Just as with everything else, testing for our national registration exam has been affected by COVID-19. The good news is that things are looking up!
Our national registration examination partner, Prometric, has resumed in-center testing, wherever possible, as of June 1st, utilizing a phased approach. If you are preparing for your ALTA exam, here is what you need to know:
- Prometric offers a list of open sites that is updated daily to reflect locations that are currently open or scheduled to open. These sites are opening in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
- Prometric has enacted the following procedures to help ensure your safety during your testing appointment (taken directly from their website):
- Requiring all test takers to bring and wear a face mask during the entirety of their time at the test center. Both medical masks and cloth face coverings are acceptable. Any test taker that comes to the test center without a mask will not be allowed to test, marked as a “no show,” and will not be eligible for a free reschedule.
- Permitting test takers to use gloves while they are testing. Please note items will be subject to visual inspection upon entry to the test center. For a full list of permissible items please check here.
- Enforcing social distancing practices throughout the check-in and testing process.
- Providing and requiring all Prometric test center staff to wear a protective mask.
- Reducing points of physical contact/touchpoints between staff and test-takers.
- Instituting new and continuous cleaning protocols.
- Providing clear, easy to read the list of expectations for conduct at the testing center.
Prometric will continue to increase appointments where possible, based on regional regulations & localized events.
COVID-19 Restrictions
If you fall into any of the following categories, you will not be permitted to test until you no longer fit the criteria (taken directly from their website):
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14-days;
- Have been exposed unprotected to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14-days;
- Have experienced a fever of 100.4 F or higher, a change in taste or smell, or respiratory-like issues or symptoms in the past 72-hours; OR
- Have returned from travel to a highly infected area in the last 14-days.
Here is the full list of social distancing testing procedures.
In addition to COVID-19 restrictions, there are several centers that are experiencing protest-related closures, often on short notice. If your appointment is impacted by these closures or reduced hours due to curfews, you will be contacted with as much advance notice as possible. But it’s important to do your due diligence and check their list on a regular basis as these are updated daily.
The safety and health of our members and potential members are of utmost importance. While we encourage ongoing education, we do not do so at the expense of your health and safety. If you feel sick or unsafe, please reschedule your exam. Stay healthy and stay safe!