Prometric Testing Center

My series 7 was canceled last minute, no explanation, the service was horrible at 42^nd street location.
I called and was put on hold for HOURS through out the day, no exaggeration, only to be told the system was down.
Then they lied and tried to blame FiNRA when it was confirmed to be there error.
This messed up my whole work and study schedule, try Pearson as I have not experienced problems with them.
Again the customer service at the center was horrible, no explanations were given, only a card and number to call (so no assistance rescheduling until I got a call at 5pm (my test was for 9:30am) saying I had to take it three days later and that was my only choice.

(GRE on the 17^th floor)
The staff was extremely rude. As students we are already under stress/​pressure and we don’t need nasty attitudes minutes before an exam. One of the female staff was so rude because I had to use the bathroom and she had already checked me in. The male staff gave me such a nasty attitude because my computer was not working and he asked me to get up from my desk and I grabbed my paper and pen! Apparently, I was not supposed to grab anything. How would I know?! If the staff was nicer, my exam would have gone a little smoother and I would be relaxed from the beginning. They should either hire new staff members or provide training on costumer service. Okay, I’m done.

Finally took the PMP exam at this testing site, so I’m back to writing Unilocal reviews!
Prometric is located on the 15^th and 17^th floors of One Penn Plaza, right on top of Penn Station. I took my exam on the 17^th floor. You need to sign in at the visitors desk downstairs to gain access to the building.
Upon entering the room, there was nobody at the front desk, so I was confused and wandering around until someone pointed out that I need to check in at the front — didn’t even notice. You check in and put your stuff in a locker (with a lock and key) that they provide you. Then you get entered into the system and your body is scanned (for cheating material?) before you enter your testing site. You are able to start upon being seated.
The testing site is basically a computer screen in a cubible. You are provided with ear muff things to block sound, but if you’re sensitive like I am, I’d suggest bringing your own earplugs. The desk and chair are fairly comfortable. There are cameras everywhere.
The one downside of this testing center was that it was SO WARM. I made the mistake of wearing a sweatshirt since I’m used to places being too cold.
Staff were friendly.
Hopefully I’ll never have to take a test here again (not because of the site, obviously).

This review is for the testing center on the 17^th floor, Suite 1728.
I have taken two exams here in 2016. This location is fairly convenient which makes it a popular location among test-​takers. It is better to show up early for your appointment in case there are any issues. The check-​in process is fairly standard. I wouldn’t recommend bringing any valuables — you have to lock up everything (watch, cell phone, wallet) in a locker anyway (locks are provided). Do not forget to bring a valid form of government ID.
Be warned, the rules are very strict. From the rolling up your sleeves and pants when you enter and exit the testing room, to the flipping your pants pockets inside-​out, to the sign-​in and sign-​out process, it is a good idea just to listen to everything you are told. The more you comply with all the instructions provided, the more likely you will have a smoother test-​taking process. Although sometimes it may feel like the people working here just have it out for you, they are just following their rules and doing their jobs. I personally have found the people here to be fairly pleasant.
Because test-​taking is already so stressful and grueling, it is natural that a lot of test-​takers have a wide range of experiences. But as long as you respect the people who work here and listen carefully to their instructions, the testing experience will hopefully be one less thing to worry about. Best of luck on your exam.

This review is for suite 1540, not the one on the 17^th floor.
I have taken six different exams at Prometric centers in the last 5 years so I know the drill quite well. I tested here a few months ago and it was easily the worst experience I’ve had.
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by people at the front desk of 1 Penn Plaza — these guys were super friendly and nice. Some scanning of your ID and then you can enter the gates to the elevators. You go up to the 15^th floor and you’ve reached the gates of testing hell.
I got in about 35 mins before my exam and was waiting to check in; the guy in front of me was bumbling around his backpack cause he needed a second ID and didn’t have it readily available. Obviously it was his first time doing this, and he was frazzled. The front desk lady had an attitude and told him he was holding up the line and chastised/​lectured him for not reading the directions on what to bring. At this point the «line» was only me. There are a 100 nicer ways she could have said this («sir, why don’t you step aside and find it and then come back to the line when you’re ready») instead of the condescending way she said it.
Check in was uneventful aside from the lady being robotic and short. I put my bag away and got scanned (pro tip: try to limit the number of pockets on your clothing and dress in layers. You can’t take off layers in the testing room but at least you have the option of coming out and taking it off if you get too hot). Got fingerprinted, signed my name, and was warned about the «no taking off your sweaters» rule. Also, your ids and locker key must be visible on the table at all times. Got it. Was given my two note boards and markers and some instructions about what to do if I needed more note boards and that was that.
I go to start my test and 1) it’s freezing, even after all my layering 2) the air conditioner is super noisy and makes a loud noise every five minutes or so when it reaches temp and shuts off.
The most ridiculous part of the experience is around midway through my test, when my hair tie (like a thin black elastic) is really too tight on my hair and starting to give me a mild headache. So I take it off and put it on the table. Within three seconds a proctor lady comes running in and tells me I can’t put it on the table. Oh okay, I’ll put it on my wrist. «I’m not sure if that’s allowed.» Okaaaay… I’ll loop it around my button on my cardigan. «I’d have to check if that’s allowed. You might want to just put it in your locker.»
What the flying #%^!. I’m pretty sure I’m not hiding any answers in my freaking hair tie so how does it matter if it’s in my hair or on my shirt?!! It’s a freaking hair elastic! To avoid wasting more time I just put it back in my hair, and from the window I could see her consulting with another prometric employee, no doubt about nonexistent hair-​tie rules.
I have since then tested at two other centers in/​near Manhattan and have had no issues with hair elastics at either place. Avoid this place! Just go elsewhere. Testing is stressful enough and does not need to become more complicated.

This place is truly a joke. I have no idea how any of these people still hold jobs. If taking a test isn’t stressful enough it will be kicked up a couple of notches for having to test here. The staff are extremely rude and condescending. No idea what the problem is but if they don’t like their jobs they should find employment elsewhere instead of acting like jerks.

As a veteran test-​taker, I can honestly say that I’ve been in some BAD testing venues (computer malfunctions, incompetent/​rude staff, messy surroundings etc) but this test center is about as swanky as it gets, and the staff were curt but polite– and really who wants overly-​bubbly people around when you’re trying to get into your groove? Plus it’s only a stones throw away from NY Penn station! The only inconvenience was the annoying security team in the lobby who could barely be bothered to pause their debate (about attractive celebrities) to grant me access to the elevators… But seriously, if you have to take a test, might as well do it somewhere that doesn’t suck.

For anyone giving this place a bad review,
I have the feeling you’ve never taken a serious exam
Elsewhere. I was nervous walking into 2 Penn Plaza because of its’ reviews, however my experience was absolutely amazing. When I first walked in I was clueless as to how to get to the elevators, and a voice from behind said you here to take an exam? I was nervous at first because people said they were rude, but I had quite the opposite opinion of them. I walked over to the man at the front desk and he said even though I was two hours early, they could get me in early no problem and they kept wishing me the best of luck and saying how my smile brightened their day. The security guard led me up the elevators and complimented my outfit even though it was completely out there and unique. The women at the desk in the room is very prompt, and if you don’t listen, she will stop you and tell you to listen. But it takes 2 minutes of listening not to get her testy about explanations. She also complimented me and told me she loved my smile. I made a mistake of what I put in my locker a few times; she never was rude, but she would just repeat what she said originally. You’re going to be direct when you say the same lines over and over again all day and tons of people Still don’t follow the rules. Everything went amazing and as I walked out of the building the security guard and the man who checked me in said, «woah woah woah, how’d you do?!» They were so joyous and happy and I turned around and put my two thumbs up, and with that I had the two guards cheering for me as I walked out. A smile goes a long way, and if you go in happy and willing to listen, this place is amazing!

Worst service ever. They took my money never got to test. Absolute ripoff. This was for testing in kansas city. Only place I could do the exam I needed. Prometric knows they have a monoploy and would rather rob people instead of provide service. Their website is terrible and you will spend countless hrs on phone with them. Do not waste your time or money.

Prometric is a joke. I waited in test center for more than 2 hours and cant get my exam until test center closed. They told me will help me reschedule but they never did. I just notice my test status on their website is «No Show» now… What is a joke. I think Prometric try to move into the scam business right now. PS. I did call the customer service. It cost me half hour to reach them… and did not solver the problem.

This is a review for the 17^th floor and ANCC exam.
Most of the staff that I encountered were professional and courteous. A couple of them could have been more considerate about their noise level, considering that it is a testing center.
Tips:
+ Wear clothing that has the least amount of pockets (including hoods on hoodies/​jackets) because they check EVERY single time you enter/​leave the testing room.
+ They provide you with noise-​canceling headphones.
I’m mainly writing this review to let test takers know that technical issues can occur, and it happened to me TWICE. Please note that no one was able to tell me if the technical issues were Prometric’s fault or ANCC’s. And I was never compensated or reimbursed.
This is my story:
On Friday, April 3^rd, I took the ANCC FNP board examination. During the exam when I had 26 minutes and 55 seconds left, the computer screen FROZE. The moderator moved me to two other computer stations, and every time, the same screen came up frozen (same question and same remaining time). He called IT, and they were unable to resolve the issue over the phone. Because it was almost closing time, I guess there was nothing left for them to do but to leave me with a «Candidate Care» card that had the number to call their customer service to reschedule and retake the exam with no extra fee.
On Saturday, April 4^th, I called Prometric’s CS. They took my confirmation number and told me that they would submit «my request» to retake the exam to their manager and that I would hear back in 48 to 72 business hours.
On Monday, April 6^th, I could not wait for Prometric to call me back, so I called the same number. They saw that my request had been approved (why I didn’t receive a call sooner, I do not know), and I was able to reschedule the exam.
On Wednesday, April 8^th, I took the exam again. The test went smoothly, and I was able to complete and submit it. With the ANCC, you find out whether or not you pass right after (It does not show up on the computer screen. The moderator should be able to access it and print it from their computer.) However, my moderator was unable to bring up or even look up my score. Again, IT could not resolve the issue, and I was left with another Candidate Care card. I called right after, and they told me that they were not yet able to access my exam because I had just taken it. And that I would receive my score report card in the mail. It has been 18 days, and I still have not received anything in the mail. (Fortunately, I received an email from ANCC the next morning. If you’re curious, I passed. :))
I submitted both a complaint and a claim for reimbursement to Prometric, and they told me that my situation should be referred to ANCC. And just this past week, ANCC emailed me with this statement, «ANCC and Prometric immediately corrected the issue and made things right for you, therefore a reimbursement is not necessary.»
This review is not meant to bring any anxiety to test takers. I just want people to know that this has happened. And though I would have loved to have been reimbursed for the hell that I went through, I am glad that everything still turned out okay. Good luck!

Tested on the 15^th floor. Staff was professional and courteous. Everything was reasonably clean and pleasant. I enjoyed the view from the window in the testing room.
My only complaint is that the air conditioning was very loud. And it kept turning on and off while I was testing. Whenever it would turn on the whole ceiling would suddenly rumble, which was pretty distracting.

This a review for the 17^th floor center. Everything was very professional and timely, except for my interactions with one of the employees — Olga. All of the other staff was kind, personable, and professional. Olga spoke to me as if I was stupid. She expected me to infer the rules she failed to explain ahead of time. For example, I had the option of taking a break. The instructions on the screen told me to raise my hand and not get out of my seat, but Olga was super curt and rude because I chose to raise my hand and get her attention instead of just getting up. She acted as though she’d told me that before I entered the testing center. Then she was super condescending when I got ready to go on break because I didn’t know I had to sign the book again, instead of just telling me I had to sign out before leaving for break. All of her barked orders and rude commentary was not appreciated, especially since I paid a lot of money to take a test, not be disrespected by proctors. Please avoid her if you can.
If I hadn’t had my interactions with Olga, this center would’ve gotten 4 stars.

Very professional staff. Everything went very smoothly.
As an FYI, there is no need for extra clothing layers. I am usually very cold, but was pretty hot in just jeans and a long sleeve shirt.

I came in to take my USMLE Step 1 exam and I can honestly say the staff is very professional and pleasant. Had an issue which didnt allow me to take my test the first day but it wasnt their fault. The manager was very helpful and patient while trying to help me figure out the solution. I will definetly come back here to take my other tests.

This review is for the 17^th floor testing center.
As stated by another reviewer, I think a lot of people come out of their long standardized tests being pissed off at the world, and a Unilocal review of a testing center is a great way to get that out, surely. This is a testing center, not a restaurant. It doesn’t do a huge disservice to Prometric when you poorly and irrationally rate this site b/​c people will always have to take tests, and this is a very convenient location. It does a huge disservice, however, to other test takers who are scared off by the reviews on here.
I just took an 8 hour exam here. It was quiet, clean, spacious, and a good environment. My computer screen was a nice LCD monitor. I had a nice set of headphones and a set of noise cancelling headphones. I wasn’t expecting the airport like security with the metal detector wands and the constant in and out fingerprinting, but I guess they’ve had to go to incredible lengths to prevent people from cheating.
All in all, it was a fine place to take a test. If you’re not an a-​hole, the staff, and people in general won’t be an a-​hole back. Life lesson.

This review is for the center on the 17^th floor. I took two tests here (1 8-​hour test, and 1 9-​hour test). I had an OK experience the first time — staff were friendly, courteous, the place was quiet and clean. However, a new team was on duty for my second exam and for some reason they were completely inconsiderate of the fact that they were making way too much noise right outside the examination cubicles. There are two desks outside the examination area where they check examinees going in; at one point, two employees were having a very loud conversation in this area about stuff NOT related in any way to the testing center or work. This went on for about 1 – 2 hours. I do not understand why they couldn’t wait or why they couldn’t take their personal conversation somewhere else… It was extremely distracting.

This is a review for the 15^th-​floor Prometric center, Suite 1540.
It seems many reviewers are mistaking the pain of taking a lengthy standardized test for something unusual about the test center. I found the place completely typical, with some uppity power-​tripping staff members — certainly not even a fraction as bad as the security guards in the public library — and some friendly, easygoing, and kind ones who fortunately gave me a five-​star experience.
I took the B train down from Harlem, leaving at the right time to arrive 30 minutes early as recommended. That is to say, if the train had run on the right schedule, I would have gotten there at the right time. Instead, the train stopped for 10 minutes underground, where they announced a broken rail at 34^th that would prevent the train from stopping there.
Rather than risk another delay, I got out at the next stop — Rockefeller Center — and spent another 10 minutes failing to hail a cab before racing down to Penn Plaza, dodging Christmas shoppers and flailing in the direction of another hundred-​odd already-​occupied cabs along the way.
I finally arrived out of breath and two minutes late, giving Prometric ample reason to deny me entrance. Instead the guy who welcomed me was very relaxed, assured me there wasn’t a problem, and gave me plenty of time to use the restroom, splash water on my face, and regain the ability to speak before moving me along to security. While completely flustered, I also dropped my wallet on the floor, which another employee picked up and restored to me. The first person to scan me was friendly and even gently apologetic about needing to visually check all my pockets. I should point out that by no means was it a slow day — even when I registered, I wasn’t spoiled for a choice of times.
The lockers, cubicles, test stations, and noise reduction ear gear were all standard, clean, and in good shape. If other reviewers found it intimidating, they would likely be intimidated in any serious test setting. I’ve never heard of a test center that resembled a classroom, and while I don’t doubt that you can find one in Kansas, I suspect you won’t do better than this Prometric in New York.

Don’t Don’t Don’t DOn’t Dont’ ndot torn NOT Negativo, negatory, neiat, no pro favor, …like man you are not listening… NO don’t .
Took my Step 2 CK. Do you know how hard this exam is? 8 hours of pain. You do not need any more stress. An ounce of more stress and you are crashing… may day may day. That is exactly what I got here. Rude staff! Slow as pardon my language. Okay, moving on to the next testing centre. GOOD LUCK! YOU WILL BE GREAT! YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THIS! YOU HAVE SCHEDULED AT A DIFFERENT PROMETRIC CENTER

The only reason they didn’t get 1 star is because the Gentleman who actually escorted me into the room was friendly.
The lady at the counter was bitingly sarcastic. It sure doesn’t seem like she has a nice or funny bone in her body. I get it, you’re at work, but there’s a difference between being professional and being a stone-​cold B! (fill in the rest of the word)
Pro tips:
1) NO food or drinks! God forbid you have a poland spring bottle or a coffee. Not only will you have to throw it out but the lady who works here will morph into a condescending wanker and will instantly start speaking to you like you’re a child.
2) It gets chilly so bring a sweater — you can’t wear a jacket.
3) Get there a little early so you can strip down, empty all your pockets, and get patted down before you start your test
and last but not least… GOOD LUCK!