Test development

AWCI contracted a professional testing company for assistance in developing a valid and reliable examination. Along with these professionals, a panel of end-users was assembled to participate in a modified Angoff-Study to determine the "passing point." Questions were written by EIFS industry experts under the guidance of the testing professionals. Several panels reviewed the questions for clarity, consistency and to eliminate regional terminology and any possible "tricky" wording.

Pre-qualifications

• Those EIFS mechanics who wish to test for their AWCI certification must first meet the following pre-qualifications for testing.
1. Minimum of one year of application experience installing EIFS in the field OR completion of the EIFS instruction portion of a qualified plastering apprenticeship program.
2. Ability to read and understand English and/or Spanish at a sixth-grade level. (It is preferred that participants also have the ability to read blueprints.)

Application and authorization to test

• An application to test (the blue form found in the back of each AWCI EIFS—Doing It Right^® workbook) must be completed by each examinee. Discovery of false information may cause disqualifications or later revocation of certificate. Data will be randomly checked. The test is available in English or Spanish; check the appropriate box on the application so AWCI will know which test code to assign.
• AWCI must receive an original application to test (blue form with ragged edges) from every examinee. Certified mail is suggested.
• AWCI will review the application and reply to each examinee with a letter containing a personal authorization number and test code. This authorization number and test code are required to schedule a testing date at one of the 250 PSI testing centers around the nation. The date on this letter begins the six-month period in which the test must be taken.
• The examinee and/or his/her company will contact the testing center directly to schedule and pay the $85 fee to test.

How the computer testing works

• No reference materials may be brought into the testing room. The test has 110 multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in either the EIFS—Doing It Right^® DVD or workbook. NOTE: The Spanish version is written in "universal Spanish" and allows the examinee to switch back and forth from English to Spanish to aid in comprehension.
• Maximum time allowed to complete the test is three hours.
• Results will be given as pass or fail only. No actual scores will be given.

What to bring to the test

Bring the PSI confirmation and a government-issued photo ID to the testing location at the scheduled time. You will not be admitted without these. Any cheating or appearance of cheating during the test will result in immediate dismissal from the test center and denial of certification.

Test Results

PSI will provide you with a Computer Test Report that includes your pass/fail test results and percentage correct in each area tested. DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT. AWCI does not provide this information.

Within one to four weeks, AWCI will send you an official response. AWCI will not provide test scores. Those passing will receive a letter of congratulations, CEM wallet cards and other pertinent materials.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (703)538-1612 or email eifs@awci.org.

Locating a PSI testing center

AWCI will send you an authorization letter with instructions to set up, and pay for, a test appointment at the PSI location of your choosing. The cost to test is $85, payable to PSI via credit card. Click here to find the testing location nearest you. Enter your ZIP code and pull down Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry as the sponsor.

Cancellations, Rescheduling and Refunds

PSI national telephone registration hours are 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Pacific Time.

You may reschedule or cancel your testing appointments by calling the test center 24 hours prior to the scheduled testing time. To cancel a test scheduled for Monday, you must notify PSI by noon on Friday before the Monday appointment. Messages left on answering machines on weekends are not acceptable. It is your responsibility to cancel your appointment. Failure on your part to reach PSI in adequate time does not release you from payment for an examination that you cannot attend.

If you call within the appropriate time limits (more than 24 hours before the scheduled test) you may reschedule your exam. If you do not wish to reschedule, no refunds are provided.

If you cancel after the 24-hour time limit, fail to show up for a scheduled appointment, or arrive more than 30 minutes late for a scheduled appointment you are considered a "no show" and your examination fee will not be refunded.

FREE Online PSI Demo Test

Prepare for the test by reviewing all of your class materials and taking the demo test online. Click on any demo test on bottom right. This demo test is not on EIFS content, but shows how the test will appear on the computer.

AWCI's failed test policy

An application to re-test must be submitted to AWCI no later than nine months after the date of the failed test. Re-tests must be taken within the six-month period stated on AWCI’s reply notice. AWCI requires a 30 day waiting period between tests. Deadlines may be waived in some circumstances.

In the event the examinee fails the test three times (the original and two re-tests) AWCI's policy is as follows:

• The examinee must wait six months after the last failed test before AWCI will authorize another re-test.
• During that six-month period, the examinee is to watch the DVD two more times with a supervisor monitoring the process to determine if there is a reading or learning disability causing the examinee to fail the written test. If ADA assistance is required, contact AWCI who will coordinate with Laser Grade/PSI for assistance.
• The examinee must read the EIFS—Doing It Right^® workbook and answer the practice questions after each section and send a copy to AWCI's education and certification director. AWCI will grade the answers to the practice questions and notify the examinee of the results.
• If all of the above criteria are met, at the end of six months, AWCI will issue one more authorization number to re-test.

Requests for Special Testing Needs (ADA Requirements)

It is the intent of AWCI to accommodate all duly qualified individuals seeking the EIFS education certificate. If the examinee has a disability that may require special testing accommodations, you should contact AWCI as soon as possible to state the nature of the disability and the accommodation desired. AWCI reserves the right to request a letter from a qualified, licensed medical professional explaining the disability and accommodation required. All Laser Grade/PSI centers comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.