Exams REALLY suck, especially when you're taking test numero cinco like yours truly... Buuut I know you guys aren't going to screw up as much as I have, sooo... Let's focus on you.
This is (hopefully) everything you wish someone would have told you before taking your exam.
Before the exam:
- There is a metered parking garage connected to the building. Look for the large blue public parking sign. There is an entrance on Woodmont Ave, and a second one on Rugby Ave.
- Weekdays: Either bring quarters or you can pay by phone (not sure how it works, just follow the instructions on the meter).
- Weekends: Park for free!
- Exit from the Woodmont Ave entrance, and building 8120 is directly to your right.
- Enter the building and take the elevators on your right up to the fifth floor to suite 510 (you will see a green Prometric sign).
Signing in:
- I usually arrive 45 minutes early and they immediately signed me in. But due to the volume of test takers on one of the days, it actually took 30 minutes between signing me in and getting me seated to start the exam.
- They provide one locker per person. Make sure all of your stuff can fit in a ~1 ft. by ~1 ft. and ~1 ft. deep compartment.
- The only things you can bring into your testing station are your ID and foam earplugs. No watches.
- Alternatively, you can request foam earplugs from them (those bright orange ones). They also have bulky headset-looking ones, but I would pass on them.
- Depending on your exam, they may or may not allow you to bring a calculator. Make sure you read your exam's specifications!
- When I was waiting to sign in, a guy asked if the testing center provided calculators. They did, but unfortunately for his exam he had to provide his own. So make sure you know your exam's specific rules.
- I can't stress it enough: Prometric doesn't make the rules, they just enforce them! For example, my exam requires a paper copy of the test confirmation. One of my friends had to forfeit her exam because she didn't have a paper copy and they wouldn't let her use their printer.
During the exam
- Once you enter the testing room, you cannot take anything off, so be sure to dress comfortably. I was in a long sleeve shirt and shorts and felt fine.
- The staff is nice. Regardless of when your designated breaks are, the staff will allow you to take a bathroom break. Just make sure to come out with your ID and sign out.
- For my exam, I am provided with 2 double-sided laminated pages and 2 washable markers (I saw some exams getting booklets and others plain white paper). Even if you're not taking an exam that requires calculations, it really helps to be able to write down the multiple choice options (A, B, C, D, etc) and then cross out the ones you know are wrong. When the answers are a couple of sentences, you don't really have the luxury to reread each one on the computer when you forget which ones you've eliminated.
- Do NOT start writing on anything until you have actually started the exam on the computer screen. It is considered cheating otherwise and you will be asked to forfeit your exam!
- Keep in mind: If you run out of the paper/markers, they'll take away your previous ones.
- Each test station is sectioned off into cubicles, so you won't be distracted by others taking the exam.
Finally... These computers are slow... Click once, let it *think* (which I'm guessing is when the person shoveling the coal into the computer takes a breather), and a couple of seconds later it should go to your next screen.
No matter what, just know that you will do well! Stay confident and good luck! read more