[CoachEmUp]

I’m curious what the testing center is like as I try to visualize it for my test day. One N. LaSalle 23rd floor. Other than get there a standard 30 min early… any other tips or good things to know?

Also… what are the “whiteboards” that you get like? Is it just scratch paper or what is it?

[SchruteBeet]

I have taken two of my three tests in Chicago. It's like your standard prometric center except it is bigger than the testing centers I have seen in the suburbs. There's a starbucks located right across the street so I try to get there an hour early and get some coffee. The center is located in one of Chicago's historic landmarks. The people are really nice. Some prometric centers allow you to show an electronic copy of your NTS but this one strictly requires a paper copy.

The whiteboard is basically like a laminated sheet that you can use as a two-sided scratch paper to jot down any mnemonics, formulas, solve problems etc. Beware the markers they give you don't erase so you will need to ask for more sheets as you run out. They usually clean these laminates after your exam with a solution but you're not allowed to erase them when you turn them in at the end of the exam. I usually like to take the first 4.5 mins before the start of the exam to jot down any formulas/mnemonics I tend to forget easily.

[CPA8675309]

I haven't been to a center in Chicago, so I can't respond to specifics about that center. However, if you haven't watched already, there's a video on YouTube posted by another test sponsor (created generically by Prometric) called “what to expect on exam day” that I feel is pretty accurate from my experience at two different centers. I was nervous about the experience, but it was much better than expected. The employees so far have been very nice. So, in other words, don't make yourself crazy with nerves. Get there early and all will go well.

You'll get two laminated sheets of standard-sized (8.5 x 11) graph paper. At one center, I get a typical overhead marker which I don't like, because they write too thick. I think the markers I got at the most recent center had a finer point. That was for AUD though, so I didn't have to write down very much.

I dislike the calculators built into the test. Supposedly, you can request a physical calculator at the test center. I think it's worth asking if you remember.

[mccarta7]

I think I read somewhere that you might be able to do something called a “test drive” at your Prometric center for $30 if you are really wanting to see what it's like. There's more info on the Prometric website.

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/prepare-for-test-day/pages/take-a-practice-test.aspx

[CoachEmUp]

Thanks for all the info guys… great stuff. I saw I could do a test drive, but I think it's funny they charge $30 for it. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Interesting note about the calculator… I'll have to ask.

[Author]

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