Test Site Experiences

[Skittle]

Anybody had any odd/funny/annoying test site experiences?

I've only had annoying ones.

One site I used a couple of years ago had the test room right next to the staff coffee machine. Having a couple old hens talk about soap operas very loadly in the corridor does not make a good environment for a test!

One site surprises me by allowing registration for the test in the same room as the test. This felt a little informal even though the registration process was done quietly. It was annoying at first but I soon blanked it out.

One site warned me before I took the test that an error message might pop up at the end. 'Just click cancel'.
Sure but 2 and half hours later when the damn thing pops up it still scares the hell out of you...

I've also noticed the best day to take tests is on a Monday afternoon. most of the places I take tests do courses that lead to tests. They always do the tests at the end of the week so it's nice and quiet on Mondays. A little less pressured than sharing a small cubilcle room with half a dozen other hunched test takers.

I also have the growing suspicion that the first few questions on a test are always the most difficult. Is it just my perspective or do MS put a few panic inducing questions at the start?

The one piece of paper you always get to write on. Hmmmmm.
More often than not I get the plastic card you are supposed to be able to wipe clean. Again more often than not I come out with ink covered hands, shirt and lips ( no tissue provided to clean the damn thing ).





Dazed and confused
(N+, MCAD)

 

[Auger282]

The last test I took the power went out in the whole building.. and I think they forgot about us in the small testing room.. (2 of us) we finally popped our heads out.. we were both a little freaked out because we were both about 1/2 way through our tests and didnt want to retake. Luckily the test picked right back up where we left off when we rebooted. Can someone say battery backup?.. But it was nice to get a little break inbetween I think I ended going back to some previous questions to take another look (not cheating but just thinking with a more clear mind)

Speaking about the paper we didnt get paper & pen exactly we got a laminated sheet of graph paper with the test instructions on it and an area for notes.. dry erase marker and eraser.. that was nice. I even erased the sheet before I handed it back in...

Thats the most intersting experience so far...

oh and another odd thing.. they notified us that there were cameras in the room to watch us.. but it was seriously just 2-4 logitec webcams.. lol .. oh well ;]

 

[mrdenny]

The place that I take my exams in a training center that a pervious company had me take some classes at. They've got the three testing seats in this tiny room with a large one way mirror behind you so that the front desk person can keep an eye on the test takers to make sure that they aren't cheeting.

The give a couple of sheets of printer paper and a pen if you need it.

The best part is that the candy machine is just out side the door of the test room if you need a candy break.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[schase]

you can take a break on your test exams? If you left the room at my exam locations, the test was over.

Mine were all pretty rigid, which was good. Cameras, viewing windows, just short of a pat down to make sure I wasn't bringing anything in.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+, Security+

 

[Auger282]

I would hope that you cant take a break in the middle of your tests... that may explain all of denny's certs ;]

 

[Skittle]

I think it depends on the test centre but usually not.
That document you always sign before taking the test I think says something about it.

Dazed and confused
(N+, MCAD .NET)

 

[mrdenny]

I've never actually tried to take a break in the middle of the test. But I have done a couple of tests back to back and the candy machine next door was handy.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[tekkierich]

Hi. I just setup a site dealing with what I have gone through with lately with Prometric. I suggest you DO NOT use them!

http://thomsonprometricsucks.com/

I would like to detail the horrible customer service experience that I have had attempting to take Microsoft MCSE exams. I think I have made reasonable efforts to correct this situation and I am extremely frustrated by an obnoxiously anemic bureaucracy at the offices of Thomson-Prometric. This website is a result of that frustration. If you are from Thomson-Prometric and reading this site, my name is Richard Matthews. In addition to my $500 you have my phone number in your database, give me a call.

http://thomsonprometricsucks.com/

In summary, during the course of nearly a month and a half I have attempted to take Microsoft Certification Exams. I estimate that in my three attempts to take an exam and in the hours spent on the phone with Thomson-Prometric bureaucracy I have wasted over 8 hours of time. It is evident to me that this is an organization that does not care about the treatment of its customers. Below is the excruciating detail of my experience.

http://thomsonprometricsucks.com/

 

[NickFerrar]

Ouch you sure seem to have had a bad time with Thomson-Prometric. thankfully my testing through them all worked fine so I didn't have to sample their 'Customer Care'. Pearson did seem a bit better to me though.

 

[Auger282]

I've never had any problems... the system is so automated I would think it would only be screwed up if it was my fault

 

[tekkierich]

I have an update and I am getting my money back! Pound on a a desk hard enough sometimes and they will listen.

http://thomsonprometricsucks.com/

 

[schase]

good resolution in the end from the sounds of it.

I've only used Prometric once, They had not updated the testing facilities correct location, which resulted in my early for the test- being 1 minute late for the test. (checked today and the address is updated). I had called the center to get directions and let them know what was up. When I got there they apologized for the mix up, and I still sat for it. I do recall the facilitator saying that at times the test can crash upon load, and if that was the case to please be patient.

It didn't, the test went great. Overall I was pretty impressed with their professionalism. I will go back to Vue though, only due to the testing location.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+, Security+

 

[mrdenny]

At least you got your money back. Hopefully Vue won't be as bad.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com