There are rules to every game, even taking tests. Some of the rules are un written, but they still exist. And, if you follow them, your proctor will love you.
Here are 3 Ways to Befriend Your CLEP Proctor.
1. Be on Time
One of the best ways to make a good impression is to be on time to an event or appointment. And I don’t just mean the first time, I mean every time. Figure out how long it takes you to go from your house to your test center and arrange your schedule accordingly. If this was a movie, you would probably arrive early to get a seat, a CLEP exam is no different. It is courteous to the proctor to know that you will show up and with plenty of time to sign in.
And remember that, in the business world, 15 minutes early is “on time”. If your test is at 10:00 and you arrive at 10:00, you are late. Arrive at 9:45.
2. Be Prepared
To take a CLEP exam you need: 2 forms of photo ID, a valid registration ticket from you CollegeBoard, and your administration fee. Come with all of this. Don’t get into your test center (on time!) and then realize you left your wallet in the car. Before exiting your vehicle, double check that you have all of your needed information and IDs.
One way I implement this is writing my check beforehand. I proctor fee by check, but I don’t wait until I’m standing at her desk to write it out. My proctor fee is $20 every time. Every time. So that morning, before I leave, I write and sign a check for $20. Then I stick it in my purse. When I arrive at my test center, I pull it out and hand it to her. Done. I’m prepared. Than while she runs that through, I sign in and prepare for my exam. One less thing I have to think about.
3. Be Personable
Being kind never makes you feel bad. On the contrary, it can make you feel really good. Being somber and silent in the test center doesn’t make you feel any better, and it isn’t kind to your proctor. Walk in with a smile and be personable. Ask questions and listen to their answers. My proctor has been with me for 14 tests, and she’s going to be there for a whole lot more! By now, I know when she has surgery and I prayed for her. It made us better friends.
Okay, fine, I was really quiet and nervous for my first exam. But after that, I got better about smiling. 🙂