Site Visits to Prometric Test site
Is it possible to go to a Prometric test site to see the site and see the computer network in action?
I'm reading threads that seem to indicate that not all test centers are cutting edge and frocked with poor lighting, poor air exchange, old computers and lagging networks.
If we are aspiring architects, is it logical to assess a site that we are paying to use?
Shouldn't we as clients or consumers, be able to see what we are getting before we waste time and money on a product that has a history of poor performance?
How about a website that reviews/evaluates Prometric Test sites?
Or, how about NCARB setting up a section that a candidate can go to in order to get a feel for what other candidates have experienced?
Punch in a test site location,
Computer Network: 1 2,3,4,5 - 5 being great
Site interior - Lighting, HVAC, Seating, Sound Level: 1 2 3 4 5
If candidates give reviews that aren't very positive, is it possible that NCARB might take notice and put pressure on Prometric to implement changes or lose the contract?
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If you go to Prometric's website there's an opportunity to do some type of practice run...it costs money which is obnoxious, but that's the only thing I know of that's existing. You may be able to call the Prometric center near you and ask. If you just want to see the facility and not do anything on a computer, it could be a possibility. At the very least you could visit the lobby and may be able to peek into the testing room through the windows.
The center where I test isn't in bad condition, but it's not a perfect environment either. I have a feeling that some people are hypersensitive or easily distracted in these stressful environments which is totally understandable. Some people have a high tolerance for coughing/sneezing while others have little patience for it when paying for an exam like this. I don't like it but I can generally ignore it (although in my first exam a poor kid went from 2 coughs to 3 sneezes with zero time in between - it was actually somewhat comical and impressive, but I felt bad he had to take a test in there with that kind of allergy/sickness going on).
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Yep, sounds crazy to me too. I understand it'd be using their resources and their staff would have to do some work, but I still think it's no bueno.
https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/prepare-for-test-day/pages/take-a-practice-test.aspx
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Interesting. So the testors are offering testees a "full immersion" into the test taking process - for a mere $30 for a 30 minute "dry run".
And, if it sucks in my humble opinion, what then? I am reading a bunch of comments in all the discussions that there are a bunch of problems in a bunch of testing sites all over the globe.
I still think that test sites need to be rated or evaluated by testees. And, when an ARE candidate is looking for a testing site, they can go to the NCARB Test site Evaluation and read what ARE Candidates said and how they rated. I'd bet that if NCARB was seeing how test sites were being rated, it, NCARB, might say to test sites - "Shape up or sink". Our test candidates are paying a lot of money and if they are failing tests because of poor conditions, poor computer systems, we might have to develop our own test sites. After all, we are in the Architecture business - We protect the heath, safety and welfare of the pubic, which includes testing facilities.
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William,
Test sites CAN be rated by the testees - there is a survey that you take after the ARE exam that asks a bunch of questions about your testing experience. I had one or two of the questions specifically asking about the quality of the test center. Also - test centers are not all the same. I know there are several posts on here of people that experienced issues, but I encourage you to take those with a bit of a grain of salt until you have your own experience. Those posts ARE important in that NCARB needs to be made aware of the testing difficulties that people have been experiencing for sure. However, there are many, many, many people who are NOT having these problems, and they're simply not taking the time to post on here a positive review of a test center just for the heck of it. As I had mentioned before, mine was totally fine. I experienced no lagging issues or graphic problems.
When I was testing and using this forum, I tried to adopt the approach of focusing solely on the posts that I felt could benefit me in my studies. I definitely read posts dealing with difficult experiences or pitfalls of study efforts that ended up not paying off for someone. Those posts are good cautionary tales and definitely serve a purpose. But I told myself that someone else’s experience would not be mine and that I would simply focus on what I felt I knew I could do, especially since I walked into all my exams with significant work experience (much like yourself). I didn’t go into my tests thinking that my computer was going to freeze up and have severe delays. If it were to happen, I would simply raise my hand, get it fixed hopefully, and just sit back down and get back at it. If my test would completely crash on me and couldn’t be saved, then I would contact NCARB and reschedule/get refund, whatever the process was. I encourage you to think to yourself that the sampling of posts on here dealing with those issues, however large it may seem, might not represent the standard. Thousands of people are taking these tests every year, but there are not thousands of posts about test centers on this forum.
Hang in there, sir. Hope you have that first test scheduled and go in there with confidence.
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Yes, I finished back in the middle of March. Did the 4.0 / 5.0 combination approach. Definitely different tests to say the least, I actually thought 5.0 was pretty good in terms of better aligning with our field and I think you will too considering how many years you've been practicing and working with architects.
Hey man - just trying to encourage you along the way here and help alleviate any fears as you head into this. I know you're in the process of studying and it is indeed a daunting undertaking.
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Very sorry to hear that news. Wish you all the best with that and hope that everything turns out ok.
Keep at this and do your best to read and sort through all these posts as best as possible, identifying the ones that you think can help you succeed toward your goal. A lot of this discussion on the forum is good and is good for NCARB to see, especially because it identifies potential areas that may need improvement moving forward. Don't let negative stuff posted on here stop your momentum though. I remember that one post you had with all the images of jobs that you've worked on. I look at that and think to myself, "if this guy has done all that, these tests are going to be just fine." Having fully managed projects is HUGE for all of these tests.
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In 1992 while vacationing I was boogie boarding in Virginia Beach. I was married 4 years at that point. I broke my neck - cracked the C6 in 4 places and the C7 in 3 places. I have a titanium plate and 6 screws. I'll be married 30 years in November.
I'm no stranger to adversity. I take calculated risks with more thought as I get older.
I have a small practice that I operate under Licensure Law that excludes residential projects. I also work with various architects on commercial projects.
I'm not an architect by title. But I can do architecture. The test is the end of my long process. Unlike many who are starting along this path.
I am critical of a process that is so ambiguous. I assumed it was more organized. As a former educator the State Board of Education had a different perspective.
For what it's worth.
Thank you for the words of encouragement.
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