METRO INSTITUTE

The most secure computer based testing system just got better.

Metro Institute is the current iCBT provider for the Arizona Office of Pest Management (OPM).  We have delivered over 50,000 secure and successful testing sessions.  Our testing software was developed in a partnership with 3GB Assessment Technologies.  We have been providing testing services in Arizona since 2003.  We have recently been selected by both the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation at Clemson University and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries to provide certification exams in their respective states, via iCBT.  Metro Institute has also been selected recently by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to deliver certification exams to Colorado Private Applicators, who may test in the convenience of their own home, via iCBT.

There are many benefits to implementing a well planned iCBT program.

Convenience - The tester is free to take the test Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  In some cases evening and weekends are possible.  The testing centers can be located in the most populated and or geographically advantageous sites throughout your state to provide even more convenience for your testers.  Instant pass/fail notification and test scores by category are provided instantly at testing centers.
     
Security - Our system is designed around security first.  No test is ever sent in its entirety, rather a redundant fire walled database server is employed to send and receive encrypted test questions/answers in small packets a question at a time through our protected web server.  In other words when a tester answers a question the next question is delivered in one or multiple packets.   Even if these packets could be intercepted they would not correspond to answers and would be viewed as random data.  No test data is stored on the local hard drive if any test station.  If a tester were to attempt to leave a test to browse the Internet (Google the answer) they would be prevented and immediately locked out of the test.

We employ many other security features as well including an onsite proctor that verifies the identity of the tester, photographs the tester, logs the tester into the test, explains how to take the test and monitors the testing session visually.

Cost - The cost savings of our system is verifiable.  An example of this is the experience of Arizona Office of Pest Management.  OPM has reported a saving of over $140,000 dollars in test administration cost the first year of the program alone.  Metro Institute schedules all tests, collects all testing fees, finds and manages all testing centers, fields the majority of test related logistical questions, provides all software, and necessary hardware and more.

Field Relations - If your inspection personnel have testing duties, iCBT will allow them to be in the field more often.  With the testing duties lessened, your personnel can spend more time visiting companies and individuals and more time performing enforcement duties.  This one-on-one time is a great way to enhance your presence to your constituency.  Additionally, your field personnel can verify identity by pulling up a photo of each certified applicator on their web enabled laptop/pda during a field inspection.

Progress - The EPA and various regulatory official associations have been proposing the implementation of iCBT throughout the states.