The Communication Skills for Business (CSB) Professional Communication exam validate that candidates entering the workforce understand key communication principles and skills that are necessary to be effective in a work environment. While the key skill being measured is communication, the nature of this exam will also help students with the other 3 of “the 4 C’s”:

• Critical Thinking – which will happen as they think through how to effectively communicate
• Collaboration – which will stem from effectively communicating with others
• Creativity – which is required to present appealing communications

The CSB Professional Communication exam is a box exam with innovative selected response options. The core concepts include professional communication skills; effective verbal, nonverbal and listening skills; creating business deliverables; effectively delivering a message; receiving communications; and analyzing communication scenarios. When a question deals with visual communications, there are corresponding visuals to illustrate. Same for written communications.

It is a 50-minute exam with approximately 35-50 questions. An individual preparing to take this exam should have approximately 150 hours of instruction and hands-on experience in formal communication theory and practice.