Experiences at Prometric

Be flexible, ready to work independently, a quick learner, and patient!

There were many scheduling issues at the Chicago location (at least while I was employed there). Be very clear with the hiring manager about your availability, especially if you are in school and/or your availability changes frequently. Prometric hires full-time workers as well as people who can only work one day a week.

Although Test Administrators work in close proximity to their coworkers, almost all of the work must be done alone. Proctoring tests is not a difficult job, but because Prometric has so many clients, an Administrator must quickly learn (and have ready access to) the rules and regulations for each and every type of exam. Tell the hiring manager that you are willing and ready to adhere to the rules of each and every test WITHOUT fail. There is no room for fudging when it comes to administering tests.

The two most important skills for this position, in my opinion, are patience and compassion. Proctors administer tests that can determine whether or not the test-taker will get a better job, keep their current job, become a professional (e.g. Doctor, Accountant, Stock Broker), and/or get into the higher education institution of their choice. Therefore, let the hiring manager know that you are willing to deal with difficult test-takers and that you will remain calm when test-takers becomes upset simply because they are nervous, unprepared, or because they failed their test. Explain that you will follow the rules of each test and maintain a quiet environment for all test-takers no matter what issues arise.

Lastly, be sure to tell the hiring manager that you are comfortable working with computers as the position requires that you run a testing lab of 15 - 25 computers. However, note that if hired, you will only be utilizing one software application to start each test, and you will be trained to use this software. If there are any serious computer failures, Prometric has its own Tech Support hotline, and they will tell you what to do when you need help. So don't be too concerned if you don't know your way around MS Office applications, for instance. Just let the hiring manager know that you have at least basic PC literacy.

The clothing policy used to be strict ("Prometric blue" dress top and khaki bottoms) but I hear they just changed this and employees can now wear jeans and plain shirts daily!

Once you get used to the common complaints ("Why do I need a valid ID to take a test?" or "Can you turn the temperature up / down?") and learn the rules of the most commonly given tests, it really is a pretty easy job (if you have decent supervisors, of course) with a higher than average starting wage and full benefits....