Test Day Forum

[Lexyeva]

How long can we expect to be at the testing center if the exam starts at 8:30, including admin time and breaks, etc? Is there anyone who has taken the exam that can answer this question, or does anyone else have an educated guess? I have a flight to catch to get to a wedding and just want to know if I am being realistic about the timing. Thanks a bunch.

[JJDancer]

You won't be out before 1 pm.

[kazu]

Exam doesn't start at 8:30. You're expected to be there in your assigned seat by 8:30 (going through some sort of identity check beforehand) and then from roughly 8:30 they start handing out the booklets, instructing you to fill out all the personal information bubbles, reading aloud a loooooooong list of instructions, checking IDs once more, etc. This takes a lot longer than you'd think - it was past 9:30 for me when we actually started the test, I've heard stories of other people starting even later (like, after 10:30). 1pm would be a good estimate of when you actually get to leave, although I'd put in some buffer time just in case.

[2014]

8:30 arrive
9:15 start
9:50 section 1 complete
10:26 section 2 complete
11:02 section 3 complete
11:20 section 4 start
11:55 section 4 complete
12:31 section 5 complete
1:30 writing, collecting tests, etc complete

To even make it out by 1 you would have to start at 8:45, so good luck with that haha. I would plan on 2 to be super safe.

[Lexyeva]

Thanks, this definitely helps. I should be ok if I'm out by 2 (at the latest). Has anyone out there ever stayed past 2???

[northwood]

im sure it depends on where you are taking the test. If you are in a small city, then it may take less time goin over instructions, taking and handing back tests, etc. For me, im not planning on leaving until after 2pm. I hope you dont have any major plans that you cant miss or be late to on test day. ( that would give yourself unnecessary pressure to finish quicker- which you cant do).