CDS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CDS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
CDS exam key facts
- The Certified Demolition Supervisor exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. Source
- The Certified Demolition Supervisor exam uses scaled scoring judged against a predetermined standard rather than against other candidates. Source
- The application fee for the Certified Demolition Supervisor exam is $595 USD for NDA members and $755 USD for non-NDA members. Source
- Candidates are granted a one-year eligibility period allowing up to three attempts to pass the Certified Demolition Supervisor exam, excluding retakes within the original testing window. Source
- The Certified Demolition Supervisor certification is valid for three years, expiring on March 31 of the renewal year regardless of test date. Source
📚 CDS Topics to Study (34)
✍️ Sample CDS Questions & Answers
1. How does risk appetite influence management decisions?
Risk appetite defines acceptable risk levels in pursuit of objectives, guiding decisions about which risks to accept, mitigate, transfer, or avoid.
2. Under OSHA 1926.858, what is the maximum floor loading permitted for debris accumulation before it must be removed?
OSHA 1926.858 prohibits debris accumulation that exceeds the design load capacity of the floor to prevent structural failure during demolition.
3. Which confined space classification applies to a basement demolition area with a single ladder entry point and potential for toxic gas accumulation from disturbed materials?
A space with restricted entry and a recognized serious safety or health hazard, such as toxic gas accumulation, qualifies as a permit-required confined space under OSHA 1910.146.
4. On a structural drawing, what does a 'match line' indicate?
A match line shows where a plan has been split across multiple sheets; the contractor must align both sheets at that line to see the full picture.
5. What is risk mitigation?
Risk mitigation involves specific actions to reduce either the likelihood of risk occurrence or its potential impact, bringing residual risk to acceptable levels.
6. When a structural drawing notes 'REMOVE AND SALVAGE,' what action is required of the demolition crew?
'Remove and Salvage' means the item must be carefully removed and preserved for reuse, resale, or owner retrieval.
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How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- demolitionassociation.com — Test delivery, test dates, score validity, fees, exam format, passing score, retake fee, retake policy, score release · verified Oct 2026