Hey guys trying to stay on top of questions. Had to do some homework.
A: If you want to call ahead that's fine, but not necessary. We have several "rushes" during the day where we process a lot of people. These typically occur around 8am, 12pm, and occasionally 5pm depending how late the center is open that day. During these times the TCAs will be very busy and not able to really answer many questions. It's best to visit the test centers in between these times. And of course calling to see when it would be a good time to visit is always fine. Our job is basically staring at a monitor 99% of the time so calls are a nice break.
B: Glad you brought up clothing restrictions. Officially, there are only aren't many. Don't show up naked, of course. Sarees are fine, we encounter them often. I've checked in women in full Burqas (which are fine so long as a TCA can observe the woman's face to confirm identity). The big thing are pockets. Prometric prides itself on their pocket policy, where you have to pull out your front pockets completely (though only if it is physically possible). This occurs every time you return to the lab and sign in on our rosters. I really urge people to plan outfits with minimal pockets. Yoga pants or running shorts are excellent, if you show up in cargo pants with 10+ pockets we are required to watch you check every pocket, which can eat up break time. If you take anything from this AMA please, please don't wear cargo pants.
I'd like to touch on jackets/hoodies/sweaters for a minute. We have a pretty strict rule about not removing them in the testing center. We are told to keep the temperature in the testing rooms between 70F and 74F, so it's always a good idea to plan to bring a light sweater you can grab or remove during breaks. And again with the pockets thing, we have to check every single pocket on the coat so just keep that in mind when choosing one.
This is extremely abnormal. Did you inform the TCA of the event?
AAMC tells us that if you want to have your inhaler at your testing desk, you must apply for specific testing accommodations which specify that you are allowed to have it at the desk. However, you are free to leave your inhaler at the admin station (The desk where the TCA sits and collects your picture/biometrics). If you choose this route you do not need to apply for testing accommodations through AAMC, and in this case you may wish to be seated near the door to the testing room to minimize the time it takes for you to get up and come out and use the inhaler. If you leave it on the admin station you will not have to sign out or be wanded with the metal detector.