Test Center specifications
The requirements below reflect operating standards for both current and joining partner testing locations.
Requirements are subject to change and will be communicated in those instances.
Location
- Test Center must conform to local building, sanitation & health codes
- Building, grounds and surrounding area must be clean and welcoming to testers.
- The building must be easily accessible via major roadways or public transportation.
- Exits must be clearly marked and unobstructed.
- Fire extinguishers are required and in working order, location well marked and easily accessible.
- Emergency exits must be clearly identified and clear of obstructions.
- First aid kits must be stocked and easily accessible.
- Restrooms must be located in the same building as the testing center.
- Restrooms must be clean, supplied with necessary items, and in working order.
- Adequate parking must be available near the testing center location.
- Partners who chose to relocate their testing space should contact PSI at least 30 days in advance of their move. Any new testing space will undergo a vetting process to ensure that it meets all current requirements.
Test site environment
- Test room must be large enough to comfortably place testing stations and chairs. A minimum of 5 seats is recommended, not including at least 1 dedicated tester accommodations seat in a separate room. Further details regarding the local seat need will be provided during the application process.
- Certification and licensure sites are expected to be open for at least two days each week, with testing available at least 4–5 hours per day, and one of those days containing a minimum of a 5-hour session.
- FAA sites must offer at least 24 hours of testing availability per week.
- While PSI testing is underway, two dedicated resources must be available to focus on those test takers.
- Test station table surface must be large enough to accommodate the monitor, keyboard, mouse pad and applicable testing materials. 42″W x 30″D is the desired standard size; desks at least 30″D are also accepted if they offer larger overall area. Folding or conference tables cannot be used, and desks cannot have shelves, drawers or obstructions. Look and feel should reflect a contemporary professional office aesthetic.
- The testing site should be free from all other activity during open hours; during non-testing time, the space may be available for other uses.
- Ensure aisle space exists so that test takers have ample personal space.
- Testing area must be located in such a way so that no test taker will be disturbed by foot traffic, loud conversation or outside noise.
- Partitions must physically separate each testing workstation, extending at a minimum the depth of the workstation desk and at minimum the height of the top of the workstation monitor. These should be affixed in such a way that they do not bend or move during testing.
- Copy machine or scanner to provide copies of test taker IDs and test eligibility documents.
- A phone must be available to TCAs at all times for use in calling the Global Help Desk, reporting irregularities or tending to other emergencies.
Site environment
- Admin Area may be shared with Waiting Area assuming adequate space and division of the areas may be achieved. Testers must be given a quiet comfortable space to await their test, and a private area for the check-in process.
- The check-in area should be located near the entrance to the testing room, in an area separate from other activities.
- Waiting area seating must be available for all testers, one waiting area seat per testing seat.
- Staff must actively monitor test takers at all times by regularly rotating between viewing windows, conducting lab walk-throughs, and reviewing live video surveillance.
- PSI will need to confirm all final layouts prior to site activation to ensure both the quality and security of the site meet PSI standards.
- The waiting area must be clean and presentable at all times.
- Testers must have individual, securable storage options for their belongings, such as lockers. Storage must be outside of the testing room.
- Staff should greet testers as they arrive and provide any necessary support.
- Webcam located at Proctor Station to take a digital photo of testers, per client policy.
- The check-in area must have a light-colored plain wall that will be used as the background for image capture.
Security and surveillance
- Test security is vital to giving test takers the confidence their tests are conducted fairly, delivering reliable outcomes, and protecting the integrity of our organizations.
- Testing must take place in a separate room with a closable door.
- Proctor station and printer must be located outside of the testing room.
- Client exceptions aside, all testers will undergo the metal wanding process before entry into the testing area. Staff must be capable and comfortable supporting this process.
- Video surveillance system must provide constant monitoring during the testing session and include a Digital Video Recording (DVR) or Network Video Recording (NVR) system. Coverage must include the administrative station/check-in area, waiting area, and testing workstations, with overhead camera coverage for every 1–4 test stations. PSI must be able to review footage either through secure access to stored footage or by receiving footage for review.
- Recordings should be maintained for 90 days. If local law prohibits this retention period, the longest legally permitted period should be honored instead.
- Management access to video systems should be secured and limited to trained staff. If possible, encryption should be used for transport of video signal.
- Testing room door must be lockable, restricting any unauthorized access.
- All testing and tester material must be secured when not in use.
Equipment and supplies
- 8 1/12x 11 printer paper to be issued to test takers, per published client policy, and Number 2 pencils.
- Disposable Earplugs or Noise Canceling Headphones must be offered to all test takers.
- Tests containing audio files require audio-capable headsets. ETS-issued headsets with microphones should be used for ETS testing. Over-the-ear models are required and must be able to be wiped clean with an anti-bacterial cloth or supplied with disposable covers.
- Basic 4-function calculators must be available for specific tests.
- A clock should be provided in the break area so test takers taking exams with a scheduled break can time themselves.
- White noise machines will be provided for PRAXIS, GRE, and TOEFL locations.
- White boards, boogie boards, or other approved additional materials may be issued to test takers per published client policy and approved provisioning requirements.
- FAA testing requires plastic overlays with dry-erase markers
View full Test Center computer specifications here
Partnerships
- Sites will be expected to deliver tests for all clients. Exceptions are at the sole discretion of PSI or ETS.
- An ideal partner is businesses focused on helping their communities and advancing people in their careers.
- Under no circumstances are sites to contact current PSI clients, regardless of how they were approached. All client contact must be handled directly by PSI staff.
- Sites should have a full schedule for the next 6 months in place at the point of going live and will continue to provide a 6 month advance schedule when prompted by PSI, twice per year.
- Staff must possess the ability to quickly implement varying and emerging test delivery policies. Administrators will be expected to know and support any nuanced delivery steps specific to a client or clients.
- TCAs are responsible for test taker check-in, readiness checks, site security oversight, proctor coordination, and required incident or problem reporting.
- A proactive approach to ensuring that all testing will happen as planned.
- Site schedules should not be changed once put in place, as this may lead to undue tester displacement or disruption.
- Staff should be welcoming to testers, while paying close attention to policies and security of the test.
- While PSI testing is underway, two dedicated resources must be available to focus on those test takers.
- Sites should enact a staffing plan that allows consistent and reliable site availability.
- Staff will be provided training on all aspects of their role, and are expected to pay close attention to all training modules.
- It is essential that our testers receive information specific to their professional needs. PSI asks that staff also understand how to show restraint and provide only information they have full confidence is accurate.
- It is important that PSI and the site have an open line of communication and timely response in order to best services our Test Takers. We ask that when PSI submits a non-urgent inquiry it be responded to within 48 hours.
- Dedicated staff will work with you as you plan and implement your PSI space, offering additional resources and essential details to guide you through the full process.