Pearson VUE and Cisco
When will this change take place?
Effective December 4, 2007, Cisco is requiring test centers to collect digital photos and digital signatures during the Pearson VUE admissions process, in addition to the current candidate identification requirements. This process will be effective immediately for all new test centers joining the Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center network. Pearson VUE will be implementing this change over the next year, and centers that are currently delivering Cisco exams will be provided with instructions on how to comply with the new admissions requirements. For further information, please refer to the Cisco Exam Policies Webpage and Customer Service FAQs
Will Cisco’s new authentication procedure lengthen the admissions process for test candidates?
We’re dedicated to candidate authentication procedures that allow us to quickly verify a test taker’s identity, without compromising candidate privacy and convenience. The average check-in process should take less than five minutes. In fact, many of our enhancements will be behind–the–scenes efforts: things like secret shoppers, technology upgrades, etc. If you’d like a preview of Cisco’s enhanced admission process, please view the Flash presentation.
We believe the biggest impact our security efforts will have is on the value of your Cisco certification. By safeguarding the integrity of the Cisco examination process, we are taking steps to ensure that Cisco certifications are accurate representations of a candidate’s knowledge—one that IT professionals and employers can be confident in.
How did you conclude that the capture of digital photos and signatures would help prevent exam fraud?
Cisco conducted a study to determine which security processes and technologies would be most effective, without adversely affecting the efficiency of the check-in procedure. After analyzing the results from this study and examining candidate feedback, improved methods for candidate authentication were determined.
The collection of digital photos and digital signatures during the test center admission process provides more robust assurance of candidate identity, in turn resulting in increased assurance that individuals are presenting accurate certification records in the marketplace. The authentication technology is designed to protect the integrity of Cisco certification and combat exam fraud.
Who is responsible for protecting my personal data and how is this accomplished?
Cisco respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. Both Cisco and Pearson VUE have implemented a Privacy Policy governing the collection and use of your personal information. For more information:
How can I locate a Pearson VUE test center in my area?
Pearson VUE has more than 4,400 test centers in 162 countries worldwide. The quickest way to locate one near you is to use our Test Center Locator. Simply select the exam program you are interested in testing with, and then follow the instructions displayed. You will see a list of all available Pearson VUE test centers in that area.
How do I register for an exam at Pearson VUE?
- To register for an exam on our website, please Sign In to your account using your Pearson VUE username and password. Please note that you will need to create a web account prior to using our website for the first time. If you do not have a username and password, and would like to get one, please create a web account now.
- Another way to register for an exam is to contact a Pearson VUE agent directly.
- The final option is to call or visit a test center directly. To locate the address and telephone number of a Pearson VUE test center, visit our Test Center Locator.
I have never tested with Pearson VUE. Will they need to create a new Test ID or Cisco ID for me, or can I use the same one?
You will not need to create a new Test ID or Cisco ID. When you register for an exam with Pearson VUE, provide us with your Cisco ID number (e.g., CSCO1234567) or Test ID number (found on your exam score report). Creating a new ID number will create a duplicate Certification Tracking System profile for you and may delay credit for your exam or certification.
Does Pearson VUE have access to information about non–Cisco exams that I’ve taken with other testing vendors?
No. Pearson VUE only has access to data related to the exams it delivers.
I require special accommodations. Can Pearson VUE sites accommodate me?
Yes, Pearson VUE and Cisco may allow accommodations to candidates who are identified as having special needs. If you need additional time to complete your exam or another accommodation, we ask that you please speak with a Pearson VUE agent about this at the time of registration. At that point, they will determine whether the accommodation can be made based on Cisco’s policies.
What happens to my test information?
All records and testing history are attached to your Cisco ID (e.g., CSCO1234567) to form your permanent record. This information is the property of Cisco, and will remain with Cisco. Likewise, all new records created through Pearson VUE will be forwarded to Cisco for processing and storage.
When can I expect to see my exam results reflected in the Cisco database?
Depending upon the testing program, Pearson VUE is required to submit exam results to Cisco within 72 hours of the exam. It is then up to Cisco to post the results. If you have problems getting exam results or having them reflected in the Cisco’s database, contact the Cisco Certification Online Support Team.
Complete listing of Pearson VUE customer service phone numbers.