Perform the following steps:

1. Go to Register/Logon in the top navigation.
2. On the Register/Logon page, enter your information, and choose a password.
3. After clicking on the Register button, you will be registered as a Brainbench member. You are then presented with another page where you are requested to provide additional information about yourself. This information will help us to personalize your Brainbench experience; however, all the information being requested on this page is optional.
4. After clicking the Submit button, you will be logged on to your account.
5. You are now in My Brainbench, which shows your name as you typed it, and your Transcript ID number, which is important to remember.
6. You can now request a test through the Test Center. After you request a test, the system assigns you a personal identification number (PIN - also known as a Test Event ID), Which will enable you to take one test, one time.If you forget the PIN, you can view your unused PINs on the My Brainbench Front Page, under My Plan. Remember,You will receive a separate new PIN numbers for each test.
   

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How do I obtain a test?
All of our tests are accessible through the Test Center. You can click on View All Tests, use the search feature, or browse the tests by category. Once you have found the test you would like to take, click the name of the test or the Test link. You will then see a description and an outline of the topics and subtopics covered in the test. If you are ready to get the test, click Get Test.

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How long does it take to complete a test?
Our online certification tests consist of 40 questions and usually take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

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How often can I attempt a test?
You may take them as often as you like, although you should not take the same test more than 5 times within a 24 hour period. Accounts that indicate excessive usage of one test within a 24 period are monitored and may be blocked for possible violations of the Terms and Conditions. We recommend you take some time to learn topics that you were unfamiliar with before retaking a test, to improve your score. Also, if you take a test more than four times in a 90-day period, it will be noted on your transcript.

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What is the difference between the master and standard levels?
The standard level requires that you pass with a score of 2.75 or above on a scale of 1.0 - 5.0, where 5.0 is the highest. The master level requires that you pass with a score of at least 4.0.

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What percentage of test-takers actually passes?
Approximately 40% of those who complete a certification test become certified. About 12% of those who pass are certified at the master level.

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How do I know what the test is going to cover?
Each assessment has a description that details the major topic areas and audience of the test. In addition, test outlines are available for review that lists the topics and subtopics covered. These outlines help in preparation for tests as they help identify potential weak areas. All questions on the test will come from these categories, so a broad knowledge of the certification area is required. To view the description and test outline for a test, go to the Test Center and click on the test name.

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Where can I obtain test preparation materials?
We have developed numerous practice tests that are available online with several more on the way. These tests provide a simulation of the actual certifications and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

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Can I see the answers to the questions on my test?
Each test contains hundreds of questions of which you only see a small subset. We do not make the questions or answers public in order to maintain the integrity of each test. You can view your personal transcript, which does contain your strengths and weaknesses in each test topic. You can also view specific Topic/Subtopic information on a Knowledge and Skill test by clicking on the View Detailed Topic Results link.

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Are some tests free?
Yes, some of our tests are free. However, free certification tests do not include a certificate. Paper certificates can be purchased for $14.95, electronic certificates can be purchased for $4.95. View Free Tests.

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I received a confirmation e-mail after I ordered a test. Does this mean I have to pay for it?
No. You will receive e-mails that are generated automatically by user activity.

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What role do PerformanceFIT tests play in employment related activities?
PDRI advises test-users to use PerformanceFIT tests as part of a battery of decision-making tools. The EEOC's Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures contains more detailed information on the use of testing as part of your company's hiring, evaluation, or promotion process.

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What is the value of a PerformanceFIT Certification?
Certifications have many advantages in the workplace. In skill-oriented workplaces, certifications can increase earnings 20% or more. In addition to helping you to invest in your career, a PerformanceFIT Certification also allows you to:

• Measure and develop your skills
• Compare your skills to those of other professionals
• Certify and enhance your skills
• Empowers you to take more control over your career development
• Helps your employer target the correct training for your skill level

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What are PerformanceFIT tests like?
PerformanceFIT Certifications are developed, validated, and reviewed by professionals in each area being certified. As we like to say, they are "Tests developed for professionals, by professionals."

PerformanceFIT tests are delivered as Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs). The difficulty level of the items is adjusted according to the skill level of the test-taker. This provides two advantages: 1) individuals are not repeatedly asked questions that are too difficult or too easy for their particular skill level and 2) the true ability of the test-taker can be more effectively assessed. The adaptive test engine produces scores that are reflective of the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty level of those questions. PerformanceFIT Certifications are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the maximum score. A score of 2.75 or higher is required for certification by PerformanceFIT, with a score of 4.0 or higher required to be certified at the Master level. These scores are available to the test-taker as soon as the test is completed.

PerformanceFIT tests generally consist of multiple choice questions. The questions are designed to test real-world knowledge, as opposed to academic or "book" knowledge. You can expect to see sample code, images and scenarios associated with many of the items. Each question has one and only one correct answer. The tests do not penalize for guessing, so individuals are encouraged to make educated guesses in situations where there is uncertainty as to which answer is correct. Most PerformanceFIT tests are 40 questions in length, and take 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon the individual.

Lastly, questions are timed, typically 180 seconds each. A warning will flash on the screen when there are less than 30 seconds left.

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Do you make any special accommodations in your testing process for people with disabilities?
We do provide some special accommodations for people with disabilities. Please contact Customer Support directly for details.

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How do I interpret my PerformanceFIT test score?
Scores range from 1-5 with 5 being the highest in the PerformanceFIT scoring system. Within that range, PDRI recognizes two levels of achievement for standard assessments. A score between 2.75 - 3.99 earns the test taker the standard certification while a score of 4.0 or higher certifies a master level of achievement.

Scores range from 1 to 5 and are divided into the following proficiency level categories:

Proficiency Levels

The proficiency levels describe in very general terms what typical examinees know and their capabilities in an applied setting. However, any individual examinee may not be able to demonstrate all of the knowledge and skills in his or her proficiency level description. Below are the proficiency level descriptions.

Novice
Demonstrates an understanding of only the most basic concepts contained within this topic. Individual will most likely require formal training or self study before receiving any assignments in this area.

Basic
Demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved with this topic. Knowledge level appears equivalent to that gained through introductory courses. May require supplemental training and close supervision to develop a working knowledge level to be able to perform assignments independently.

Proficient
Demonstrates a solid understanding of core concepts within this topic. Appears capable of working on most projects in this area with moderate assistance. May require some initial assistance with advanced concepts.

Advanced
Demonstrates a clear understanding of many advanced concepts within this topic. Appears capable of mentoring others on most projects in this area.

Expert
Demonstrates understanding of most advanced concepts within the subject area. Appears capable of mentoring others on the most complex projects.

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What are the rules for PerformanceFIT tests?
Unlike many standardized tests, individuals are encouraged to use reference materials when taking PerformanceFIT tests. Most professionals routinely consult references in the workplace, so a testing environment should reflect that reality. The goal of PerformanceFIT is to test the concepts covered in references rather than facts, so the correct answer requires application of knowledge rather than rote memorization. Heavy reliance upon reference materials is penalized in the time permitted to answer each question on a test.

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What is Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)?
As test-takers respond to "questions", a computer-adaptive test "adapts" itself to test-takers by selecting the next item to be presented on the basis of performance on preceding items.

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Why is CAT better than static testing?
The advantages of CAT include:

• CAT requires fewer test items to arrive at a more accurate estimate of test-takers' proficiency than pencil-and-paper tests.
• CAT technology allows test-takers to receive immediate feedback on their performance.
• Each test-taker is administered a different set of test questions enhancing the test's security.
• CAT scoring takes into account not just the number of questions answered correctly, but which items were answered correctly.
• A test-taker who correctly answers a more difficult set of questions will score higher than a test-taker who correctly answers an easier set of questions.

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What are PerformanceFIT Certifications™?
PerformanceFIT is an independent certification authority, assessing a variety of skills including IT, Finance, Health Care and Office Skills, to name a few. Independence from other professional organizations permits us to objectively assess skills in a variety of content areas. PerformanceFIT has delivered over 7 million tests to over 6 million of our registered users. Using our rigorous test development process, PerformanceFIT has developed one of the largest online test libraries in the world, totaling over 600 tests.

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How do PerformanceFIT Certifications compare to other certification programs?
The primary advantages of PerformanceFIT Certifications are high quality, low cost, and convenience. Unlike other agencies that require an individual to take a certification at a specially designated testing center or at a specific workstation, PerformanceFIT tests may be taken at any time, anywhere. Removing these constraints not only makes PerformanceFIT testing more convenient to individuals and employers, it also reduces the cost of delivering a test. As a result, PerformanceFIT can provide high-quality certifications at a rate lower than most other entities.

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How long are your certifications valid?
Your certification is valid for 3 years. Upon expiration, your certification will be removed from your transcript. You may retake the test to regain certification.

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Why do certifications expire?
We are constantly striving to keep up with the ever-changing and growing markets; therefore, our tests are constantly updated to include the most current information and topics. As a result, the certifications are only valid for 3 years, after which you must retake the online test.

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What are Job Role Certifications and how are they different from other PerformanceFIT Certifications?
PerformanceFIT now provides a valuable job role certification program, covering today's in-demand job functions. These job roles have been developed using the O*NET classification system of the U.S. Department of Labor and PDRI subject matter experts. While a skill certification can prove that you are knowledgeable about a specific skill, a job role certifications proves that you have a core set of skills required to perform a specific job.

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What are subscriptions?
Subscriptions are the best way to experience Brainbench. They allow you to take unlimited Brainbench Certification tests and/or practice tests. We currently offer three types of subscriptions: Certification Tests Only, Practice Tests Only, and the combination of Certification Tests and Practice Tests. Each of the three subscriptions are offered annually or on a monthly basis. With each subscription that includes certification tests, you receive a certificate for each certification that you earn.

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What type of subscriptions do you offer?
We currently offer three types of subscriptions: Certification Tests Only, Practice Tests Only, and the combination of Certification Tests and Practice Tests. Each of the three subscriptions are offered annually or on a monthly basis. An annual subscription is the most cost-effective way to take Brainbench Certification tests and/or practice tests.

Annual
For an annual subscription, the Certification Test and Practice Test combination retails for U.S. $249.00. For unlimited access to our certification tests only, an annual subscription costs U.S. $199.00. The Practice Tests Only annual subscription is U.S. $99.00.

Monthly
Our monthly subscription for certification tests costs $33.00 per month, which is less than the standard price of a test. The first 3 months of a monthly subscription are paid upfront ($99.00). Afterwards, you are charged per month until you cancel. However, if you choose to pay by certified check or money order, you will be required to send quarterly payments ($99.00) due before the end of your term. Find out more.

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What is included with my subscription?
Depending on the type of subscription you have purchased, the inclusions are as follows:

Certification Tests and Practice Tests combination: Throughout the duration of your subscription, you have unlimited access to all of our certification tests and practice tests. For each certification that you earn, you will receive an 8 1/2" x 11" paper certificate to display your achievement. You can take tests as many times as you wish during your subscription period. (See the information about taking a test multiple times.) This subscription does not include certificates earned prior to your subscription, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.

Certification Tests Only: Throughout the duration of your subscription, you have unlimited access to all of our certification tests. For each certification that you earn, you will receive an 8 1/2" x 11" paper certificate to display your achievement. You can take tests as many times as you wish during your subscription period. (See the information about taking a test multiple times.) This subscription does not include practice tests, certificates earned prior to your subscription, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.

Practice Tests Only: Throughout the duration of your subscription, you have unlimited access to all of our practice tests. You can take the practice tests as many times as you wish during your subscription period. This subscription does not include certification tests, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or any certificates.

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What is not included with my subscription?
Depending on the type of subscription you have purchased, the exclusions are as follows:

Certification Tests and Practice Tests combination: This subscription does not include certificates earned prior to your subscription, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.

Certification Tests Only: This subscription does not include practice tests, certificates earned prior to your subscription, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or replacement certificates.

Practice Tests Only: This subscription does not include certification tests, items from TheStore@Brainbench, or any certificates.

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Are practice tests included with the subscriptions?
Practice tests are included with the following subscriptions: Certification Tests and Practice Tests combination and Practice Tests Only.

However, they are not included in the Certification Tests Only subscription. You may upgrade this subscription plan to include practice tests or you can purchase them separately on our web site.

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Are certificates included with the subscriptions?
Certificates are included with the subscriptions that include certification tests. For those respective subscriptions, each time you pass a Brainbench Certification test, you will receive an 8 1/2" x 11" paper certificate that displays your achievement. If you need additional copies of your certificate, these can be purchased separately.

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How do I purchase a subscription?
If you would like to purchase a subscription, go to the subscription offer page and order now. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase a subscription by sending a certified check or money order. Read how you can do this.

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Can I purchase a subscription if I do not have a credit card?
You can purchase a subscription without a credit card. To do so, send us a certified check or money order for the respective amount of your desired subscription. Read how you can do this.

If you purchase a monthly subscription, you will need to pay for the first 3 months upfront just like someone paying with a credit card. However, subsequent months will need to be paid in quarterly payments (as opposed to monthly) to avoid any disruption in service. For example, the payment for the next 3 months of service needs to reach us before the expiration of your first 3 months.

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How long is my subscription valid?
If you purchase an annual subscription, the standard length of your subscription is 12 months from the date of purchase. Afterwards, your subscription plan will automatically renew until you choose to cancel. For our annual subscription plans, we will alert you to your impending renewal via e-mail 30 days, and then again 2 weeks prior to your renewal date. As long as you do not elect to cancel your subscription, we will bill your credit card automatically in order to ensure that your service will not be interrupted.

If you purchase a monthly subscription, your subscription is valid for at least 3 months. Thereafter, for your convenience, we will bill your credit card U.S. $33.00 each month so that you can continue your subscription.

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Do I have to buy a subscription?
No. You can enjoy Brainbench Certification tests and/or practice tests without buying a subscription. See information about the cost of our tests.

However, you will find that having an annual (Best Value!) or monthly subscription (Good Value!) is the most cost-effective way to experience Brainbench.

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How many times can I take a test?
With a subscription, you can take a test as many times as you wish during your term. You will not have to pay additional fees to retake a test. However, if you take a test more than four times during a 90-day period, it will be noted on your public transcript.

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Can I upgrade my subscription plan to another plan that better suits my needs?
Yes, you can upgrade your subscription plan in a number of ways. To complete your upgrade, click the Subscription Status option on the My Account menu in My Brainbench. General questions about your upgrade can be directed to our Customer Support Team at (703) 674-3369.

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Can I upgrade from a monthly to an annual subscription?
Yes. If you upgrade your plan, the 12 months are added to the remaining time left on your monthly subscription.

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How do I submit a "non-renewal" request for my subscription?
To ensure your non-renewal request is processed correctly, please complete the Non-renewal Request Form by going to the Brainbench Subscription Renewal Options page and clicking "Request to not renew my subscription plan." at the bottom of the page. For security reasons, you will need to log on to your account before you can submit your request.

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Last year/6 months ago, I purchased a subscription, why was my credit card charged again by Brainbench?
As a valued subscriber, your subscription has been automatically renewed. Please review our subscription plan terms and conditions:

1. All tests and practice tests must be taken during the subscription term. Unused tests and practice tests will be removed from the account when the subscription term is completed.
2. Monthly subscription plans are billed each month. The first three installments are billed at signup.
3. Annual and 6-month subscriptions are billed in full at the time of signup.
4. All subscriptions will be automatically renewed at the end of the term. Two reminder e-mails will be sent: one 30 days before the end of the contract term, and another 14 days before the end of the contact term.
5. A non-renewal request must be submitted 14 days before the expiration of the subscription term to avoid being automatically billed for the next term.
6. Subscriptions are for individual use only. Violation of this condition can result in the termination of subscription.
7. Subscriptions are not prorated and are non-refundable.
8. Brainbench reserves the right to cancel a subscription at any time.

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What is a PerformanceFIT paper certificate?
A PerformanceFIT certificate is proof of your online certification. It includes your name, your certification, and the date that you completed the test. See what one looks like.

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What types of certificate do you offer?
PerformanceFIT certificates are available in two mediums, paper or electronic.

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What is the difference between the two certificates?
The paper certificate is sent to a printer and mailed from their facility. The electronic certificate is a PDF file that is available to download immediately from your account.

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Can I order a certificate for the beta test I passed?
Certificates are not available for beta tests. The Beta test is still in development to validate that the content is accurate and that the questions are understandable. The test can change considerably during this development period so the test that ultimately becomes a certification test is not necessarily the test you took during the beta testing. When the Beta test is removed from the development status and added to our list of available tests, it is free to the first 1000 takers, however you would need to purchase the certificate after successful completion.

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How do I get my Job Role certificate?
All subscription holders prior to January 1, 2009 will receive a paper Job Role certificate automatically upon the successful completion of the job role if the account has a valid mailing address associated with it. Electronic Job Role Certificates can be downloaded for free from the Order Certificates option on the left navigation menu.

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How are PerformanceFIT paper certificates shipped?
PerformanceFIT paper certificates are shipped via first class mail in the U.S. An international carrier handles all other shipping.

See the certificate delivery schedule for details.

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How long does it take to receive a paper certificate?
After ordering your certificate, please allow 3 to 6 weeks for delivery in the U.S. International delivery takes about 5 to 9 weeks.

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Can I have my Brainbench paper certificate express shipped to me?
Currently, we do not have the ability to express ship our paper certificates. We are working to provide this option to you in the near future.

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How can I check the address that my certificate was mailed to?
Your paper certificate will be mailed to the address you entered when ordering the certificate. You will be asked to confirm this address after completing a test and when you purchase/get the certificate.

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How can I order a replacement copy or additional copy of my PerformanceFIT paper certificate?
Replacement certificates are available for purchase at a price of U.S. $14.95 each. You can order a replacement certificate on our site by logging on to your account at www.performancefit.com and clicking Order Certificates on the My Account menu.

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I passed a test, but never received my certificate. Is it still coming?
Please allow 3 to 6 weeks for domestic delivery and 5 to 9 weeks for international delivery of your paper certificate. You may also check the certificate delivery schedule. We recommend that you log on to your online account and ensure that you have entered your address information correctly. If your address is incorrect, please contact us at Customer Support.

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What is My Plan?
You will find My Plan on the home page of your account. You will also find a link to My Plan under the Skills Center on the left navigation. In My Plan you will find tests and job roles that your employer either suggests or requires that you complete. To move tests to My Plan, simply click on the Plan link in the Test Center once you have completed a search. You will also find that the test that you have selected, but have yet to take, will also be in My Plan for your convenience.

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What happens if I accidentally delete a job role that's in progress? Will I lose all my results?
If you delete a job role from My Plan, you will not lose your test results. Your results are permanently stored in your account under Build My Transcript which is located under My Transcript in the left navigation. If you want to add a job role back into My Plan, simply add it again. Any tests that you have already taken that are a part of that job role will show a status. If you purchased a test from within a job role and then deleted the job role, your purchased test will appear under the individual tests section of My Plan.

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How does the Learning Plan work?
The My Plan section of the site also offers you the opportunity to store learning that you would like to take in the future. Links can be stored for any of the learning providers that are available. You can do this in a couple of ways. For example, if you are in My Plan, simply click the Add Learning link. This will take you to a list of skills tests that are currently available. To select learning, click the Learn link next to the skill you want to improve. You will then be taken to the Learning Center. From there you can select the type of learning you would like to take (books, online courses, etc.), your current proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and, finally, the provider. Once you have reviewed the resources available, you can then save the search to that learning in My Plan by clicking the Save to My Plan link. You will then be directed to My Plan and will see the learning search stored in your Learning Plan at the bottom of the page. When you are ready to view or purchase the learning, go to My Plan and click the link that you stored. If you are not in My Plan, you can click the Learn link next to the skill you want to improve and you will be on your way.

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What is the Learning Center?
PDRI has formed partnerships with leading training resources to offer a wide variety of options from which you can improve your knowledge.

To access learning, simply find the skill that you want to improve from the Test Center, and click the Learn link. We are continually searching for leading resources to integrate in our site and plan on offering more options in the months to come.

Please note that the information accessed from these sites is maintained by the partnership company. If you require additional information regarding their site you would need to contact their company directly.

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What happens if I save something to my Learning Plan?
Saving items to your Learning Plan provides you with easier access to the learning that will help you improve your skills. Once saved, you can simply click on the links stored in your Learning Plan (under My Plan) to find the information you need quickly. You can delete items from your Learning Plan that have not been purchased (or you can delete items available to you through a seat license).

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What browser is best to use when viewing the site?
PerformanceFIT is best viewed using Netscape 6 and higher or Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher.

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I am using WebTV to view your site and I am having difficulties. Why?
Our site is not compatible with the infrastructure in WebTV; therefore, our site will not display correctly or run tests properly.

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I am having difficulties accessing your site from work, but not from home. Why?
Your work may have a firewall or proxy server. Firewalls and proxy servers have security parameters established that will not allow you to view certain web sites. You should contact your system administrator regarding permissions to view our site from behind a firewall or proxy server.

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How do I order a Brainbench product with a certified check or money order?
If you do not use a credit card, you may send us a certified check or money order* for the cost of each product (that is, subscriptions, tests, certificates, items from TheStore@Brainbench, and Practice Tests) ordered (includes shipping and handling). Please mail this to us at the following address:

Brainbench, Inc.
PO Box 200125
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-0125 United States

In your correspondence, you must include the following information or we will be unable to process your order:

• Exact name of the product (for example, HTML 4.0 certification test; T-Shirt, Large; or C++ Practice Test)
• Your full name as listed in your account
• Your phone number
• Your e-mail address
• Your transcript ID
• Any applicable promo code (optional)

It is important that you make sure that address is current and up-to-date because we will ship any products to the address listed in the account. Again, we must have all of this information to accept and process your order.

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What is a promo code?
A promo code is used for special promotional offers and/or discounts given to Brainbench members at the complete discretion of Brainbench.

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