Pearson Vue and ISC2

TechGuy215

Is there a reason why ISC2 only offers CISSP at certain Pearson Vue Testing Centers (PVTC's)? The PVTC I've used for my Cisco, CompTia, CWNP, and ITIL certs doesn't show up as a selectable PVTC for the CISSP exam. Only a few random PVTC's show up that aren't very close to me. Anyone else run into this?

beads

Different levels of testing security. Some Pearson Vue centers have meet one of three different levels of security. Though I forget what the call the differing levels. The highest level can be found in the largest of testing centers where you either pass through a metal detector, think airport level security down to basic show up with ID and take the test.

I will not show up or take a test where I have any grandma's putting on latex gloves to frisk me as one testing center did a couple of years ago. Side note: personal preference goes to the new Pearson Vue, et. al. center on East Wacker in Chicago. Just about perfect as far as testing centers go and recommend to anyone fortunate to be close enough to utilize the service there.

- B Eads

cyberguypr

Oh yes, the center at 111 E Wacker is there I took my CISSP. Very nice place. I've been looking for a center to take my GCIH and I was bummed to learn GIAC doesn't use this particular center. And it is true, some of the smaller, obscure places are mom and pop shops with lax or non-existent security. I took a peek at the ones close to home and many of the places I found fall in the mom and pop category. Some are civic/community centers that just don't provide the best accommodations. A quiet, distraction free environment is next to impossible in these joints.

beads

As far as GIAC exams go in the Chicago area go you have some choices. Testing centers out in the far burbs I am not currently familiar but here's a brief run down.

Oakland Community College in Skokie isn't too bad but need earplugs and headphones. Huge interior space. Lots of, you guessed it, community level students, so its a bit noisy. Hint: Go for the cube near the window. Hate the one on Clark St. with a passion. Enough said. The small one on Monroe is gone - probably in large part to my complaints about being in a 120 degree closet. Come out of that one wringing in sweat and half delirious from dehydration (sweat box). Oh lets see how about the one on Broadway in Uptown? You know the testing center across the street from the methadone clinic, above the hooka shop? Lots of friendly "ladies"/pimp shops in the area to boot! Would not send a female employee to that site unescorted under any circumstances. Good news is that its about 1.5 miles from my house in Chicago. Saw the place this weekend. To paraphrase an old Eagles song: "They told me it was nice..." They were right! Just been awhile since I've seen my house. Hey, still standing. Good to go and all that.

Suppose I could park at Millennium Park parking garage for East Wacker but I still need to update my parking sticker with the City of Chicago. Tough when I don't live there Monday through Friday. Well, that and its $85 a year to park in my own garage. Add to that the usual parking garage fee and you'll get the idea as to where I am coming from. Express bus will drop you off a block away on Michigan Avenue.

Yep. That's why I have developed a preference for East Wacker. OK the parking thing kinda sucks but where doesn't the parking suck in downtown? LOL.


- B Eads

TechGuy215

I figured it was related to Security Standards....thanks everyone for the prompt responses!

!nf0s3cure

I had issues with no test centre near me that would do weekend testing. The nearest testing centre was about 200 miles. Neither PV nor ISC2 would help. In the end I will have to travel for 3 days to do the test when I do it. On the other hand I am also preparing for CISA and they have a test centre where I am based. It is completely bizarre. For PV I could not get the level 0 helpdesk to understand the point of not even having weekend testing at any centres close to me. They just would not help and not escalate the issue. Same with ISC2 they could not help either. Very dissapointed with ISC2 as well.

TechGuy215

!nf0s3cure wrote: »

I had issues with no test centre near me that would do weekend testing. The nearest testing centre was about 200 miles. Neither PV nor ISC2 would help. In the end I will have to travel for 3 days to do the test when I do it. On the other hand I am also preparing for CISA and they have a test centre where I am based. It is completely bizarre. For PV I could not get the level 0 helpdesk to understand the point of not even having weekend testing at any centres close to me. They just would not help and not escalate the issue. Same with ISC2 they could not help either. Very dissapointed with ISC2 as well.

It certainly can be ridiculous. Of the very few testing centers in my area that offer ISC2 tests, the availability is HORRENDOUS, I mean we are talking like 3 days a month! You would think Pearson Vue would force their hand to at least have half of the month available to testers, including some weekends thrown in there.

In any case, I did get my test scheduled. I will be sitting the exam Friday, December 6th, 2013.

beads

@TechGuy215;

Seth Misenar of GIAC instructor fame has been famous for the three day travel venture to take a test scenario as well. Of course the hidden benefit is that hopefully your living in a place you really want to be in the first place. So, there some upside to place your in now - even if it means traveling a day or so to take a test. Certainly wouldn't want to see someone have to travel to a major city just to take an exam but if needbe then it needs to be.

Just make it part of a long weekend if you can. No sense on being completely stressed out on top of the usual exam anxiety. Yeah, I get very anxious before exams. Nothing else it helps Redz feel a bit superior. Not deservedly of course but superior nonetheless.

- B Eads