In a previous post I mentioned that I would be taking my test on Saturday, June 11, 2016. I am sorry to say I did not pass on Saturday. I passed the section on Arkansas Law but missed the General Real Estate section by 1 percentage point. Armed with the knowledge of what I needed to study, I passed my re-test on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Yeah!
Since my endeavor is to keep you aware and help diminish the “scare factor” in pursuing a real estate license, I thought I would explain what to expect when you arrive at the testing center. While the Pearson Vue testing website is pretty straight forward, it doesn’t give the full detail of what happens when you arrive at the testing center.
The first thing to know is that when they say no cell phones or electronics, they mean NO cell phones or electronics. Depending on the test you are taking, that could equate to an automatic fail and you will need to pay for an additional test at a later date. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t want to pay for two tests unless I absolutely have to pay for another. (Yes. I had to pay twice for the same test. Sigh.)
The second thing to be aware of is that there is a locker on site to keep your personal affects inside securely. The key stays with you at all times. Essentially it like a bus terminal locker, minus needing to pay a quarter, with a key on a numbered paddle. Each person testing is required to show two forms of identification plus whatever else they might require to take the test. In my case I needed an Affidavit to Test.
The third thing to keep in mind is that before you walk through that door, it is in your best interest to use a bathroom. While you can take personal breaks during the test, you are better off just going in and getting your test done. In addition, it is a courtesy to your test administrators. They have a difficult job and it can take any where from 3-4 minutes per tester to get them plugged in and started on the test. There are a lot of people waiting to get into that room. Any interruption or deviation in the check in line is another delay.
So here is what to expect. Upon entering the office you will need to take a number. The initial administrator will give you a list of rules and regulations to read through while you wait. When your number is called they will check your I.D., take a picture, and then tell you to put all personal effects into a locker. Once you have locked items away it is time to pull your pockets inside out. I am sorry to say that there have been a lot of inventive cheaters that have contributed to the visual check that will take place. Satisfied that you are not trying to cheat, they will send you to the test administrator with your pockets still turned out.
The next administrator will allow you to restore your pockets and then explain the testing room etiquette and the devices available to you. I’m old enough to have struggled through math without calculators so I was prepared to do all the math involved long hand. Thankfully that was not necessary. You will be issued a calculator, dry erase scratch paper, and a dry erase marker. This is when the fun begins. They will escort you to a computer and initiate your test. All I can say at this point is just take your time and read your screen instructions.
Once you have completed your test, raise your hand and the administrator will come and collect the scratch sheet, marker, and calculator. That done, you will follow the administrator to their work space. They will complete your test and send you to the front to get your results. Since I failed half the first time, I received back my affidavit along with a summary sheet that let me know what I should study. The second time, when I passed, I received a copy of my affidavit and three sheets that will need to be sent into the Arkansas Real Estate Commission with a check to receive my license.
Hopefully this information will be useful to someone. Thanks for reading.