ATI Testing

How can I find a test center near me?

Finding a test center is closely linked with scheduling an exam. Not all exams are offered at all centers, so in order to find a center near you, visit your test sponsor’s page and follow instructions from there to locate/schedule your exam.  

Is there a way to search for a test center without first selecting my exam?

No. The reason you first need to indicate what exam in which you are interested is because not all exams are offered at all centers. For example, while the nearest test center to your home may be one mile away, that center may not deliver the exam want to take.

Why did my search for a test center location return different results than the last time I searched?

Our test center locator is directly tied to the exam you want to take. Therefore, when you search for a test center, the search results will only show test center sites that have availability on the dates you have indicated that you'd like to take your exam.

How do I find out if my testing center location is closed?

To check the status of your testing center location, please visit our Test Center Closures page, where you'll find a list of all centers that are closed due to inclement weather or other circumstances. You will be notified if your exam appointment is impacted.

What information should I be prepared to provide when I schedule my appointment?

Each test sponsor requires different and/or specific information. You must be familiar with the required information to schedule your exam. The information you may be asked to provide may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Your name. The name used to schedule your appointment must EXACTLY match the name shown on your identification. At a minimum, the identification must be a valid, government-issued ID that shows your name in the English alphabet, your signature and your photograph.
• Your Social Security, Social Insurance or Prometric Testing I.D. (SP#) Number
• Contact phone numbers - If there is a problem, we will use these numbers to reach you.
• Mailing address. Please provide the address to which you would like any paper correspondence sent.
• Exam number and title
• Eligibility information, if required
• E-mail address - Once again for contact purposes, this is often the fastest and most effective means of contact. Many test sponsors require e-mail contact information for registration.

How far in advance do I need to reschedule my exam so that I don’t get charged a fee?

The fee to reschedule an exam varies by testing organization, as does the amount of time you have to do so without penalty. Please check the procedures specific to the organization whose exam you are taking for rescheduling timeliness and penalties.

When will my eligibility ID or authorization to test be available in the system so that I can schedule an appointment?

Please note that not all test sponsors require eligibility, therefore, you may be able to test immediately. For those programs requiring an eligibility ID, scheduling will be available within 48-72 hours of receiving authorization from the test sponsor.

Why would my local test center tell me that they don't schedule appointments?

The testing centers' primary purpose is to administer exams. Some centers may schedule appointments if you call them directly, however, most will not. Test centers prefer to have all of their appointments scheduled online or through the Prometric Contact Center. It is fast and easy to schedule an exam using Prometric’s website. To begin, start by finding your exam under the test taker menu. 

How do I obtain the appointment date and time I want to take my exam?

When you go to our online registration Web site or speak to a representative from our Contact Center, you will be asked to provide your preferred test date. The first available time slot on that date will be offered to you. If your preferred appointment date is not available, you’ll be able to search for, and identify, an alternative date.

My appointment is scheduled for today, but my test center is closed. What should I do?

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances require a test center to unexpectedly close. Should this happen, we will make every effort to contact so that you don’t show up at the center. We will try contacting you by e-mail and by telephone, so please ensure that the contact information you provide during the scheduling and registration process is accurate.

Should your center unexpectedly close for any reason, you will be contacted by Prometric within 48-72 hours to reschedule your appointment. We apologize for any inconvenience.

How far in advance should I schedule my exam?

It depends on the exam. Some exams are only available during select testing windows, and others are offered throughout the year. Depending on the exam, Prometric may administer same-day exams, from Monday through Friday and at times on the weekend if it’s available. Your test sponsor may provide you with specific information for the examination you are trying to schedule.

I want to make sure my exam is still occurring. How can I confirm it?

As part of the process, you’ll need to provide the confirmation number you received when you scheduled your exam initially, so please have it with you. If you do not have your confirmation number, please contact our customer service center.

Who is my test sponsor/test owner?

A test sponsor/owner is not your employer or company sponsoring you to take an exam. Instead, the sponsor/owner is responsible for providing the test material - this could be a state, an organization, or an institution.

My ID is expired. Can I still take my exam?

As of July 1, 2023, only valid government issued IDs will be accepted, unless specified by your test sponsor.

Am I allowed to bring a drink to my exam?

Effective May 1, 2023, Prometric will allow candidates to bring water (still/non-carbonated) into the test room during their exam. No other beverages are permitted. All water must be in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other test aids during the security check.  The candidate will need to remove the lid/cap for visual inspection by the Test Center staff. Should the container not meet the requirements outlined, the candidate will be required to put it in their locker and will not be allowed to take it into the test room. NOTE: Some test sponsors do NOT allow water in the test room, so please check your test sponsor rules.

With the implementation of this change, candidates will no longer require testing accommodations for water in the test room. Should a candidate require a non-water beverage, they will require a testing accommodation, but a separate testing room will no longer be required.

Proctor & Testing Room Procedures (Before Your Exam)

Prior to entering the proctoring room, the following processes will be enacted:

• As a part of Prometric’s security protocols, test-takers will be asked to show their arms and ankles, as well as empty their pockets. Candidates who wear eyeglasses will be asked to remove them for inspection. Test-takers will be scanned with a handheld metal detection device prior to entering the testing room (with the exception of exempt individuals).
• Image capture (if applicable) will be completed from the same position.  Any test-takers wearing masks will need to lower or remove momentarily for this process by clasping the sides or strap of the mask to remove briefly, and then reaffixing in same manner. As an additional safety measure, all test-takers may be required to use hand sanitizer before using any fingerprint scanners.
• Test center staff will provide candidates with note boards and markers or paper and pencils for those who use scratch paper, where applicable by program.

Proctor & Testing Room Procedures (During Your Exam)

During the exam process, the following modified processes will be enacted:

• Where local government guidelines dictate, test-takers will be seated in a manner that ensures applicable distancing requirements are satisfied during testing.
• Monitoring of the test room will be done by using existing video surveillance as well as physical walkthroughs by Test Center Administrators.  These will also be conducted at least every 10 minutes.
• If an unscheduled break is needed, test-takers should raise their hands and wait for a test center employee to assist them.
• For locker access during breaks, the same process applied during check-in will be followed. Test-takers will be instructed to only access lockers for food, drink, and medication, except for programs with full access.  Please consult your test sponsor’s client practice guide for your exam’s specific locker access policies.
• Test center staff will record the time in and out of the test room, removing the need for the test-taker to sign the roster during exit and return from breaks.

End of Test Procedures (Check-Out)

1. Test-takers will be asked to return to the reception/admin area to complete their sign out process.
2. Test center employees will then:
   • Have the test-taker sign out with the Prometric provided pen.
   • Instruct test-takers to provide all plain colored scratch paper and place them into a secure bin or return used erasable note boards for cleaning.
   • Allow test-takers to go to their locker to collect personal items.
   • Allow test-taker to sign out/return the locker key.