Certification FAQ

Arizona Branch AALAS

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AZAALAS - Frequently Asked Questions
About Certification Exams

Where are the Sylvan Prometric Testing Centers (SPTCs) Located?

There are over 250 centers nationwide. The hours and locations of the sites nearest to you can be found by calling Sylvan Prometrics's toll-free number, 1-800-479-6376. The test sites are in compliance with regulations governing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all proctors are fully trained and must take an annual certification test before administering any Chauncey exams. Sylvan Prometrics offers year- round registration services, year-round testing, and year-round reporting. Want to check for a test location in your area? Click here.

Who writes the exam questions?

Examination questions are prepared by National AALAS members with expertise in the care and treatment of laboratory animals. Each examination question is then carefully referenced, reviewed, and evaluated by the ATCB to ensure its accuracy and correctness. After completing these reviews and before a new exam form is constructed, Chauncey's editorial staff will review each new item for clarity of language and consistency of style.

How much computer experience is needed to take my test?

You will not need extensive computer experience* to use computer-based testing. Computer-based testing with Sylvan Prometrics:

provides a brief on-line computerized tutorial to guide you on how to use the computer;
presents a computer work station equipped with a mouse (desktop, hand-operated device for selecting answers and other options from your computer screen);
allows you to mark questions as a reminder to review them later;
continuously tracks and displays time remaining for your convenience;
provides a score report immediately upon completion of your exam; and
provides a fully trained proctor during your exam for technical assistance (not related to exam content).

* Helpful Hint: If you are apprehensive about using a computer and/or a mouse to take your exam, AALAS suggests taking some time prior to applying for your exam to familiarize yourself with the basic functions of a computer. This can be accomplished in several ways -- practice on model computers set up in computer stores, play computer games with your friends, visit the computer-based card catalog at your local library -- just to mention a few.

Can I review or change my answers on the test?

Yes, examinees may review questions and/or mark questions for review at the end of their exam. If sufficient time remains, an "Item Review" screen is available at the end of the exam so examinees my return to any questions they wish to review. Examinees have the option of "marking" any questions they are not sure of during the exam, so they can return to them once the exam is finished. The "item review" screen will also allow the examinee to return to any questions that were skipped or left "incomplete". Any answers selected will be graded "as they are" if the examination time expires before an examinee completes the review of those questions he/she has marked for review.

What do I need to do on the day of my exam?

Expect the following procedures when you arrive at the Sylvan Prometric Test Center for your exam appointment:

Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. If you arrive 30 minutes AFTER your scheduled appointment, you will be required to forfeit your appointment. You will be considered a "No Show" candidate and will have to reapply and submit a new application fee to be eligible to sit for an examination again.
You must present your Authorization to Test letter, your valid picture identification that includes your signature and your second form of ID. Your Authorization to Test letter will be collected by test center staff.
You will be asked to provide your signature on a registration form.
You will be required to leave your personal belongings (except for two forms of ID) outside the testing room.
The test center administrator will give you a short orientation and then will escort you to a computer terminal.
The administrator will provide you with scratch paper that may be replaced as needed during testing. You may not take your own scratch paper or pencil to the exam nor remove the scratch paper from the testing room at any time. Calculators or other aids are not allowed.
Raise your hand to notify the administrator if you need more scratch paper, need to take a break, believe you have a problem with your computer, or need the administrator for any reason.

When will I receive my examination score?

You will receive a hard copy printout of your pass/fail status at the test center upon completion of your exam. Passing candidates will receive a pass message and failing candidates will receive a fail message. An official score report will be mailed to you from AALAS within 3-4 weeks from the date of your exam. Passing candidates will receive a score report with pass indicated and a wall certificate. For those candidates failing the exam, the official score report will contain their scale score and diagnostic information identifying areas of strength and weakness. Unsuccessful candidates are encouraged to reapply using the AALAS "Reapplication Form" which will be included with all "fail" score reports coming from AALAS.

What should I study to prepare for the examination?

AALAS offers many resources which may aid you in your exam preparations including the Technician Training Manuals, Basic Course Outlines, and the Reference List. Any of these or a combination of them will be very useful. You will need to choose a study method that best suits your work and family schedule and your preferred learning style. You may prefer to study with a group of fellow co-workers, by yourself, or a combination of the two.

This page was designed by AZAALAS Webmaster
Revised 12/11/06 gea