When we launched the option for CFRE candidates to take the CFRE exam from their home or office in 2020, we were not able to offer any scheduled breaks due to security reasons.

Pearson VUE, the company that administers our exams, has created a new solution for those testing, whether remotely or in-person at a Pearson VUE test center, to have a break while maintaining the exam’s security.

Beginning January 15, 2022, the CFRE exam will be administered in two sections separated by a 10-minute optional break.

How it works

Section 1 contains 100 questions. These questions will be displayed followed by an opportunity to review your selected answers. Once you have answered and reviewed the Section 1 questions, your break will begin. Please note that once your break begins, you will not be able to return to the questions in Section 1.

Your break time is clearly displayed and will continue to count down throughout your break. Break time exceeding 10 minutes will be deducted from Section 2 of your exam.

You are not required to take the full break time and may start Section 2 of your exam whenever you are ready. Once you complete Section 2, if time permits, you will be able to review your Section 2 answers.

Should you decide not to take the optional break, you will still not be able to return to Section 1 once you start Section 2.

Those who sit for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center may also take this 10-minute break in addition to unscheduled breaks. During unscheduled breaks the clock will keep ticking.

We hope this new change will make it more comfortable for you to test.

Questions?

Contact our Certification Team at succeed@cfre.org.