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How hard is the NWSA written exam?
Harder than experienced climbers expect and easier than new ones fear — for the same reason. The exam does not test whether you can do the work. It tests whether you know the standards the work is built on, in the words the standards use. That is a different skill, and it is learnable.
What NWSA publishes, and what it does not
NWSA publishes each exam's question count, time limit, domains and weightings in its Candidate Handbook. It does not publish pass rates, and it does not publish the passing score — each score is set by a standard-setting panel and reported to candidates only as pass or fail. Any site quoting an NWSA pass rate or a "70% to pass" figure is guessing. Treat the exam as one where you need to be solid in every domain.
| Exam | Questions | Time | Seconds per question | Heaviest domain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTT-1 | 85 | 90 min | 64 | Fall protection, climbing & rescue — 30% |
| TTT-2 | 100 | 2 h | 72 | Fall protection & rescue — 28%; rigging 24% |
| A&L | 70 | 2 h | 103 | Antenna systems 29%; appurtenances 28% |
| ARC | 95 | 150 min | 95 | Executing the rigging plan — 43% |
| Foreman | 70 | 90 min | 77 | Leadership — 45% |
Why experienced climbers fail
- Field knowledge is not standard knowledge. You know what a 100% tie-off looks like. The question asks which standard requires it, at what anchorage strength, with which connector. The answer is in ANSI/ASSP A10.48, Z359 and OSHA 1926 — not in your hands.
- Four answers that all sound right. Distractors are written by people who know the trade. The wrong answers are things a real crew might do. Only one matches the standard.
- Studying the wrong proportions. Rigging feels like the technical heart of the job, so people drill it. On TTT-1 it is 20% of the exam; fall protection is 30% and appurtenance work another 20%.
- The domain you skipped. TTT-1 gained "Appurtenance installation and maintenance" as its own 20% domain. Candidates studying from an older outline never see it coming.
- The room. Since September 1, 2026, a room that fails the proctor's environment check ends the attempt before a question is shown — see exam day.
Why new technicians pass
Because they have no field habits to unlearn and study the handbook outline the way it is weighted. TTT-1 has no prerequisite; a ground hand with a month on site and three weeks of structured study is a normal first-time pass. The exam rewards the person who studies the right 85 questions' worth of material, not the person with the most tower time.
How to know you are ready
Take a timed practice exam drawn from every domain and look at the result by domain, not the total. A total of 80% with one domain at 50% is not ready — the real exam weights that domain the same way, and the passing score is unknown. When every domain is strong under time pressure, book the real exam. Until then, each week of study is cheaper than a $274 retest.
Take the free 8-question practice test
Study to the handbook, not to rumours
Each guide is built module-for-module on the domain weightings NWSA publishes, with a timed practice exam and a weak-area report. Single courses from $39; all five for $179; 7-day money-back on every one.See the study guides Free 8-question practice test
Questions people ask
What is the NWSA exam pass rate?
NWSA does not publish pass rates for any of its exams. Any figure you see elsewhere is not from NWSA.
What score do you need to pass the NWSA TTT-1?
NWSA does not publish the passing score. It is set by a standard-setting panel and results are reported as pass or fail, with a strength-and-weakness report for candidates who do not pass.
Is the TTT-2 harder than the TTT-1?
It is longer (100 questions, two hours), it requires an active TTT-1, and it shifts weight onto hoisting, rigging and planning. Most candidates find the rigging-plan material the hardest new ground.
How long should I study for the NWSA written exam?
Two to four weeks of structured study is typical for a working technician: one domain at a time in handbook proportions, then timed practice. Book the exam when every domain is strong, not when the calendar says so.
What happens if I fail?
You receive a pass/fail result and a strength-and-weakness report by domain, and you can apply to retest. The retest fee is the full $274.
Related
NWSA facts on this page are from the NWSA Candidate Handbook, CH REV 10/25 and NWSA's published exam-environment policy. Fees, formats and rules change — NWSA is the authority. NWSA Study Guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or recognized by the National Wireless Safety Alliance.