"Prometric Mask Policy Email" and Other Selective Communication
I just wanted to highlight the communication circus I've been experiencing with NCARB and Prometric recently.
For context, I have my 3rd online proctored exam scheduled next week.
NCARB
Subject: "ARE Update: Prometric Mask Policy": I got an email reminding me that my upcoming test at a Prometric Center has a mask policy that I should be aware of. I double checked that my appointment was online, not in person, and assumed I got this in error.
Later that day...
Subject: "ARE Update: Prometric Mask Policy": NCARB sent an apology email about the first email I got because I don't have an exam coming up[?!?], so it was sent to me in error... But I do have an exam coming up. I triple checked, and yes, it's still scheduled for next week.
Later that same day...
Subject: "Seminario Explorando el Camino Hacia Licenciatura en EE.UU. | Marzo 18": I translated this email to find out it is an invitation to an online seminar where they will talk about obtaining a Bachelors degree. I received my bachelors degree 7 years ago... And although I would like to be able to, I don't speak Spanish.
Prometric
I recently had the not-uncommon experience of a remote proctor exam fatally crashing and needing to reschedule my appointment. I rescheduled for 4 days later and passed. 1 week later I get a call from Prometric about this for the first time... Then the second. Then the third. Then the fourth.
6:50pm The worst audio quality I've ever heard, and I was in the middle of dinner so I asked them to call back the next day during business hours.
6:52pm I deny the call with a mouth full of food.
6:53pm I deny the call again hoping they remembered the conversation we had 3 minutes ago about calling me tomorrow.
6:55pm Mouth still full, of food I answer to hear what was so important. They are sorry I had a bad experience and wanted to tell me they're looking in to it... That's all, goodbye.
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Official comment
We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by our recent correction emails. Frankly, we’ve had internal issues with our mailing lists, which resulted in some messages going to a wider audience than intended. You’re right to call us out on it. Accuracy, transparency, and relevant messaging are important to us—whether we’re sharing data about exam performance, updates on technical issues, or mistakes in our communications. We would like to stress:
The data in your NCARB Record, including your contact information, is safe. We accidentally sent emails about our upcoming NCARB Live webinars and Prometric’s mask policy to the wrong customers, and we’ve updated our internal processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
Sharing accurate data about our programs remains a top priority. For the past decade, we’ve shared insights into the profession through NCARB by the Numbers. More recently, we’ve shared data on ARE performance amid the pandemic, including technical issues and 2020 pass rates.
Again, we apologize for the confusion. Thank you.
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I didn't get the first one about having an upcoming exam scheduled, but my girlfriend did and she's been a Registered Architect for almost 2 years. I did get the correction email and also the Spanish one.
Everyone is really worried about what's going on behind the scenes at NCARB. It seems to be regular occurrence that they are constantly having technical problems and saying they will not be answering the phones.
Personally I'm most concerned about the Software and Technical problems people are still having during their exams and how NOTHING has been done after ARE Candidates have repeatedly complained about these issues for the past 5 years.
I don't believe NCARB is being fully transparent with the data they shared last week.
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The hits just keep on coming! I just found out I successfully registered for an NCARB Live Webinar that I've never heard of before. As far as I know my personal email isn't public here, otherwise I'd think someone is screwing with me, and I have a bad feeling that's just the general mentality when you're dealing with NCARB and the AREs.
Subject: "Thank You for Registering for Our Upcoming NCARB Live Webinar!"
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It's not a coincident that the 72% of NCARB's Stakeholders have reported feeling dissatisfied with the job NCARB is doing. You should read the whole report about what NCARB's Stakeholders said about them. https://youngarchitect.com/ncarbsurvey2020/
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