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Test Center Shops

November 08, 2020 06:07AM
I just wanted to tell everyone if you are thinking of doing any of the test center shops where you go take a test to evaluate security protocols, these are pretty easy. They just changed the report and it is super easy. Most pay $70-100. It is kind of fun taking a test you know nothing about just to see if you can pass it. I have done three so far with no issues.
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November 08, 2020 05:00PM
I did one years ago and found it pretty easy. Unfortunately, the exam they use is one I have from a professional certification standpoint and part of my guidelines say I can't retake it for any reason unless I give up my certification so I can't do these anymore!
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November 08, 2020 05:41PM
@foodluvr wrote:

I did one years ago and found it pretty easy. Unfortunately, the exam they use is one I have from a professional certification standpoint and part of my guidelines say I can't retake it for any reason unless I give up my certification so I can't do these anymore!

Same. My state certification is done there as well.
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November 11, 2020 02:11AM
You might ask for another test. I know they do several. If they like your work, I think they are willing to be accomodating.
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November 11, 2020 03:52PM
More than one company has test center shops. When I used to do these for Company #1, the shops almost always posted at $35, but the scheduler always said "yes" to a $35 bonus, making the total pay $70. The company I currently do these shops for does not play silly games and offers a fair price. Company #2 is also open to reasonable bonus requests.
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November 12, 2020 05:27AM
Aren't you supposed to fail the test on purpose?

@mmsackett wrote:

It is kind of fun taking a test you know nothing about just to see if you can pass it. I have done three so far with no issues.
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November 12, 2020 05:39AM
The testing shop I did required me to try to cheat. I was not comfortable and decided I wouldn't do any more.
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November 12, 2020 04:46PM
That shop, and the shop where you are supposed to try to hide an item to see if the cashier notices, really push ethical boundaries.

@Equine24 wrote:

The testing shop I did required me to try to cheat. I was not comfortable and decided I wouldn't do any more.
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November 12, 2020 05:34PM
I think that it's perfectly ethical, albeit perhaps not something every shopper would be comfortable with.
The integrity and procedural adherence of employees need to be tested. The regulatory compliance of the testing center and the validity of test results are at stake if cheating goes unchecked, and ongoing slippage can scuttle a business when cashiers do not check for either intentional or accidental shoplifting.
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November 12, 2020 08:08PM
As far as the cheating, or concealing an item, etc. How different is that from doing a "complaint shop" where you make up a complaint to see how they deal with it? I did a bar shop a LONG time ago where I had to complain that the drinks were weak (they weren't!) to see if I got a stronger drink the next round. I also had to spill a half full drink and see if they gave me another one. This was a bar that I would never return to, obviously.
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November 19, 2020 05:31PM
These shops will test your nerves! Never again.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/19/2020 05:34PM by iblori.
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November 24, 2020 03:30AM
I’m doing the hide something ones. I have taken the GRE AND LSAT so I know how important that the security is respected because otherwise you have people getting into schools they haven’t earned getting in to. Those employees are paid very well to watch for security issues. Most find what I bring in but some have not. It is better I find the issues than for the company to be caught in a scandal because of cheating on these tests. I think the job of the shopper is to see where the security lacks so they can correct it. I’m shopping for the one that pays well and bonus/travel is open to negotiation.
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November 24, 2020 03:32AM
No. The shop isn’t testing the test. It’s testing the security. Security for cheating and security for stealing the test to share for cheating or sell to prospective test takers.
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November 25, 2020 02:36PM
I had to take an insurance exam at one of these places recently and I was shocked at the lack of security. Nobody checked anything . I was barely watched while taking the test and no search was done before I entered the testing area. I totally understand why these shops take place!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2020 02:36PM by foodluvr.
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November 26, 2020 08:15AM
Once when I took one of these shops I unexpectedly passed the test! It was the first time I ever felt embarrassed about a high test score. I had to think quick on my feet for a reason to ask how to get a better score.
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November 28, 2020 07:07AM
@MSF wrote:

That shop, and the shop where you are supposed to try to hide an item to see if the cashier notices, really push ethical boundaries.
I've done grocery shops where you have to hide a case of water or TP on the bottom of the cart to see if they notice. I don't mind those because if the cashier messes up, you're supposed to "out" yourself and pay up. So I don't see it as unethical.

The testing shops I've read about where you're supposed to fail, then imply willingness to bribe them for a passing score, that crosses my personal line. Playing the role of someone who may have just been forgetful is one thing, playing someone who's clearly intentionally crooked skeeves me a lot more for some reason.
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December 02, 2020 06:54PM
@KokoBWare wrote:

@MSF wrote:

That shop, and the shop where you are supposed to try to hide an item to see if the cashier notices, really push ethical boundaries.
I've done grocery shops where you have to hide a case of water or TP on the bottom of the cart to see if they notice. I don't mind those because if the cashier messes up, you're supposed to "out" yourself and pay up. So I don't see it as unethical.

The testing shops I've read about where you're supposed to fail, then imply willingness to bribe them for a passing score, that crosses my personal line. Playing the role of someone who may have just been forgetful is one thing, playing someone who's clearly intentionally crooked skeeves me a lot more for some reason.
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December 02, 2020 06:55PM
@KokoBWare wrote:

@MSF wrote:

That shop, and the shop where you are supposed to try to hide an item to see if the cashier notices, really push ethical boundaries.
I've done grocery shops where you have to hide a case of water or TP on the bottom of the cart to see if they notice. I don't mind those because if the cashier messes up, you're supposed to "out" yourself and pay up. So I don't see it as unethical.

The testing shops I've read about where you're supposed to fail, then imply willingness to bribe them for a passing score, that crosses my personal line. Playing the role of someone who may have just been forgetful is one thing, playing someone who's clearly intentionally crooked skeeves me a lot more for some reason.

These are not asking you to bribe anyone.
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