Completed all 6 tests successfully at home with PSI at Home | TIPS

I completed all 6 of my exams online at home with PSI. I see some scary experiences described. While I did have one exam where their software failed mid exam (NCARB helped me through that experience, talk to them, they are honestly here to help you succeed), the rest were minor but highly annoying glitches that did not help my test anxiety. But this is a positive post—we found a solution!

After a dozen PSI technical phone calls, I finally came across a very helpful PSI technical support person and they solved my issue for all subsequent exams and I need to share. It’s IMPORTANT!

TIP 1 | you have to UNINSTALL the PSI bridge between every install (test run and exam). 

This is a glitch that PSI is aware of for some people and it doesn’t allow you to run the program smoothly. Why they don’t address it publicly is beyond me because I have seen so many posts for the same issues I had and it was all resolved after this trick from the lovely PSI helpdesk person. 

TIP 2 | under no circumstances should you change the file name of the PSI Bridge when you download it. It will not run. 

In general, I passed without trouble. I used AmberBooks (for PPD & PDD), Black Spectacles and Ballast.

I also used NCARBs matrix for the books (super important), I found some at my local library, some my office had. 

Lastly— I did the NCARB practice exams several times before the test. I aimed for 90% or higher. 

These exams are a marathon, not a sprint. Look for local public and free resources. There are some from your local library to AIA chapter. NCARB obviously has the exams.

For those who are daring enough—AmberBooks idea of learn everything, take everything is also promising. It at least will make you think and piece things together so you really begin to understand and master the material for longer than just the exam.

Last point about taking the exams at home. Read the instructions. That sounds so basic. But it’s true. My testing room was literally empty. Just a desk and chair. No pictures, no curtains, no lamps, no carpets. I took every step to remove points of contention. Get an external camera. You have to have that. No speakers. No weird keyboards or mice. Just keep it simple. It was a pain to set it up and take it down—but the convenience it afforded me and my test anxiety out weighed the hassle for me.  

Hope this helps someone, and the very best of luck! You’ve got this!