[Texas CPA]

When I came back from a bathroom break, they made me remove my glasses and they inspected the frames. First time that happened. Anyone else?

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[Anonymous]

Fortunately not but at my test center there was Dump truck that was picking up trash for about 10-15 minutes. I used the noise blockers still that didn't help (so I lost valuable 15 minutes) And the stalker lady who kept on coming standing close to my space every 30 minutes or so. Really with cameras, audio, finger prints really who has time to cheat. That's the

reason I hate open book test it takes forever to find an answer than just guessing. And then we have idiots that cheat and make our lives honest people miserable. Fortunately they were able to read my finger print. I am now more than ever convinced that someone hacked the AICPA.

[SeattleAccountant]

Had to pull up pants, remove belt, and was told to spit out gum. Apparently gum issue depends on the Prometric's site itself. I've never used gum during prior tests but after reading here decided to give it a try for BEC and that did not go as planned.

Had to pull out front pockets and put hands in back pockets and move. TSA-wannabies, all I can say!

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[jckund]

Was told to put shoes back on and uncross my legs… “feet have to be on the floor”.

Like what am I gonna do?

[Anonymous]

I've posted about this before but at our local Prometric, the monitor has to watch you power down your cell phone and lock it in the locker. I get it but at some level aren't we grown ups and they should believe me when I say its off . The voice of reason says it is to avoid ringers going off all day in the locker room but it is still annoying. Also, NO talking to ANYONE that is not a monitor after a certain point. You literally get the Austin Powers “ssshh” complete with hand movement if you dare speak. I drive two hours to another Prometric just because it is a less stressful process.

[samdiegoCPA]

Wow! I love my Prometric. Everyone is super nice but still follows the rules (If you take off your scarf, you have to bring it out to us) No crazy cell phone or gum chewing monitoring! I sit on my feet and/or legs most of the time too. So Cal attitude I guess.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Anonymous]

I hate the keyboard noise of another examinee at my back. She sounded like she was pounding each stroke like she was so mad. It was so distracting. “Is she using a typewriter manufactured 100 years ago?”

She was probably testing for BEC so she had to type like crazy and finish it quick like it's the end of the world.

I tried to wear the headset which felt like tightening my head and squeezing my eye glasses. It was causing me headache so I decided to just take the headset off me. My skull felt too big for the headset!

[Anonymous]

Been doing tests with Prometric since 2009 (GRE now CPA) and the hoops you have to jump thru now keep getting crazier. Our location has lockers to put stuff in which used to be enough. Now take out all your pockets, pull up pants, and get wanted. I also almost couldn't use my wrist guards for my carpel tunnel issues. Good grief. Who would have enough time to cheat like that? Makes me wonder what has happened…

[Kenada]

I have always wondered what the ingenius person did to cheat and now we all have to go through these processes at Prometric.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Anonymous]

The Prometric people are nice, but the process is overblown and a little demeaning. My typed out notes – which PS do not cover every subject to be tested – are 17,000 words long. What exactly would I hide on my invisalign braces that would give me an advantage? The whole thing is a bit silly.

[nataliamw]

Had to throw away my own tissue and get one out of their box. And the whole deal with dry erase boards left me speechless – I'm left handed and they don't work anyway, Please give me a paper and a pen, is that too much to ask?

Every time I went, there was either construction noise across the wall or landscaping service with gas powered tractors so loud one could not gather thoughts together.

[Jferjamey]

Wow, my experience seems much easier than some of yours! I wore my wedding rings, chewed gum, took my shoes off, crossed my legs, and did not have to be watched to turn my cell phone off (I didn't, just put it on silent in the locker).

I have been to three different testing centers in the Tampa area. One was very small and the employees weren't overly friendly. The other two were very nice, spacious, and the employees were very encouraging. One of the ladies who checked me on on Saturday kept telling the four of us (we were all CPA candidates for the 8 am start time) to take deep breaths and relax.

B - 81 (8/31/13) first attempt!
A - 80 (2/3/14) first attempt!
R - 89 (7/31/13) first attempt!
F - 86 (7/2/13) first attempt!
Licensed CPA: 12/31/14

Becker rocks!

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most." -Abraham Lincoln

[Kenada]

I think the Prometric in San Jose is getting meaner with every visit I have to make. My first visit was not too bad. The guy was nice and even though i had to remove my shoes and turn out my pockets and have at “pat” down, he smiled and asked me if i had any questions and said Good Luck.

After that I have noticed new people at that place and man the “women” are so mean!!! They don't smile, look at you like your stupid if you ask them a question and really add to your discomfort. As it is we are super nervous and stressed coming in to sit the exam. You would think they can have a bit more compassion towards you?

Well i suppose after going a number of times you kind of expect the worst reception and just become immune to it.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Texas CPA]

Don't get me wrong, the people at my center are nice but just thought it was weird they inspected my frames. Still trying to figure out what meaningful information I could get on that small area that would help. 🙂

Reg - Passed 82 Nov 2012 - Becker
Aud - Passed 86 May 2013 - Becker
BEC - Passed 88 Aug 2013 - Becker
FAR - Passed 88 Nov 2013 - Becker

https://www.becker.com/cpa-review

Texas CPA

[Anonymous]

jgh1204: Maybe they thought you were trying to sneak in Google Glasses. =)

[Anonymous]

@BaxterCPA, that's exactly what I was thinking! LOL

[Author]

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