HP ExpertONE Certification Testing

Why is HP changing its exam delivery partner to Pearson VUE?

Moving the HP ExpertONE exams to Pearson VUE will provide testing on a single platform and help to streamline HP processes, resulting in more efficient service for HP customers, partners and employees. Additionally, it will advance test accessibility through the deployment of advanced registration and delivery technologies; facilitate the rapid localization of exams around the world; improve the security of HP exams; and allow for increased certification scalability and coverage.

When will this change happen?

Prometric will continue to schedule proctored HP ExpertONE exam appointments through January 16, 2012, and provide exam delivery through January 31, 2012. In addition, web-based exams can be purchased and taken with Prometric through January 31, 2012. Pearson VUE will begin taking exam registrations on January 17, 2012, and will begin delivering exams February 1, 2012, at 8:00 AM US Central Standard Time. As of February 1, 2012, HP ExpertONE exams will only be available through Pearson VUE. All proctored exams will be delivered through Pearson VUE test centers and all web-based exams will be available online within the Testing Portal.

Who is Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE provides computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world's most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

What are the changes to the admission process for HP test takers?

The admission process when taking proctored exams will now include enhanced security requirements for those wishing to take HP ExpertONE exams. In addition to the current identification and admission requirements, test takers who are taking a proctored exam will now be photographed and asked to provide a digital signature. The photograph and signature will become a permanent part of each candidate’s HP certification record. Photos taken during the admission process will be printed on score reports and all candidate data will be securely stored and protected by Pearson VUE. Candidates taking web-based exams will not be photographed and will not be asked to provide a digital signature. These requirements may be modified according to local laws.

What are the benefits of capturing digital photos and signatures?

Digital photos may be used to assure employers that the person presenting the certification credential is the same individual who took the exam. Likewise, test takers are given peace of mind knowing that their credentials are protected. Further, this initiative will help to ensure that HP IT certifications maintain their integrity and value within the marketplace.

How will test taker personal information be stored?

Both HP and Pearson VUE employ rigorous measures to ensure data privacy. Although IT testing is a significant part of Pearson VUE’s business, the company also routinely delivers a variety of other high-stakes exams—everything from medical board licensing exams to the GMAT. The same methodologies used for the collection, encryption and storage of data for these programs are used for the HP ExpertONE certification program. For additional information, each company’s Privacy Policy can be found on their website.

What forms of ID are acceptable for test takers to provide at the time of admission to a Pearson VUE test center?

During the admissions process test takers must provide two (2) valid forms of identification. Acceptable forms of ID are:

1. Driver’s license
2. Passport
3. Other government-issued ID, such as a state/country identification card
4. Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa)
5. Military ID
6. School ID – on an exception basis
7. Credit card (as long as it contains a photograph and signature)—as a secondary ID only

Note: In Japan, the Health Insurance card is an acceptable form of secondary identification.

If someone has tested with Pearson VUE in the past, can they use their existing account information to schedule an exam?

No. HP has a unique process for scheduling and purchasing web-based exams:

1. Obtain an HP Learner ID at www.hp.com/go/ExpertONE. HP will send test takers their Learner ID via email within three (3) days.
2. Create profile. Once an HP Learner ID is obtained, a profile within the Testing Portal needs to be created.
3. Activate profile. Within a few minutes of creating a profile, an email will be sent to the email address provided asking the test taker to activate their profile by entering the activation code supplied within the email notification. During this step, the test taker will be asked to choose a unique username and password.
4. Log into the Testing Portal. Test takers will use the username and password chosen when their profile was activated to log into the Testing Portal.
5. Schedule an HP ExpertONE proctored exam or purchase a web-based exam using a voucher or major credit card (AMEX, MasterCard, Visa or JCB).

If someone already has a current HP Learner ID, what do they need to do next to schedule an HP exam with Pearson VUE?

Below is the process for scheduling HP proctored exams and purchasing web-based exams:

1. Create a testing profile within the Testing Portal.
2. Activate profile. Within a few minutes of creating a profile, an email will be sent to the email address provided asking the test taker to activate their profile by entering the activation code supplied within the email notification. During this step, the test taker will be asked to choose a unique username and password.
3. Log into the Testing Portal. Test takers will use the username and password chosen when their profile was activated to log into the Testing Portal.
4. Schedule an HP ExpertONE proctored exam or purchase a web-based exam using a voucher or major credit card (AMEX, MasterCard, Visa or JCB).

If someone has not tested before, what do they need to do to schedule an HP exam with Pearson VUE?

Below is the process for scheduling HP proctored exams and purchasing web-based exams:

1. Obtain an HP Learner ID at www.hp.com/go/ExpertONE. HP will send test takers their Learner ID via email within three (3) days.
2. Create profile. Once an HP Learner ID is obtained, a profile within the Testing Portal needs to be created.
3. Activate profile. Within a few minutes of creating a profile, an email will be sent to the email address provided asking the test taker to activate their profile by entering the activation code supplied within the email notification. During this step, the test taker will be asked to choose a unique username and password.
4. Log into the Testing Portal. Test takers will use the username and password chosen when their profile was activated to log into the Testing Portal.
5. Schedule an HP ExpertONE proctored exam or purchase a web-based exam using a voucher or major credit card (AMEX, MasterCard, Visa or JCB).

Please Note: Test takers will not be able to schedule an HP ExpertONE exam without first obtaining a valid HP Learner ID and creating/activating their profile within the Testing Portal.

What are the payment options for test takers when scheduling a proctored exam or purchasing a web-based exam?

The following payment types are available:

1. Credit Card. AMEX, Master Card, VISA and JCB are accepted.
2. Voucher Code. If you have been provided a voucher code, you may use it as exam payment as long as the exam is scheduled and taken before the voucher code expiration period. Vouchers can be purchased using one of the available credit card options above, or by using PayPal. Bulk orders of vouchers may also be purchased using a purchase order or wire transfer.

How can test takers receive a payment receipt for their exam appointments?

When candidates pay for an exam with a credit card, a payment confirmation email (in English) is automatically sent to the test taker. The test taker may print this email as their receipt. If they do not receive the automated email, they should check their spam filter or contact Pearson VUE at www.PearsonVUE.com/HP/contact.

If test takers have issues obtaining an HP Learner ID or questions regarding their existing HP Learner ID, where should they go for assistance?

Test takers can find answers to questions pertaining to their HP Learner ID on the HP ExpertONE website – www.hp.com/go/ExpertONE.

How far in advance do test takers need to cancel or reschedule their exam appointments?

Test takers taking proctored exams must cancel or reschedule their exam appointments 24 hours before the appointment date. A refund will be issued for cancelled transactions with appropriate notification. Web-based exams may be canceled up until the expiration period, which is within 24 hours after the exam purchase has been made.

What will happen to the test taker records and testing history of those who have previously taken an HP exam with Prometric?

All records are the property of HP, and this information will remain with HP. Likewise, all new records created through Pearson VUE will be forwarded to HP for processing and storage. Please contact HP at www.hp.com/certification/ExpertONE_contact with questions.

If someone has already taken exams with Prometric, do their exams remain valid? Can they finish their certification with Pearson VUE?

Yes, after creating a profile within the Testing Portal, test takers will simply schedule their next exam through this portal. Because all previous and future results are the property of HP, this transition will not affect existing certifications or certification paths. All exam history is available within in The Learning Center.

When can test takers expect to see their Pearson VUE exam results reflected in HP’s system?

Pearson VUE is required to submit exam results to HP within 2-5 business days after completion of an exam; the results are then uploaded into The Learning Center. During the transition period, please be aware that there may be slight delays in the processing of exam data. If you have ongoing problems getting exam results or having them reflected in the HP database, please contact HP at www.hp.com/certification/ExpertONE_contact.

What will happen to a test taker’s exam records at Prometric?

Because all previous and future results are the property of HP, this transition will not affect existing certifications or certification paths. All exam history is available within in The Learning Center.

Will this transition change existing certifications?

No, existing certifications will remain the same.

When will the switch from Prometric to Pearson VUE take place?

Prometric will continue to schedule proctored HP ExpertONE exam appointments through January 16, 2012, for exam delivery through January 31, 2012. In addition, web-based exams can be purchased and taken with Prometric through January 31, 2012. Pearson VUE will begin taking exam registrations on January 17, 2012, and will begin delivering exams February 1, 2012, at 8:00 AM US Central Standard Time. As of February 1, 2012, HP ExpertONE exams will only be available through Pearson VUE. All proctored exams will be delivered through Pearson VUE test centers and all web-based exams will be available online within the Testing Portal.

If a test taker fails an exam at Prometric before the transition date, will they still need to adhere to the HP retake policy before retaking the exam at Person VUE?

Yes. The retake policy remains in place. For more details, please review the HP ExpertONE retake policy.

Will Pearson VUE offer all HP ExpertONE exams?

Yes. All HP ExpertONE exams that were available at Prometric will be available through Pearson VUE.

How long do test takers have to complete a web-based exam?

The timeframe to complete a web-based exam has been extended to 24 hours once purchased on the Testing Portal.

Where are Pearson VUE Test Centers located?

HP ExpertONE testing will be available at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. You will be able to find a Pearson VUE test center near you by using the Test Center Locator.

Will exams be available at the same testing centers as with the previous testing partner?

Not necessarily. Pearson VUE has over 5,000 test centers in 165 countries worldwide. The easiest way to locate one near you is to use the Test Center Locator.

What if a test taker already has an HP ExpertONE exam scheduled with Prometric?

If the test is scheduled to take place on or before January 31, 2012, the last day to test at Prometric, then no action is required. However, if a test taker has a test scheduled to take place after this date, he or she will need to cancel the exam with Prometric in order to receive a refund. The test can then be scheduled with Pearson VUE.

Please Note: If a test taker cancels an exam outside of the cancellation window described in the confirmation email from Prometric, they will lose their exam fee — whether paid by credit card or voucher. Only Prometric can provide refunds for exams scheduled at a Prometric test center. Please contact Prometric with questions.

Are the HP ExpertONE exams on the Pearson VUE system different?

No. Although the look and feel of the Pearson system may be a little different, the exam questions and scoring will not change. Test takers do not need to adjust their training and preparation plans because of the move to Pearson VUE.

Will the exam titles change?

No. All exam titles will remain the same.

How will test takers receive information about their exam appointment?

An email with the appointment details will be sent to the test taker after scheduling a proctored exam. It will include the date, time of the appointment, location of the test center and directions. Note this appointment confirmation is not sent for web-based exams. A copy of the online confirmation should be printed out and saved as confirmation of the appointment.

Please Note: Exam appointment confirmation emails are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. Test takers should make sure they set up their correspondence preference accordingly, when creating their profile within the Testing Portal.

Will the test fees change?

No, test fees are set by HP and will remain the same at Pearson VUE as they are at Prometric.

Can Pearson VUE sites accommodate test takers with special needs?

Yes, Pearson VUE and HP may allow accommodations to test takers who are identified as having special needs. Test takers should email requests to exam.inquiry@hp.com at HP. Once the request is approved by HP, test takers should email Pearson VUE at PVAccTest@pearson.com to schedule their proctored exam.

How will test takers receive their score reports?

When taking a proctored exam in a Pearson VUE test center, test takers will receive a print-out of their score report before they leave the test center. At the completion of a web-based exam, test takers will be able to print their score reports themselves and can reprint their score report from the website if needed.

Does the HP Exam Candidate Agreement change in any way with the transition from one testing vendor to another?

No, the Exam Candidate Agreement is provided by HP and is valid for all exams administered by either Prometric or Pearson VUE. The agreement can be found on the exam policies page.

Will Prometric vouchers be valid after the transition date? Will test takers still be able to use these existing vouchers?

If a test taker does not take their exam at Prometric by January 31, 2012, they may use their voucher to schedule and take an exam with Pearson VUE on or after February 1, 2012 (as long as the exam appointment falls within the voucher’s original expiration date).

PLEASE NOTE: When entering a Prometric voucher in the Pearson VUE registration system, please make sure to enter them exactly as they appear (excluding hyphens and/or dashes).

If a test taker is trying to schedule an exam at Pearson VUE and their voucher will not work, what should they do?

If trying to use an existing Prometric voucher to schedule for an exam at Pearson VUE, test takers should ensure that:

• The voucher has not expired (if test takers are unsure of the expiration date of their Prometric voucher, please contact Prometric to receive this information).
• They are entering the voucher into the correct field (please make sure voucher numbers are entered into the “Voucher Number” field).

If problems continue to occur after checking the reasons above, test takers should contact HP at hpexpertone.vouchers@hp.com for further assistance.

Do I have to buy a voucher to purchase an exam?

No, individual test takers may also use a credit card to schedule or purchase an exam.

Where can Pearson VUE vouchers be purchased?

For bulk voucher orders or to purchase vouchers using a credit card or PayPal, please visit hpvouchers.pearsonvue.com. To purchase vouchers using any another payment type other than those mentioned prior, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/vouchers/pricelist/hp.asp.

Please Note: While pre-paid vouchers offer convenience to some purchasers, test takers do not need to purchase a voucher to schedule an exam, but may make a direct payment with their credit card in the Testing Portal at the time of scheduling.

Where should HP Regional offices go to arrange purchase orders to use as payment for vouchers?

Please send an e-mail to HP at hpexpertone.vouchers@hp.com with your purchase order requests.

I am located in Africa and would like to purchase an exam voucher. What steps should I take to purchase?

You can purchase your exam voucher using a credit card or Paypal through The HP Voucher Store. However, you may also purchase exam vouchers at a Pearson VUE Test Center. You are able to purchase an exam voucher at any of the Pearson VUE Test Centers listed below. Please visit or call one of these test sites and they will assist you in your purchase. When purchasing at a test center, you will be able to complete your transaction in your local currency. However, if purchasing through The HP Voucher Store, your order will be processed in USD.

Please Note: when purchasing your exam voucher at a Pearson VUE Test Center, you may be charged a 30% authorized handling fee. This will be noted on your receipt.

How can my organization become a Pearson VUE test center?

It’s easy to join the Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center network if you meet basic requirements. You’ll find an application, technical specifications and instructions at www.PearsonVUE.com/pvtc/join.

My organization is currently a Pearson VUE test center. Do we need to renew our agreement?

No. Pearson VUE does not plan to make any changes to the authorized testing center agreement.