Prometric Testing Center

Easy location to find. Staff very nice and encouraging. Testing room — very challenging. The lighting is 100% fluorescent. Glare coming off the keyboard keys obscured the letters, and the glare coming from the graphite of the pencils was just about impossible for me to see. My eyes were burning and my face was tight after three hours. Conversation among those outside the testing room was sometimes evident. The fatigue definitely affected my performance on the last sections of the test; I began to want to get out of that environment more than I wanted to be right on all the questions.
Updates from others’ posts: Salmon paper and two pencils supplied at the test center. No white boards.
If you are sensitive to fluorescent light and/​or old like me, you may wish to consider sunglasses.
Prometric, please think about changing the lighting to something more conducive to long periods of computerized test-​taking!

I was filled with anxiety but the staff here is nice enough and relaxed enough to help put me slightly at ease. The security precautions are a pain but the staff is very nice about it and I never felt uncomfortable with any demands. I’m not a fan of the mini-​white board scrap paper and would def prefer paper amd pencil… oh well!

2015 is the year of the blizzard here in Boston. These repeated blizzard offenses forced a national licensing exam (aka the most important exam of my life) to be rescheduled TWICE. I think Prometric and this site handled the chaos really well, and were able to reschedule quickly — especially considering hundreds of people were planning on taking the same test on the same day.
On the day of my exam (finally), I left an hour early to get there for the half hour security screening process. Traffic was HORRIBLE. It started snowing, people started panicking (WE LIVE IN BOSTON FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. GET USED TO SNOW), and it ultimately took me 1.5 hours to drive 4 miles. I missed the start time of my exam, let alone the fact that I was late for the 30 minute security screening.
I sped into the parking lot behind the building (which is actually a little caddycorner to it — not directly behind) and sprinted to the testing center. I was able to BEG my way in. They didn’t seem happy, but they rushed the security process and let me sit for the exam. I’m sure it helped that every other test-​taker was late, as well (I could hear the staff talking about all the calls they were getting), but I still REALLY appreciate that they were patient, understanding, and let me take the exam. I found the staff very friendly and helpful.
The site for me wasn’t too cold (I was wearing two layers of leggings and a sweater over a thin long sleeve, though.) The desks weren’t the most comfortable, but it was also a 5 hour exam — there’s only so much they can do. The site was clean and the employees friendly.
Remember that Prometric is really intense about your test behavior. Every time I got distracted and looked around or glanced at an employee, they’d walk by my desk. Also, you can’t wear a scarf in the testing room, and if you take off a sweater, you have to tie it around your waist. I heard about someone who took off her earrings during her exam, and they told her she had to either put the earrings back on or put them away. I’m glad I knew all this going into it, because being disrupted for taking off my sweater would have totally thrown off my game.
They provide lockers to keep your stuff in, and if your exam has a scheduled break, you can access your locker for food/​drink.
As for the garage, as others said it’s CASH ONLY and it is tiiiiny. I drive a little Honda Fit, and even I felt like it was tight. I saw an SUV in there and it wasn’t pretty. It took them at least a 10 point turn to get onto a ramp. People even came out to help the guy (in BOSTON — then you know it’s bad: P)
Overall, I recommend the location. If you have a car, it’ll probably be less stressful to get to one of the sites further out, like Burlington. But if you need the T, this site is in a good spot.

I arrived half an hour early for GRE here, and everything ran very smoothly. I can tell they put effort into making test-​takers life easier. They have a standard procedure of registration, security check, and seat placement which make the whole process very smooth. They also provide earmuff which helped me focus on my test with people walking in and out of the test room. Also, the restroom is right outside the test room. The only problem I see is that seat placement and check-​in/​out happen on the same desk. There was a test-​taker who needed to wait to check-​in while her test timer is still going.

It feels odd reviewing a testing center, but when taking any high stakes exam, your anxiety level will be high enough as it is, so the more you know about where you are testing, at least that won’t be added anxiety to your already ball-​of-​stress self.
I’ve taken various standardized exams and a few different locations through the years. This location was bright, clean, well organized, and straight forward. I thought the location would be hard to find off Comm Ave, but it was easy, and had plenty of signage out front of the building, and its the first thing right when you walk in.
The only tricky thing with this location, with it being in the middle of Boston, is that coming via car would be tricky with the paying for parking in a separate garage you need to find. It would be convenient for those taking public transportation. I personally begged someone to drop me off, so again, less anxiety for me that day.
I arrived 30 mins early, as they tell you to do, and it was a fast check-​in and screening process and they already seated me at my testing station, rather than make you wait until the official start time.
The proctor was very friendly, and puts you at ease, again, definitely helpful when you may already be highly stressed.
They have plenty of lockers, and they are right outside the screening area, so for those exams that give you unscheduled breaks, it’s convenient if you need to grab a snack/​water quickly. They also have bathrooms right in the screening area, as well as tissues, water fountain, etc. I personally didn’t have time to take a break, given that you have to sign in and out each time you take a break, but nice that they are so close, just in case.
FYI — they dont give you scrap paper, but rather, those dry erase boards.

Check in process took hours. Fire alarm went off in the middle of the MCAT. Staff had no idea how to handle the situation. It was a poorly scheduled building fire drill. All computers were shut down, we were evacuated. Everyone lost test time.
Beware.

These guys deserve a lot of credit fro running a smooth operation. I was here to take the GRE, running late. They not only took me, but also helped to calm me down. I’m talking about everyone from the front desk person to the lady checking IDs, to the person signing in/​out of the test.
Ok so let’s talk about useful items:
— As soon as you walk into 930 Comm Ave building, walk towards the right side. Glass doors with the Prometric logo prominently featured.
— Sign in at the front desk. You will have to put EVERYTHING, by that I mean wallets, watches etc into a locker. Grab one of the larger lockers if you have some bags.
— Bring some water, redbull and a quick snack if you’re taking the GRE. It’s a long exam.
— After you have settled in the waiting area with tons of seats, your name will be called. You will have to show your wrists, lift up pants to show ankles, and will be scanned using one of those scanners.
— I recommend wearing a sweater/​layers because the testing room can get cool.
— They have snug fitting headphones to cancel out the noise. Maybe I have big ears, but the headphones started to hurt after a while.
As far experience goes, Prometric made it smooth as possible.

Listen, this place is a testing center so I’m not going to sit here and write how «brilliant» it is. Hey, at least it’s better than taking the SAT or LSAT (which I have experience with, ouch). Plus, they have noise-​canceling headphones.
I’m writing this review for any test-​takers confused about what they can or cannot bring/​expect.
This center has lockers WITH locks provided. This allows you to bring the belongings you wish (including cell phone). However (!), during your ten minute break (if you’re taking the GRE), you cannot ruffle through your bag. If you have snacks/​water, make sure you pull it out of your bag and keep it at the bottom of your locker. The locker will fit any large purse/​backpack.
This center also provides the pencils you need. However, this could have changed since you read this, so bring your own (just no mechanical, no matter what).
Bathrooms are right outside the testing room and there is a water fountain.
I’m more than satisfied with my experience. I dressed in layers and was informed I would not be allowed to take off my hoodie, and was more than comfortable. Other people mention tying things around their waist — I have no experience with this since they said I would not be allowed to adjust what I was wearing,
Other reviewers aren’t pleased with the security measures taken (including being searched), in the end, this is a business and any accusations of cheating will ruin this business — so of course they will do anything they can do avoid it, so deal with it.

Very clean, straight-​forward, and professional testing site. Went here for my GRE test. Lockers are provided. A small water fountain is available in the waiting area. Satisfied with the testing site.
MY ONLY dislike is the parking. The garage (which is behind the building on Dunmer st) charges $ 3/​hour and the place unfortunately does not validate tickets. So for a 4+ hour GRE test, I had to pay $ 15. I would definitely recommend taking the T if you’re coming here.
Very on-​point with security; nothing allowed in pockets or in the testing area (except your ID and locker key) and not allowed to study during the break. You obviously will be approached if you are doing any suspicious activity while testing, so dress appropriately! I wore a hoodie and jeans in April and the temperature was just fine.

I had severe anxiety going into GRE test day, I almost didn’t show up. The staff did have to ask around for answers to questions but couldn’t have been more sweet, they even got me to laugh. The place is efficient, the bathrooms are clean, lockers big, waiting room just fine.
made a HUGE difference on test day. Highly recommend taking your test here.

Overall, this was a great testing site. The proctors are friendly, and helpful if you have any questions. They also have a nice water cooler which is another plus. Just be sure to get here early — it can be a little hard to find, and they also give you priority admission if you show up early!

Horrendous experience with this center. I showed up half an hour early to take the GRE, and was told on checkin that I would need to reschedule because «our server is down.» They also turned away about a dozen people who had come here before me for a Physical Therapy licensing exam.
When I explained to them that I scheduled my test in January to avoid this, and that I can’t take the test another time (I’m eight months pregnant), I was given a support ticket number and told to call Candidate Care. I was on the phone for an hour and a half before finally getting to speak with a representative, who thankfully was sympathetic and helpful (by this time, I was actually crying when I explained the situation I was dealing with), and I was able to get another appointment for the following Monday morning.
I do believe that the woman at the front desk was trying to help, but she was incredibly defensive given how ridiculous the situation was. In addition to telling me «everyone else is having the same problem you are» (as if that’s helpful), she told me that she discovered this issue at 6:15AM, but did not communicate to anyone scheduled to take the test until almost 9AM. In fact, as I was on hold with Candidate Care, I noticed an email on my phone that had been sent THREE MINUTES before my test appointment telling me I would have to reschedule. This is information I could have used before I spent 45 minutes commuting to the testing center!
Unfortunately, there were no options to take the test at any of the other centers, so I have to take my test at this one.

Very convenient testing center for all of those in the Boston area. This location is extremely well maintained and staffed by very kind (and patient) people. There are roughly 40 small lockers available for use by examinees, as well as a water cooler, and 2 bathrooms. Though I was expecting the worst based on some of these reviews, IT WAS GREAT and I would highly recommend.

I have no idea how people could negatively review this place. This Prometric Testing Center is literally located on Comm Ave– meaning, the entrance is on Commonwealth. not a side street. not tucked away. It even has a little sign on the door that says «Prometric Testing Center.»
Once inside I was greeted by a lovely secretary. She was very friendly, and clearly explained to me the protocol. After filling out some paperwork in the large waiting area, I was able to utilize a locker to store my belongings. The one aspect I would note is if you bike or walk to the center, they don’t offer many large lockers for bigger backpacks. I would prepare ahead of time to bring the minimal amount you need to avoid being denied proper storage space.
I actually reported to the testing center 30 minutes early as per the recommendation to do so, and I was seated immediately for my test. Yes they do ask you to empty your pockets and have a hand-​held meter detector that they scan you with, but it is nothing out of the ordinary. The computers, keyboard, mouse inside the cubicles for testing were all in pristine condition. There are also noise canceling headphones available for use.
I will be back here again to take the GRE for my second time in January thanks to my positive experience here.
Oh yeah, and they clearly tell you before you begin testing that if you take off an extra layer of clothing during the test like a sweatshirt, that you need to tie it around your waist.

Terrible testing experience.
Last time I took the GREs was at the Coolidge Corner location, but I guess they don’t offer that anymore. This place is on serious lockdown — all you bring with you into the testing room is your ID and the key to your locker, they run a metal detector over you, take your picture, you handwrite a statement verifying you are who you say you are, there are cameras watching your every move, etc. That I’m totally fine with. I understand they’re concerned about cheating. HOWEVER.
As I was recently taking the GREs I had brought a sweater with me in anticipation of over the top air conditioning. Instead I basically broke out into a cold sweat as I started working on the essays, threw my sweater off, and continued typing. Two sections later, as I had TWO MINUTES LEFT on a quantitative section (which they know! they have a giant computer tracking where everyone is in their tests), a Prometric employee came in to tell me that my sweater couldn’t be on my desk, it had to be on my waist blah blah blah, I threw it over the back of my chair and tried to tune him out and finish. The idea that they would interrupt me for something so silly was ridiculous, ESPECIALLY when I had such little time remaining for that section (there are 60 seconds between sections where they could easily have come in to talk to me). BUT THEN! A *second* Prometric employee comes in when I’m a few sections deeper in to tell me that it’s not acceptable to have my sweater on the back of my chair. it needs to be around my waist. Again, interrupting me MID SECTION, for some absolutely ridiculous rule that made no sense. What, did I have equations hidden in my sweater lining? A secret camera? Give me a break — they ran a metal detector over me, and there was AMPLE opportunity before I entered the testing room to mention any kind of stupid rule like that. No one said a word to me about it at any point in the process — I definitely would have paid attention to that.
Incredibly unprofessional. I tried not to let it break my focus as much as possible. They’re there for two purposes: to support test-​takers, and make sure there’s no cheating. Neither applied. Obviously, I wasn’t cheating, and besides, the cameras are from above, so it’s not like it blocked their view in any way whatsoever. When someone is taking a timed test such as the GREs, they are in a serious pressure-​cooker situation, which Prometric well knows. Staff should have been, and should be, respectful of that.
I’ll go out of my way to ensure I never take another test here, and I wrote Prometric an email to inform them about this ridiculous, unprofessional behavior.

Okay, so I have done 4 CPA Exams now at 4 different Prometric Locations. All of them had pretty good directions with the exception of this one so I wanted to help a fellow test-​taker out so nobody else ends up panicking when they have a test that is supposed to start in 10 minutes.
The driving directions tell you to make a left on Pleasant Street and another left on Dummer. Definitely do that and you will see the garage on your left. The Drummer Street garage is so tight as you wind up and down the ramp so take a small car if you have one.
There is a 930 Comm Ave entrance on Drummer Street but to get to Prometric you actually have to walk around the block onto Comm. Ave. I walked around clueless for 15 minutes before I had to ask someone and I hate doing that.
Good luck on any exams you may be taking here.