ISA-CCST-LEVEL-2 Exam Information and Outline
Certified Control Systems Technician Specialist - Level 2
ISA-CCST-LEVEL-2 Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the official ISA-CCST-LEVEL-2 exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap, breaking down exactly which technical domains and skills will be tested. By reviewing the syllabus, you can identify your strengths and focus your study time on the areas where you need the most improvement.
The information below reflects the latest 2026 course contents as defined by ISA. We provide this detailed breakdown to help you align your preparation with the actual exam format, ensuring there are no surprises on test day. Use this outline as a checklist to track your progress as you move through our practice question banks.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
Exam Code: ISA-CCST-LEVEL-2
Exam Name: Certified Control Systems Technician Specialist
Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice.
Time Allotted: 4 hours.
Passing Marks: 108 out of 150 (72%).
Domain I: Calibration, Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting (64%)
- Task 1: Perform calibration (Advanced calibration of interconnected systems).
- Calibration standards (e.g., ISA-5.1), error sources, traceability to NIST.
- Use of HART communicators, smart transmitters; adjustment for environmental factors.
- Task 2: Develop/maintain calibration procedures (Customize procedures for site-specific needs).
- Documentation of as-found/as-left data, frequency scheduling.
- Writing SOPs, integrating with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
- Task 3: Perform preventative/predictive maintenance ( Implement condition-based monitoring).
- Vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis.
- Trend data interpretation, failure mode analysis (FMEA).
- Task 4: Diagnose and correct instrument/control loop problems (Troubleshoot multi-loop interactions).
- Signal conditioning, damping, PID tuning effects.
- Use of oscilloscopes, data loggers; simulation of faults.
- Task 5: Isolate and repair control system components (Hot swaps in live systems with LOTO).
- Component datasheets, redundancy configurations.
- Bench testing, soldering/termination in hazardous areas.
- Task 6: Reconfigure control system components (Firmware updates and parameter optimization).
- DCS/PLC programming basics, cybersecrity protocols.
- Configuration software (e.g., DeltaV, RSLogix), loop verification.
- Task 7: Interface with other systems (Integration with SCADA, ERP).
- Communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
- Network troubleshooting, OPC server setup.
Domain II: Project Start-up, Commissioning, Loop-check, Project Organization, Planning (19%)
- Task 1: Participate in project meetings (Level II: Lead technical discussions).
- Agenda preparation, stakeholder roles.
- Skills: Conflict resolution, progress reporting.
- Task 2: Develop project scope/budget/schedule (Estimate resources for mid-sized projects).
- Gantt charts, critical path method (CPM).
- Use of MS Project or Primavera, cost-benefit analysis.
- Task 3: Procure materials/services (Vendor evaluation and negotiation).
- RFQ processes, compliance with specs.
- Bid analysis, contract review.
- Task 4: Develop construction/installation packages (Assemble P&IDs and wiring diagrams).
- ISA-5 series standards.
- Redline markups, as-built updates.
- Task 5: Perform loop-check/put-into-service (Functional testing of integrated systems).
- Pre-commissioning checklists, SIL verification.
- Dry/wet runs, alarm prioritization.
- Task 6: Perform start-up/commissioning (Handover to operations).
- FAT/SAT protocols.
- Punch list management, performance benchmarking.
Domain III: Documentation (11%)
- Task 1: Read/interpret drawings/documents (Cross-reference multiple docs).
- Symbols (ISA-5.1/5.2), revision control.
- CAD navigation, discrepancy identification.
- Task 2: Create/modify drawings/documents (Update for field changes).
- Database of record (DOR) principles.
- AutoCAD or Visio for schematics, change order logging.
- Task 3: Maintain drawing/document library (Digital archiving).
- EDMS (Electronic Document Management Systems).
- Indexing, version tracking.
- Task 4: Prepare reports (Analytical summaries).
- KPI metrics, root-cause reports.
- Excel for data visualization, executive summaries.
Domain IV: Administration, Supervision, Management (6%)
- Task 1: Train personnel (Mentor on advanced topics).
- Adult learning principles, certification paths.
- Hands-on workshops, assessment design.
- Task 2: Manage personnel (Performance evaluations).
- Labor laws, succession planning.
- Goal setting, feedback sessions.
- Task 3: Manage budgets/costs (Variance tracking).
- Cost codes, ROI calculations.
- ERP integration, forecast adjustments.
- Task 4: Ensure compliance/safety (Audit preparation).
- OSHA 1910, ISO 9001.
- Risk assessments, incident investigations.