Now comes the tough part. You need to study and prepare for your examination. NCA is committed to excellence and therefore expects the best from our constituents.  An NCA credential serves as a testament to the hard work that you’ve put forward.  We are looking forward to you joining us and to help you out, we've pulled together some useful resources to simplify your preparation. Good luck!

The Day of Examination | Study Materials

What to Bring
On the day of your examination appointment, report to the Assessment Center no later than your scheduled examination time. Once you enter the office, look for the sign indicating AMP Assessment Center Check-In. IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

To gain admission to the Assessment Center, you must present two forms of identification, one with a current photograph. Both forms of identification must be current and include your current name and signature. You will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.

Acceptable forms of photo identification include: a current driver’s license with photograph, a current state identification card with photograph, a current passport, or a current military identification card with photograph. Employment ID cards, student ID cards and any type of temporary identification are NOT acceptable. Candidates are prohibited from misrepresenting their identities or falsifying information to obtain admission to the Assessment Center.

YOU MUST HAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE ASSESSMENT CENTER.

After your identification has been confirmed, you will be directed to a testing carrel. You will be instructed on-screen to enter your Social Security number, social insurance number or the number that has been assigned to you. Your photograph will be taken, and it will remain on-screen throughout your examination session. This photograph will also be printed on your score report.

Security
NCA and AMP maintain test administration and examination security standards that are designed to assure that all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. The Assessment Center is continuously monitored by audio and video surveillance equipment for security purposes.

Practice Test
Prior to attempting the examination, you will be given the opportunity to practice taking an examination on computer. The time you use for this practice examination is NOT counted as part of your examination time. When you are comfortable with the computer testing process, you may “quit” the practice session and begin the timed examination.

Timed Examination
Following the practice examination, you will begin the actual examination. Before you begin, instructions for taking the examination will be provided on-screen. The following is a sample of what the computer screen will look like when candidates are attempting the examination.

To keep the credentialing examinations secure and reflective of current practice, new questions must continuously be developed and introduced in versions of the examination. The following tables present information about the number of pretest and scored questions in the NCA multiple-choice credentialing examinations.

Pre-testing questions allow examination committees to collect meaningful statistics about new questions that may be scored on future examinations. With pre-testing methodology, examinees are ensured their scores are the result of sound measurement practices and that scored questions are reflective of current practice. Pre-testing is accomplished by interspersing new (untried) questions throughout the examination. These questions are not scored as part of the candidate’s credentialing examination, and they do not affect an individual’s pass/fail status. The pretest questions are scattered throughout the examination so candidates will answer them with the same care they would questions to be scored as part of the examination. The statistical performance of the pretest questions is later evaluated, and questions that perform well can then be included on a future examination as scored questions. Pre-testing of new questions is an accepted psychometric practice, and it assures candidates receive immediate scores using only previously used questions.

The computer monitors the time you spend on the examination. The examination will terminate if you exceed the amount of time allotted for the examination. You may click on the “Time” box in the lower right portion of the screen or select the TIME key on the keyboard. A digital clock indicates the time remaining for you to complete the examination. The time feature may also be turned off during the examination.

Only one question is presented at a time. The question number appears in the lower right portion of the screen. The entire question appears on-screen (i.e., stem and four options labeled – A, B, C and D). Indicate your choice by either entering the letter of the option you believe is correct (A, B, C or D) or clicking on the option using the mouse.

A question may be left unanswered for return later in the examination session. Questions may also be bookmarked for later review by clicking in the blank square to the right of the TIME button. Click on the hand icon or select the NEXT key to advance to the next unanswered or bookmarked question on the examination. To identify all unanswered or bookmarked questions, repeatedly click on the hand icon or press the NEXT key. Online comments may be provided for any question by clicking on the button displaying an exclamation point (!) to the left of the TIME button. This opens a dialogue box where comments may be entered. Comments will be reviewed, but individual responses will not be provided.

When you have completed the examination, the number of examination questions you answered is reported. If you have not answered all questions and you have time remaining, return to the examination and answer those questions. Be sure to answer each question before ending the examination. There is no penalty for guessing.

Inclement Weather or Emergency
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies on the day of an examination, NCA and AMP will determine whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. The examination will usually not be rescheduled if the Assessment Center personnel are able to open the Assessment Center.

Candidates may contact AMP’s Weather Hotline at (913) 895-4613 (24 hours/day) prior to the examination to determine if AMP has been advised that any Assessment Centers are closed. Every attempt is made to administer examinations as scheduled; however, should an examination be canceled at an Assessment Center, all scheduled candidates will receive notification following the examination regarding a rescheduled examination date or reapplication procedures.