Prometric

I just took the GRE at the testing center earlier today.
The good:
–They let me start the exam early. I thought they’d herd us all up and then have us start at the same time, but it was all very independent.
–They provide lockers for your stuff.
–Free parking in the center’s lot.
The bad:
–They made me feel like a criminal with the whole «turn out your pockets, take off your watch before you go into the testing room» routine.
–The noise-​cancelling headphones were way too small for my head, and a headache is NOT the best way to take an exam.
The ugly:
–A woman ahead of me was told that she could not take her own tissues into the testing room with her. We read and signed a sheet saying that the only tissues we could use would be provided by the testing center. Yet, when she asked for some of their tissues, she was told they didn’t have any.
Would I go back? Sure: exams are never fun, but the free parking means one less stressor on my way to the center.

I came here to take my Project Management Professional (PMP) test since Project Management Institute mandates taking their exam at a certified testing center. Not to be daunted by the crappy neighborhood, I selected this center and went along my happy way.
When I arrived, I was actually invited to take the test ahead of time so I had a little time to survey the surroundings. They do provide lockers that you can put your personal belongings in since you’re not supposed to take anything into the test. However, amazingly enough, they let you walk around during breaks so I guess if you really wanted to be a slick betty, you can go for your answer sheet you stashed in your locker under the guise of getting a piece of chewing gum. But you wouldn’t do that, right?
The testing booths offer a computer with your exam pulled up, a host of cameras to watch your every move (so if you’re a picker, make sure it counts and you get a big booger on your finger to flick at the screen), and some ear muffs. I actually had to use them since the girl next to me had some stomach issues (I guess she was nervous?) and actually farted a couple of times. To the Indian girl taking the CPA exam, did you think no one could hear that $hit? I made sure I wiped my ears clean with baby wipes upon leaving the place.
They did print my results immediately and provided it to me on the spot with a raised water mark in case folks wanted to challenge my PMPness. Would I do it again? Maybe if I was sadistic enough to take another certification exam. But not bloody likely.