Can I bring my own earplugs/earmuffs?

Hi all. I did a search first since thread redundancy seems annoying. Totally new to IT certs and never been to Prometric/Pearson VUE facilities. Can I bring my own earplugs or NRR earmuffs (like I use at the shooting range) to help me tune out auditory distractions? Not sure if I'll be sharing the room with others, but it might help me focus. No cheating whatsoever (no electronic headphones, just passive noise protection).

Not sure what's allowed in exam rooms. Thanks.

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Comments

billyr

Devilsbane wrote: »

After the test, the tapes get turned over to Microsoft for review. .

No not true i'm afraid, the only time a tape would be turned over to Microsoft is if you were caught cheating on the exam, e.g looking at answers on a bit of paper, trying to write down test questions and take them out the room with you etc.

Even then it would probably only be needed if you denied the allegation.

Matt27[lt]

billyr wrote: »

No not true i'm afraid, the only time a tape would be turned over to Microsoft is if you were caught cheating on the exam

I was told that, then were doubts about how the exam went, Prometric asks and testcenter must send a video tape to them.
For example 45 questions, answered 100 % and did it all in 8 minutes. 10 seconds per questions. Makes you wonder...

Devilsbane

billyr wrote: »

No not true i'm afraid, the only time a tape would be turned over to Microsoft is if you were caught cheating on the exam, e.g looking at answers on a bit of paper, trying to write down test questions and take them out the room with you etc.

Even then it would probably only be needed if you denied the allegation.

I was lead to believe that Microsoft keeps the tapes on file, but maybe that is just what they want me to think? I don't really know, can only speculate a guess. Better safe than sorry.

Cert Poor

If Steve Ballmer had his way, all MS video footage would be made searchable on Bing!

billyr

Devilsbane wrote: »

I was lead to believe that Microsoft keeps the tapes on file, but maybe that is just what they want me to think? I don't really know, can only speculate a guess. Better safe than sorry.

They'd like you to think that, but the tapes are the property of the testing centre. Not Microsoft or even Prometric. If they'd like to reimburse our company for the cost of installing recording equipment i'll be more than happy to send them a bunch of tapes every week.

edited to add, there are also rules governing what the cameras can and cannot record in the test room, for example the camera can't record any of the questions appearing on the screen or answers you submit.

Devilsbane

Back from taking my test yesterday. Signs posted that say all public areas are video and audio recorded. (And yes, I believe Microsoft would be pissed if the test center's tapes included questions.) I read the agreement checking (asked for a copy but they wouldn't give it).

One of the bullets said that soft earplugs are pemitted. I believe it was #4 or #5.
Number 9 went into things not allowed. It listed the obvious things like camera and notes, but also explicitly had no watches in the list. Ear muffs were never brought up. But they are provided inside and I believe they would be classified along the lines of hats which I think were also in the list.

Also, for the first time ever I was asked to pull my pockets out to prove nothing was in them and to stick my hands down the back pockets to prove the same. Which is odd, since I have tested at this place before and never been asked to pull my pockets out.

killuah72

My testing center allows me to keep everything I take in the testing center at my desk but the place is like a classroom so everyone can see everyone so It's not like you can ****. They also don't give out ear plugs so it's little laid back.

Cert Poor

Passed my first IT cert today at a Prometric test center. They provided some earmuffs, which I used. They said I could bring in my own soft earplugs next time but would have to throw them away after the exam. (I guess you could write answers to them?

) Not allowed to bring in my own big earmuffs. I also had to take off my watch, sunglasses, and empty my pockets. Had to turn off my cell phone and prove that it was off (and then put in the locker). A locker was provided, and I got to keep the key during the test.

Right before I entered the exam room, the proctor said, "Sir, it looks like there's something in that side pocket." Oops, forgot about that pocket. I quickly transferred some OC pepper spray to my locker as fast as possible. And here I was planning on spraying everyone to gain competitive advantage.

Devilsbane

It is funny how security differs. One time I had to pull all of my pockets inside out (as did the people before me). The last time (same test center) just asked if my pockets were empty.

Never had to prove that my phone was off, but always put it in the locker.

earweed

My test center doesn't make me relinquish my wallet. And if they're audiotaping they've probably heard a few questions, answers, and a few curse words..lol
I've been alone in that little room for most of my tests and I tend to read out loud when alone. I've also let afew choice words slip when I see a question I have no clue about.

nrs

I only bring my wallet and a pair of soft ear plugs (hearo's xtreme - the blue kind). I do wear a watch but it's analog so nothing has ever been said about it. I wear both the shooting style ear muffs the testing center supplies and my ear plugs - blocks out pretty much everything. I ask each time if can use my own ear plugs and it's never been a problem. My wallet stays with me - which also has never been an issue.

I've ben to three separate testing centers in my area. One thing I have noticed is that the ID requirements differ each time. My drivers license is always needed but sometimes my work ID (pic with full name no signature) is accepted - others they want a credit card. Once I was asked directly for my license and social security card. I politely declined the social security card and they took a credit card.