Examinations – Structural Waterproofing Surveyors
Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW)
The CSSW is a nationally recognised professional qualification for individuals involved in diagnosing problems with water entering structures below ground level and who recommend design solutions. To achieve the qualification, candidates are required to pass both the CSSW exam and the Legal and Health & Safety exam (unless they have already passed the CSRT/CSDB/CSTDB Legal and Health & Safety exam, in which case they are exempt from doing so again).
The CSSW is a nationally recognised professional qualification for individuals involved in diagnosing problems with water entering structures below ground level and who recommend design solutions. To achieve the qualification, candidates are required to pass both the CSSW exam and the Legal and Health & Safety exam (unless they have already passed the CSRT/CSDB/CSTDB Legal and Health & Safety exam, in which case they are exempt from doing so again).
As of 1st September 2018, candidates successfully passing the CSSW examinations will be awarded the ‘ABBE/PCA Level 3 Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing’ through ABBE (Awarding Body for Building Education).
ABBE is the leading awarding organisation providing qualifications for the built environment.* You can read more about ABBE and their accredited qualifications here.
CSSW Examinations
09.00 – 11.30: Written paper
12.00 – 17.00: 20 minute oral exam (individual timings given on the day)
Legal and Health & Safety Examination
09.00 – 11.00: Written paper
Please note – timings are subject to change. A confirmation email is issued to candidates two weeks in advance of each exam.
Candidates are required to achieve a 50% mark on each element of the exams to recieve a pass.
Examination Preparation
An examination preparation course is available and is particularly useful for those candidates who have not recently sat an exam, to help them practice exam techniques by working through some past papers with a tutor. It also provides a valuable opportunity for candidates to clarify any areas where they may be unsure prior to sitting the formal examination.
More information: CSSW Examination Preparation Course
Syllabus & Recommended Reading List
Click here to download the CSSW Syllabus
Click here to download the CSSW Reading List
CSSW Examination Dates
| Month |
CSSW Examinations |
| February 2022 |
Tues 22nd **FULL** |
| March 2022 |
Weds 1st |
| May 2022 |
Thurs 5th**FULL** |
| July 2022 |
Thurs 28th |
| October 2022 |
Tues 19th |
| December 2022 |
Wed 1st |
Legal and Health & Safety Examination Dates
In order to attain the full CSSW qualification, candidates need to sit and pass the 2 hour written exam paper on Legal, Health & Safety (unless they have already passed the CSRT/CSDB/CSTDB Legal and Health & Safety exam, in which case they are exempt from doing so again).
Dates for the Legal, Health & Safety examination only are as follows:
| Month |
Legal and Health & Safety Examination |
| February 2022 |
Weds 23rd |
| March 2022 |
Wed 9th**FULL** |
| April 2022 |
Wed 13th |
| June 2022 |
Thurs 23rd**FULL** |
| July 2022 |
Wed 6th |
| October 2022 |
Thurs 13th |
| December 2022 |
Wed 21st |
What candidates have said about the course
Course Fees
Fees for non PCA Members
£260 +VAT – CSSW – Examinations
£235 +VAT – Legal and Health & Safety Examination
Fees for PCA Members
£220 +VAT – CSSW – Examinations
£205 +VAT – Legal and Health & Safety Examination
*ABBE charge a registration fee per qualification of £50 +VAT. This one-off fee will be applied to the invoice for all those individuals sitting the CSSW examinations.