Unscheduled Breaks
I apologize if this has already been answered, but I couldn't find a thread on this topic. During my last exam, (taken in person), one of the proctors mentioned 'unscheduled breaks' that you could take any time - you don't hit the break button, but your time clock continues to count down. Are we allowed to take a break without hitting the break button on the computer to take meds or use the restroom at the testing center? I powered through the last test without any breaks in order to have time to review the questions without them being blocked, but really could have used a break. I'd be willing to sacrifice a couple of minutes of time on the clock in order to be fully hydrated and be able to review my test questions later.
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Hi Emily,
If you want to take a break at any point during your exam administration, you must hit the break button. Since we allow testers full access to their lockers and cell phones, it is a major security issue to take a break without clicking the break button. In your case, the proctor was incorrect. We are going to follow up with Prometric to ensure all proctors are following NCARB break rules. We appreciate you bringing this situation to our attention.
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Hi Emily,
Something I wish I had read or known was that once you hit "break" on your exam, you will be completely locked out of all previous questions you have clicked through (whether answered or not). If you marked any for review, those are also locked out as well and you will not be able to go back. This is noted on NCARB's screen at the top in the fine gray print- but in my mind, as this is new, NCARB should have been kinder to BOLD this, as it's different than the previous exams. In my recent case, I didn't know this and therefore "lost questions" because I was locked out when I took a break toward the end of my exam. Just hoping to spread the word so candidates are aware of what the new breaks mean for their exams.
Best of luck!
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NCARB, why do you allow testers full access to their lockers and cell phones? Personally I feel like locking the exam after the break just to allow accessing the lockers and cell phone is like tail wagging the dog - sitting through a 4 hours (for ESL testers, 5 hours) exam without a bathroom break really is impossible and could be life threatening...
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