Prometric Monitor Refresh Rates

[hooks]

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I know that the Prometric Standard is 60Hz or less for their video refresh rates which is below the latest OSHA standards (not to mention just plain inhumane). I'm particularly sensitive to low refresh rates (60hz is like staring at a strobe light for me) and during Step1 the monitor gave me a nasty blaspherospasm and a headache all by my second block.
I've contacted Prometric and they will not change any refresh rates and deny having any centers that use LCD monitors. They said my only option is to go through with having a disability workup so that the NMBE could ship them an LCD monitor for my test if I'm deemed "disabled" (all of this rather than just taking 6s to change the video refresh rate setting).
Anyway, my question is, has anyone by any chance been to a prometric test center that does use LCDs or that breaks standard by not having seizure-inducing refresh rates? I'd much rather travel than go through this disability nonsense.

 

[MirkoCrocop]

hmmmm. actually, try calling the prometric center in tampa, FL (NOT the one on 56th ST) and theres one in the downtown area.

i took step 2 here and maybe recall them having LCD screens, but the site was brand new.

very nice place to take your test.

PROMETRIC TEST CENTER
Phone: 813-289-1246
Site Code: 0657
204 S. Hoover Blvd
Mariner Square, 2nd Floor SE
TAMPA, FL 33609

 

[swampfox]

The old CRT monitors really are very painful to use when the refresh rates are set so low. I took step 2 back in September and after that long test I came home with one of the worst headaches of my life. I think it triggered some sort of migraine, because I became very nauseated and puked my guts out that night. Yuck!

Interestingly, my wife took an exam at the same center a few weeks ago and noted that they had upgraded to LCD screens. I sure wish they had done it sooner. BTW, this center is in Metaire, Louisiana - right outside New Orleans.

 

[boost3]

I would try to avoid going through the disability route at all cost. You may or may not know, but the whole process is extremely frustrating and unless you're ******ed and/or a quadriplegic, you have no chance of getting accomodations. Not to mention they take >1month to more or less write you a rejection letter. And they're not even MDs (or DOs).

 

[hooks]

thanks, I registered to take CK in Tampa this July!
Prometric is a real pain in the butt company to deal with - for more on monitor refresh rates and why <70Hz on a CRT is evil check out this document and the links within from the NASA Headquarters Professional Association - http://www.nhpa.org/docs/ComputerMonitorFlicker.doc

 

[google_singh]

When I gave my Step1 exam, I checked the refresh rate and it was 60HZ. I asked the mentor and tried to explain him what I mean by refresh rate and he was all confused. He showed me that light bulb behind me was the cause of it. In the break , I showed him the 60 HZ thing on his computer , he somewhat understood but said if I do it now, u will loose time on test. WTF
He asked me at the end to write about it in the feedback

The next time i went to prometric for stp2 , they had installed those antiglare things but refresh rate was still 60 Hz. They are *****s

 

[Dr McSteamy]

this is the exact complaint i have.

the monitors can do 85hz. and they torture us with 60.

with all the millions they earn, they can't even buy a cheap $99 lcd monitor. Step up to the 21st century god damn.

i'm gonna bring a nice big bottle of aspirin next time.

stupid pricks.

 

[SamusLives]

I definitely noticed the flicker on the monitors, it was annoying. I took some tylenols and aspirins before the test, so I didn't get a headache. I always take something for headaches before tests (not just the prometrics), especially day long tests! Hope they have LCDs for step 3.