Computer-Based Examinations - What to Expect

The ABS is pleased to offer a computer-based format for most ABS multiple-choice exams through Pearson VUE testing services. Pearson VUE operates more than 250 professional testing centers in the U.S. and Canada. All of these centers are uniform in size, equipment, appearance and procedures.

• Once your exam registration form and exam fee payment are processed, the ABS will mail you an examination admission authorization letter. Upon receiving this letter, you must schedule your exam directly with Pearson VUE by calling 1-800-507-7744 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, or visiting www.pearsonvue.com/abs. Make sure the name on your authorization letter matches the name on your two forms of required ID (see next section)—if there is a discrepancy, contact the ABS office.
• After you schedule with Pearson VUE, they will send you an e-mail confirming your exam date, time and location. See www.pearsonvue.com/abs for a list of testing center locations, along with directions and parking information.
• Note: The ABS does not receive your exam scheduling information. You should contact Pearson VUE directly with any questions about your exam date or location.

• On the day of your exam, plan to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the exam to allow time for registration. Strict security measures are employed at all testing centers to ensure the integrity of the examination process. Bring with you your ABS exam authorization letter and two forms of identification—both must have your name and signature, and one must have your photo. You will be photographed and have your hand scanned for identification purposes during registration and upon re-entry to the exam room.
• Do not bring any reference materials, notes, calculators, etc., with you to the center. A calculator and a whiteboard for taking notes will be available for use during the exam. You will be given a private locker in which to store your personal belongings, including your coat, wallet, watch, cell phone, pager and keys, as you cannot bring these items into the exam room. The exam room is continuously videotaped.
• No food or drinks are allowed in the exam room. You may wish to bring refreshments with you to place in your locker for breaks in the event no vending machines or stores are nearby. We also suggest that you dress in layers in case you find the room too cold or hot, since you may not keep your coat. You may request earplugs or headphones if you find the room too noisy; however you may not bring your own.

• ABS exams are administered in 90-minute increments or "sessions," with scheduled breaks in between to allow examinees to use the restroom, drink water, etc. The time and number of questions remaining in an exam session will be indicated on the computer screen. You may revisit past questions at any time during an exam session, but they must be completed during that session. Once the exam session has concluded, you will not be able to review or change items from that session.
• If you must take an unscheduled break while an exam session is in progress, be aware that it will be included in your exam time. Unscheduled breaks automatically trigger an incident report and possible post-exam keystroke review. Any unscheduled break of more than 15 minutes will invalidate the examination.
• The computer-based exam format is nearly identical to paper exams you have taken in the past. The computer interface is easy to use, and requires no previous computer experience. Exam administrators will be on hand to assist you with any technical questions, and you will be able to practice at your computer before the exam begins.

• To familiarize yourself with the computer screens you will see during the exam and the steps necessary to respond to questions and review your answers, an interactive tutorial and printed tutorial are provided below.
• Option I - Interactive Guided Tour with Practice Exam (PC only)
  This interactive computer-based tutorial gives examinees the opportunity to learn how to navigate through the testing format. To access the tutorial, go to www.pearsonvue.com/abs and click on "Computer-Based Testing Tutorial and Practice Exam" (gold box) for instructions on how to download the tutorial to your computer.
• Option II - Printed Summary
  If you prefer, you can learn what to expect when taking a computer-based exam by reviewing this printed summary (pdf).

• ABS Guide to Multiple Choice Examinations (pdf)
• FAQs - Computer-Based Examinations

Updated: March 2013