About Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center Selects

To meet the needs of high-stakes testing and professional licensure clients, Pearson VUE has implemented a testing network model called Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center Selects (PVTC Selects).

PVTC Selects are considered a hybrid of the Pearson VUE owned and operated test centers delivering professional licensure exams and the PVTCs delivering exams primarily for information technology certifications.

Pearson VUE has identified "premier" authorized test centers in locations where candidate demand warrants a need. To meet the added security requirements of exam sponsors, state-of-the-art admissions checking equipment for verifying candidate identity has been installed, (for example, photograph, palm vein, digital ID authentication (DIA), and digital signature) as well as audio and video monitoring and recording equipment for enhanced testing room security. PVTC Selects also have upgraded test facilities to include a separate check-in area, physical dividers between delivery workstations, and storage lockers for each candidate. To ensure a quality testing experience for candidates, test center staff are trained and certified on professional exam delivery.

Listed below are the main differences between PVTCs and PVTC Selects.

Support: Increased level of training for PVTC Select administrators and increased support and monitoring from Channel Quality and Channel Security. PVTC Selects are also assigned a point of contact person at Pearson VUE to assist with training and monitoring.
Personnel requirements: PVTC Selects must have at least two certified administrators on staff at all times. One administrator must be on site when delivering Pearson VUE tests.
Site availability: Depending on the test center's contract with Pearson VUE, PVTC Selects are required to be open a minimum number of hours or days. Test centers must also inform their point of contact whenever their number of hours or days of availability are reduced. For more information, see Additional requirements for PVTC Selects.
Facility requirements: Greater requirements are necessary to ensure better quality and security of professional exam delivery at PVTC Selects.
Admissions equipment: To support increased security requirements, certain admissions data equipment is installed at PVTC Selects, such as a palm vein and DIA devices.
Entry monitoring: Administrators must collect a palm vein each time the candidate enters or leaves the PVTC Select testing room.
Exam delivery: Professional exam candidates are monitored and recorded by audio and video equipment at PVTC Selects.
Cloud technology: Most PVTC Selects are set up with Cloud Control Technology, which is an exam delivery method that utilizes a cloud platform to host the Pearson VUE Testing System applications. For more information, see appendix D in this guide.