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PCA CSDB Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | Property Care Association (PCA) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings |
| Exam Number: | CSDB |
| Exam Duration: | Varies by Module |
| Exam Price: | Varies by Module |
| Exam Format: | Written Exam, Oral Interview |
| Related Certifications: | Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB) |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Sample Questions: | PCA CSDB Sample Questions |
| Exam Way: | Closed book written exam and oral interview. |
| Pre Condition: | Candidates must pass both Module 1 (Legal, Health & Safety) and Module 2 (Dampness) to achieve CSDB status. |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.property-care.org/training-packages/surveying-timber-damp-full-training-package |
PCA CSDB Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Topic 1: Module 2: The Identification and Control of Dampness | - Methods of Control, Product Safety, and Safe Use - Building Construction - Surveying and Reporting - Diagnosis of Dampness - Ancillary Procedures & Alternative Methods of Control |
| Topic 2: Module 1: Legal, Health & Safety Aspects for the Investigation and Control of Timber & Dampness in Buildings | - Product Safety - Assessments - Legal Requirements - Safe Methods of Use |
PCA Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings Sample Questions:
Question 1
When assessing timber decay (particularly dry rot - Serpula lacrymans) in relation to dampness, the surveyor must understand that:
A. Fungal decay stops growth when treated with biocide alone
B. Damp and decay are unrelated
C. Damp above 20% moisture content creates conditions for fungal growth; treating damp is essential for timber remediation
D. Dry rot causes damp
Question 2
Nitrate salts found in rising damp staining typically indicate:
A. Sea water contamination
B. Rainwater penetration
C. Ground moisture from soil (particularly old animal waste/nitrogen sources)
D. Paint contamination
Question 3
When a surveyor recommends cavity wall tie replacement due to corrosion from penetrating damp, this is important because:
A. Corroded ties can lose structural integrity, affecting wall stability and cavity function
B. Ties are non-structural
C. All ties fail equally
D. Ties are irrelevant to damp
Question 4
A damp proof course (DPC) in traditional construction serves to:
A. Support the roof only
B. Provide insulation only
C. Prevent moisture rising from the ground through capillary action
D. Provide structural strength only
Question 5
A property has rising damp. The surveyor identifies that previous treatment involved only internal moisture- blocking paint without chemical DPC installation. The reason this was ineffective is:
A. Paint was correct approach
B. Paint prevented evaporation, potentially increasing internal damp
C. Paint does not address the moisture source (ground moisture); treating the source with DPC is required
D. Rising damp cannot be treated
Solutions:
| Question 1 Answer: C | Question 2 Answer: C | Question 3 Answer: A | Question 4 Answer: C | Question 5 Answer: C |
By Louis
