[rencpa]

Just came back from my BEC exam. During my 3rd testlet (simulation), the computer shut down. My screen was black for around one minute! After that, it came back, but my testing window got EXTREMELY small. I probably had 30% of my screen. It was challenging to manage between all the different tabs in order to get the needed data. I had no chance to split my screen because it was already extremely little. I called for assistance. The woman was nice, but she told me to work until a break time. And this is what I did. She called someone for help and they tried to sign me on from a different computer, but that never happened. I waited around 1 hour 30 minutes, but at the end I was told that, they cannot do anything about it. Somebody is going to contact me in the next 24 hours.

Yes, she gave me an option to retake the exam at the time of waiting. I refused because I know with 99% confidence that I did extremely well with MCQs (first two testlets). I did not do well on the 3rd one, mainly because it really upset me and frustrated me to work on that little screen.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? If yes, were you able to finish the exam? Or done is done!?

I am tired, but I truly fed up. I need a drink.

[sarah]

Similar thing happened to me Thursday as well. I was on the last problem of the third set of simulations when my screen went blank. It happened to a bunch of people in my room and they made us wait in the lobby for 10 min before they finally said it couldn’t be fixed. Said someone would be in contact by Wednesday with the hope the window would be extended.

Does anyone know if there’s a chance to retake it in an extended testing window or am I out of luck. This was my last test and I was really wanting to avoid the awful score release situation the rest of the year. If testing in March isn’t possible do you think they could grade my test anyways? I was literally not on my last problem and feel like I have a chance of passing!

Sorry that happened to you too! I still can’t believe it.

[rencpa]

Actually, today I received an automated call, followed with an email, saying that my exam got cancelled and I am free to schedule again.

I am pretty much upset at Prometric person right now. I think she screwed up by not entering my NTS on time! I was switched between different stations like a tennis ball. She was a nice person, but I am not sure Prometric employees are trained enough to handle computer problems.

In my situation, I was the only “lucky” one with the PC problem.

Just sent an e-mail to NASBA complaining about the situation and my Board. Hope to hear back from someone tomorrow. For sure, I will bombard them with a lot of follow up phone calls. Remember you have only 5 days for a complain. And I hope they gave you a ticket #.

Funny, that the same Promertic location messed up with me last testing window. This was my FREE retake because of their mistake before.

[Tim]

Yeah I would not ever go back to that location even if it meant driving an extra 2 hours.

[rencpa]

The Board (NY) told me that they have nothing to do about the examination. It is a NASBA problem. When I called NASBA, I am being transferred to the automated system telling to send them an e-mail explaining the situation. I already sent it to both of them. This is insane that there is no chance to contact anyone in person! Everything is automated or if you reach someone that person has nothing to do about it.

@Tim
I did consider last time! Unfortunately, they made me wait to get a new NTS for 55 days (after I got my failing score of 71 in December). When I tried to register for the exam, THAT was the only option or Q2. I waited 3 days and finally registered with them because I was afraid to not get a spot in Q1.

I am pretty good in memorizing numbers. Regret, I did not memorize my NTS and entered at the time the system requested. But on the other hand, this crazy woman in Prometric should know what she is doing!

Certainly, I am going insane today!

@Sara… Did you call or e-mail anyone about your situation? Please let me know. I also would not like to lose my work that was already submitted. I DID extremely well until the problem arrived (better than ever on any of my prior exam)!

[sarah]

No one has called or emailed me but I have an email into Nasba customer care and a voicemail as well. Hopefully someone gets back to me soon as I’m supposed to be going out of town Thursday-Monday. Now I’m sick on top of this so I really just want that test graded at this point. What a mess!

[rencpa]

Feel really sorry for your Sara. Hope you feel better!

I have the same situation. Nobody got in touch with me. I may go to the Prometric tomorrow and bother there for a manager!

Will let you know if anything changes. Please do the same. I would like to know how NASBA handles situations like this. I am scared we will have to be taking this again in Q2 (which is annoying me!) This is my last exam as well.

Feel better!

[sevier2]

I accidentally unplugged my computer with my foot once. I was fidgeting around and next thing I know everything went black.

I raised my hand and told them what happened and they said I wasn’t the first. The prometric person asked which booklet I was on and they reset my machine back to thaw booklet with all answers in tact.

[rencpa]

@sevier2 Thank you for sharing your experience. You really got lucky! And based on your experience, they are able to help.

I still have a hope until I hear from NASBA. I always think positive to the last possible moment!

[sarah]

Any luck? Still haven’t heard from anything yet. Getting less hopeful by the day 🙁

[rencpa]

Same here. Nobody got in touch with me. I certainly do not like to treated this way. ANY communication from NASBA would be better than just being ignored!

I planned on passing in Q1. Didn't consider any need to follow up with the exam changes in Q2!!

[AFOP]

@sarah and @rencpa Did u receive any response back from NASBA?

[aaronmo]

Told this story a few times…

My computer crashed 4 times during REG, including twice during SIMs. Each crash required a re-boot. About 5 minutes plus of down time each crash. They claimed the exam clock wasn't affected, but it was; I lost time. I also lost time in having to calm down and relax.

As you folks can imagine, it impacted my exam (particularly in SIM). Others were hit as well, although not as severely.

I sent a letter to NASBA, as did others. I got back an email that said we'll investigate. No follow up afterwards. I passed strongly, even with the hit to the SIMs. Other got back emails asking if they wanted to re-schedule. Those people didn't pass.

It's not much of a data pool, but this, to me, suggests that if they think you failed, they handle it differently. I would consider a lack of a response to be a positive sign actually.

I don't remember how long it took them to respond to me, but I can check if you want.

[rencpa]

Thank you aaronmo. You got lucky. I absolutely did not want to leave the Prometric on March 10, but at the end I had no choice.

Still hard to accept. Until yesterday I waited for a chance to either retake the exam from the beginning or have a chance to finish the one I started on March 10. I still had 2 more testlets (1 simulation and 1 WC).

Yesterday evening I checked that my NTS that I used for registering on March 10 is a valid NTS. This means, someone cancelled my exam completely! Hate this, but need to move on. For sure, I will NEVER EVER take this or any exam in that Prometric!! Never!

@AFOP Nobody contacted me from NASBA. Completely disrespecting!

[aaronmo]

Blechhhh…

I'm sorry 🙁

[sarah]

The whole situation was handled poorly. Prometric gave me false information. NASBA was unresponsive for days. Finally said the window would not be extended and there was a chance they could grade my test. I just decided to check yesterday morning and it was up. Luckily I passed and I’m done dealing with these people.

Good luck @rencpa! Sorry that happened to you.

[Author]

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