The CSCP consists of four-option, multiple choice questions. It is a 2 hour, 135 question examination consisting of 100 scored questions and 35 unscored pretest questions.

Pretest questions are placed on the exam to evaluate the item's difficulty level for possible inclusion as a scored question in the future. Candidates' scores are based upon the number of scored items on the exam — pretest items do not affect the candidates' score. Pretest questions are dispersed throughout the examination and cannot be identified.