PIM Core Certification Exam

The Deltek Professional PIM Core Certification demonstrates expertise performing Core processes and functions within Deltek PIM. To receive Deltek PIM Core Certification, you must pass the knowledge based exam.

About the Deltek University PIM Core Certification

The Deltek University Certification exam provides an opportunity for Deltek customers, partners and employees to validate their skill level and knowledge using Deltek products. Each exam taker is given two attempts to pass the exam. Upon passing the exam, your Certification will be valid for 2 years. Once this period has elapsed you may retake the exam to qualify for another 2 years of Certification.

This exam guide is intended to provide you with an overview of the format and content of the Deltek PIM Core Certification. You will find a list of categories and topics with their weight distribution as well as suggested topics to help you prepare for the exam.

Benefits to you:

  • Deepen your mastery of your Deltek product
  • Increase your confidence
  • Establish proof of your skills in relation to your Deltek product

Benefits to employers:

  • Increased return on system investment and your employee satisfaction
  • Process improvements and efficiency through better product understanding
  • Ability to identify qualified employment candidates by ensuring a certain level of knowledge

Terms and Conditions

Following the launch of the exam, you must read and accept the Deltek Certification Program Terms and Conditions.

No written or online reference materials may be used during the exam.

The exams are taken online via the Deltek Learning Zone (DLZ). The exam must be completed in a single session of up to 90 minutes, with up to two attempts to successfully pass the exam.

Exam Preparation

The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions. This is a timed 90 minute exam. You will need knowledge of the basic Deltek PIM system along with a full understanding of the Core functionality to pass the exam. The exam questions will include the categories and topics listed below and are weighted as shown.

General System Usage: 34% of exam
You should be knowledgeable enough to answer questions that cover a general understanding of the whole system. You can use the Learning Search within the Deltek Learning Zone to search by "Keyword" and “Topic”, in order to find content that will help you prepare for this Certification Exam, as well as browse for content formats that suit your learning style.

Suggested DLZ search terms to assist your learning search:

  • User Fundamentals
  • Project & Enquiry Fundamentals

Document Management System Usage: 33% of exam
You should be knowledgeable enough to answer questions that cover the Document Management System functionality. You can use the Learning Search within the Deltek Learning Zone to search by "Keyword" and “Topic”, in order to find content that will help you prepare for this Certification Exam, as well as browse for content formats that suit your learning style.

Suggested DLZ search terms to assist your learning search:

  • Document Management
  • Document Publishing
  • Document Check Out and Check In
  • Baskets

Email Management: 33% of exam
You should be knowledgeable enough to answer questions based on the Email Management features within the system. You can use the Learning Search within the Deltek Learning Zone to search by "Keyword" and “Topic”, in order to find content that will help you prepare for this Certification Exam, as well as browse for content formats that suit your learning style.

Suggested DLZ search terms to assist your learning search:

  • Email Management
  • Attachment handling
  • Outlook Add-In


We also recommend that you leverage practical experience gained by using the product in your workplace, and collaborating with co-workers. You can also gain deeper insight into specific functionality by reading Deltek Customer Care Knowledge Base Articles, which can be accessed from within your system’s “Online Help” link. As an Enhanced Tier subscriber, you can also leverage practical experience through the use of our Deltek Learning Labs (DLL).

The Deltek PIM Certification with Core Exam contains multiple choice questions. Below are some examples of the types of questions you will find in the exam, with the answers in bold

  1. Which of the following browsers are not listed as being supported at all by PIM?
    1. Opera
    2. Safari (Mac)
    3. Edge (PC)
    4. Firefox (PC)
  2. The preview tab can be used to view which types of file?
    1. Images
    2. Microsoft Excel
    3. Microsoft Word
    4. PDF Files
    5. Emails
  3. If the working file was checked out when working on a different PC will it still show in my working files list?
    1. Yes
    2. Yes, but only if you checked it out without using the working files component on IE
    3. No
  4. I display the last 10 Contacts, Organisations and Project records that you have viewed and allow you to search for other records to obtain further information. Which Dashpart am I?
    1. Phone Book
    2. My Favorites
    3. Menu
    4. My Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take the exam?

Anyone can take the exam via the DLZ.


Are there any pre-requisites?

There are no specific pre-requisites for taking the exam. However, we do list recommended learning materials, provided in this guide, should you wish to prepare beforehand.


What is the difference between a Master Exam and a Sub Exam?

A Master Exam is defined as a product exam that covers all aspects of the Deltek product. A sub-exam or topic based exam is a shorter exam with a high percentage of the questions related to a specific topic area, or product module. The remainder of the questions (generally less than 30%) are general knowledge based questions.


How many attempts do I get to pass the exam?

Each exam taker is given two attempts initially to pass the exam. If the exam taker does not pass on the first attempt, they can immediately try again. If they fail both attempts, we recommend that the exam taker spends time preparing again during the 30-day waiting period.


How long is the exam? Can I take a break or do I need to complete it in one sitting?

The length of the exams vary by product and exam. Master Exams generally require 120 minutes while Sub Exams will require 60 – 90 minutes. The exam must be completed in one sitting. Therefore, it is recommended that the exam only be launched when the exam taker has sufficient time to complete it. Opening new or checking other tabs on the internet browser is prohibited. This will discontinue the exam and automatically fail the exam taker. Once the exam taker clicks on “Start”, the timer counts down and they cannot pause or exit the exam.

I tried taking the exam but when I click on Start, I receive the error “You have reached the maximum number of allowed attempts. Contact the instructor to re-take the quiz”. What do I do?

Please send an email to DeltekUniversity@dlz.deltek.com.

If I don’t pass the exam first time round, do I have to pay again?

No, each purchase entitles the exam taker to three attempts.

What if I fail the second attempt? When can I be eligible to take the exam again?

Each exam taker is given two attempts initially to pass the exam. If the exam taker does not pass on the first attempt, they can immediately try again. If they fail both attempts, there is a 30-day waiting period before the 3rd attempt. Once the 30-day waiting period is over, the exam taker will be notified via email that they are now eligible to take the 3rd attempt.

I did not receive the email for my 3rd attempt and/or it is not yet on my transcript. What do I do?

Please reach out to DeltekUniversity@dlz.deltek.com for your 3rd attempt to be added to your transcript.

How will I know that I passed the certification?

Exam takers who pass, will see that they passed when they get to the end of the exam. They will also receive an email from Deltek University via Credly (admin@credly.com) informing them that their credentials need to be accepted. It is recommended that this email address is whitelisted to avoid emails going to Spam/Junk folder.

Will the badge be emailed to me?

Exam takers will receive an email from Deltek University via Credly (admin@credly.com) immediately after completing the exam. Please check your SPAM/junk mail folder if you did not receive the email. Please reach out to DeltekUniversity@dlz.deltek.com and we’ll be happy to re-send the email.

I know that I passed the Certification Exam but I did not receive any email. What do I do?

Please check your SPAM/junk mail folder if you did not receive the email. Please also check with your IT if the company firewall is blocking or rejecting our emails. It is recommended that the email address Deltek University via Credly (admin@credly.com) is whitelisted to avoid emails going to Spam/Junk folder.

Your email address may have also been misspelled. Please reach out to DeltekUniversity@dlz.deltek.com, confirm your correct email address, and we’ll be happy to re-send the email.

Where can I post/share my badge?

Credentials can be posted on social media sites such as LinkedIn, and shared on your resume and company signature line.

How do I share or post my badge?

From your Dashboard in Credly, click on the badge you want to share. Click on the Share button and choose the social media platform you would like to connect to and share the badge. You can connect your Credly profile with your profile on LinkedIn, Twitter, Xing, and Facebook. You also have the option to email the badge, add a link to the badge on your Credly profile, embed the badge on a website through html, download or print the badge. You have the option to link your profiles while accepting the badge or later by going to Settings, then Applications. Once you click on the Connect button, you will be directed to log in to the selected platform.

Where is my Certificate of Completion?

Your Certification of Completion is associated with the Certification Badge you just earned. To access, simply accept the badge, follow the steps for Sharing your Badge, and select Print. The certificate will download as a PDF file.

How to Access Your Badge and Print Your Certificate

Click here to view instructions on How to Access your Badge & Print your certificate through our digital credential platform. This also serves as your guide on how to broadcast your achievement on any professional profile.