Sketchy Test Taking Shop
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What's the big deal? I've done this shop. No, it could not result in a frisking.
I guess the big deal is the unknown. Yes, uts not exactly a frisking it says to be prepared to be wanded", have hour pockets turned inside out, etc. I kept reading the guidelines & thinking $70 is not nearly enough. It says it can take up to 4 hours. What is it, a Bar exam?@SueGraftonFan wrote:
What's the big deal? I've done this shop. No, it could not result in a frisking.
@SueGraftonFan wrote:
Not sure why this posted twice other than fat fingers...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/05/2018 11:11AM by janalou.
I would not do one of those longer tests because it is just too boring for me. An hour is tough enough.
I think you are reading more into the security process than the reality. The proctor asks you to turn your own pockets out to be sure they are empty, they never touch the test takers. I vaguely recall being asked to lift my pant legs to show nothing around my ankles. If someone wore a full length skirt I guess they would have to lift it a couple of inches. On one of my assignments I actually had a cold and tried to take tissue into the room. The proctors told me it was not allowed, but they could supply me with some.
I think you are reading more into the security process than the reality. The proctor asks you to turn your own pockets out to be sure they are empty, they never touch the test takers. I vaguely recall being asked to lift my pant legs to show nothing around my ankles. If someone wore a full length skirt I guess they would have to lift it a couple of inches. On one of my assignments I actually had a cold and tried to take tissue into the room. The proctors told me it was not allowed, but they could supply me with some.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Yes, Lisa... I agree. I'm making too much out of it. I'll take your advice & run with it. Thanks.
This just shows how individualized secret shopping can be. One person's dream shop is another's nightmare. Thank goodness for a variety in shops, companies, requirements, and of course, shoppers!
PAID WELL, DID IT ABOUT FOUR TIMES NOW. you just pretend you forgot!
@janalou wrote:
I guess the big deal is the unknown. Yes, uts not exactly a frisking it says to be prepared to be wanded", have hour pockets turned inside out, etc. I kept reading the guidelines & thinking $70 is not nearly enough. It says it can take up to 4 hours. What is it, a Bar exam?@SueGraftonFan wrote:
What's the big deal? I've done this shop. No, it could not result in a frisking.
A bar exam takes two days, all day. At least in my state. That was the longest test I have ever taken.
Yes, $70 is not worth it. They are advertising that shop for $30 here!
I have completed this shop many times but was "reported" only once. I simply wrote a few shopping list words on a small sticky note. With repetition, this shop becomes easier and less stressful. As for the fee, you can always contact the scheduler to ask for a bonus.
What is the "going rate" for bonuses? The most I've seen is $60 - starting at $30 base fee.
I have a confession. I think the statute of limitations is up on this one. Back in high school, I took the SAT's for a friend of mine. I test well and she doesn't. Her low SAT scores were not on par with her good grades in advanced classes. She saw me getting much higher scores on standardized tests and asked for my help. Her parents knew about this and even offered to pay me. I went to a nearby town's high school to take the exam. They asked for ID. I was able to use her driver's permit (at the time, my state gave 15 and 16 year old drivers a temporary, restricted drivers' license that was non laminated paper with no picture) and school ID- also no pic. The test went well, I got her a high score (not too high) and she went to the college of her choice. This was about 30 years ago. I told my mom about this around 5 years ago and she FLIPPED OUT. Probably why I kept it a secret from my parents.
Well, I've worked myself up into a lather. My test is this Tue. I've read and re-read the guidelines. This particular scenario requires you to try and sneak something in at the beginning when you are registering. Then they want you to raise your hand during the test for a RR break. Afterwhich they want you to skulk over to your locker to try and remove something from your purse or wallet. They're not done with the stealth yet. Lastly, you have to make an attempt to leave the test area with a piece of scrap paper from your notes. I'm secretly hoping to be thrown out on my a$$. Stay tuned...
I'm bothered by the requirement to imply that you might bribe the testing proctor to pass. No. Just no. My other career is academic.
I've done these shops at least four times in the last 7 years. The only difficulty I had was when you needed to make a request for a tissue or something after entering the testing room in 1 hour. Now, the testers ask you to remove your watch. There is a clock in the testing room but it may not be within your line of vision. So, you have to gauge/guess estimate the time you think was 1 hour. By the way, the testers do not touch you to perform a pat down. They ask you to tap your hand over your sleeves, waist area, areas that may have hidden pockets to see if you are concealing some notes or something. Coats are not allowed in the testing room since notes may be hidden somewhere.
The test was yesterday. Brutal. Very boring. 190 questions. The proctor was on top of it, though. I did not get away with anything. I was able to conceal an eyeglass cleaning cloth. When I placed it on my desk, it was removed most immediately. I was stopped dead in my tracks when I attempted to access my locker. I can see how it would get easier with time. Luckily there is only one testing center in my State.
I would do these if we were allowed to pass and did not have to purposely fail.
"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams
i'll add in that, b/c i'm diabetic, I HAVE to have sugar on me. I had lifesavers each time. After pulling my pockets out to show they were empty, she pulled a tissue out and had me lay out each piece on it to take into the exam..
These used to have a MUCH higher base rate, years ago. I did one, but it wasn't worth the time even then.
There are a couple of different tests. Yes, the one where they want you to fail is one of them. The other which is the one I took was to test the security protocol.
@stormraven73 wrote:
These used to have a MUCH higher base rate, years ago. I did one, but it wasn't worth the time even then.
They were $40 in 2017 from what I recall, stormraven73. I see them at $30 this year.
Inflation is 2.5-3% on average (some years it's zero, some 6, etc. ...avg. is what I mean) each year, right? Just to keep up with inflation, shouldn't wages/fees/bonuses rise?
If you've seen more than $40 as the base rate in the "past," then that's really sad! They could be $25 next year! I'm sure the MSC will think: "Well, there are always bored seniors who need something to do who can take these shops at low rates."
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/2018 10:42PM by shoptastic.
I did one of these and the pay was a paltry $30. My main beef was that the bribing of the proctor wasn't mentioned until you accepted the assignment. Felt contrived. Also there was no way of knowing the time elapsed so had to guesstimate when an hour was up. I've seen these offered at up to $80 (once) which would be more realistic.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2018 03:44AM by Dudester.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2018 03:44AM by Dudester.
I have always been able to see the time by the clock in the testing room and the one on the computer. Otherwise, I agree they tend to withhold details such as when they want you to attempt to bridge a proctor and the $30 base pay has become ridiculous with the increase in the time required on site.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Ive done 6 of these shops and there not a big deal.
The strangest shops was iffering a Western Union clerks a bribe
The strangest shops was iffering a Western Union clerks a bribe
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