Testing Services
- 97 N. Razorback Road
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 - P 479-575-3948
- Fax 479-575-4608
- testing@uark.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why won't you report my institutional test scores to other colleges or universities?
A: Institutional testing was established by some testing companies to allow colleges
and universities to set their own test schedules for their students and to provide
faster turn-around times by self-scoring. Testing companies will only allow the reporting
of scores that are produced by the testing companies themselves. Violation of their
policy will result in UA losing it's testing privileges.
Q: Why are testing companies so particular about identification?
A: Because some tests such as ACT result in the award of scholarships or, as in the case
of GRE, admission into competitive graduate schools, rigorous identification requirements
must be strictly followed to assure the validity of test scores. Students should always
be aware of identification requirements for the exam they are taking in order to avoid
being turned away from testing. Most testing companies require a valid (non-expired)
government-issued ID such as a passport, driver's license, military ID, etc. Student
ID's are not always allowed as the primary form of ID.
Q: Why can't I take a national exam any time I need to?
A: All nationals test dates are set by testing companies and not by Testing Services.
These dates are set up to 5 years in advance and are not changeable. Test materials
are sent to UA just prior to the exam and are returned immediately afterward.
Q: Why can't I take an institutional exam any time I need to?
A: Last year, Testing Services tested approximately 20,000 students in 400 academic test
sessions. Obviously, our schedule is very heavy. Testing Services carefully sets the
institutional test schedule prior to each year by consulting different departments
on campus to consider admission and academic needs and to accommodate important events
such as New Student Orientation. We realize that on occasion extreme circumstances
may necessitate a student taking an institutional test out of cycle. In this case,
we will try to work with you to set a time that is convenient for you if possible.
There is an additional fee for this service (See Proctoring Services).
Q: Is there any way I can take this test? The test deadline for registration has passed.
A: Many national testing companies allow late registration for a certain period of time
after the deadline has passed but will charge a late fee. Some testing companies also
allow standby testing; however, there is no guarantee that you will be tested. It
depends on the availability of extra test materials on the day of the exam. There
is always a standby fee for this service. Please ask us if you miss the registration
deadline, and we will give you the available options for testing. (There are also
late fees charged for institutional tests when the deadline is missed.)
Q: May I still take my TOEFL or SLPT exam? My passport has been sent to my embassy
for renewal.
A: Unfortunately, these exams and several others require your passport, and you will
be unable to test.
Q: If I don't do well, may I retake the test?
A: Yes, in most cases. However, please refer to the information/registration bulletin
to find out the retest policy of your exam. Policies widely vary between different
tests.