I recently took my state exam here and I'll be honest I was a little apprehensive because I read the reviews and I freaked myself out. I freaked myself out for nothing, this place has not gotten a review in quite some time. I would like to review my recent experience. Yes the building is very old but it did not have any affect on its purpose. The gal at the front desk was very kind and was trying to make the atmosphere a little less tense because when you're taking a big test you tend to be very focused. She explained the process very thoroughly. I had no issues with the computer or any of the test taking process. This place was more than adequate for test taking I will be back to take my next exam at this very location. read more

I highly recommend if you need to take an exam that you don't take it here. First of all, the building their in is older than dirt. Do not use the elevator because it does not feel safe. Use the stairs if you can find them. I came here to take a very important exam for work. There were so many red flags. They didn't ask for my ID to verify my identity which they are supposed to do. They didn't ask me to empty my pockets which they are supposed to do. I had my cell phone in my pocket and they didn't even ask for it. They put my car keys in a unlocked drawer so anyone could have easily taken them. They do not have a credit card terminal to read your card so they enter your card number manually into their system so my card number is on their unsecured system. The exam room is across the hall in a very small, crowded, room. There were about 7 people in there and some of the people were not wearing masks. I felt very uncomfortable especially when the guy next to me was constantly coughing. The computer I had was very old and slow. It would take forever just to get to the next question. The monitor was distorted and I couldn't view the entire page. I had to keep scrolling down to read the entire question. During the time I was taking the exam, I did not see anyone come in and proctor which they are supposed to do. When I finished the exam, I got a message that there was a processing error and my exam did not process. I went and told the person that was working there and she didn't have a clue what was wrong. They lost my exam and I was out a lot of money. These exams are not cheap. I was told there was nothing they could do. This whole experience was a nightmare. read more

I signed up to take a certification test here because the location was convenient and they had tons of availability. I showed up and waited in the waiting room, which really was a lobby space set up in the hallway, while the proctors checked us in for the afternoon session. Overall, the whole building and office space is in serious need of repair. After going through the check-in process (showing ID, turning in belongings, etc.) I was escorted down the hall to the testing room. The privacy measures put in place in this room were subpar compared to other testing centers I've visited. The computers were arranged around the perimeter of a small room, all very close together and were only separated by cardboard dividers. In other centers, the computers are more spaced out and privacy cubicles are much more effective. Before I tried to start my test, I realized that all of the supplemental materials were not provided. I asked one of the proctors for assistance and she walked me out of the room. Another person working there at check-in told her to "call the manager", which was unsuccessful. As she waited on the phone, she told me that the "Same thing happened last week" and those people just took the test anyway. What?? If they knew the issue happened just a few days ago, why not make an effort to correct it before the next day of testing. And further, why not alert me in advance so that I could deal with rescheduling before actually starting the test session? The manager didn't answer so the proctors told me my choices were to 1) take the test without the materials and try my best or 2) cancel and try to reschedule, but it was up to me to handle the hassle of getting a refund. I opted to cancel because it wasn't worth it to me to take the test without everything I needed. I've taken similar exams at other testing centers like Prometric and the experience was FAR better. Please do yourself a favor and choose another place to take your test. read more

I had to add this business on here and hope that someone who needs to take a test reviews it before they go here. This place is not where you want to take a test. I have taken my test at Texas State and at the Business Commination Solutions and those two places are way better. The test administer was rude and clearly unhappy with her job. The room you take your test in is small, cramped, noisy and done right just uncomfortable. The only thing separating your computer from another is cardboard box walls. Not very professional. The one thing I can say is that they give you disposable earplugs, but they really don't block out that much noise. Of all the testing centers out there, I would choose another before coming here. read more

Tactix - Vocational & Technical School Near Me - Austin, Texas

If it were possible to provide Zero stars, this would be the poster child. If you find you're wanting to take a certification exam, and every other place is booked but Tactix, and your choice is take it later or take it here? My opinion would be to STAY AWAY-- STAY VERY FAR AWAY. Although I hesitate to write such a negative review, this place needs to wake up and realize that the proctoring services they provide are well below what I (and what I think most people would) consider sub-par-- not just sub-par, but way way below sub par. I took an exam five months ago-- when I arrived, the lady running the place wasn't at the desk-- waited 5 minutes for her to return, then waited more for her to try and find my test reservation. I eventually had to go to my truck to get my laptop to look up information she should have had (I was told I just had to show up with my ID). When finally I provided this, I took the test in desks with corrugated vinyl separators between seats (luckily I was the only one at my desk). I completed the exam and received a passing score print out. I thought nothing more of it. Now, five months later, upon taking a second exam within the same industry, I *had* to take it at Tactix to complete it before end of year. I'm just finding out know that Tactix marked me as a no-show on my exam from July. Wha?!? Yes, I'm on the phone right now with Prometric, so I'm a bit agitated. They are supposed to have it resolved in 2 business days. We shall see. Stay away-- stay very far away, in my opinion, if you can. read more

If you are always running late like I am, finding a place that is easily accessible and with ample parking is a must. I had no trouble at all making it on time to a test today. The logistics are easy and the building is labeled "BUILDING 2" in big bold letters so you really shouldn't be able to miss it, no matter how stressed you are. The ladies were so kind and attentive, and I was able to start my exam promptly. Not sure why this place is rated so low but I'm glad I chose it for my exam! Thanks ladies!! read more

I've taken several Cisco and EMC exams at this site. I've never had a problem getting in, although once I changed my plans because the proctor let me know they were crowded with people taking a government test of some kind. (Thanks for the heads' up!) They are great at same day scheduling, something few others do. They have at least two rooms of test stations, with cardboard dividers between the screens. The screens are nice and large, too. It's too bad that the testing software can't adapt to the larger screen, so the text is yuuuuuge, and you have to learn to manage the windows - but that's a software issue, not Tactix's. My test didn't require them, but they have comfortable headphones, and they provide both covers for them, as well as foam earplugs, and a decent amount of scratch paper. If you're needing to spread out, or your exam requires a number of materials (books) to be open, or you *really* have to be in your own space, you might want to check another testing center. I've never taken an exam like that, so I honestly don't know. But if you need to take a test without scheduling it days in advance, and need a proctor that will work with you to get it done (i.e. when Prometric or Pearson's website won't let you schedule a same-day test). I'm the kinda test taker that closes his book, runs through one last run through the practice test, *then* schedules the exam when I can squeeze it in around my work and family demands. Like, um, *right NOW!*. It's in an older office building, and the building isn't in the best shape. But, it has gotten much better over the last 4 years, and Tactix's area has always been clean. Getting into the testing center from 183 is easy. (Getting out and back on to 183, on the other hand...) I think if you realize that the testing center's portion of your exam fee is fixed, and with Tactix, you're trading some fluff and getting flexibility, availability and capacity. I've taken a few exams that are in nicer office buildings. They're not around anymore, and they were difficult to schedule a convenient time with, didn't have saturday hours, and had 6 or 8 seats. I will be back again, hopefully in a few months when I'm ready for my next certification test. read more

All right. I took a test here recently. This is no fancy place, like google HQ, but the place is clean and functional. The testing setup was slightly on the cramped side, but nothing really that affected my test environment or capacity. The lady upfront was friendly and professional. read more

Friendly, professional and clean. I would definitely return. They are in a very convenient location. Great staff who has always been willing to help in all my needs. read more

I scheduled an exam over the phone on 6/17. I'm pretty sure I spoke with the manager of this place. While on the phone, I asked what times were available for 6/25, I was told verbatim "any time". So I asked how about 4:00? She said yes and confirmed several times over the phone that I was scheduled for 4:00 on 6/25. I show up at 3:45 on 6/25 and I'm told 1. I'm not on the schedule (which btw, the schedule seemed to be a drawer with some papers shoved into it), 2. They don't schedule anyone past 3:00 (which makes no sense why they agreed to schedule me at 4:00 over the phone and confirmed it several times), and 3. The employee there doesn't even have a login to get me started on the test. I was ultimately just told to reschedule the exam for some other time. I certainly didn't want to take my chances scheduling with them again, but even if I did, they said I couldn't even reschedule the exam while I was standing there. Don't waste your time with this place. read more

If I could give lower than a 1, I definitely would. I am currently an elementary teacher, working on my Master's in reading and literacy, and a motivational speaker working with upcoming education graduates. As a speaker, I travel to different colleges, preparing the students for what's to be expected when seeking teaching positions, expectations, testing needed etc. I advise them on where they can take their certification exams that will provide them with a professional, non-hassle environment. I said that to say, THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO GO HERE TO TEST! Not only have some of the students gone there and complained about the facility, staff and unreliable equipment, but some have even said that their scores were not properly reported. I personally visited the location to see for myself and was shocked when I arrived. The staff was unfriendly, unorganized, unprofessional and did not seem to even know how to work the equipment. There was another client there who was complaining as I entered the area because the computers kept going down in the middle of testing causing her to lose previous test information. The testing areas are cramped, the cardboard dividers are falling down and the computer software is apparently very outdated. The worst part is that when you complain to the owner, instead of trying to resolve the issues, she'd rather argue with you and tell you "how wrong" you are about her company. I would NEVER send my graduates here, nor my colleagues and classmates. I have definitely been spreading the word on my campus as well as campuses that I speak at making sure that they DO NOT use this company for their certification tests! My advice would be to go to ACC...you will get the experience there that you deserve and not the crap that Tactix provides. read more

I happened to notice the negative review and was shocked by it. I have always have a good experience with Tactix. I asked the owner about the situation. She told that over 500 people monthly come for Testing at Tactix of Austin. They all have a survey at the end of their test and can evaluate the company and procedures. They have a very high satisfaction rate with all the customers. Some clients report 100% of great responses. Concerning the partitions, they are provided by the testing companies and required to use what they sent. This company has excellent people who follow the procedures for providing secure testing. The have great hours and are open on Saturday's as well. I was happy to write this review for them. They want feedback so they can always address any problems but using this forum for complaining when most of this was everything they are supposed to do. I would recommend Tactix to all my friends and co-workers. We need to promote small businesses not tear them down. This company deserves all 5 stars. As for the ID issue, the confirmation letter gives you all that information on what to bring and what not to bring. read more