SMT requires a testing room with adequate lighting and ventilation, free from external noise, and containing desks or tables allowing at least three (3) feet between candidates. Saturday hours are preferred because many associations prefer Saturday testing. The test center may be asked to administer tests of up to eight hours, although two to four hours exams are by far the most common. No other activity may be occurring in the testing room while tests are being administered, although other tests may be administered as long as there are no interruptions for the candidates.

The designated Test Coordinator must notify SMT of any irregularities during a testing session (e.g., interruption, excessive noise, etc.) by submitting an Incident Report.

SMT requires at least one qualified proctor for each fifteen (15) examinees. The designated coordinator for SMT testing will ensure a sufficient number of qualified proctors on the day of testing and that each proctor has thoroughly reviewed the procedures for the testing client. Proctors must remain in the testing room throughout the administration unless relieved by another qualified proctor. Proctors must not be involved in any other activity (e.g., reading) during the test, other than routine test center activities.

If a proctor notes any suspected cheating, s/he is not to interrupt the test, but must immediately notify the Test Coordinator, who will contact SMT. The proctor must also note any other irregularities during testing on the Incident Report.

Note: the Coordinator may serve as a proctor.

Careful attention to security is vital to the integrity of our clients' testing programs. The examinations represent a considerable investment of time and money for both SMT and our clients. Consequently, security is of utmost importance.

Conflict of interest: no individual connected to the profession being tested (as a student, teacher, or practitioner) may serve as an administrator or proctor for that examination.

Before the testing date: SMT will ship testing materials to the designated coordinator for SMT testing via secure carrier no more than one week prior to the test administration date. The coordinator (or his/her SMT-authorized designee) must personally receive and sign for these materials. Once received, the coordinator must open the shipment immediately, inventory the materials against the packing list, and submit a Shipping Receipt Report . Any discrepancies must be reported to SMT immediately. After confirming the shipment, the box(es) must be re-sealed and kept in a locked location until the test administration date.

ANY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH EXAMINATION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE TESTING MATERIALS SHIPMENT.

On the testing date: The Test Coordinator must deliver materials to the proctor(s) as specified in the instructions. The Coordinator must ensure all proctors are familiar with the testing procedures, including all security protocols. All examinees must produce their administration ticket and a government-issued identification in order to be admitted to the administration session. The Coordinator must call SMT immediately if an examinee cannot produce either document. Examinees must sign the Examinee Roster.

When all examinees have completed their examinations, all materials must be returned to the Coordinator, who will package and ship all materials, including answer documents, signed Examinee Roster(s), and signed Administration Instruction(s) per SMT instructions. At no time shall the completed testing materials be out of the coordinator's control.