Construction Noise at Prometric Test Center during Step 1

[aldolase92]

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Hey everyone,

I just finished my Step 1 exam today. I was wondering what to do because there was a major issue today. There was some construction going on on the floor right above the test center while I was taking the exam, and the noise was very distracting. At times, they even had a jackhammer going, so earplugs and headphones weren't enough to block the noise. Needless to say, this noise was a huge distraction and I think it affected my performance.

So, my question: is there anything I can do about this? Can I write a complaint to USMLE or NBME and have them void my score? The test center filed an official complaint/report about the noise too. I just think its unfair to have this happen after I work so hard to be prepared for the test. I know that you usually can't cancel step 1 exam scores, but are there exceptions for circumstances like this? Is there anything I should do about this?

 

[WilliamofOckham]

Probably can't cancel them, because I think you had the option to do that after the exam (or was that the MCAT?).

 

[Tenk]

It is unfair. Don't write. Call.

 

[aldolase92]

Probably can't cancel them, because I think you had the option to do that after the exam (or was that the MCAT?).

That was only for the MCAT unfortunately. If they had that option for this test, then I would've done that.

 

[aldolase92]

It is unfair. Don't write. Call.

Ya, I'm planning on calling them tomorrow once they're open. I'm just wondering how helpful they will actually be, but its definitely worth a try.

 

[WilliamofOckham]

That was only for the MCAT unfortunately. If they had that option for this test, then I would've done that.

That bad? Sorry to hear that. 🙁 We had a similar problem during my test, but it wasn't too loud.

 

[MD2BE92]

I would be livid if this happened to me during Step 1. During my MCAT test date we had obnoxious, dumb*** proctors who loudly gossiped right outside of the paper thin walls of our test room...definitely distracting. I think I wasn't the only one furiously typing at the end flaming the center during the feedback portion. Luckily my score turned out just fine, even though I felt I could have done better sans distractions. It still blows my mind how inconsiderate some people are.

Edit: Posting to see how this turns out. Good luck! Hopefully you get some justice.

 

[TNick92]

I use to work at a Prometric...it depends..we would have to report all instances that would be seen as a conflict to testers..9/10 your center reported the problem and USMLE should know about it when you call.

 

[Brahnold Bloodaxe]

Definitely go the Prometric centers in the suburbs. I had to void my first MCAT attempt that I took in the city cause of "issues."

 

[Anicetus]

Sorry to hijack this thread but do people actually use earplugs/noise blocking earmuffs they give you during step 1? I ask this because I know some questions require heart sounds.

 

[singler12]

Has anyone else run into this problem? What was the outcome? Thanks

 

[TooMuchResearch]

Has anyone else run into this problem? What was the outcome? Thanks

Wear the noise blocking headphones or bring ear plugs.

 

[singler12]

Wear the noise blocking headphones or bring ear plugs.

Sorry, I meant what was the outcome after calling NBME

 

[zyx189]

Sorry to hijack this thread but do people actually use earplugs/noise blocking earmuffs they give you during step 1? I ask this because I know some questions require heart sounds.

Switch to the headphone when a question on heart sounds comes up...
I'm fidgety so I regularly moved between all the items just to keep things fresh =p

Also, you can call. I do not think it would do anything. They will tell you sorry and to move on with your life. **** happens. Pretty much every exam I have had in medical school had some distraction present, just deal with it.

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

My testing center had landscaping outside: lawnmowers, weed-eaters, aggressive planting.

With the in-ear "squishy" plugs (which you can bring) and the over-ear headphones, I'm pretty sure I couldn't of heard God if he called down to me.