HDI certification exams are based solely on the HDI certification standards. Each exam consists of 65 multiple choice questions and must be completed in 75 minutes. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass a certification exam, unless otherwise published. Individuals who achieve the passing score will receive a certificate from HDI acknowledging their accomplishment.

About HDI Courses and Standards

HDI courses are designed to assist a student preparing for an HDI certification exam. They reinforce the core concepts of the HDI certification standards and provide skills building opportunities for the attendees. HDI certification standards are available separately on the HDI website. Learn more about the HDI standards. All HDI courses include a copy of the related HDI standard and one certification exam. Learn more about the KCS Principles course.

Certification Exam Pricing

Certification exams can be purchased separately from training courses on the Certification Testing page. The KCS Principles certification exam is $195 for HDI members and $225 for non-members. Not a member? Join now.

Certification Exams on the HDI Learning Center

All HDI certification exams are available on the HDI Learning Center. These exams are delivered online providing flexibility in scheduling and are accessible at work, at home, at your local library, or any location with an Internet connection. Once registered for an online exam, the person will have up to 12 weeks to take the exam.

Log in to the HDI Learning Center

30-day exam extensions are available for online exams for a fee of $50. Extensions are not available for Vue test vouchers.

Exam retakes can be purchased for a fee of $99.

Contact the Customer Care Center at 1.800.248.5667.


KCS is a service mark of the Consortium for Service Innovation.