Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I can't make it to the exam, so may I have my money back or may I just defer it to the next exam?

We're sorry you can't make it to the exam. NCRA is no longer deferring exam fees, however you may cancel. Our deadline for cancellations without providing documentation is six weeks before the exam. Of course we realize that people have extenuating circumstances, and after that date we look at each request individually. If you've had an injury, major illness, or family emergency, please put your request for a refund or deferral in writing and send us some back-up (such as a doctor's note). For complete details regarding the cancellation policy including processing fee information, please visit the Required Information for Candidates section in the Certification Test Center for the most up-to-date copy of our policy.

I got so nervous on my exam - Why can't I write two exams and then pick the best one to grade?

Letting candidates choose between two or three takes has been suggested. Our testing consultant, Professional Examination Service, has told us that this could invalidate and damage the integrity of the test. It might also open us up to legal challenge and compromise the validity of the exams.

I want to complain to somebody about the site where I took the test.

You can call and talk to anyone in the Testing Office. We also ask that all complaints be sent in writing so we can follow up with the Chief Examiner. Please mail your complaints to the Testing Office at NCRA, Testing Office, 8224 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22182.

I want to complain to somebody about the proctors at the site.

You can call and talk to anyone in the Testing Office. We also ask that all complaints be sent in writing so we can follow up with the Chief Examiner and Professional Examination Service, our testing consultant. Please mail your complaints to the Testing Office at NCRA, Testing Office, 8224 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22182.

The quality of the tapes were very poor. I think I should get a free test.

We make every effort to make sure the tape quality is as perfect as possible. We have the tapes recorded at a professional recording studio using professional voices. We spotcheck the duplicated tapes before we send them on to all of the test sites. Let us know your test site, and we'll follow up. The Testing Office needs a brief explanation of the problem. You can email us with all the specifics-be sure to include your name, ID number, your site number, and a phone number where we can reach you. Please let us hear from you within 30 days of the exam.

I missed taking the exam because I could not find the building - can I get my test fee deferred to the next test?

In all honesty, probably not. If you feel there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from finding the testing site, you can contact Testing Office at NCRA.  We will need a brief explanation of the problem. Be sure to also include your name, ID number, your site number, and a phone number where you ca be reached. Please let us hear from you within 30 days of the exam.

I want to see where my errors are on the WKT exam.

We don't actually have a copy of your WKT test. After you took the exam, the independent proctor hired by Professional Examination Service (PES), our testing consultant, collected all of the answers and securely sent them directly to PES for machine scoring. (Seeing a copy of the answer sheet would not provide you with any meaningful information without a copy of the actual exam.) PES in turn provides us with your score, which we then report to you.

I have to travel too far to take the exam. How can we get a testing site in a closer city to (wherever)?

Each state association that cosponsors the test with NCRA selects the cities that will host the testing sites. If you would like to request a city to host a site, you can contact your state association directly or call NCRA and we will forward your request along.

Why can't we have a test at midyear or at convention (not CRR exam)?

We'd love to be able to do that, and will continue to explore how we can. We are constantly refining our procedures to streamline all of the necessary elements involved. Many steps go into the creation and execution of all of these certification tests. They have been put into place to protect the quality and integrity of the exams and to protect you, the candidate taking the exam. NCRA wants you to have a perfect testing experience, and we do what is necessary to execute as perfect-as-possible examination process. To administer the tests more than two times per year would jeopardize the quality of the examinations and your testing experience. And we would never want to see that happen.

Why do we need to wait so long for our results?

All exams are returned to NCRA then sent to qualified graders for evaluation the week following the exam. Time needs to be allowed for the shipment, grading, and return of these tests. Once the tests are returned to NCRA, the results need to be recorded and verified. (We have a Verification Committee come to NCRA headquarters 5-6 weeks after the test to regrade all close test papers.) The results are then entered in our database. Then they have to be printed and mailed out. This is a time-consuming and tedious process, and we fight the clock every step of the way. Great care is taken to ensure that the results are true and absolutely accurate for all candidates.

I think I put the incorrect ID on my paper. Can someone check it for me?

Absolutely! We'll call you to get the specifics.

Can I get a copy of my test?

As stated in the Test Registration Booklet, we're unable to copy and return test papers to candidates who took the exam. The exam is not designed to be a diagnostic experience.

The test is so expensive - why can't we pay less if we just have one leg left?

That is such a good question. The test is expensive for us to put on, too. Unfortunately, our costs are pretty much the same whether you take one, two, or three legs. For example, we still have to pull a committee of subject specialists together to write the test, we still have to reimburse your state association for the equipment they had to rent, and we still have to market the tests' availability to all potential candidates. Please be assured that we're aware of how hard-earned your money is, and we work very hard to keep our expenses down to a minimum.

Can I register for more than one certification at a time?

Candidates may register for more than one certification at a time provided the requested test site has this capability. Unfortunately, not all exam sites are equiped to offer multiple exams, so multiple skills exams are granted on a case by case basis. If you would like to take more than one skills test at a time, please email the Testing Office to find out if your requested site can accomodate you. Candidates my not register for multiple exams without prior permission from NCRA.

I am already a CRR. What do I need to take to become a CBC (or CCP)?

If you are already a CRR, you only need to take the written knowledge test for either the CBC or CCP certifications.

Will some words be given to me before the CRR/CBC/CCP skills exam?

The subject of the test and a list of words will be given to you the day of the exam. Before the start of the exam, you will be given ample time to enter the words into your dictionary.

Why can't I take the exams online?

We are looking into this process. We would love to be able to do it. There are several test integrity and security issues that need to be dealt with before this will be possible.

Where can I find answers to Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) - related questions?

For CLVS Examination FAQ, please click here.


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