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PCA CSDB Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | Property Care Association (PCA) |
| Exam Name: | Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings (CSDB) Examination |
| Exam Number: | CSDB |
| Related Certifications: | Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB) Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) |
| Exam Price: | £350–£450 (approx., varies by provider) |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Exam Duration: | Written: 120; Oral: 30–45 |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 5 years |
| Real Exam Qty: | Written: 60–80; Oral: scenario-based |
| Exam Format: | Written multiple-choice & short answer, Oral / practical interview, Legal & Health & Safety module |
| Passing Score: | 50% per unit / overall pass |
| Recommended Training: | PCA CSDB Training Course |
| Exam Registration: | ABBE Qualification Specification PCA Exams & Qualifications |
| Sample Questions: | PCA CSDB Sample Questions |
| Exam Way: | Onsite invigilated written exam + face-to-face oral assessment |
| Pre Condition: | Building/trade background or relevant experience recommended; must pass Legal & Health & Safety module separately |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/exams/ |
PCA CSDB Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Identification and Control of Dampness | 75% | - Survey methods and equipment
|
| Legal, Health & Safety Aspects | 25% | - Professional obligations and reporting
|
PCA Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings Sample Questions:
1. When comparing diagnostic methods for rising damp, the calcium carbide test is particularly valuable because:
A) It identifies damp type
B) It provides accurate moisture measurement unaffected by hygroscopic salts, unlike resistance meters
C) It is fastest
D) It is cheapest only
2. When assessing rising damp, the surveyor must evaluate:
A) Construction material only
B) Presence or absence of DPC only
C) Height of damp, source verification, and rate of progression
D) Age of building only
3. To differentiate penetrating damp from rising damp, the surveyor should note:
A) Rising damp appears as tide marks from ground level; penetrating damp patches vary with external defects and rainfall exposure
B) They look identical
C) Rising damp occurs above 1000mm; penetrating damp below 500mm
D) Penetrating damp causes tide marks; rising damp does not
4. When assessing a basement for waterproofing, the surveyor must establish:
A) Only aesthetic preferences
B) Only internal layout
C) Water table level, external water pressure, construction method, and current protection type per BS 8102
D) Only cost considerations
5. Rising damp moisture typically originates from:
A) Ground moisture drawn upward by capillary action
B) Rainwater entering walls
C) The roof
D) Condensation from ventilation
Solutions:
| Question # 1 Answer: B | Question # 2 Answer: C | Question # 3 Answer: A | Question # 4 Answer: C | Question # 5 Answer: A |
By Jim
