I do understand as over here we have the same rules…however, Thomson do not make the identification rules…the client does…Thomson just do as they are told. The invigilator does have some leeway although some test sites are more prone to cheating than others. If you are unlucky enough to go to one of these sites then the checks may be more rigorous. Personally I think the whole system should become more rigorous. They did try to implement biometrics and I think this should be a standard. The first time you test you should still do the various forms of ID but at the same time have your fingerprint or iris image taken electronically. There have been cases where I have refused low grade id simply because I recognized the applicant as a previous tester and they denied ever taking a test. The problem with many ids these days is that it is not impossible to replicate it. I used to produce ids and holographic representations for a company in London….with todays pc and mac based systems it isn’t all that difficult to reproduce some of the more basic forms of id.

By taking the biometric information you can alleviate a single person taking tests for others. I do understand that the costs of such a system would be great and then the security of such data has its own issues but all parties need to agree and come to a suitable solution. Getting back to the hair removal…although I am not as hairy as a gorilla…I have to say I would much rather have someone who trained and certified properly remove my hair than someone who pottered along to half their classes and then got some other bugger to sit their exam. And I am sure I speak for everyone who has worked there nuts of to get through a test legitimately that they don’t want others to get through and demean the test by paying for someone to sit it for them.

Also, I do reiterate to anyone that has a problem with customer service that they should complain to either the owner of the exam process direct or Thomson head office either in Baltimore or here in Manchester. There is no excuse for bad behavior but the integrity of the test is paramount.

Regards

Duncan

You have a US Driver’s license that has my new name, photo, and signature. The second form of ID should have that same name and signature. Why would you not accept a Social Security card when you would except a Credit Card? they both are exactly the same except the numbers on them are used for different purposes. In fact, a Social Security card is MORE important than a Credit Card, as you can cancel / report a stolen CC number but if your Social Security number is stolen, you just have to deal with it!

Since then, I’ve take a few MS Cert exams at a different testing location (i’ve since moved to Annapolis, MD) in 2007 and 2008. Since i had both a driver’s license and credit card with the same name, i had no problems at all sitting down to the test. The only issues i’ve had since were only because of the testing software.

Yes, i do see why requiring forms of ID are important but i don’t see why the second ID couldn’t be anything with your name and signature as the government issues photo ID would have to match.

They are the most pathetic people in the world, they know you have to deal with them to get certified. Because of that, they think they can crap on you.

When I have to do my continuing education or get certified, I just cringe thinking about dealing with them.

Now on the ID front… let me ask you how you would like to see us let someone in to do another persons test. I have been on the front line and believe me this is happens everyday. You have slogged away to gain the knowledge required for your test and somebody else pays a few dollars/quid to get somebody else without morals to do their test. So yes we scrutinize id. Moreover somebody that hasn’t done their homework gets that job your after because they got someone to do their test. Now from my perspective I would rather have proper ID from the start…if you haven’t got it then get some….. It is a harsh reality that there are too many people out there that want to buck the system…and a further harsh reality that you need ID to do so much these days. Also on your booking confirmation letter it will clearly state the type of id you require. Different tests require have differing ID requirements.

As for the computer side..yes there are issues…..I have arrived from a perfectly good session to find my systems inexplicably down…no rhyme or reason….thats technology and it sucks. Yes there are people working for Prometric that could do with lessons in humility…..so take the time and get a name….then write to the corporate head-quarters and complain. Do it nicely and eloquently…..as you would like if it where directed to you about your employees and they can start to rectify the situation…..slagging them off on here may vent your anger for two minutes but who gives a toss…..let them know and they can address the situation…..don’t tell them and then it’s you that has wasted your time.

I worked for them for a few years and to be fair it wasn’t all a bed of roses….however when they realized there where issues they made to sort them out…..maybe not always in my favor but then thats business.

If you purchased a product from a High Street retailer and you where not satisfied you would return it with complaint. So in this case question the service and complain if required. Slagging off id requirements when it is clearly what you would want when the argument for is put differently is clearly not the way to go.

In the case of the missing results I think that providing you have proof of the taken test they should move heaven and earth to rectify this. Her name will have been on registration and time sheet plus don’t forget they have cameras at every workstation.

The comment on a retarded gorilla….nice….(would that be a retarded gorilla with at least 320 hours of training in your field???) Thomson have hundreds of different exams sat….they are a testing solution (not necessarily or always a marking solution), and if the results aren’t correlated by the computer then they have to be assessed by the someone probably with more sense of your answers in your given field…..

The comment on 90 minutes to book two tests in the UK… I worked on the CITB contract for Prometric and now freelance in the building industry and book these tests on a weekly basis and it takes me roughly two to three minutes per candidate to book them into the system from the skills website. I can only think either theirs or your system was on a go slow that day….it is not the norm.

The receipt for test in the Uk is clearly printed on the confirmation letter.

I would think the ‘terrestrial address’ is done in this manner as so as not to put to much strain on the client and to try and direct as much as possible through the help desk….which incidentally is what it is there for. However you only have to google the companies head office and it will come up.

To sum up Thomson have hundreds and hundreds of employees and hundreds of clients all over the world….it must be a logistical nightmare. As a disabled employee they looked after me way beyond that they where required by law. I did not always agree with my managers, their managers and the directors but then I could only see things from my perspective and not from a company wide view. Overall, as with any large organization, things do go wrong but I reiterate complain in writing, nicely, and things can be done….. comments like these may vent your anger for microseconds but doesn’t cure the issues.

DBM