Pearson Professional Centers

Yesterday I took an exam at this test center. The staff at the center were super nice, but during my first break of the 4 hour exam, I was scolded by a staff member for leaving the cap off of the marker-​pen while I was taking my exam. Yes, the pen dried out, but to my defense, I was taking an exam for which I needed to constantly write notes on the scrap paper provided. To be scolded about this, and to be told to put the cap on the pen when I wasn’t using it, was a huge distraction for me during the rest of my exam. Not only did I need to concentrate on the exam, but I also had to remember to keep the cap on the pen when it wasn’t being used. Also, the staff member gave me only 1 pen after the break instead of 2 which added even more to my anxiety. Of course it began drying out. I hope other test takers don’t experience the same distractions I faced.

wrote the ABIM here, nice studios, easy to write the test, staff was super friendly.

Aside from the grueling 3+ hours straight you’ll spend staring at a computer screen… and the exam prices, which are comparable to rape, the facility is clean and the staff is pretty professional.
Testing dates fill up quickly, so be sure to register a good amount of time in advance. Same goes if you need to reschedule. Also, if you need to retake all or part of an exam, there’s most likely additional costs associated.
I’ve taken the GRE, TAP, and next month, I’ll be taking the 181. Hopefully this review won’t jinx my chances of passing. Ha!

My job has required to be at quite of few of these test centers. This one: Head and shoulders above the rest. These people run a very efficient operation. On time, every time!
Keep up the stellar work!

I had scheduled a GMAT Exam on October 8, 2013 at Pearson Professional Center, located at 200 W Adams Street, Chicago, IL. I came 20 minutes prior to the exam and brought with me two types of ID: green card (i.e. permanent residence card) and a driver’s license. A male representative, who works at the testing center, asked me for a Russian passport. Since I’m not a US citizen, I told him, that I have a permanent residence card with me (green card) and my driver license, but he completely ignored me and insisted on presentation of the passport.
Never once, at any testing center or governmental organization, I was denied in presenting green card vs. passport. In conclusion, he refused to let me sit for my test. After that, I tried to contact Gmat Customer Service and they asked me to pay $ 250 again. I spent about 2 hours on the phone with Gmat, but it doesn’t give me any results. Their CS completely unprofessional and can not talk in a proper manner. I was in shock (((. Then I submit complain to BBB and it also didn’t give me any results. Answer that I got from Pearson:
When the candidate registered for her test, she indicated that her Country of Citizenship was Russia. However, when she came in to test, she indicated that she was a US citizen and offered her Illinois Driver’s License as her form of ID. When the Test Administrator noted that her Country of Citizenship in the registration system indicated she is a Russian Citizen, the candidate showed the Test Administrator her printed confirmation receipt which does not stipulate the need for citizenship requirement. The candidate was asked to present a Green Card as an alternate form of ID, but the candidate did not offer it when prompted. Therefore, the candidate was denied entry to the test center to take her exam, and her exam fee was forfeited.
I just can’t understand how a such large company like Gmat can deceive people?

As a recent nursing graduate, I was only one exam away from becoming a practicing nurse. The N-​CLEX stood in my way, dun dun dun. I was petrified and feared this day for the years that led up to it. I stayed in the JW Marriott half a block east of the testing center knowing how anxious I become leading up to any stressful event like taking an exam or an international flight.
My exam time was at 8 am. After chowing down on a banana from the Starbucks in the lobby, and swallowing completely to avoid throwing up, I took the elevator to the 11^th floor of the 200 W. Adams building at 7:30 am. The Pearson Professional Center suite is a main waiting room with chairs lined up, and two very friendly secretaries. You sign in, receive a number, and wait for your number to be called while shaking in your boots. They provide you a locker key to store your belongings (big enough to fit my backpack), electronically scan your palms, have you sign your life away, take your picture, and go over the testing rules before escorting you to one of the two testing rooms. Each and every time you leave and reenter the testing room, you have your palms scanned to verify your identification. You may ask them for ear plugs if you’re sensitive to sound (it’s the only thing that’s free of charge). They’ll provide you with a dry erase board to use for notes and calculations – but be sure not to erase it if it’s full (they need to give you a new blank one) and do not «brain dump» by writing down everything you had memorized just before entering the testing center (you will be penalized). The testing room has computers along three of the four walls, all with the tester’s back’s to a glass window with an attendant and cameras for monitoring. If you need assistance, you simply raise your hand. Remember: Big Brother is watching you.
Once the scary exam is over, you raise your hand and walk out with the attendant. Everyone at the testing center was extremely polite and friendly. I was shivering and shaking so much that she even gave me a hug to make me feel better. The facility is sterile and clean, too. I would recommend taking public transit here (it’s half a block from the Adams Brown line El stop and a few blocks from the Metra stations) or getting dropped off, since parking is expensive and limited. The last thing you want to do is be late for your exam. Good luck!

I took the GMAT here in early December. If you’re studying for any standardized test like it, your experience will likely be identical to mine.
The ladies that ran the check in and monitored the rooms were great. They were quick to check people in, very prompt to notice hands raised in the testing center, and kind through the tiring 4 hour test!
A note if you’re terrible with directions — head to their floor, and make all right turns until you see the glass door marked Pearson. It won’t be super apparent from the signage, but you’ll find it!

Very nice testing center. Took my GMAT here last week. The staff is polite, facilities are quiet and clean, and it is easy to get to. I recommend getting dropped off as parking is limited, as it is in most parts of the city.