Any organization which gives a NATE test is called a testing organization. This is sometimes abbreviated as TO. The Forms & Data page has a list of all scheduled tests given by testing organizations which updates daily.

Who Can Be A Proctor?
Any person who is organized and a good administrator can be a proctor. They do not have to be technical, nor do they have to hold NATE certification. Proctors must read and meticulously follow the proctor guidelines, policies and procedures. Proctors are responsible for:

• keeping the NATE tests under lock and key,
• administering the test,
• reading the NATE script every time they administer a test,
• checking to make certain the answer sheets are completely filled out,
• insuring the test booklet and all materials (including the mylar pack the test came in) are put back in the envelope,
• insuring that the envelope is sealed and initialed in front of them (after checking everything inside it) and
• making certain that the label is affixed over the flap and initialed by both the candidate and proctor.

Proctors should not proctor for any test session where there is a conflict of interest such as when:

• they can hire or fire any candidate
• they have trained any candidate for NATE certification.

A testing organization can have more than one proctor. If there are two proctors, Proctor A can test Proctor B’s students and vice-versa.

How Can I Become A Proctor?
Download a proctor application from the Forms & Data page. Once you have submitted an application, it takes NATE about two weeks to evaluate a proctor application. Proctors are notified when their application has been approved. Proctors give tests through testing organizations (see Tests & Testing Organizations).
Proctors are responsible for:

• creating a Proctor ID Number (it has the same amount of digits as a social security number, and is divided with dashes in the same manner, i.e., 123-45-6789)
• creating a six digit Proctor PIN number
• reading proctor script to candidates
• collecting payment for the test and returning it to VGI/NATE testing
• keeping the test secure
• following all policies and procedures for NATE testing
• checking test packets
• returning tests to VGI/NATE testing in a timely and trackable fashion (UPS, FedEx, certified mail etc…)

Ordering and Scheduling Tests:
Orders for tests should arrive at NATE or be made online no less than two full weeks prior to the test date to allow for processing without additional and incremental charges to the testing organization. Test orders made with less than two weeks notice will be charged additional handling and expedited delivery charges

Testing organizations do not pay for the tests when ordering—they return payment for the tests when the tests are returned for grading.

When ordering tests via fax, through the mail, or online at natetesting.com, you should have your TO number, as well as TO and proctor PIN numbers and Proctor ID number available.

Testing Organizations can administer tests either as written or electronic. Tests given online (proctors set up the session beforehand), must have a proctor. Testing organizations notify the candidate of the test date and time, and then sign the candidate in and are present during the testing session. Written tests should be ordered and scheduled a minimum of two weeks prior to the test date. The tests will arrive a minimum of three days prior to the test date. If they do not arrive, notify NATE immediately so we can find out where the tests are, and get them to you in time.

General Test Session Information:
Tests can be given as either pencil and paper or electronic (computer) tests; both kinds must have a proctor.

A NATE testing session is four hours in length. Most technicians easily finish their tests within three and a half hours.

During this test session, a candidate may take one or two tests or however many the technician feels can reasonably be completed within the four hour window. Scratch paper and pencils are provided.

Technicians can bring only a non-programmable calculator with them. Cell phones, blackberries, PDAs, or other electronics etc… are not allowed in the test area.

Candidates with special needs under the Americans With Disabilities Act should notify the proctor when they sign up so accommodations can be made for them.

When filling in information on the test answer sheet, technicians should complete all information including telephone numbers, email addresses and employer contact information. If they do not do so, they may not receive their grades and NATE will not have a way to contact them in order to resend their grades.

Certification commences with the date the required tests are finished grading. This date is on their wallet card, as is their certification expiration date.

If a technician passes one test and fails the other, he is not certified until he passes both a CORE and a SPECIALTY. Technicians must wait 30 days before retesting.

A technician who passed only one test will lose credit for it if he does not complete the remaining certification test within two years from the test date. Technicians allowing two years or more to lapse will have to start from scratch to certify.