People cheat. I know that. When I took my CBEST test years ago, we teachers could not wear a sweater, unless it was a pullover. We had to put any purses or bags in a pile in the back of the room. But, that was before the tech area. People still cheat because now you sign up online, have to have your name on a list downstairs and show the building attendants your identification. Then you go into the elevator they tell you to and they push the button for you to go to your floor. There are no buttons in the elevator!!! Once on your floor you arrive, have to show your name, give them your ID, promise to give them your first newborn and allow them to draw a pint of blood and wait while they test it! Just kidding!!! Actually, you do show the ID and do a palm scan, fill out paperwork and sign some papers. They you go to a locker and put everything that isn't nailed down into it. Phones, glasses, purses, bags, etc. And the phone has to be turned off. Then you go to one of two rooms where you have to sign another form (I think). If you have glasses, they have to go onto a checker or something (it was a round pad). Alternatively, you may need to leave them there. I don't wear my glasses when working on a computer. Once at the room again, I had to do a hand scan. I also had to turn my pockets inside out, which is where I found the penny. I had a choice to give it to them to hold or put it in my locker. My money went into the locker. One day, I had a cardigan on (where I found the lone penny) and she patted my back to make sure nothing was in there. The woman said, "you have no idea what we've seen." I said, "I believe it. I went to college and those rich kids were masters at cheating." Anyway, you go into a room and sit at the computer they tell you to. Then you read that there is a camera on you and a microphone. Not surprised, but three tests over two days and I passed. Yay!!! The other good thing is I don't have to go back! Yay, again! Another good thing is that they have testing on the weekends. So my first two tests were on Saturday, the day after I called in to sign up for the test. I had to reschedule my next test and was able to do it easily. I appreciated this and the convenience even though I had to nearly give up an arm and a leg. read more

I recently visited this testing center, and here's what to expect. Upon arrival, you'll check in with security on the first floor, who will also push the elevator button to take you to the 4th floor. Once inside the center, you'll take a number and wait to be called to the counter. Staff will ask for your ID and confirm which test you're taking. Be prepared to follow strict rules: no phones, drinks, or food are allowed inside, and you'll need to store these items in a locker. They'll also ask you to remove jackets, so dress appropriately for the conditions inside. The workers are very stern and keep everything professional and efficient, which helps maintain a focused environment for testing. Overall, the center runs smoothly if you follow instructions, but don't expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere - it's very much about business here. read more

Pearson Professional Centers - Located in this building 1000 BROADWAY SUITE 470 - Professional Services Near Me - Oakland, California

For a testing center the staff was very professional. It helped with a stressful event so their friendliness and quick assistance was appreciated. I went to take a test and it was not crowded. Each person had space and it was very quiet. Checking in with security was quick and they were even able to recommend some places to use as my break during the test. Nearby has some food and coffee places so it makes it a nice break. read more

The staff are professional and considerate--it helped my testing experience. One front desk person even went the "extra mile" and checked my test time for me after the lunch break and helped get in swiftly bc I was 10 mins late I took the PE Exam and in the testing room they did not allow jackets of any thickness so wear a shirt that feels warm enough if you get chilly. I brought unwrapped cough drops and it saved me bc no water bottles were allowed inside read more

The person checking me in for the exam was racist. They singled me out and demanded two photo IDs for check-in, even though the email I received only stated I needed to provide one. Although I gave my Real ID, I was the only one asked for my birthplace, which felt unnecessary and micro-aggressive. read more

Building has security, updated features, bright line, clean bathroom, and clean. Upon entering the professional center, they greet you and ask for name and exam your taking to start your checking process by having you read the general rules pertaining to your exam. You'll have just enough time to read before they call you to continue the check in process of checking ID and take picture before having you store your personal belongings in the locker. Soon after you'll be lead towards your testing area to take your palm veins as another form of identification before providing you with permissible pen or writing surface. Then off they show you your work station - sanitized, clean (I found no sign of dust or any dirt!!) and you begin. They are attentive (which makes sense and you can get any support immediately). So why the 3 stars? During my test, an announcement was made over the general announcement system of fire drill. The personnel notify by hand gesture it's fine). But then soon after siren sound and light flashes for the fire drill. Unfortunately I sat just directly below the site lights so it was flashing and that was NOT appreciated and this is inappropriate during such a professional exam timing! This needs to be corrected as even for AP or SAT, such occurrence are logged to then be considered as a disturbance affecting potential performance of test takers. And no, I'm not complaining because I didn't pass. I passed! Just wanted to provide feedback of oversell experience and something Pearson has to resolve according by knowing the building's scheduled fire drill test. read more

Took boards here last week. Park in the transpacific parking garage - max was $24/day, which I paid out each time for my exams. Testing center is located on the 4th floor - take the elevator to the main lobby - check in with security/sign in and they send you up. The people were nice, working water fountain, keycoded bathrooms. If you get in early, they start registering as you arrive - so potentially you can start the exam a little early. Lockers large enough to store a back pack. The proctors were professional, no problems, even had a nice laugh with one of them. Check in and check out process for breaks was very fast, headphones and scratch paper with markers. I had no problems at the test center - just the test was difficult haha! The only suggestion if you want is to choose another center so you can get free parking, otherwise fine place to test. Best of luck on any future exams! read more

Everyone was so friendly at this location. Making me feel so supported and taken care of during my test. Be sure to check in 30 minutes before your test as many people start their test at the same time so make sure to give yourself enough time. There's lockers that you can put your belongings in and there's a bathroom right next to the testing area. So you have plenty of time to go in your 10 min break The staff is super nice. Everyone wished me luck on my exam and made sure I had all the needed supplies for my test. They also offer simple function calculators, notepads and ear plugs Restrooms are super clean as they are password protected. And there's plenty of metered parking or parking garages in the area. This location is located right in china town so you can get a meal for a reward afterwards. read more

The staff is very nice, attentive, and professional here. Great experience from beginning to end. The temperature inside the place is a little on the warmer side for my liking, but it might've been nerves while taking my test. You can comfortably wear a regular Hanes T-shirt and sit there and take your test without being too cold or too hot. They have lockers there so you can lock up your things before going in to test. They also provide those small foam earplugs if you need them. I personally did not find the place noisy, but some people do. Bathrooms are on the same floor and not too far away from the office, so you won't waste too much time running out the door in case you need to take a bathroom break. As of this review (4/1/22), you do have to wear a face mask in the testing area. This Pearson testing facility is easy to get to if you take BART - and a lot cheaper than driving and paying over $20 to park in one of the lots nearby. It is literally across the street from the 12th St. BART Station. You just cross the street and you're there if you exit out of the 11th St exit when you are leaving the 12th Street BART station. I highly recommend BARTing it there! read more

The Oakland site is nice! However, you do have to pay for $20 parking. The instructions to get in is pretty clear, so that was nice. If you absolutely need silence during an exam, I don't recommend this testing site for you. Its typically very noisy. People are walking around and their chairs make a sound. They had silencing head phones, but you can still hear the muffle sound of people talking. The Fairfield is nice as well! The parking is free, so that was a huge plus. Although the instructions to locate the building was a bit difficult for me. They say they have signs posted up to help direct you, but I didnt see any sign & drove around 3 times. If you're entering the lot, there are two buildings, you want to go into the building that is facing you. Moreover, when I began walking towards the building to take my exam, the door was locked. So a couple people and myself were waiting for a bit to get in. The testing center offered silencing headphones & ear plugs, so I was able to take my exam in peace. read more

Came here to take my exam on Tuesday. You head into the building, check in with security and head up to the 4th floor. Suite 470. Upon arrival the gentleman at the desk asked what I was here for. I told him and he gave me a sheet to read over about their rules and regulations. After reading you go up and provide your ID to them, spell your last name, signature and a few palm scans from both hands. My test was not until 2:15pm, but I got there early and he was able to let me take it at 1:30pm. You cannot bring anything with you, no water, food, gum, purse, etc. all you get to bring is your ID and the key to the locker that you put your personal belongings in. They will ask for your ID before going in, get a palm scan and they will ask you to face the camera and pat yourself down. The workers there were all so friendly and professional! Will be back to take any future exams here! read more

The building is clean and safe. There's a security in the lobby who check you in. I had an exam and I was so nervous. It was a young gentleman in the front desk who helped me to go through security checkpoints. He kept telling people that "good luck, deep breath, you got this." He made me so calm with all the positive energy that he had. I had a great experience. Thank you! read more

I had never heard of a testing center like this before so it was an adventure for sure. It is located in the heart of downtown Oakland but during this time of COVID-19, it wasn't something I looked forward to doing as I took BART. I must say this was a really nice place to head to. It was right off of BART literally. You get off, go up and it was literally across the street at the corner. The building is very professional, clean and you felt secure. The bathrooms were very clean. There looked there was parking near or even connected to the building but I didn't use it as I felt the pricing was really high as my test was to be hours long; not fast. The testing facility was very organized. Lockers and a place to hang your jacket. Spaced seating to take your break. You put all your stuff in a locker where you have the key with you. The front office person was professional as I had to do the check-in (ID in, read their rules, sign in, take picture, palm scan) then wait then head over to the testing room. Again a proctor does the ID (so make sure you have a pocket to keep it), palm scan then empty your pockets, lift your hair if long hair and smooth down your legs to not hide anything. You can't bring anything in with you. Then you have a partitioned desk area with a computer. If you want, there are headphones. For me it was fine and quiet even if there was typing. Ask for a spare pen as mine ran out and you don't want to have to wait as it depends who your proctor is. You have to gain their attention. It was all straight-forward, easy and professional. I'd go there again if I had to test. read more

I was treated well here as I took a five-hour exam. I was happy the office and testing were available on a Saturday and in-person. The office adheres to COVID19 safety precautions. There is a coat rack and lockers for items that are not allowed in the testing rooms. read more

This is a nice, clean building with provided water and clean lockers. The bathrooms are also very clean for you to use during breaks and they have a nice area for you to sit, eat and maybe stretch during breaks. What I did not like about this testing center was how the staff took too long to come get you for breaks and especially checking you back in. I was afraid of running out of break time because of them! I definitely think they can be speedier. I will have to next time shorten my breaks so I can come back on time. Parking - it's about $20-25 for the day in the lot, don't worry if they close the gate, you just knock on the building and get in that way. I was worried after my test when I saw gate was closed! read more

Amazing staff!! Really relieved the stress I have experienced at other Pearson testing centers. Everyone wished me good luck and made me feel comfortable and confident going into my exam. Thank you!! read more

A very clean, secure, and high tech building. At first I was a bit skeptical because of past bad reviews and it being in Oakland, but it met my expectations. You are greeted with a security guard and after signing in, they direct you to an elevator with the chosen floor. The testing office staff were very nice and helpful in giving me directions and helping me with computer problems. You are taking the test in a room with around 15 computers separated by walls. They take all measures to prevent cheating such as scanning your palms and making sure you have nothing in your pockets. The bathrooms were super clean and password protected as well. Overall I would recommend this testing facility! read more

Pearson Professional Centers - elevators - Professional Services Near Me - Oakland, California

Took my NCLEX-RN here two weeks ago and honestly had such a great experience here! The suite is located in the Trans Pacific Centre so it was easy to find and is very nice and clean. The check-in process was straightforward and very organized. The employees that checked me in were soooo friendly and really helped calm my nerves down before my exam! Only downside is that parking in the building's garage is a bit pricey. I was there for exactly 3 hours 15 mins and paid $24!! It was worth it though because I didn't have to worry about getting a parking ticket during my exam lol. All in all, I'd definitely recommend this Pearson Vue center to anyone in the East Bay! read more

I recently took an 8-hour-long boards exam here & had as pleasant of an experience as possible (after you get over the fact that you're taking like the most important exam of your life)! Here are a few things I wish I'd known on my day of testing: **Their doors open at 7:30am I was instructed to arrive 30 minutes early for an 8am test start-time, and I ended up arriving a bit earlier around 7:15am. The doors were closed until 7:30am sharp. Not a big deal, just don't panic if you arrive early & nobody's around. **You literally can't bring ANYTHING with you into the testing room No water or any bottles, no gum, no food, no watches, NOTHING. As someone who is constantly snacking & drinking water while studying, this was probably the hardest part for me to get used to. Everything you own has to go into a locker (medium sized, can fit a standard backpack). Hoodies & sweaters are fine, but soft-shell jackets like a Northface aren't allowed. Temperature of the room was on the cooler side, but not freezing cold. **They don't follow you into the bathroom I've heard a rumor that some testing centers will have someone literally follow you to the bathroom and wait for you there during test time, but this place doesn't do that....THANK GOODNESS! **Early bird parking at the Trans Pacific Building is now $16/day Consider carpooling or take BART to save dat $$ Overall, most of the people working here were courteous & considerate of the fact that my classmates and I were pretty freaking nervous. I hope I don't have to come back again though! read more

Pearson Professional Centers in Oakland is great! They provide COVID-clean spaces for you to take your exam. The proctors are very professional, and provide you top-notch service. I felt very comfortable taking my exam at this location. If I ever have to take another exam, I will definitely choose this location. read more

Taking a life altering exam for one's career is already stressful. The people you come across right before can definitely disrupt your mindset. If I could do it all over again I would have chose this site the first time go round instead of the Fairfield location. Thankfully, I had a dear friend drive me. If you can I would recommend it. One less thing you have to worry about! The parking garage is in the same building as the testing center. On a early Friday afternoon we actually found a spot right on the first floor near the elevators. The actual Pearson testing center is on the 4th floor. I can't recall the other prices, but the daily max amount you will pay is $20. I have seen worse and was grateful it wasn't more than that. Remember to keep both of your tickets upon entering and after when paying at the machine booth. The little things that makes a difference. During the exam another test taker was honestly typing on the keyboard way too loud. Not too long after one of the staff actually gave me a new pair of ear plugs and headphone earmuffs. He did that without me asking or saying anything! The other employees at the Oakland site had such a warm demeanor. The sincere good lucks were a bonus. Right before I took my exam I was even asked if I needed anything like tissues! Everything seriously made a world of a difference and kept the nerve wrecking stress at bay. I highly recommend using this Pearson testing center. Yes it is in a busy area, you have to pay for parking, and may have to drive a distance. Although, I think the people here will be more understanding and make your life that much better! read more

Update: It was very difficult to get through to their customer service but Pearson Vue apologized and gave me a free examination. However, I scheduled it for another test center because there is still no way I'm going back to the Oakland center. I've added one additional star for Pearson Vue corporate handling the issue; however, the Oakland location is still deplorable. read more

Absolutely terrible experience. Let me be clear, the staff were kind, professional and did what they could, and clearly the issue was not their fault. I took my 8 minute break during my GMAT and came back from the restroom to be told that a glitch in their system might cause my score to be cancelled if they could not fix it (something about connection to the server being lost). This was extraordinarily stressful to hear considering I knew I'd done well already on the first part of my test, I'd taken time off of work.. oh and I prepared for about 200 hours over the course of 6 months. Oh and I paid Pearson $250 dollars for what? Luckily, with very little time to spare they were able to get me back in to take the remainder of my test. My break was gone, and on top of that it was horribly stressful. I did not take my second break for fear of their crap system breaking again. Here's a slogan for you: "Pearson - where the experience at the test center is the most stressful part of your exam!" read more

I took an exam yesterday morning and had a very nice experience. The gentleman checking me in was very friendly, professional, and empathetic, offering words of encouragement/ calming the nervous energy. This personal touch was very supportive and so very appreciated. The testing center is clean, well organized, and takes the utmost precautions regarding COVID-19. Lockers, and noise canceling headset provided. I used a parking lot about a block away with reasonable rates. read more

I had a great experience here - well, as great as can be for doing an 8 hour test that sees if you're qualified to get into med school (MCAT). The test room is located on the 4th floor of the transpacific building. Some notes: I took the exam on Saturday, and the doors for the building were not open until 7:20 am. The doors for the Pearson center opened at 7:30 am. A note about parking: the parking garage is NOT open on Saturday, so make note of this if you are testing on the weekend. Street parking is 2 hour max, and you can't leave during the exam. Looking from the other reviews, the early-bird parking is a good deal for weekdays. The staff was really friendly, and understood that we were a bunch of anxious test-takers. They definitely made the experience more palatable. Hopefully won't be going back anytime soon! Fingers crossed. read more

There is no on site parking so prepare adequate time to find a cheaper parking structure (glad I had the SpotHero ap). My test took 5 hours and at hour 3.5 they placed a person typing their test next to me. This is incredibly distracting. I would go elsewhere if possible. read more

The staff in the center are very kind and professional. I went to do an MPJE exam. The registration happened very promptly everything went without a hinge. The staff know what they are doing to register you and they do their jobs with great respect to the customer. Everyone was in the exam room on time. I have to add. I use a cane to mobilize and the staff there were more than wonderful the gentleman at the desk was very respectful and offered help at every step. And held the door for me when I was exiting. The center also is very clean and quiet. Generally it was a totally positive experience read more

I've taken many teacher exams at this location over the past few years. The people who work here are attentive and professional. Also, If you decide to use the restroom, they have to ask you to empty your front and back pockets just in case someone decides to give you a cheat sheet in the bathroom. I'm a big fan of this place because they don't manhandle you and give you a quiet place to take your tests. read more

I took the CAIA exam here a few days ago. The test center and the staff are great. The testing rooms are clean and quiet. There are separate cubicles for each computer, which I guess was there to prevent cheating but it really helped me stay focused during the test. You need to raise your hand for anything, including scheduled breaks. I raised my hand and the test center staff promptly assisted me. To others who think the staff lacks compassion with test takers, have issues with your identifications, etc. I think it is the test taker's responsibility to check and make sure you bring the appropriate identification per the rules, and make sure you know what's allowed inside the testing room. They do not set the rules, the Exams do. They are not going to risk their job if what you are doing doesn't fit with the rules. It's not fair to ask them to anyway. read more

Although I passed my certification exam, the prison style, unprofessional behavior of the front desk check in people was ridiculous. Male at front desk wanted to bark commands in the check in process, then if you ask a question, off the rails.... he's all like, "YOU DONE MESSED UP A-ARON"? "B-lahkAy" is there a "B lahkAY" in the house"? I will take another certification exam in the future and will NOT go to the Pearson in Oakland. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. I agree with the other 5-star reviewers that the staff here was incredible! Everyone from the front desk person to the proctor was super positive and brought down my stress level. I am so happy and grateful that I decided to take my national board exam here. All the directions were explained to me clearly. Everyone was warm and had a great sense of humor. Before the exam, when I said to the proctor, "Well, the worst thing that can happen is that I fail and then have to pay $200 to take it again, right", the proctor made me feel more confident by saying," I'm sure you'll do great! We all believe in positive attitude around here!" When I got out and was nervous about the score, another proctor encourage me by saying, "Don't worry! I'm sure you passed! I have a good feeling about you!" Fortunately, she was right :-) Thank you to the wonderful staff for making me smile from beginning to end. I couldn't have passed the test without you guys' positive energy and encouragement! read more

I get that you want to avoid cheating, but my testing experience sucked. I felt like a criminal, being told to turn my pockets inside out and roll my sleeves up. (My pockets were small and flat, so "inside out" practically meant disrobing to satisfy them.) You are recorded by audio and video the whole time. You can't eat a snack in the waiting area, so I was crammed under a coat rack next to the lockers while I was trying to replenish my blood sugar levels. The locker they had me put my stuff in had someone else's food wrappers in it. I need some reasonable accommodations and the process of getting them was incredibly cumbersome (that was mostly CBEST's fault, though), and then implementing them (Pearson's fault) was much less than satisfactory. The communication between the two organizations was probably the biggest issue with all that. I don't think the Pearson website did a good job explaining what the testing process was like. This made my accommodations more difficult to execute, as well. The desk in my special snowflake testing room was incredibly squeaky and a little wobbly. The cubicles for the regular test takers might be more comfortable. I did appreciate having the special snowflake room so I could whisper and cuss under my breath without worrying about disturbing other test-takers. (Similar vein: if you're being video/audio recorded anyway, then private rooms for all test takers might make for more comfortable testing experiences.) You have to use a palm scanner any time you start/end the test or enter/leave for breaks. For breaks you can actually use your photo ID, but the first person who helped me didn't know that. (the ID would have been easier for me to show because of my disability and accommodation needs. Instead I lost valuable break time because of it.) There was a problem with a test question, and I don't feel like I was treated respectfully when I alerted them and asked what the procedure was for this situation. (In the end, they gave me a phone number and incident report number. I called a call center in India who, after a long hold time, told me I needed to call a more local number instead.) Some of the employees were kind and respectful enough (I mean, enough considering they're obligated to treat you like a criminal to take an exam), but the ones who were clueless really added to my stress. My test was in the afternoon and I know I was one of the last two test-takers to finish before they left for the day. They were clearly getting antsy because they were chit chatting and having a grand old time while I was trying to finish. If my lousy experience here was better than what I would have had at the SF location, I'm SO GLAD I came here to test. read more

This place is one of the fanciest test centers I've ever been to! You are asked to sign in at the desk in the lobby and you are not allowed to head upstairs until exactly 30 minutes before your exam. The receptionist will keep an eye on you and remind you of that fact if necessary and will make an announcement when it's time to head up. You also have to remember a 4 digit code for the bathrooms. A bit intense but okay, I'm game. There's a process to sign in for the exam as well, kind of like a deli where you grab a number and wait. Overall, my testing experience went off without a hitch. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I even felt, dare I say, comfortable and relaxed while taking my test?! read more

I went here for my NAPLEX exam. I would highly recommend taking BART here since its literally 1 block away by exiting the Oakland City Center/12th Street station and then use the Broadway/11th Street South Exit. The receptionist/security guard asks you to sign in at the lobby and only allows test takers to go up at exactly 830am for the 9am exam just fyi. The bathrooms have security code locks so you have to ask for it if you need to use them. They have lockers to put your backpack/notes away. The test center is quite big but the staff was very nice. Make sure to bring 2 forms of photo id (passport + drivers license) Overall a good testing center. read more

I took the GMAT here and found the facility to be run professionally and efficiently. I arrived about 30 minutes early for my 8am appointment and pulled into the building's garage. It was early enough to qualify for early bird rate ($9). Upon entering the suite, I was given a number and instructions for my test. I did not realize that the test center proctors so many types of exams. Out of the 20 or so people there that morning, I may have been the only GMAT taker. Anyway, I was checked in, given a locker, and taken to my cubicle for my test. The proctor was very responsive when I raised my hand and always processed me first since GMAT breaks are so short. I was able to eat my snacks at my locker during the breaks and came out with a score that exceeded my own expectations. Perhaps because I liked the score, I will always have a fond impression on the testing center. read more

Very professional and clean environment. The staff was friendly and made you feel relaxed. I would give it 6 stars.

The actual test taking part was okay, I scored well enough to pass, however the staff were not professional at all not helpful in any kind of way. As I walked into the place I was harassed and basically jumped by two staff members because I had a cup of coffee in my hand, both of them talking over each other and both nagging at me to go to the bathroom and dump my coffee there, too extreme at an unreasonable level, it angered me that I was being treated as such, oh yeah and no signage anywhere about no drinks on site, when I confronted them that they should put signs up they came up with this explanation about their cleaning company and how they rent?? I'm sorry what?? When I was asked to turn my pockets inside out, it then felt like I was in jail, I was even told that if I had reading glasses they would be checked to make sure they weren't Google glasses (WTH??), do people really cheat that much?? Anyways, I felt all these stress of being yield at, treated as a criminal, being threatened with audio and video recording was not conducive to relaxing and concentrating in just one thing........taking the exam for which I studied so hard for!! A couple of questions in the exam were wrong/poorly phrased and misspelled (not to mention dumb and ridiculous, there is NO such thing as an AIDS test! That was the right answer though....) when I tried to bring it up to their attention, I raised my hand as indicated by them, the woman came to my desk, and before I could ask she said "what do you want, you haven't even finished??" Then walked right back......no, I didn't get to ask my question. If you are someone with medical needs make sure you take everything you have to take right before the exam, I was told I needed to complete an incident report for each time I had to access my locker to get medications and all that reporting would delay my results (you know when you aren't being told, but you're actually being threatened?? "Ohhh don't even go go there, ain't no body got time for that" type of attitude??). In conclusion, I'm NOT telling you not to go there to take your exam but to prepare yourselves mentally to be mistreated by the staff and to ensure you do not let that get you out of your "taking a test mindset" do not let them make you lose your cool as it could affect your test score, my goal was to score in the 90's but got an 85 and an 89, I blame the rude staff for pissing me off and taking me off my mind set, but I blame myself even more for allowing them to piss me off. read more

I don't understand why people here are getting bent out of shape for their rules on anti-cheating. Are they strict? Yes. Do they need to be? Yes. Took my NCLEX here and found them all to be quite nice. Each employee here was extremely pleasant and each one at the end said, "Good luck and have a great day," -- a nice end to an anxious exam. I recommend people getting there early because you take numbers to see who goes first at the front desk. I was #1 and subsequently got to start 30 minutes earlier than my proposed exam time. I was very happy because no one else came into the room for about fifteen minutes. read more

The staff especially the guys were very nice and polite. Yes, they don't want food or drinks inside the area you check in but they don't freak out about it. I brought in a small coffee and I stood by the door to finish before walking all the way in the room. No phones out either. Yes, they do the whole protocol of checking ALL your pockets and checking sleeves. Normally I am always freezing when I am taking tests and this is by far the most comfortable testing room I have been to (temperature wise). My only complaint is the parking. The parking structure affiliated with the building is very expensive. I had to drive around Oakland Chinatown looking for a parking lot that was somewhat reasonably priced. I did find one for whole day parking for $6. So that was semi reasonable, but free parking is better! read more

I went to the Oakland Pearson Center for a 3-hour exam (that thankfully ended up taking only an hour), and it was great: two staffers, maybe 4-5 other test takers while I was there, and great COVID protocols... they got me started early, shortly after I'd arrived (4:45 scheduled start, and I got there around 4:10 per their recommendations for early arrival... I was probably sitting in front of the exam by 4:20). I was a bit worried about how it might be taking an exam during a pandemic, but they've got the protocols down solid... two thumbs up for this team. Everything Pearson describes on its website is accurate... no surprises. (And readily available street parking a block or so away, though the building hourly lot was posted as being full.) read more