With spring graduation coming up, many are rushing to fulfill the standardized test requirements for additional schooling or certification. These students may run into trouble, however, when they learn that the University of Hawai‘i Testing Center schedules the GRE only three times an academic year, and the next one is April 12. Also, the scores will not be available until after graduate school deadlines are past.

Don’t panic. You can take most tests at Prometric Testing Center for the same price. The Hawai‘i Branch of this national company is located close by in Suite 700 of the First Hawaiian Tower building. Walk-in tests are possible, and appointments are taken six days a week.

Jose Cosials, academic advisor with HPU's Center for Graduate Studies, recommends Prometric to students. “They are right here downtown, and they accommodate you and expedite the testing process,” he said.

Prometric Testing Center offers an impressive variety of computerized tests, including the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL exams. “Just about any professional test out there, we can administer it,” said Linda, an administrative assistant. Testing at Prometric works much like testing at an assigned site. Test-takers can call for an appointment, and if they have a credit card, pay for the exam over the phone.

On the exam day, to ensure security, Prometric requires pockets to be emptied and all belongings stored in a locker. The test-taker is allowed two pencils and some scratch paper, all provided by Prometric. “We need to make absolutely sure that all test materials stay in the testing center,” explained Linda.

Prometric Testing Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 441-5095 for an appointment or for more information.