New York State Nurse Aide Testing and Scheduling Changes Effective November 1, 2008
In an effort to improve the New York State Nurse Aide testing process and comply with new regulations, several program changes took affect on November 1, 2008. Along with this notification, we are sending an FAQ sheet. If you have any questions that are not answered after reading this material, please contact customer service by calling 1-800-805-9128 or emailing NYCNA@prometric.com.
New Pre-Registration Process to Assign Unique Candidate Identifier
Pre-registration changes were made in response to new requirements by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), as well as federal regulations, requiring the removal of Social Security numbers as unique identifiers in order to protect confidential candidate information.
As an alternative to using Social Security numbers to identify candidates who register to take an exam, Prometric is now assigning a unique identifier to each candidate. To do this, Prometric initiated a new pre-registration process. Through pre-registration, Prometric’s data management system assigns a unique identifier, often called a Prometric ID, to each first-time tester. This number, which follows the candidate throughout the entire testing process, protects a candidate’s sensitive information while still allowing the candidate to be tracked on attendance rosters, admission tickets and score reports. The candidate uses the identifier when completing the exam answer sheet and, if needed, when submitting a retest application.
In-Facility Test Scheduling Timelines
In-Facility test dates need to be requested far enough in advance so that Prometric has time to secure a nurse aide evaluator (NAE) for the requested test date. The Request for In-Facility Testing form may be sent to Prometric as far in advance as possible. However, Prometric must receive the Request for In-Facility Testing form no later than 10 business days before the requested test date.
The Request for In-Facility Testing form is located on Prometric’s
Web site. The form should be faxed to Prometric at
1-800-813-6670. Once an NAE has been secured for the test date, an electronic fax confirmation or email will be sent confirming the test date to the contact person listed in our database.
Candidate applications and payment must be also received by Prometric 10 business days before the test date. Applications and payment do not need to accompany the Request for In-Facility Testing form. However, applications completed by candidates should be carefully reviewed before they are submitted. Applications will be returned, resulting in a delay in scheduling a candidate for an exam if:
- The application is incomplete;
- The application fee is incomplete; or
- No fee accompanies the application.
Testing fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Training programs can remove candidates from their rosters up to five business days before the scheduled test event. Testing fees for removed candidates will be held in reserve for a future testing date. Training programs cannot transfer fees or seats from one candidate to another. Any change made to the roster less than five business days before the test date will result in a No Show status for the candidate and the candidate’s fees will be forfeited.
In–Facility Test Scheduling Checklist
The following checklist should be used when scheduling an In-Facility testing event:
- Complete the Request for In-Facility Testing form found online at www.prometric.com/nurseaide/ny and fax at least 10 business days before the requested test date to: 1-800-813-6670.
- Receive fax confirmation that request to test application has been received.
- Receive fax confirmation or email confirmation from Prometric of the secured test date.
- Submit candidate applications and payment at least 10 business days before the test date to: Prometric, Attn: NY Nurse Aide Program, 1260 Energy Lane, St. Paul, MN 55108. Include a copy of the Request for In-Facility Testing form with the candidate applications.
- An NAE will contact the test site between 24 and 48 hours before the test date to confirm test day information.
Regional Test Scheduling Process
The process for candidates scheduling to test at a regional test site has not changed. Prometric will schedule exams at the regional exam sites that are indicated on the NYS NAR application form. Prometric will schedule the exam within 20 business days of receipt of the application. Once the application has been processed, an admission letter listing the time, date and specific location of the exam appointment will be mailed to the candidate.
If the scheduled exam date is not convenient, the candidate should immediately call 1-800-805-9128 to have the appointment rescheduled. Rescheduling test dates can be done up to five business days prior to the originally scheduled test date. Fees are forfeited for appointments cancelled or rescheduled less than five business days before the exam date. If this happens, candidates will be required to pay the exam fees again.
In conclusion, Prometric recognizes that the changes made to the program may appear to be unaccommodating but they are in full accordance with the requirements directed to Prometric by the NYSDOH. We apologize for any delay this new process has caused your organization in testing your students. We will continue to work with you throughout the transition process to assure that you receive customer satisfaction.