GENERAL CZO® EXAM INFORMATION
The Pennsylvania Association of Zoning Official’s CZO® Certified Zoning Officer Test, administered through the METRCS system (Municipal Educational Training Resources and Certification Services), establishes a baseline of qualifications for the Pennsylvania professional Zoning Officer. Based on general zoning practice and procedures along with specific aspects of Pennsylvania Zoning Law and the Municipalities Planning Code, the CZO® Exam is the premier test and qualification standard for Pennsylvania’s Zoning Professionals.
The CZO® Exam has a time limit of one hour and 30 minutes. It consists of 50 multiple choice questions and is open book. Any bound, copyrighted books may be used during the exam. However, the correct answers to all questions will be determined only by the “Required References” noted below.
EXAM CONTENT AREAS AND PERCENTAGE OF FINAL GRADE:
Legal Aspects of Zoning Inspection (18%) Administrative Aspects of Zoning Inspection (14%)
Zoning Plan Review (38%)
Signs Regulations (20%)
Land Development and Subdivision (10%)
STUDY REFERENCES:
PA MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE
2018 INTERNATIONAL ZONING CODE™
LEGAL ASPECTS OF CODE ADMINISTRATION, COPYRIGHT 2017
PASSING GRADE AND CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE
Successful Candidates for the CZO® Certified Zoning Officer Credential will received a score of 80% or better on the test. The Certification is good for an initial period of three (3) years and as long as the holder is a member of PAAZO. Thereafter, the Certified Zoning Officer must obtain a minimum of 15 CEUs in zoning, code enforcement, or building inspection within every three (3) year period thereafter to maintain the certification. CEUs or additional category certification obtained for other professional certifications, such as for PA UCC certification maintenance, are reciprocal with PAAZO CZO® certification maintenance. PAAZO is an approved PA UCC continuing education provider.
SCHEDULING TO TAKE THE CZO® EXAM
Members in good standing are eligible for the test. The CZO® Exam uses the METRCS online testing services. The test taker is sent an access code that permits entry into the online testing portal. The personal Exam PIN Number is assigned to the individual Member. When you are ready to take the exam, email paazo@psats.org to request a personal Exam PIN Number. Using the personal Exam PIN number acknowledges that it is the Member taking the exam and no one else.
Results of the test are available immediately. Successful Candidates with a score of 80% or better on the test will receive the Certified Zoning Officer credential. Those with a score of less than 80% correct may apply to retake the test after 24 hours and a new access code will be issued. There is currently no limit on the number of times a member can take the test until a score of 80% or better is achieved.
Click here to request CZO® Personal Exam PIN Number.