Chief Architect’s User Certification Program is designed to provide an achievement process for demonstrating competency in using Chief Architect software. Certification is available to Builders, Remodelers, Architects, Designers, Academic Instructors and Students.

With User Certification, professional designers can convey verified experience to clients. For student users, it provides a demonstrated level of competency they can use on their resume for the next step in their career. And finally, for the academic instructors, it is an education credential that can assist them for course work. Certification can establish credibility and confidence for our users in an increasingly competitive market.

The Certification Exam is valid for current versions of Chief Architect. Users can re-certify for new versions of Chief Architect by taking that version’s exam. To sign up for a Certification exam, or for more information, please contact our training department at or 208.292.3400.

Certification Levels

Chief Architect offers three levels of certification:

Exam Details

The User Certification Exam is a four hour proctored test consisting of hands-on use of the program with fill-in-the-blank questions developed from over 20 competency areas. Upon successfully passing the exam, users will be issued Certification and one of the above noted Certification logos they can use to demonstrate their proficiency. The exam fee for professionals is $195 ($97.50 with 50% SSA member discount). The fee for academic instructors or students* is $45.

* Available to students enrolled in drafting, design and architectural programs with at least six (6) relevant credit hours.

Exam Competency Areas – View Detailed Exam Outline