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If you are sick/have been sick within the past two weeks, have recently traveled, or have recently been
exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, we strongly urge that you stay home to help ensure
the safety of test center employees and other test-takers, and recommend that you reschedule your exam.
ARE BIOMETRICS COLLECTED AT THE TESTING CENTER?
Pearson VUE will take a digital candidate photo and collect a digital signature to match with the primary
ID. They also utilize palm-vein biometric screening, which is a non-invasive and highly accurate measure
of identity. You will place your palm on the scanner, which uses a near-infrared light source (similar to a
TV remote) to scan the veins in your palm. The information is converted to a digital template and used to
prevent anyone from testing under your identity. There is video surveillance in all candidate-accessible
areas of the testing center.
WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED WHILE TAKING THE EXAM?
Prohibited items include ANY electronic device (cell phones, personal digital assistants [PDAs], or any type
of camera device), any type of watch, any jewelry outside of wedding and engagement rings, weapons, or
any hard copy documentation. These items are not allowed in any area of the testing facility, including,
but not limited to, the lobby, bathroom, test administration check-in and/or waiting rooms, or the test
administration room. Purses, backpacks, totes, and other bags must remain in your locker and may not be
accessed at any time during the exam appointment.
Test center sta conducts inspections of all eyeglasses, jewelry, and other accessories. Candidates may be
asked to remove these items for inspection. Questionable items should not be brought into the test center.
Questionable items brought into the test center may need to be placed in your locker. To avoid delays at
check-in and upon return from breaks, candidates may wish to take the necessary steps to leave such items
at home or in their car.
If you are found accessing a cell phone, using an electronic device, in possession of any type of camera
device, or referencing exam-related material during any part of the test administration process, test center
sta will require you to step out of the test administration area. The sta member will inform you that you
have violated test center rules and a detailed report will be filed with NBCOT. You will be dismissed and the
exam terminated. Any type of camera device will be confiscated by Pearson VUE. Your future exam eligibility
status will be determined by NBCOT.
CAN I USE EARPLUGS?
Earplugs are available for all candidates testing at Pearson Professional Centers.
If a candidate wants to bring/use their own custom pair of earplugs, formal testing accommodations
approval is required. Earplugs must be stand-alone earplugs, with no wires, and are subject to visual
inspection at the test center.
Please refer to the NBCOT Testing Accommodations Handbook for further information.
THE TESTING ROOM?
• A light sweater or jacket may be worn in the testing room and may be taken on or o as needed. Heavier
jackets or coats are not allowed to be worn in the testing room.
• Once in the testing room, you cannot remove your shoes.
• Head coverings of any kind are not allowed in the testing room unless it is being worn for religious
purposes (such as hats, turbans, scarves, and yarmulkes). If the item is worn for religious purposes, it
will be visually inspected before you are admitted into the testing room and MUST remain in full view
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