These 3 steps explain the different ways you can earn your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Certification, designed to best fit your needs and your schedule. 
Step 1 - Order Resource Materials
Resource Material:
Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual - Purchase Here
International Residential Code (no longer available to purchase through CSIA) - Purchase Here
NFPA 211 (no longer available to purchase through CSIA) - Purchase Here
Step 2 - Take the Review
Take the Review Online, attend an In-Person Review Session, or attend CSIA National Training Academy.
​
Online Reviews
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® reviews are offered online for your convenience. The online review features lessons and quizzes to make sure you are ready for the exam. This can be completed within your own schedule since you have one month to complete the online review once you purchase it. The online review is also available as part of a CSIA eLearning subscription.

​In-Person Reviews
Single-day in-person review sessions are held frequently throughout the country and at the CSIA Center for Education, Research & Training in Indiana to help candidates prepare for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study. (Private companies and organizations may sponsor a review and exam event at their location. Contact the Education Department at CSIA for details.)
​
CSIA National Training Academy (CNTA)
A six-day hands-on and classroom training program held four-five times per year for those in the chimney and venting industry. Includes exam.  Learn more about CSIA's flagship program at the CSIA Center for Education, Research & Training.
Step 3 - Pass the Exam
​After completing the review, you have up to one year to take the exam. The Certified Chimney Sweep® exam consists of a one-hour, 100-question exam based on Chimney and Venting Essentials (2019)* and the NFPA 211 (2019) and  a 90-minute open-book exam based on the International Residential Code (2021). Candidates for the exam must bring their copy of the IRC to the testing site in order to complete the exam.  You must sign the CSIA Code of Ethics at the time of the exam. Both portions of the exam must be taken during the same testing appointment. 

CSIA Center for Education, Research & Training
CSIA staff can serve as proctors at the CSIA Center for Education, Research & Training from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Please order your exam at least 5 business days before you wish to take the exam. Your exam will be graded and results will be available immediately. 

After an in-person one-day review session
Exams will be offered immediately after a single-day review session has ended. Candidates may register for the exams individually and are not required to attend the review session on the same day as sitting for the exams. You can register online here.

Proctored Exams ​
Once you complete the review, schedule a proctored exam using a local testing center or ProctorFree - Find a CSIA accepted proctor here.
​
Make sure to schedule a minimum of two and a half hours of uninterrupted time. Then, order your electronic exams through CSIA (Step 3). Exams must be requested at least 3-5 business days before your exam date. Online exam results are available immediately.
TIP: When registering online, please register for the event/month that correlates with the month you have scheduled your exam (example: if exam is in August, register for the Aug 1-31 event).
You Don’t Have to Go to an Office to Have a Dream Job

Are you looking for a career? One that doesn’t involve staring at a computer screen for eight mind-numbing hours a day until your eyes bleed? One that will engage your brain and your body? One that will actually make a difference in your community? Then you should consider becoming a chimney sweep.
Chimney Sweeps and Dryer Exhaust Technicians
​Are you looking for a career? One that doesn’t involve staring at a computer screen for eight mind-numbing hours a day until your eyes bleed? One that will engage your brain and your body? One that will actually make a difference in your community? Then you should consider becoming a chimney sweep.
The same goes for a lesser-known career that’s also in high demand, helpful, and lucrative: dryer exhaust technician. Dryer exhaust technicians clean, repair, and reroute dryer vents, reducing fire and carbon monoxide risks for homeowners, and keeping homes safer and more efficient.
Common Questions - Chimney Sweep Career
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about chimney sweeps and a lot of questions being searched on the ol’ Google. Maybe you have a lot of questions about the career, too. Questions like:
  • “Is chimney sweep a good job? Is it still a job?”
  • “How much do chimney sweeps really earn? Is chimney sweeping profitable?”
  • “Are chimney sweeps in high demand?”
  • “How do you train to be a chimney sweep?”
  • “How do you get CSIA-certified? Do you really need to be certified?”
  • “What does a chimney sweep *actually* do?”
  • “Is chimney sweeping dangerous?”
  • “What tools do chimney sweeps use?”
  • “Do chimney sweeps have to go on the roof? Can you be a chimney sweep if you have a fear of heights?”
Career Resource Links
If you’re considering a career in the chimney and venting industry and want to know more, check out some of the resources we’ve put together for you here on our website. Dig in and let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help.