Computer Based Exams

Computer based testing

Computer-based testing (CBT)

Most AMPP certifications require a test to be taken through a testing center or with a remote proctor to help ensure the integrity of our exams. We are partnered with Pearson VUE and their network of over 5,000 testing centers in 165 countries to offer computer-based testing (CBT) access.

Where are Pearson VUE facilities located?

Find a Pearson Testing Location

How does the process work?

View a demonstration of the types of questions available in a computer-based exam. This demonstration will give you the opportunity to practice answering a variety of question types.

Pearson Demos

Click here to practice using the calculator within the practice exam.

What to expect when arriving at the testing center

At Pearson VUE, your security matters. You will experience some - or all - of the security measures featured in this video.

What to expect when arriving at a Pearson Testing Center

Computer-based testing FAQ

What are the identification requirements at the time of admission to a Pearson VUE test center?

Primary ID

(must be original documents, no digital or photocopies accepted)

  • International Travel Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Military ID (Including spouse and dependents)
  • Identification card (national/state/province identity card)
  • Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa)
  • Local language ID (not in Roman characters)-accepted only if issued from the Country the Candidate is testing in

Additional Allowances
  • Expired forms of ID are not acceptable; unless accompanied by valid renewal papers
  • European Union candidates testing within the EU zone may also provide a valid, unexpired EU card as their primary ID.
  • For candidates testing in Japan, an employee or student ID (with at least a name and recent recognizable photo) is acceptable if accompanied with a valid Blue Japanese Health Card.
  • A government issued ID missing a visible signature or that has been embedded signature must be supplemented with an original (no photo copies), valid (unexpired) ID that has at least a matching name and recent recognizable photo, or a matching name and signature (or a valid Blue Japanese Health Card, if testing in Japan)

If you have questions about the ID you are required to bring with you to the testing center for admittance for your exam, please contact Pearson VUE customer service at www.pearsonvue.com/contact. Any candidate exceptions to the ID policy must be pre-approved by the Pearson VUE customer service at least three business days before the scheduled exam appointment.

How do I access my test results?

You may access your test grade after completing a CBT exam, through the Bar Report. This bar report illustrates your areas of strength and areas needing improvement. To access the report, sign into your online portal, select "My Certification Portal", next select “Schedule Proctored Exams” and then "View Score Reports". Select the “View” button for the specific exam you wish to review.

How do I schedule my certification exam?

You will schedule your exam through 'My Certification Portal'. Refer to the CBT Scheduling Document for complete details.

What will happen to my records and testing history?

All records and testing history are the property of AMPP, and this information will remain with AMPP. Access to all of your certification information will be available on My Certification Portal or through the certification link on your AMPP Profile.

Where is the nearest Pearson VUE testing center to me?

In addition to the complete list of Pearson Testing Centers, when you schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, you will see a full list of all testing locations near you. If you are eligible to test, login to My Certification Portal to schedule your exam.

What happens if I fail the practical exam?

Candidates that fail the practical exam only, are not required to retake the written exam. Please contact customer support at customersupport@ampp.org or at 1-800-797-6223 to schedule your retake exam.

If I fail my written exam, what are my retake options?

Candidates must wait 30 days from the initial exam date to schedule their first retake attempt. For all further attempts there is a 4-month waiting period.

For Exams delivered through Pearson VUE Testing Centers

To purchase and schedule your retake exam:

  • Log into your AMPP profile and click on My Certification Portal.
  • Select Schedule/Manage exams, Choose an Examination and follow the prompts to purchase and schedule

CIP retake rules:

  • Effective July 1, 2016, candidates that failed the written exam only are not required to retake the practical, as long as it is completed within the 4 year certification requirement time frame.
  • After the 3rd failed attempt at the written exam, candidates must return to retake the course and exams as a new student.

Certified Coating Applicator:

Retake exams can be purchased by following the same steps as the initial exam, the fee is not available through your My Certification Portal.

Exams delivered through Remote Online Exam Proctoring (Examity):

To purchase and schedule your retake exam:

  • Go to the AMPP store
  • Search for the exam by name, add to your cart, and purchase.
  • Allow 7-10 business days to be enrolled in the online system, then log in using your previous login credentials to schedule the exam.

Please note:

See Exam Fees. All exams purchased are valid/authorized for 1 year from purchase date.

The fee for the retake exam is dependent upon the certification, please see our Examination Retake Policy, Also see Exam Fees.

All exams purchased are valid/authorized for 1 year from purchase date.

What is ‘My Certification Portal’?

The new Certification Portal is a one-stop location to track and manage your certifications.

This portal allows you to:

  • Check your certification status or view your progress
  • Schedule your CBT exam
  • Schedule and pay for your CBT re-take exam
  • Manage your certification renewals

How long is my exam authorization good for?

All exams are authorized for one (1) attempt and are valid for one (1) year of issuance or associated course end dates. If the authorization time expires, you will need to purchase a replacement exam.

Benefits of the CBT testing format

  • Increases testing location options for all students — wherever they reside
  • Instantly provides students with exam results
  • Provides for flexible scheduling; students can now take their certification exam at a time and place that is convenient — at the end of their training week or after they've had time to study
  • Exam results include a "Scoring" feature with a "Bar Report"* that helps students understand how they scored per topic, with areas of strength, and areas in need of improvement
  • Improves exam security, which reduces exam breaches
  • Brings testing in line with current industry standards for certification exams

*To access the Bar Report: Sign into your online portal and select "My Certification Portal." Next, select "Schedule Proctored Exams" and then "View Score Reports." Select the "View" button for the specific exam you wish to review.

Need additional information?

If you don’t find the answer to your question, please contact Customer Support at 1-800-797-6223 (U.S./Canada) or +1-281-228-6223 or reach us via email at customersupport@ampp.org.