Written Knowledge Tests - FAQs

NCRA Written Knowledge Tests (WKT) are multiple-choice tests which serve as a component of NCRA certifications. Written Knowledge Tests are provided for the RPR, RDR, CRC, and CLVS certifications. Tests are administered through Pearson Vue in one of their testing centers or online via OnVue.

If you choose to test online through OnVue, you need a quiet location and internet access that meets the mandatory technical requirements. Place a sign on the door/entrance stating you are taking a test and cannot be disturbed.

NOTE: Pearson Vue does not recommend testing from your employer’s physical location as there may be interference with your employer’s security software.

For security reasons, do not speak during the exam or the proctor may file an incident report that will be reviewed by NCRA. Pick a secure and quiet testing environment and remove anything that could make noise or otherwise be a distraction, such as animals. Read through the candidate instructions to ensure you meet the required criteria; for example, your desk must be cleared and have only one monitor and keyboard or a laptop.

Find more tips and information here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/onvue-tips

All WKT candidates are required to sign the following disclaimer prior to taking their Written Knowledge Test:

This test is strictly confidential and is protected by trade secret law. It is made available to you, the examinee, solely for the purpose of becoming certified in the technical area referenced in the title of this test. You are expressly prohibited from disclosing, publishing, reproducing, or transmitting this test, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means; verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the prior express written permission of NCRA.

Written Knowledge Tests are administered four (4) times a year: January, April, July, and October with registration the month before. Registration will be open for the full registration month. Testing will always be the subsequent month, however, testing is not open for the full month. Visit Written Knowledge Testing Information and Registration for the most current registration and testing dates.

Tests are valid only during the testing period you register for and expire at the end of the testing period if not taken or canceled by the deadline. Find the full cancellation policy at www.ncra.org/WKT.

Questions on the WKT are directly tied to the job analysis for each credential. The percentages next to each domain on the job analysis equate to the approximate number of questions on the test in that specific area. The knowledge areas under each domain further highlight areas you will be questioned on. Questions on your test will be tied to one of the references listed in the reference list at the end of the job analysis. Review the Job Analysis for your certification: RPR Job Analysis, RDR Job Analysis, CRC Job Analysis, or CLVS Job Analysis.

Example: Domain 1 on the RPR Job Analysis is Technology and Innovation. The percentage for this domain is 43%; meaning there are approximately 43 graded questions on the RPR WKT in that category.

If you are registering for the RPR Written Knowledge Test, you may purchase the RPR Study Guide at our online store, which provides detailed review of each domain as well as sample questions.

Yes, you can take the Pearson Vue Demo Test to practice. To access the demo, go to NCRA’s Pearson VUE Landing Page, scroll down, and under related links, click Pearson VUE Demo Test.

If you wish to schedule your NCRA WKT at a Pearson Vue test center, please make that selection during the online scheduling process or let your Pearson Vue customer service rep know if you are scheduling by phone. Locate a Pearson Vue test center near you.

If you wish to schedule your NCRA WKT online, visit OnVUE exam information. Candidates must read the exam information before registering for the test.

You will be able to check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. To start, go to https://home.pearsonvue.com/ncraand click the “Sign in” button.

• First, shut down all non-essential applications including email, chat, Facebook, Skype.
• Your scheduled exam will appear once you login to your account under “Open Online Exams.” Select the test link, then select “Begin exam.”

  CRITICAL NOTE: If the “Begin exam” button is not visible, you are either too early or too late for your exam. Please check your appointment details to ensure the correct start time.

• You will be asked to download OnVue, the online proctoring software, if you have not before. Follow the prompts in the application to complete the required check-in steps.
• Have your acceptable government identification ready for the proctor to verify.
• You will be placed in a queue and connected to the next available proctor to begin your exam.
• The check-in process takes approximately 15 minutes for candidates who have previously completed a system test.
• Being late is not an option. To allow time for the check-in procedure, be ready once the check-in window opens 30 minutes before the exam start time. Candidates who do not report for a scheduled appointment are marked as a “No Show” and will not be able to take the test. Candidates marked as a “No Show” can cancel with NCRA but will be required to pay the Pearson Vue cancellation fee of $65 in addition to any NCRA Cancellation fee that applies. Be sure to review the cancellation policy at www.ncra.org/WKT.

• During the test you may not access the following personal items: Cell phones, headphones/headsets (wired or Bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats or other head coverings, bags, coats, books, notes, or any other material not specifically approved.
• During the exam session, you are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, pencil, or marker.
• Watches must be removed and placed out of sight/reach during the exam.

Breaks are not allowed during the test for any reason. If you leave your computer during the test, the proctor will end your session and you will not be able to continue testing. Water in a clear glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited.

The RPR, RDR, and CLVS Written Knowledge Tests (WKT) have 120 questions, but only 100 are used to calculate your official score. The remaining 20 questions are new questions being tested to capture metrics on their validity. This does not apply to the CRC Written Knowledge Test which has 50 questions.

Official scores are emailed within two to four weeks at the close of the testing window. Prior to receiving your official score, you can view a Score Report with your preliminary score. The Score Report is NOT your official score.

If you test in a Pearson Vue Test Center, you may receive a copy of your Score Report at the front desk prior to leaving. If you test at home, you will receive an email after completing the test with a link to your Score Report. No matter where you test, you will be able to login to your Pearson Vue account after your test to view your Score Report.

The information is provided to give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses within the domains for your credential. All WKTs are based on the Job Analysis for the credential. This feedback can help you concentrate your preparation in the appropriate domain area(s) if you need to re-test.

Testing information is confidential. By registering to take a test, the candidate agrees that the questions on the test will not be disclosed to other candidates. Failure to adhere to the policy will result in being banned from future testing and termination of NCRA membership. Candidates will also have to accept an NDA agreement to open the test. By registering for an NCRA Written Knowledge Test, candidates also agree to adhere to Pearson VUE’s policies and procedures. Please review the list of Pearson VUE’s policies and procedures at the following page under Additional Information: https://home.pearsonvue.com/ncra/onvue 

The Pearson VUE browser lock prevents access to the internet during your test session. It goes into effect when you click to Begin your Exam. It will end once you have completed your test.

You are required to present a current government issued ID. The first and last name on your ID must match the first and last name on your web account profile and in your appointment confirmation email.

Note: First and last name on your identification MUST match your registration. Your middle name will NOT be checked as it is not imported on your registration.

Acceptable forms of identification:

• include driver’s license
• passport
• military ID
• identification card (national/state/province identity card)
• alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa)
• government issued local language ID (not in roman characters and accepted only if issued by the country in which you are testing).