At PSI, our commitment to delivering a secure and exceptional testing experience for our clients is unwavering. To reinforce this commitment, we have introduced a new security procedure at our Test Centers, effective from May 2024, to ensure safe testing experience for our test takers. This enhanced protocol ensures the highest level of test integrity and safety when testing in our Test Centers.
“At PSI, it’s imperative that we continue to evolve and adapt security procedures due to the ever-changing landscape of technology advancements that threaten to compromise test integrity.” – Neal Bear, VP Domestic Channel, PSI
Here’s an overview of how these new measures will benefit you as our clients and your test takers and how they will ensure that all test takers are provided with a fair and distraction-free environment as we are taking strides towards becoming a better testing partner for you.
Upon arrival at the Test Center, test takers are greeted and attended to by our dedicated Test Center Administrators. The security check process begins with a thorough visual inspection. Our Test Center Administrators check ears for any devices and ask test takers to empty their pockets and roll up their sleeves and pants legs to check for any unauthorized devices. For those wearing headwear or clothing for religious reasons, a respectful visual review will be conducted without the need for the clothing’s removal.
Following the visual inspection, our Test Center Administrators use a metal detector wand to scan test takers for any metallic items. This procedure is crucial in detecting unauthorized electronic devices, thus safeguarding the integrity of the testing process. The scan ensures minimal disruption to the test takers while maintaining stringent security standards.
During the check-in process, test takers must present a current, valid, and unexpired government-issued photo identification. Some exams may require a second form of identification. Test Center Administrators validate the likeness of the test taker with their identification and may capture additional information, such as photos or biometric data, depending on your test requirements.
Throughout the testing session, active monitoring is a top priority. This includes both video surveillance and regular walkthroughs through the testing area. Our Test Center Administrators ensure that the testing environment remains secure and conducive to a successful testing experience.
To maintain test fairness and security, unscheduled test breaks cannot exceed 5 minutes for test takers, and they cannot access personal belongings during these breaks. Upon re-entry to the testing area, the security check, including the wanding procedure, is repeated to ensure no unauthorized items are brought back into the testing area.
Once test takers complete their exam, Test Center Administrators collect all materials used during the test, such as scratch paper or references, and conduct the check-out process. Personal belongings are returned, and test takers can depart the center.
You can review the process our Test Center Administrators follow to maintain a safe and fair testing environment at our Test Centers in the following video:
At PSI, we understand the importance of a secure and smooth testing experience. Our comprehensive security measures underscore our dedication to test security and fairness. We are committed to being the best testing partner for our clients, ensuring that their test takers have a safe and successful testing experience.
“PSI made the decision to introduce metal detecting security wand protocols earlier this year as an added layer of defense. We have seen great adoption across our network, helping to ensure that honest test takers have the most secure testing environment possible, leading them to have confidence in the credential, certification, or license they are seeking with PSI.” – Neal Bear, VP Domestic Channel, PSI
By implementing these enhanced security measures, we aim to provide you with the confidence that your testing programs are conducted in the most secure environment possible.
We look forward to supporting you and your test takers with the highest standards of security and service. Thank you for your continued trust in PSI as your testing partner.