Pearsonvue Testing Center

Review: The paramedic knowledge testing process is regulated by two major entities – NREMT and PearsonVue. While the possibility of the process running smoothly likely exists, there are major flaws encompassing both the policies and logistics.

The present policies set forth by the NREMT provide the candidate two years to accomplish testing from completion of an approved course. However, this timeline may be further limited by successfully passing one portion of the test (both a cognitive and psychomotor exam are required) as passed portions of the exam only remain valid for a 12 month period. Additionally, an ATT (authorization to test letter) is only valid for 90 days. These timelines are not aligned to benefit the candidate with flexibility to successfully complete the examinations utilizing single payments. They are designed to generate additional, duplicate testing fees for the controlling bodies of the process.

Currently, one must pay NREMT a full fee that includes the services of both parties. The lack of transparency after a payment is made presents a concern. It lays the foundation to create the perfect scenario for the ultimate shell game – allowing both entities to shirk responsibility and lay blame on the other for additional payment when the testing cannot be accomplished in the allotted timeframe. Paying one party for the services of both only serves to further reduce the consumer’s ability to navigate the process with any semblance of autonomy – especially considering the two entities already maintain complete control.

As explained by NREMT, approximately 20% of the money collected for the cognitive exam is allocated to their administrative costs: verifying eligibility, generating an ATT (authorization to test letter), and expenses related to providing initial certification insignia. The remaining 80% is paid to PearsonVue to “hold” a testing spot for the candidate over a 90 day period. I question why a spot needs to be “held” in the first place. Has there ever been an instance when a candidate has paid NREMT, NREMT generated an ATT/forwarded money to PearsonVue for the examination, and no spots were available for testing in the 90 day period? I would guess, probably not. Furthermore, if that has occurred, what happened to the fees rendered by the applicant? More likely, the money is always taken and limited testing slots are made available to the candidate – slots which may not be amenable to the candidate’s existing schedule. In the current system, the candidate does not even have the privilege of knowing which days/times are available to him/her until after the fees have already been collected. This is a problem when time is made limited in the current abbreviated context of 90 days. Both from past and present experience, I can readily attest that scheduling a spot in a timely manner can be a difficult pursuit – especially when work, family, and other life schedules are often made out well in advance. Hence, after paying the fees and discovering there are no suitable testing slots available, the candidate has no recourse but to pay the full fee, AGAIN, at a later date (only to hope for a better blind outcome on the next attempt). Other than the ability to regenerate additional fees, why not issue the ATT to allow full use of the time allotted through the other existing policies?

So, why is a full fee required to be paid again? According to PearsonVue, they are not responsible for collecting fees from the applicant – that occurs through NREMT when they issue an ATT (…and an ATT is required for them to let the applicant test). According to NREMT, they can’t do anything about it. After they issue the ATT and transfer the funds to PearsonVue, it is out of their control and the money has already been spent on the examination fee. Nice shell game, huh? This way it is always the other one’s fault!

Having tested through PearsonVue for a non EMS healthcare certification, I can confirm that it is possible to separate fees between the governing body and the testing company. If the fees were separate in this instance, perhaps the ability to simply pay for a renewal ATT letter would exist for the lower cost of $10-$15 (since cost of the insignia was already paid for, but not realized). Additionally, maybe PearsonVue would also be able to offer a simple rescheduling fee, also at a lower cost, after a renewed ATT was received (since the cost of taking the exam was never realized)? Other than allowing both parties to re-collect higher additional fees, why can’t each party take responsibility for the services they provide, individually, and let the consumer navigate the process with more independence?

In short, the testing duration policies need to align with another so as to provide the candidate with a more flexible, increased opportunity to complete all testing requirements by maximizing the applicability of the initial cognitive testing fee beyond a 90 day period. Additionally, the current monopoly doesn’t need to be fortified as it is – further limiting the consumer’s rights and options for solutions to problems directly created by the monopoly, itself. Rather, it needs to be separated - providing the consumer more protection and autonomy in addressing any problems encountered.Desired Settlement: What I would like to happen is to see policy changes that provide the consumer with more options and protection as outlined above. What I would settle for is the ability to take my initial test without having to pay the full testing fee over again for a service I wasn’t able to use.

Review: Good afternoon

I registered to take a New York State teacher certification Examination. I was scheduled to take the test tomorrow June 1, 2016 but I called today May 31, 2016 at 12:04 p.m. and the answering machine was like broken record and I couldn't cancel the test on time. I am a teacher who works from 7:10 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Once I arrived home the first thing I did was to contact Pearsonveu to re-schedule the test but unfortunately I couldn't because I was not in the range of 24 hours cancelation previous the exam. The order # is [redacted]. I couldn't cancel the test online because I have special accommodation based on I suffer from post traumatic stress after I lost a finger from my left hand. At this time I would like Pearsonvue to accept that their phone was not accepting calls at the time I reached their office.Desired Settlement: The policy is partial refund. I guess is about $112. I am not sure but I will accept a partial refund.

Review: Dear Revdex.com,I took the GMAT administered by Pearson in February 2014, but I was not pleased with 610, the official GMAT score, after I received 690 at the free online GMAT evaluation test. The room of the official GMAT was very cold for my brain to function optimally, and I was not allowed to cover my head with anything! I complained after the test to GMAC and Pearson to allow me to retake the test, but Pearson cancelled my score and did not send it to schools. Their fake reason was that I had transmitters in my earplugs. I request my money back or to retake the test without charge.PSThe main address for Pearson is:Pearson VUET[redacted]from https://[redacted]#FAQLink15PPSHere are the main emails to/from GMAC/Pearson:1.From: [redacted]Received: 2/25/2014 5:49 PMTo: Customer Care GMAC; Customer Care GMACSubject: Contact Request - OtherHello,Please how is it possible to get 610 after I got 690 at the free GMAT evaluation test?Regards,[redacted]2.from: Pearson VUE, GMAT Customer Service [redacted]sent by: [redacted]: [redacted] Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 3:36 PMsubject: GMAT Customer Service - Incident [redacted]Dear [redacted],We have received notification from GMAC that you contacted them regarding your request to be able to resit for the GMAT exam at no additional cost to you. GMAC has informed us that you are submitting this request due to the difference in scores between the GMAT Prep and the GMAT exam that you took on 2/18/2014. Please be advised, at this time, we are currently performing a thorough investigation of your request and will be in contact with you within the next 3-5 business days when the investigation is complete. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at your earliest convenience at ###-###-#### Monday thrDesired Settlement: I request my money back or to retake the test without charge.

Review: Pearson Vue is a testing Facility across the county and I tried to sign up for a test after purchasing a voucher. I wasted 40 mins trying to access site and talking to customer service. Then they told me they could not get me access to sign up for a test because I already had an account that I used 5 years ago... then they told me I need the ID from the paperwork for the test I took 5 years ago so I could access account.

[redacted]: Unfortunately, we are unable to locate your account, with the provided information.

[redacted]: Moreover, we do not create an account, via Live Chat.

[redacted]: I request you to contact us via phone tomorrow, to get the further assistance, if you are unable to do that online.

Bottomline: I went to site to sign up for a test and they told me I could not because I have an account that they cannot find.Desired Settlement: Give me my 60 mins back. Wasted 60 mins with no resolution from customer service.