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Frequently Asked Questions
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I ordered a test but forgot my Test Event ID. What do I do?
If you forgot your Test Event ID, the easiest way to get started is to log on to
your online account and review the My Plan section of your home page. All active Test Event IDs for certification tests can be accessed by clicking on the test name in the Individual Tests section of your My Plan page. If you're still having trouble, contact us at
Customer
Support.
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I took one test and it worked fine, but my Test Event ID no longer
works. Why is this happening?
Test Event IDs for Brainbench certification tests are single use and can only be used one time.
If you would like to take another test or retake a test you have already completed once,
you may do so by selecting the Test Center option from the left navigation option and ordering an additional test.
Brainbench practice tests have 5 Test Event IDs. To access the test once you have used the initial Test Event ID assigned, click on the test name in the Learning Plan section of your My Plan page.
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I completed a beta test. Where would I find the results for the test?
Beta test results are not maintained and will not display in your account. The beta test is still in development to validate that the content is accurate and that the questions are understandable. The test can change considerably during this development period so the test that ultimately becomes a certification test is not necessarily the test you took during the beta testing.
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I was disconnected from the test. How do I start from
where I left off?
If you were disconnected from a test, you can start from where you left off by entering the
re-entry code that was provided at the start of test in the in the Need to Re-Enter a Test?
box of www.Brainbench.com or by clicking on the test name from the My Plan option on the left navigation menu.
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How do I obtain a test?
All of our tests are accessible through the Test
Center. You can click on View All Tests, use the search feature, or browse the tests by category.
Once you have found the test you would like to take, click the
name of the test or the Test link. You will then see a description
and an outline of the topics and subtopics covered in the test. If you are ready to get the test, click Get
Test.
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How long does it
take to complete a test?
Our online certification tests consist of 40 questions and usually take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
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How often can I
attempt a test?
You may take them as often as you like, although you should not take the same test more than 5 times
within a 24 hour period. Accounts that indicate excessive usage of one test within a 24 period are
monitored and may be blocked for possible violations of the Terms and Conditions. We recommend you
take some time to learn topics that you were unfamiliar with before retaking a test, to improve your
score. Also, if you take a test more than four times in a 90-day period, it will be noted on your
transcript.
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What is the difference
between the master and standard levels?
The standard level requires that you pass with a score of 2.75
or above on a scale of 1.0 - 5.0, where 5.0 is the highest. The
master level requires that you pass with a score of at least 4.0.
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What percentage
of test-takers actually passes?
Approximately 40% of those who complete a certification test become
certified. About 12% of those who pass are certified at the master
level.
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How do I know what
the test is going to cover?
Each assessment
has a description that details the major topic areas and audience
of the test. In addition, test outlines are available for review
that lists the topics and subtopics covered. These outlines help
in preparation for tests as they help identify potential weak
areas. All questions on the test will come from these categories,
so a broad knowledge of the certification area is required. To
view the description and test outline for a test, go to the Test
Center and click on the test name.
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Where can I obtain
test preparation materials?
We have developed numerous practice tests that are available online
with several more on the way. These tests provide a simulation
of the actual certifications and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
The practice test also ties each question to a published reference,
which explains the topic in detail. You can also go to the Test
Center, select a test and view the test outline as a guideline.
Finally, after selecting a test in the Test Center, you will find
learning links next to each test that will take you into our Learning
Center. There you will find resources from our partners including
Amazon, Monster, and Google. Resource information from our partners is maintained by those companies.
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Can I see the answers
to the questions on my test?
Each test contains hundreds of questions of which you only see
a small subset. We do not make the questions or answers public
in order to maintain the integrity of each test. You can view
your personal transcript, which does contain your strengths and
weaknesses in each test topic. You can also view specific Topic/Subtopic information on a Knowledge and Skill test by clicking on the View Detailed Topic Results link.
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Are some tests free?
Yes, some of our tests are free. However, free certification tests
do not include a certificate,Paper certificates can be purchased for $14.95,
electronic certificates can be purchased for $4.95 View Free Tests.
In addition, when we introduce any new test to the
Brainbench web site, the first 1000 test-takers get the test for
FREE. Again, these free tests do not include a certificate, which
can be purchased separately. When you order a test that was just
introduced, you will have 7 days to take it. Afterwards, your
Test Event ID will expire. This 7-day expiration only applies to tests during
the first 1000 times it is taken.
To find out which tests are being introduced, sign
up for Test Alert (a FREE service to our Brainbench customers).
Also, update your preferences in My Brainbench to see the latest
tests in New Products and Services. After a test has been taken
1000 times, it will be offered at the regular price of $49.95 (excluding
any promotional offers and discounts).
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I received a confirmation e-mail after I ordered a test. Does this mean I have to pay for it?
No. You will receive e-mails that are generated automatically by user activity.
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What role do Brainbench
tests play in employment related activities?
Brainbench advises test-users to use Brainbench tests as part
of a battery of decision-making tools. The EEOC's Uniform Guidelines
on Employee Selection Procedures contains more detailed information
on the use of testing as part of your company's hiring, evaluation,
or promotion process.
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What is the value of
a Brainbench Certification?
Certifications have many advantages in the workplace. In skill-oriented
workplaces, certifications can increase earnings 20% or more.
In addition to helping you to invest in your career, a Brainbench
Certification also allows you to:
- Measure and develop your skills
- Compare your skills to those of other professionals
- Certify and enhance your skills
- Empowers you to take more control over your career development
- Helps your employer target the correct training for your skill level
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What are Brainbench
tests like?
Brainbench Certifications are developed, validated, and reviewed
by professionals in each area being certified. As we like to say,
they are "Tests developed for professionals, by professionals."
Brainbench tests are delivered as Computer Adaptive
Tests (CATs). The difficulty level of the items is adjusted according
to the skill level of the test-taker. This provides two advantages:
1) individuals are not repeatedly asked questions that are too
difficult or too easy for their particular skill level and 2)
the true ability of the test-taker can be more effectively assessed.
The adaptive test engine produces scores that are reflective of
the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty
level of those questions. Brainbench Certifications are measured
on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum score. A score
of 2.75 or higher is required for certification by Brainbench,
with a score of 4.0 or higher required to be certified at the
Master level. These scores are available to the test-taker as
soon as the test is completed.
Brainbench tests generally consist of multiple choice
questions. The questions are designed to test real-world knowledge,
as opposed to academic or "book" knowledge. You can expect to
see sample code, images and scenarios associated with many of
the items. Each question has one and only one correct answer.
The tests do not penalize for guessing, so individuals are encouraged
to make educated guesses in situations where there is uncertainty
as to which answer is correct. Most Brainbench tests are 40 questions
in length, and take 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon the individual.
Lastly, questions are timed, typically 180 seconds
each. A warning will flash on the screen when there are less than
30 seconds left.
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Do you make
any special accommodations in your testing process for people
with disabilities?
We do provide some special accommodations for people with disabilities.
Please contact Customer
Support directly for details.
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How
do I interpret my Brainbench test score?
Scores range from 1-5 with 5 being the highest in the Brainbench
scoring system. Within that range, Brainbench recognizes two levels
of achievement for standard assessments. A score between 2.75
– 3.99 earns the test taker the standard certification while
a score of 4.0 or higher certifies a master level of achievement.
Scores range from 1 to 5 and are divided into the
following proficiency level categories:
Test Overall Score Range
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Proficiency Level
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| 1.00 - 1.50 |
Novice |
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| 1.51 - 2.50 |
Basic |
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| 2.51 - 3.50 |
Proficient |
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| 3.51 - 4.50 |
Advanced |
Master |
| 4.51 - 5.00 |
Expert |
Proficiency Levels
The proficiency levels describe in very general terms what typical
examinees know and their capabilities in an applied setting. However,
any individual examinee may not be able to demonstrate all of
the knowledge and skills in his or her proficiency level description.
Below are the proficiency level descriptions.
Novice
Demonstrates an understanding of only the most basic concepts
contained within this topic. Individual will most likely require
formal training or self study before receiving any assignments
in this area.
Basic
Demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved
with this topic. Knowledge level appears equivalent to that gained
through introductory courses. May require supplemental training
and close supervision to develop a working knowledge level to
be able to perform assignments independently.
Proficient
Demonstrates a solid understanding of core concepts within this
topic. Appears capable of working on most projects in this area
with moderate assistance. May require some initial assistance
with advanced concepts.
Advanced
Demonstrates a clear understanding of many advanced concepts within
this topic. Appears capable of mentoring others on most projects
in this area.
Expert
Demonstrates understanding of most advanced concepts within the
subject area. Appears capable of mentoring others on the most
complex projects.
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What are the rules
for Brainbench tests?
Unlike many standardized tests, individuals are encouraged to
use reference materials when taking Brainbench tests. Most professionals
routinely consult references in the workplace, so a testing environment
should reflect that reality. The goal of Brainbench is to test
the concepts covered in references rather than facts, so the correct
answer requires application of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Heavy reliance upon reference materials is penalized in the time
permitted to answer each question on a test.
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What is Computer Adaptive
Testing (CAT)?
As test-takers respond to "questions", a computer-adaptive test
"adapts" itself to test-takers by selecting the next item to be
presented on the basis of performance on preceding items.
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Why is CAT better
than static testing?
The advantages of CAT include:
- CAT requires fewer test items to arrive at a more accurate
estimate of test-takers' proficiency than pencil-and-paper
tests.
- CAT technology allows test-takers to receive immediate feedback
on their performance.
- Each test-taker is administered a different set of test questions
enhancing the test's security.
- CAT scoring takes into account not just the number of questions
answered correctly, but which items were answered correctly.
- A test-taker who correctly answers a more difficult set of
questions will score higher than a test-taker who correctly
answers an easier set of questions.
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What are Brainbench Certifications?
Brainbench is an independent certification authority, assessing a variety
of skills including IT, Finance, Health Care and Office Skills, to name
a few. Independence from other professional organizations permits us to
objectively assess skills in a variety of content areas. Brainbench has
delivered over 7 million tests to over 6
million of our registered users. Using our
rigorous test development process, Brainbench has developed one of the
largest online test libraries in the world, totaling over 600 tests.
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How do Brainbench Certifications compare to other
certification programs?
The primary advantages of Brainbench Certifications are high quality,
low cost, and convenience. Unlike other agencies that require an individual
to take a certification at a specially designated testing center or at
a specific workstation, Brainbench tests may be taken at any time, anywhere.
Removing these constraints not only makes Brainbench testing more convenient
to individuals and employers, it also reduces the cost of delivering a
test. As a result, Brainbench can provide high-quality certifications
at a rate lower than most other entities.
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How long are your certifications valid?
Your certification is valid for 3 years. Upon expiration, your certification will be removed from your
transcript. You may retake the test to regain certification.
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Why do certifications expire?
We are constantly striving to keep up with the ever-changing and growing
markets; therefore, our tests are constantly updated to include the most
current information and topics. As a result, the certifications are only
valid for 3 years, after which you must retake the online test.
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What are Job Role Certifications and
how are they different from other Brainbench Certifications?
Brainbench now provides a valuable job role certification program,
covering today's in-demand job functions. These job roles have
been developed using the O*NET classification system of the U.S.
Department of Labor and Brainbench subject matter experts. While a skill certification can prove that you are
knowledgeable about a specific skill, a job role certifications
proves that you have a core set of skills required to perform
a specific job.
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What is the difference between assigned job roles and planned job roles?
Assigned job roles are created by your organization and assigned to you by an
administrator or manager. Planned job roles are created by Brainbench, and
you can proactively add these to your plan. Depending on your organization's
account setup, you may/may not be able to add Brainbench Job Roles to your plan.
If not, ask your account administrator.
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I can't find a job role that matches my skills. What should I do?
Brainbench plans to add several new job roles throughout the year. If you don't
see a job role that matches your skills, feel free to contact Customer Support and
request that your job role be added to the available list.
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I've completed all required tests to earn a Job Role Certification, but do not see the
certification in my transcript. Why?
Your organization may choose to not issue a certification for a completed job role.
In this case, you will see an icon in your plan that you have completed the job role,
but it will not appear as a certification in your transcript. If you should have received
a job role certification but didn't, check the Build My Transcript area, and make sure
that the Job Role Certification is marked public.
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What is a My Brainbench account?
Every person who takes a Brainbench test through their Account is also set up with
a My Brainbench Account. All of your test and certification data are then posted to this
account, and you can also enter other information, such as your resume,
third party certifications, and your career preferences (all optional).
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What is the value of a Account?
Your Account helps track the progress you are making toward your skills and
career development goals. Through the Learning Center, you are encouraged to continue learning and
developing new skills throughout your career.
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Who will receive my test result information?
Your strengths, weaknesses, and score information is stored in your individual transcript, as well as in the
Brainbench Corporate Account of your sponsoring organization. Anyone with the appropriate privileges
for that account will have view access to your test data.
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How do I change my name or address information?
To change your name, please contact us at Customer
Support.
To change your address, resume, contact information, career preferences,
or any other information except your name, you must log onto your online
account and click Update Personal Information under the My Account
menu.
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How do I know Brainbench will not give out my personal
information?
Brainbench takes your privacy and the protection of your data seriously.
Our basic policy is that we will not release your information to anyone without your permission.
Select the Manage My E-mails option on the left navigation menu to add or
remove yourself from third party e-mails. Please note that sponsored tests are
provided by third party vendors and you must agree to share your contact information
with that company in order to take the test. You do have the option of purchasing
the test if you do not wish to provide the vendor with that information.
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What is My Plan?
You will find My Plan on the home page of your account. You will also find a link to
My Plan under the Skills Center on the left navigation. In My Plan you will
find tests and job roles that your employer either suggests or requires that you complete.
To move tests to My Plan, simply click on the Plan link in the Test Center once you
have completed a search. You will also find that the test that you have selected,
but have yet to take, will also be in My Plan for your convenience.
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What happens if I accidentally delete a job role that's in progress? Will I lose all my results?
If you delete a job role from My Plan, you
will not lose your test results. Your results are permanently stored in
your account under Build My Transcript which is located under My Transcript in the left navigation.
If you want to add a job role back into My Plan, simply add it again.
Any tests that you have already taken that are a part of that job role
will show a status. If you purchased a test from within a job role and then deleted
the job role, your purchased test will appear under the individual tests section of My Plan.
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How does the Learning Plan work?
The My Plan section of the site also offers you the opportunity to store learning that you would like to take in the future. Links can be stored for any of the learning providers that are available. You can do this in a couple of ways. For example, if you are in My Plan, simply click the Add Learning link. This will take you to a list of skills tests that are currently
available. To select learning, click the Learn link next to the skill you want to improve.
You will then be taken to the Learning Center. From there you can select the type of
learning you would like to take (books, online courses, etc.), your current
proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and, finally, the provider. Once you
have reviewed the resources available, you can then save the search to that learning in
My Plan by clicking the Save to My Plan link. You will then be directed to My Plan and
will see the learning search stored in your Learning Plan at the bottom of the page. When
you are ready to view or purchase the learning, go to My Plan and click the link that you
stored. If you are not in My Plan, you can click the Learn link next to the skill you want
to improve and you will be on your way.
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What is the Learning Center?
Brainbench has formed partnerships with leading training resources to offer a wide variety of options from which you can improve your knowledge.
To access learning, simply find the skill that you want to improve
from the Test Center, and click the Learn link.
[Note: Learning options may/may not be available to you based on your organization's
account setup. You can check out the Learning Center to see what options are
available to you through your Account. We can also integrate learning
resources that are available to you through your company. If you don't have access to learning
and would like to, please contact your account administrator.] We are continually
searching for leading resources to integrate in our site and plan on
offering more options in the months to come.
Please note that the information accessed from these sites is maintained by the partnership company. If you require
additional information regarding their site you would need to contact their company directly.
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What happens if I save something to my Learning Plan?
Saving items to your Learning Plan provides you with easier access to the learning that will help you improve your skills. Once saved, you
can simply click on the links stored in
your Learning Plan (under My Plan) to find the information you need quickly. You
can delete items from your Learning Plan that have not been purchased (or you
can delete items available to you through a seat license).
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