CBEST Program

I am rejecting this response because: there is no clear, reasonable or fair mechanism or interface that differentiates paper versus computer based testing centers on the CBEST registration website and users are likely to be misled and confused as I wasBy way of example, there is no icon, text, or associated symbol that corresponds to the paper/computer based systems available per testing center Moreover, there is no way to confirm purchase via a standard shopping cart in advance - user is forced to pay in advance without ANY opportunity to observe purchase in-cart, which is an essential ecommerce component used on virtually every other bond fide website (and for obvious good reason).It is also unclear what compelling reason exists for the lack of transparency vis-a-vis lack of shopping cart which would afford an individual an opportunity to confirm and refine purchaseFinally, there is no reasonable basis for the withholding of a 'late registration fee' when user (I), was immediately faced with the incorrect selection and withdrew a matter of seconds after being faced with this faulty cart-less purchasing system CBEST stands by 'carte blanche' waiver of fee based on registrant signing an agreement acknowledging late fee exists, and, as can bee seen even here on the Revdex.com site, leverages this despite evident failures in their purchase interface which, by way of being unreasonable, should allow for remedy regardless of any precondition In other words, signing an acknowledgement of late registration fee does not (or should not) grant any entity the right to allow improper dispensing of product, either through poor GUI or negligence This user remains truly concerned that many other registrants may have had problems with backward/poorly labelled interface (as of 2/2015) on CBEST system, which in aggregate would likely go far beyond complaint of this particular user

Think about how much is being charged for the computer based CBEST test and how much the people who take it are probably making per hour. This is one more corrupt element of a failing system.

We have researched this individual’s complaint, regarding the test site location to which he was assigned for a recent administration of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)Based on the circumstances described by the candidate, he is seeking a refund of the $late registration
fee he paid for a paper-based administration of the CBESTAs indicated on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, the CBEST is available to take as a paper-based test or via computer-based testingAll available testing areas for the CBEST paper-based test are listed under “California Test Areas” on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website atwww.ctcexams.nesinc.comComputer-based testing is available at more than Pearson Professional Centers throughout the United States, including Tamalpais Adult School in Larkspur mentioned by this candidate in his correspondence with the Revdex.comAlthough candidates may view test dates and appointment times at CBT centers prior to registering at the program website, a candidate must register and pay for a test before an appointment can be scheduledPrior to registration, it appears that this candidate reviewed the available test centers for the CBEST computer-based testHowever, he did not register for a computer-based test, but instead registered for a paper-based testDuring the registration process, the candidate was presented with the testing areas offered for paper-based administrations and selected the San Francisco areaAs part of the registration process, this information was confirmed before the registration was finalizedIt would not have been possible for any candidate to select the Larkspur test site for a paper-based administration because this test center is only available for computer-based test administrationsAs stated on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, the late registration period for the March 7, 2015, paper-based test administration began after 5:p.mPacific time on February 6, Further, if an examinee registers during the late registration period but withdraws their registration by the deadline, only the testing fee will be refunded; the late registration fee will not be refundedOur records indicate that the examinee registered on February 14, 2015, during the late registration period, and was therefore assessed the late registration fee of $Because this candidate was assigned a test site location based on the area selected at the time of registration, there is no provision in the program for a refund of the late registration feeWe hope this information is helpfulThank you for your inquiry

I am rejecting this response because: there is no clear, reasonable or fair mechanism or interface that differentiates paper versus computer based testing centers on the CBEST registration website and users are likely to be misled and confused as I was. By way of example, there is no icon, text, or associated symbol that corresponds to the paper/computer based systems available per testing center.  Moreover, there is no way to confirm purchase via a standard shopping cart in advance - user is forced to pay in advance without ANY opportunity to observe purchase in-cart, which is an essential ecommerce component used on virtually every other bond fide website (and for obvious good reason).It is also unclear what compelling reason exists for the lack of transparency vis-a-vis lack of shopping cart which would afford an individual an opportunity to confirm and refine purchase. Finally, there is no reasonable basis for the withholding of a 'late registration fee' when user (I), was immediately faced with the incorrect selection and withdrew a matter of seconds after being faced with this faulty cart-less purchasing system.  CBEST stands by 'carte blanche' waiver of fee based on registrant signing an agreement acknowledging late fee exists, and, as can bee seen even here on the Revdex.com site, leverages this despite evident failures in their purchase interface which, by way of being unreasonable, should allow for remedy regardless of any precondition.  In other words, signing an acknowledgement of late registration fee does not (or should not) grant any entity the right to allow improper dispensing of product, either through poor GUI or negligence.  This user remains truly concerned that many other registrants may have had problems with backward/poorly labelled interface (as of 2/2015) on CBEST system, which in aggregate would likely go far beyond complaint of this particular user.

Review: Hello - I'm submitting a complaint against California Educator Credentialing systems, regarding an improperly labelled (unlabelled) navigation component on their website test schedule and purchasing interface when seeking to schedule a test in Larkspur, California. However, after purchase was made, I was then assigned a far flung location and unusable location in San Francisco.This occurred after purchase was made, without option to remedy or correct the wrong assigned location. I then withdrew from the test immediately, yet was still charged their policy-mandated 'late registration fee' - even when being assigned the wrong test location ('product') that was listed on the purchase interface.I then attempted to remedy the situation by phone, but was told that the late registration fee could not be refunded, EVEN THOUGH there was an apparent problem with the dispense of test products via poorly designed (unlabelled) interface on their website. I then asked the customer service representative what would be the justification for such a late registration in any case, and he stated that it would be due to the need to 'print more materials and prepare for my arrival as a tester'. When I explained that I had immediately withdrawn from the test slot and sought a refund, consistent with a problematic assignment - and therefore, no materials wold be required on my behalf - there was no coherent response except to further pursue the issue in writing...which I am doing now.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of the $18 'late registration fee' that was attached to a test product that did not match my selection, which then resulted in my withdrawal and attempt to recover all my fees. Since the problem occurred due to a complete lack of labeling on that test selection component - i.e., user has no idea that certain tests are ONLY available in certain areas, and thus user may be unwittingly assigned an unworkable location - California Educator Credentialing systems is accountable.

Business

Response:

We have researched this individual’s complaint, regarding the test site location to which he was assigned for a recent administration of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Based on the circumstances described by the candidate, he is seeking a refund of the $18 late registration fee he paid for a paper-based administration of the CBEST. As indicated on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, the CBEST is available to take as a paper-based test or via computer-based testing. All available testing areas for the CBEST paper-based test are listed under “California Test Areas” on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website atwww.ctcexams.nesinc.com. Computer-based testing is available at more than 225 Pearson Professional Centers throughout the United States, including Tamalpais Adult School in Larkspur mentioned by this candidate in his correspondence with the Revdex.com. Although candidates may view test dates and appointment times at CBT centers prior to registering at the program website, a candidate must register and pay for a test before an appointment can be scheduled. Prior to registration, it appears that this candidate reviewed the available test centers for the CBEST computer-based test. However, he did not register for a computer-based test, but instead registered for a paper-based test. During the registration process, the candidate was presented with the testing areas offered for paper-based administrations and selected the San Francisco area. As part of the registration process, this information was confirmed before the registration was finalized. It would not have been possible for any candidate to select the Larkspur test site for a paper-based administration because this test center is only available for computer-based test administrations. As stated on the California Educator Credentialing Examinations website, the late registration period for the March 7, 2015, paper-based test administration began after 5:00 p.m. Pacific time on February 6, 2015. Further, if an examinee registers during the late registration period but withdraws their registration by the deadline, only the testing fee will be refunded; the late registration fee will not be refunded. Our records indicate that the examinee registered on February 14, 2015, during the late registration period, and was therefore assessed the late registration fee of $18. Because this candidate was assigned a test site location based on the area selected at the time of registration, there is no provision in the program for a refund of the late registration fee. We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for your inquiry.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: there is no clear, reasonable or fair mechanism or interface that differentiates paper versus computer based testing centers on the CBEST registration website and users are likely to be misled and confused as I was. By way of example, there is no icon, text, or associated symbol that corresponds to the paper/computer based systems available per testing center. Moreover, there is no way to confirm purchase via a standard shopping cart in advance - user is forced to pay in advance without ANY opportunity to observe purchase in-cart, which is an essential ecommerce component used on virtually every other bond fide website (and for obvious good reason).It is also unclear what compelling reason exists for the lack of transparency vis-a-vis lack of shopping cart which would afford an individual an opportunity to confirm and refine purchase. Finally, there is no reasonable basis for the withholding of a 'late registration fee' when user (I), was immediately faced with the incorrect selection and withdrew a matter of seconds after being faced with this faulty cart-less purchasing system. CBEST stands by 'carte blanche' waiver of fee based on registrant signing an agreement acknowledging late fee exists, and, as can bee seen even here on the Revdex.com site, leverages this despite evident failures in their purchase interface which, by way of being unreasonable, should allow for remedy regardless of any precondition. In other words, signing an acknowledgement of late registration fee does not (or should not) grant any entity the right to allow improper dispensing of product, either through poor GUI or negligence. This user remains truly concerned that many other registrants may have had problems with backward/poorly labelled interface (as of 2/2015) on CBEST system, which in aggregate would likely go far beyond complaint of this particular user.