Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce

Metro Institute provides online computer-based testing services in Mississippi for the Department of Agriculture & Commerce. MDAC proctored testing sites are located throughout the state.

METRO INSTITUTE

The Metro Institute headquaters in Phoenix Arizona

The most secure computer based testing system just got better.

Metro Institute (MI) is the current iCBT provider for the Arizona Department of Agriculture - Pest Management Division (PMD).  MI has been providing testing services in Arizona since 2003.  After our initial success in Arizona, MI was selected by fourteen additional state pesticide regulatory agencies for iCBT exams  Metro also delivers online open-book exams to the South Carolina Pest Control Association and certification exams to Colorado Private Applicators, who may test in the convenience of their own home, via the Internet. 

Metro Institute provides remote online tesing solutions for our state partners to adminsister exams to candidate conveniently from home or office.

 Since inception, Metro Institute has delivered over 1,000,000 secure exams.

There are many benefits to implementing a well planned iCBT program.

Convenience - The tester is free to take the test Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  In some cases evenings and weekends are possible.  The testing centers can be located in the most populated and or geographically advantageous sites throughout your state to provide even more convenience for your testers. Instant pass/fail notification and test scores by category are provided instantly at testing centers.
      
Security - Our system is designed around security first.  No test is ever sent in its entirety, rather a redundant fire walled database server is employed to send and receive encrypted test questions/answers in small packets a question at a time through our protected web server.  In other words when a tester answers a question the next question is delivered in one or multiple packets.   Even if these packets could be intercepted they would not correspond to answers and would be viewed as random data.  No test data is stored on the local hard drive if any test station.  If a tester were to attempt to leave a test to browse the Internet (Google the answer) they would be prevented and immediately locked out of the test.

We employ many other security features as well including an onsite proctor that verifies the identity of the tester, photographs the tester, logs the tester into the test, explains how to take the test and monitors the testing session visually.

Cost - The cost savings of our system is verifiable.  An example of this is the experience of Arizona Department of Agriculture - Pest Management Division.  PMD has reported a saving of over $140,000 dollars in test administration cost the first year of the program alone.  Metro Institute schedules all tests, collects all testing fees, finds and manages all testing centers, fields the majority of test related logistical questions, provides all software, and necessary hardware and more.

Field Relations - If your inspection personnel have testing duties, iCBT will allow them to be in the field more often.  With the testing duties lessened, your personnel can spend more time visiting companies and individuals and more time performing enforcement duties.  This one-on-one time is a great way to enhance your presence to your constituency.  Additionally, your field personnel can verify identity by pulling up a photo of each certified applicator on their web enabled laptop/pda during a field inspection.

Progress - The EPA and various regulatory official associations have been proposing the implementation of iCBT throughout the states.

Not registered to test?

If you have not been issued an MDAC Testing ID number or your previous testing application is expired you must apply with the MDAC. Click the button below to visit !

 
 

Find a Testing Center

Metro has a testing center network with conveniently located throughout Mississippi.
You get  directions and print a map.
Click the button to find your location!
 
 

Already registered to test?

If you have already registered and been issued an MDAC Testing ID number and need to schedule or reschedule a test click the Schedule Now button below. It's fast and easy. Good luck!
 
 

 

Testing "Step by Step"

Application and Testing Procedure:
1. Apply with the Bureau of Plant Industry online at www.metrosignup.com


2. Wait to receive your email from the Bureau of Plant Industry approving you to test.


3. Visit www.metrosignup.com  exam or call: 877-533-2900.


4. Payment of $55 per test (admin fee) may be Check, Visa, MC, AX, or PayPal.


5. Mail checks to Metro Institute, 202 East Earll Drive, Ste 180, Phx, AZ 85012 (Exams cannot be scheduled until payment is received)


6. If you cannot make your exam appointment for any reason, you may reschedule at no charge within 24 hours notice.


7. Don't forget: You must bring your Goverment issued valid photo ID to the testing site. You will not be allowed to test without your photo ID.


8. All exams are closed book and proctored.

 

For customer support call toll free "877-533-2900"  

Helpful Testing Skills

1.  You will have one (1) to two (2) hours to take each examination.  Most people complete each test in half of the alloted time.  Take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully.

2.  You may skip questions and return to them later.  You may review any or the entire test as long as you have time remaining on the clock.  If you forget to answer any questions before selecting the "Finish Test" button, you will receive one warning that you have unanswered questions.  You may then answer those questions and then click the "Finish Test" button again to get your final score.

3.  The commercial certification tests have from 10 to 50 questions each and you must answer 70% correctly to pass. For example, on a test with 10 questions you could only miss 3 questions and still receive a passing score. On a test with 50 questions, you could miss up to 15 questions and still receive a passing score.

4. The license examinations have from 40 to 100 questions each and you must answer 70% correctly to pass. For example, on a test with 40 questions you could only miss 12 questions and still receive a passing score. On a test with a 100 questions, you could miss up to 30 questions and still receive a passing score.

Pass the Test What Next?

You must pass your core and category exam to become commercially certified.  A commercial certification card will be mailed to you from the Bureau of Plant Industry after you’ve successfully passed the core and category exams.

If you passed a Consultant exam, a new or reissued card will be mailed to you from the Bureau of Plant Industry after you’ve successfully passed the required exams.

If you passed a Dealers exam, a certificate will be mailed to you from the Bureau of Plant Industry after you’ve successfully passed the exam.

Reviewing Test scores

When you complete your test be sure and print your score sheet. You will be prompted by the computer to do this at the end of your testing period. If you passed your test, the score sheet is your written proof that you have passed that specific exam. Please review the BOLD text on your score sheet for pest, weed, and/or tree surgeon licensing information. If you failed your test, the score sheet will tell you which "Content Areas" you need to study.

Failed the Test What Next?

If the applicant failed a commercial certification exam or dealer’s exam, the applicant may retake that exam the next available day (typically 48hrs.).

If the applicant fails the consultant examination for the first time, the applicant may take the examination again after a period of at least ninety (90) days. If the applicant fails the consultant examination the second time, the applicant shall wait a full year before taking the examination the third time.

If the applicant fails the tree surgeon examination, the applicant may take it again after a period of at least ninety (90) days.

If the applicant fails a pest or weed control permit examination, the applicant may take it again after a period of at least ninety (90) days.

If the applicant fails the pest or weed control license examination twice in consecutive attempts, the applicant shall wait a full year before taking the examination again.

To Reschedule a Test Online - Click "HERE"  or Call Customer Service  Metro Institute to schedule a new testing time at (602) 452-2900  

awslogo  

About Metro

Metro Institute (MI) is the current iCBT provider for the Arizona Department of Agriculture - Pest Management Division (PMD).  MI has been providing testing services in Arizona since 2003.  After our initial success in Arizona, MI was selected by fourteen additional state pesticide regulatory agencies for iCBT exams.

About us

 

Contact.

METRO INSTITUTE 

202 East Earll Drive, Ste 180
Phoenix, AZ  85012,  USA

Phone: (602) 452-2900

Toll Free: (877)-533-2900

Fax: (602) 452-2920

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Get Our Newsletter

Get timely news and updates!