Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started

How do I get started?
Perform the following steps:
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Go to Register/Logon in the top navigation.
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On the Register/Logon page, enter your information, and choose a password.
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After clicking on the Register button, you will be registered as a Brainbench member. You are then presented with another page where you are requested to provide additional information about yourself. This information will help us to personalize your Brainbench experience; however, all the information being requested on this page is optional.
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After clicking the Submit button, you will be logged on to your account.
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You are now in My Brainbench, which shows your name as you typed it, and your Transcript ID number, which is important to remember.
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You can now request a test through the Test Center. After you request a test, the system assigns you a personal identification number (PIN - also known as a Test Event ID), Which will enable you to take one test, one time.If you forget the PIN, you can view your unused PINs on the My Brainbench Front Page, under My Plan. Remember,You will receive a separate new PIN numbers for each test.
Having Trouble

I forgot my account logon ID or password. What do I do?
Go to the Brainbench home page at www.brainbench.com. You will see Help in the Account Logon section. After clicking the link, select an option that requests information that you know. After entering the appropriate information and clicking Find Logon, the system generates the logon ID and password and sends it to your e-mail account. If you're still having trouble, contact us at Customer Support with your full name as listed in your transcript and your transcript ID number.
Please Note: If the e-mail address you are contacting Customer Support with differs from the e-mail address associated with your account.If that e-mail address is no longer active, we may require additional information to verify your identity before we can release your logon information to you.

What if I do not have my transcript ID?
Customer Support may be able to locate your account if you include the following:
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The e-mail address associated with the account when the account was created
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The name as entered when the account was created
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The street address associated with your account
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The names of tests that would have been completed in that account

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 My Brainbench 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.

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.

I received a Test Event ID from a company and have completed the test, but my test results do not appear in my account. How do I get those results?
Assessment results do not appear in your individual account and information regarding the test can only be released to you by the administering company. Should the company release your information to you, they can only provide you score information and no record will appear in your individual account.

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. When the beta test is removed from the development status and added to our list of available tests, it is free to the first 1000 takers, however you would need to purchase the certificate after successful completion.

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 Here for a Test? box of www.Brainbench.com or by clicking on the test name from the My Plan option on the left navigation menu.
Brainbench Tests and Methodology

How much does a test cost?
The price for a standard Brainbench Certification is U.S. $49.95 and includes a electronic certificate upon successful completion. if you pass the test). The cost to retake the standard test is $19.95, if ordered within 1 year of the initial purchase. (Please note, the first test must be completed prior to ordering the second test or you will be charged $49.95). Brainbench also offers sponsored and free tests,which can be viewed from the View All Free Tests option on the Test Center page. Sponsored tests are tests that are paid for by a third party company. They allow you to take the test one time at no expense to yourself in exchange for contact information. Standard retake prices apply should you decide to take the test again. In addition to the sponsored tests, you can receive a free test by being one of the first 1000 people to take a new test introduced into the library. Free tests do not come with free certificates; however, they can be purchased for $14.95. If you would like to know when a new test is being introduced to our library, sign up for Test Alerts by updating your preferences on the Manage My E-mails and New Products and Services pages. Just remember, after a new test has been ordered 1000 times, it will be offered at the regular price of $49.95.Free tests do not come with free certificates; however, a paper certificate can be purchased for $14.95 or an electronic certificate can be purchased for $4.95

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.
If the test is fee based,You can buy the test by using a credit card. Simply follow along with the pages that appear after you request a test. You can also order a test by certified check or money order. Read how you can do this.

I am trying to order a test, but it is asking for a promo code. What should I do?
A promo code is used for special promotional offers and/or discounts given to Brainbench members at the complete discretion of Brainbench. Promo codes are optional, so if you do not have a promo code, you should skip this box when placing your order.

Why am I being asked for my phone number when I order a free test?
We have two types of free certification tests. There are some tests that are free at all times on our site. When ordering those tests you will be brought directly to the order page. If you are asked for your phone number, you are ordering a Sponsored free test. This test is being paid for by a company and can only be ordered once for free.

What is a test retake?
A test retake is a test that you are currently ordering but have previously completed. You either passed the test and the certification has expired or you did not pass your initial attempt and are retrying or you are trying to improve your score. The retake price is only charged if you have actually completed the test prior to this purchase.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do I know what the test is going to cover?
Each Brainbench Certification 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.

Where can I obtain test preparation materials?
You can go to the Test Center, select a test and view the test outline as a guideline.

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.

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).

I received a confirmation e-mail after I ordered a free test. Does this mean I have to pay for it?
No. You will receive e-mails that are generated automatically by user activity. These include the following:
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All e-commerce transactions completed through the Brainbench web site (test, subscription, certificate or merchandise purchases)
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Individual test results
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Automatic billing (subscription renewal) notifications

How does a recruiter or employer verify I took the test?
We offer employers a free on-site verification test when you come in for an interview, to ensure that it really was you who took the test. With this method available to employers, cheaters will be exposed.

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.

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:
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Measure and develop your skills
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Compare your skills to those of other professionals
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Certify and enhance your skills
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Maintain an electronic Brainbench transcript
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Make your score (and custom transcript) available to the hundreds of employers who visit our site everyday looking for talented professionals (if you choose).

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.

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.

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 |
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.

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.

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.

Why is CAT better than static testing?
The advantages of CAT include:
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CAT requires fewer test items to arrive at a more accurate estimate of test-takers' proficiency than pencil-and-paper tests.
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CAT technology allows test-takers to receive immediate feedback on their performance.
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Each test-taker is administered a different set of test questions enhancing the test's security.
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CAT scoring takes into account not just the number of questions answered correctly, but which items were answered correctly.
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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.
Brainbench Certifications

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 million tests to over 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 tests.

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.

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.

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, in order to ensure the validity of these tests to potential employers, after which you must retake the online test.

Are Brainbench Certifications affiliated with or approved/endorsed by the major software vendors?
Brainbench is a completely independent certification authority. Establishing valid, third-party assessments is our core business. We develop our test content ourselves, with the assistance of well-credentialed experts. As a result, you can rest assured that our certification tests are designed to help you demonstrate your knowledge of the most important aspects of each tool, software package, or technology without regard to sales or marketing strategies. With that in mind, some vendors have elected to endorse our tests simply based upon the high quality for which they are known.

What recruiters and employers recognize Brainbench Certifications?
Recruiters at companies in more than 100 countries recognize Brainbench Certifications. Some includeand over 4000 other organizations. Strategic investors include Manpower and Thomson Corporation.

How do recruiters and employers verify a Brainbench Certification?
A person's Brainbench Certification can be verified by accessing the person's public transcript. This can be accomplished in any of the following ways:
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By entering your transcript ID at the Brainbench home page, www.brainbench.com, in the View Public Transcript box
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By clicking a link from your personal home page or an e-mail. If you would like to have a direct link to your transcript, you can alter the following link by placing your transcript ID at the end of it by pasting this into an e-mail, your resume, or your personal web site: http://www.brainbench.com/transcript.jsp?pid=
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You can e-mail it from your online account by clicking View or E-mail on the My Transcript menu on the My Brainbench Front Page.
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Searching for it in the Candidate Database, located at http://www.123assess.com
You should also know that we offer employers a free on-site verification test when you come in for an interview, to ensure that it really was you who took the test.
Job Roles

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. Complete job role certifications include a selection of core skills as well as "elective" skills you can choose based on your specific needs. 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.

How do I get my Job Role certificate?
All subscription holders prior to January 1, 2009 will receive a paper Job Role certificate automatically upon the successful completion of the job role if the account has a valid mailing address associated with it. Electronic Job Role Certificates can be downloaded for free from the Order Certificates option on the left navigation menu.
Subscriptions

What are subscriptions?
Subscriptions are the best way to experience Brainbench. They allow you to take unlimited Brainbench Certification tests. Subscriptions are offered annually or on a monthly basis. Electronic certificates are included for each certification that you earn.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

What type of subscriptions do you offer?
We currently offer two subscription plans - annual and monthly. An annual subscription is the most cost-effective way to take Brainbench Certification tests.
Annual
For an annual subscription, the certification test retails for U.S. $199.00.
Monthly
Our monthly subscription for certification tests costs $33.00 per month, which is less than the standard price of a test. The first 3 months of a monthly subscription are paid upfront ($99.00). Afterwards, you are charged per month until you cancel. However, if you choose to pay by certified check or money order, you will be required to send quarterly payments ($99.00) due before the end of your term. Find out more.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

What is included with my subscription?
Certification Tests: Throughout the duration of your subscription, you have unlimited access to all of our certification tests. Electronic certificates can be downloaded multiple times for each certification that you earn. If you subscription was created prior to January 1, 2009, you can also request an 8 1/2" x 11" paper certificate to display your achievement. You can take tests as many times as you wish during your subscription period (See the information about taking a test multiple times.) This subscription does not include certificates earned prior to your subscription, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

What is not included with my subscription?
This subscription does not include certificates earned prior to your subscription, paper certificates for subscriptions created after December 31, 2008, , items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

Are certificates included with the subscriptions?
Electronic certificates are available each time you pass a Brainbench Certification test and can be downloaded multiple times. If your subscription was created prior to January 1, 2009, you can also receive an 8 1/2" x 11" paper certificate that displays your achievement. If you need additional copies of your certificate, these can be purchased separately.

How do I purchase a subscription?
If you would like to purchase a subscription, go to the subscription offer page and order now. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase a subscription by sending a certified check or money order. Read how you can do this.

Can I purchase a subscription if I do not have a credit card?
You can purchase a subscription without a credit card. To do so, send us a certified check or money order for the respective amount of your desired subscription. Read how you can do this.
If you purchase a monthly subscription, you will need to pay for the first 3 months upfront just like someone paying with a credit card. However, subsequent months will need to be paid in quarterly payments (as opposed to monthly) to avoid any disruption in service. For example, the payment for the next 3 months of service needs to reach us before the expiration of your first 3 months.

How long is my subscription valid?
If you purchase an annual subscription, the standard length of your subscription is 12 months from the date of purchase. Afterwards, your subscription plan will automatically renew until you choose to cancel. For our annual subscription plans, we will alert you to your impending renewal via e-mail 30 days, and then again 2 weeks prior to your renewal date. As long as you do not elect to cancel your subscription, we will bill your credit card automatically in order to ensure that your service will not be interrupted.
If you purchase a monthly subscription, your subscription is valid for at least 3 months. Thereafter, for your convenience, we will bill your credit card U.S. $33.00 each month so that you can continue your subscription.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

Do I have to buy a subscription?
No. You can enjoy Brainbench Certification tests without buying a subscription. See information about the cost of our tests.
However, you will find that having an annual (Best Value!) or monthly subscription (Good Value!) is the most cost-effective way to experience Brainbench.
You can view additional information and/or subscribe on the Subscription Pricing Plans page.

How many times can I take a test?
With a subscription, you can take a test as many times as you wish during your term. You will not have to pay additional fees to retake a test. However, if you take a test more than four times during a 90-day period, it will be noted on your public transcript. 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.

Can I upgrade from a monthly to an annual subscription?
Yes. We do allow you to upgrade your subscription online. Please note that the upgrade to your plan takes place at the end of the existing subscription. If you would like to upgrade from a newly created monthly subscription, please contact customer support for assistance.

How do I submit a "non-renewal" request for my subscription?
To ensure your non-renewal request is processed correctly, please complete the Non-renewal Request Form by going to the Brainbench Subscription Renewal Options page and clicking "Request to not renew my subscription plan." at the bottom of the page. For security reasons, you will need to log on to your account before you can submit your request. We recommend submitting the ‘non-renewal” request two weeks in advance to ensure your account does not automatically renew. Your subscription will continue until the expiration date that appears in the Subscription Status page, but will not renew beyond that date.

I purchased a subscription last year, why was my credit card charged again by Brainbench?
As a valued subscriber, your subscription has been automatically renewed. Please review our subscription plan terms and conditions:
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All tests must be taken during the subscription term. Unused tests will be removed from the account when the subscription term is completed.
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Monthly subscription plans are billed each month. The first three installments are billed at signup.
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Annual subscriptions are billed in full at the time of signup.
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All subscriptions will be automatically renewed at the end of the term. Two reminder e-mails will be sent: one 30 days before the end of the contract term, and another 14 days before the end of the contact term.
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A non-renewal request must be submitted 14 days before the expiration of the subscription term to avoid being automatically billed for the next term.
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Subscriptions are for individual use only. Violation of this condition can result in the termination of subscription.
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Subscriptions are not prorated and are non-refundable.
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Brainbench reserves the right to cancel a subscription at any time.
If you wish to cancel your subscription to avoid automatic renewal in the future, please complete the "non renewal" request form.
Certificates

What is a Brainbench certificate?
A Brainbench certificate is proof of your online certification. It includes your name, your certification, and the date that you completed the test. See what one looks like.

What types of certificate do you offer?
Brainbench certificates are available in two mediums, paper or electronic.

What is the difference between the two certificates?
The paper certificate is sent to a printer and mailed from their facility. The electronic certificate is a PDF file that is available to download immediately from your account.

How much does a Brainbench paper certificate cost?
Brainbench paper certificates are available for purchase at a price of U.S. $14.95 each.

How much does a Brainbench electronic certificate cost?
Brainbench electronic certificates are available for purchase at a price of U.S. $4.95 each for our free tests. For fee-based tests, the price of the electronic certificate is included in the total price.

Are there any special requirements needed to download the electronic certificate?
You will need to have Adobe Acrobat in order to view the certificate. If you do not have Acrobat, you can download it at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

Do I need to pay for my certificates if I have a Brainbench subscription?
All Brainbench subscription holders who have active subscription prior to January 1, 2009 have the option of receiving one paper certificate and unlimited electronic certificate per successfully completed test. You would be required to purchase any additional copies of the paper certificate. Please note that your subscription must remain active to receive both certificates for free.
All Brainbench subscription holders who create subscriptions after December 31, 2008 will receive the electronic certificate at no cost, but would need to purchase paper certificates.

How do I purchase a Brainbench paper certificate?
When you pass a Brainbench test, you are offered the opportunity to purchase (or get if you are a subscriber) a paper certificate. You can also purchase a paper certificate from within the e-mail confirmation of your test results. If you have completed a test certification and would like to purchase/get a paper certificate, you can do so by logging on to your account.

I have a subscription, but when I try to order a certificate, I am being charged for it. Why is that happening?
If your subscription was created prior to January 1, 2009, paper certificates can be ordered immediately after the completion of the certification test from the process complete page or within 30 days from the Current Brainbench Certification page. If you are ordering a certificate after the 30 day period and are being charged, please contact Customer Support and they can order it for you.

Can I order a certificate for a test taken at the request of a company?
Certificates cannot be ordered for assessments administered by a company.

Can I order a certificate for the beta test I passed?
Certificates are not available for beta tests. 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. When the Beta test is removed from the development status and added to our list of available tests, it is free to the first 1000 takers, however you would need to purchase the certificate after successful completion.

How do I get my Job Role certificate?
All subscription holders prior to January 1, 2009 will receive a paper Job Role certificate automatically upon the successful completion of the job role if the account has a valid mailing address associated with it. Electronic Job Role Certificates can be downloaded for free from the Order Certificates option on the left navigation menu.

How are Brainbench paper certificates shipped?
Brainbench paper certificates are shipped via first class mail in the U.S. An international carrier handles all other shipping.
See the certificate delivery schedule for details.

How long does it take to receive a paper certificate?
After ordering your certificate, please allow 3 to 6 weeks for delivery in the U.S. International delivery takes about 5 to 9 weeks.

Can I have my Brainbench paper certificate express shipped to me?
Currently, we do not have the ability to express ship our paper certificates. We are working to provide this option to you in the near future.

How can I check the address that my certificate was mailed to?
Your paper certificate will be mailed to the address you entered when ordering the certificate. You will be asked to confirm this address after completing a test and when you purchase/get the certificate.

Do you offer frames and mountings for my Brainbench paper certificate?
Currently, we do not offer accessories to use with your Brainbench paper certificate. We plan to offer accessories in the near future.

How can I order a replacement copy or additional copy of my Brainbench paper certificate?
Replacement certificates are available for purchase at a price of U.S. $14.95 each. You can order a replacement certificate on our site by logging on to your .

I passed a test, but never received my certificate. Is it still coming?
Please allow 3 to 6 weeks for domestic delivery and 5 to 9 weeks for international delivery of your paper certificate. You may also check the certificate delivery schedule. We recommend that you log on to your online account and ensure that you have entered your address information correctly. If your address is incorrect, please contact us at Customer Support.
Online Accounts/Transcripts

What is a My Brainbench account?
Every person who is a Brainbench registered member receives 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). From within your account, you decide which information should become a part of your public transcript, described below.

What is a public transcript?
A public transcript is a record of the information you have elected to make available to the public from within your My Brainbench account. Want to show recruiters and employers your certifications and test scores? Want to show them your resume and career preferences? You can do this by configuring your online transcript. Your transcript and test records will default to public during the registration process, but you can change what information appears on your public transcript at any time from the My Transcript menu inside your My Brainbench account.

How do people see my public transcript?
People can view your public transcript in any of the following ways:
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By entering your transcript ID at the Brainbench home page, www.brainbench.com, in the View Public Transcript box
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By clicking a link from your personal home page or an e-mail. If you would like to have a direct link to your transcript, you can alter the following link by placing your transcript ID at the end of it by pasting this into an e-mail, your resume, or your personal web site: http://www.brainbench.com/transcript.jsp?pid=
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You can e-mail it from your online account by clicking View or E-mail on the My Transcript menu on the My Brainbench Front Page.

How do I change the information in my public transcript?
You can change what information appears on your public transcript at any time from inside your online account. From there, go to the Current Brainbench Certifications, Third Party Certifications, or Tests on Record sections. Check the box next to the test that you want to make public or clear the box to make it private. Your changes will become effective immediately after you have submitted them. This way you can "turn on" and "turn off" any data you wish to make available. All test results in an Individual account will appear as public immediately upon completion of the test.

How do I change my transcript from private to public (or public to private)?
This page offers links various links to make updates, select any of the links and you will see 'Would you like to make your transcript public?' Select yes, then click the Save & View Transcript to see what your public transcript looks like or Save & Continue to update additional information

Why are my scores not appearing in the Top Scores for my area?
Here are some recommendations to ensure that you qualify for Top Scores:
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Please be sure to use search criteria that corresponds to the city and state and/or country contained in your account.
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Both the certification and the assessment in question need to be marked public for you to qualify for Top Scores. To mark your test information as public, you'll want to log in to your Brainbench account and click on Build My Transcript, then the Current Brainbench Certificates and Tests On Record links. You can then check the box to the left of your certification and your assessment in order to mark them public.
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If you have a single letter listed as your last name or first name, you will not qualify for Top Scores.
Please note that if you are associated with a corporate participant account, your scores will not appear in the Top Scores. If you have made these updates and you still do not appear in the Top Scores, please contact Customer Support for assistance.

How do I change my name or address information?
To change your name, please contact us at Customer Support. For security purposes, documentation may be required to complete the requested name change. 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 My Personal Information under the My Account menu.

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.
My Plan

What is My Plan?
My Plan is a place within your account where you can store tests and job roles that you "plan" to take in the future. Once a test is purchased or selected (when using a subscription), it will automatically be entered into My Plan so that you will have a convenient place to begin your tests. You can also move tests into My Plan that haven't been purchased.

Why can I delete some items in My Plan and not others?
Tests that have been purchased cannot be deleted from your account.

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.
System Requirements

What browser is best to use when viewing the site?
Brainbench is best viewed using Netscape 6 and higher or Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher.

I am using WebTV to view your site and I am having difficulties. Why?
Our site is not compatible with the infrastructure in WebTV; therefore, our site will not display correctly or run tests properly.

I am having difficulties accessing your site from work, but not from home. Why?
Your work may have a firewall or proxy server. Firewalls and proxy servers have security parameters established that will not allow you to view certain web sites. You should contact your system administrator regarding permissions to view our site from behind a firewall or proxy server.
Miscellaneous

What is a promo code?
A promo code is used for special promotional offers and/or discounts given to Brainbench members at the complete discretion of Brainbench.

How do I cancel my Brainbench account?
While we are sorry to see anyone leave Brainbench, you may cancel your account as follows: Log on to your account and then type www.brainbench.com/cancelaccount.jsp in your browser's URL window, and fill in the required information. Please note once your account is deleted, it CANNOT be reactivated, and all of your certifications will be deleted with this action.