Written examinations, hands-on demonstration testing, and other testing events may be scheduled in partnership with AFA events or those of their chapters or members. Other testing events may be scheduled to accommodate candidates for certification.
Companies and organizations may request special testing events using the form below. These requests are subject to the approval of AFA.
Test Site Requirements
A written request to host an exam must be submitted to AFA at least six weeks prior to the desired test date. Testing events are subject to the availability of qualified personnel to administer the requested testing activities, and the number of candidates anticipated by the host to participate in the testing event.
For test sites that provide a written request at least six weeks prior to the desired test date, with a guarantee of at least five candidates, there will be no administrative fee. Requests received with fewer than six weeks' notice and/or fewer than five candidates will be subject to an administrative fee set by the AFA Credentialing Committee.
A Test Site Coordinator will be identified as part of the request and will be AFA's primary contact from the hosting organization. The Test Site Coordinator is responsible for:
- All communication and planning with AFA staff and testing administrators
- Preparing the testing room in accordance with Examination Event, Site Specifications and Accessibility policy (see below)
- Remaining onsite throughout each testing session (or appointing a representative to do so)
- Signing a Test Site Coordinator agreement
All testing events must be approved and sanctioned by AFA. Written examinations may be proctored only by proctors (administrators or invigilators) authorized by the Credentialing Committee. Hands-on Testing may be conducted only by examiners authorized by the Credentialing Committee.
Examination Event, Site Specifications and Accessibility Policy
Meeting Room Requirements
Testing events are conducted in proper meeting room environments, where relative quiet can be expected. Testing candidates are not permitted to interact with others once they have begun an examination, so a closed room environment is best.
The size of the room is dependent on the anticipated number of participants.
The setup of the room will be:
- Classroom style
- No more than two chairs per table
- A table in the back of the room for any items brought into the room which cannot be used during testing
- One table and two chairs set up at the front of the room for testing administrators
- No A/V is needed
- Beverage service is optional and at the discretion of the host organization, but is not required
General Rules (relating to Test Sites)
Certification testing is a serious activity. Individuals not properly enrolled for a certification program and who are not eligible for testing are not permitted in the testing room. We request that groups not gather outside the meeting room, due to noise that can be distracting to test takers.
Photo identification is required for testing participants. Others may not vouch for the identity of a testing candidate.
Fees may not be charged by the host organization for individuals who are present for the exclusive purpose of taking a certification exam. The prohibition of fees applies only to the testing portion of the event. Fees for any other events being conducted by the host organization at the same venue would not be affected by the testing activity.
Testing must be offered in blocks of four hours (i.e.,8:00am - Noon, 1:00pm - 5:00pm, or all day). This is required due to the time allowances for the exams.
NOTE: AFA is continuing to monitor COVID-19 information and adheres to guidelines and standards set by federal, state, and local agencies and venues.
Please direct any questions regarding the test site request process or requirements to Sara Surprenant (sara@americanfenceassociation.com or 314-561-6670).
