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EIFS CERTIFICATE AND TESTING INFORMATION |
This section gives you details on how to go about taking the exam for the mechanics' certification after completing the EIFS—Doing It Right video instruction. The Foreword on pages 1-4 of the workbook also has relevant information.
Click here for details about the video and workbook set.
Applicators and their employers are to be commended for their decision to go for the mechanics' certificate awarded by AWCI. The instructional set provides the viewer with industry-accepted correct EIFS installations. Earning the education certificate establishes that the mechanic has demonstrated the acquired knowledge by passing the objective exam. This step is an extra measure of confidence for the contractor and building owner.
Read through all the information below to be informed of the process. The following assumes an employer will be registering and taking responsibility for the employee, hereafter referred to as the "examinee."
1. The first step for the examinee to be eligible to take the mechanics’ exam is to complete the application form, which is in the center of the EIFS—Doing It Right workbook, and mail this to AWCI. Certified mail is suggested since the original form is required.
2. AWCI will reply with a letter containing a personal eligibility code. This code is required to register online at this site. The date on this letter begins the six-month period in which the test must be taken. It is recommended that the examinee take the exam within three months of completing the video & workbook program. Extensions may be given if requested.
3. These are things you need to know about the test process:
4. After passing the test, the examinee will receive the wallet ID card (a portable certificate) and information about certification and re-certification.
5. When you receive the letter containing the eligibility code (see number 2 above), you are ready to register for the test online through AWCI’s Web site. Or, you may call AWCI at (703) 538-1612, and AWCI staff will register the examinee using the information provided.
Note: If you have a pop up blocker on your computer, you will have to disable it for following 2 links to connect.
 Click here to enter AWCI's testing vendors screen to register and pay for the mechanics’ exam in English or in Spanish after receiving your eligibility code.
Click here for the practice test. This simple 10-question test is interactive and will give the examinee a preview of the test format on the computer at the test center.
Testing Locations and Fee
During the registration process, you or your employer will receive a phone number to call to select a time and place for your exam. You have a choice of 250 locations around the country. The $80 fee covers facility and equipment use for the two-hour exam, services of the exam proctor and other administrative costs.
How the Computer Testing Works
The examinee should allow plenty of time to get to the Prometric Test Center. No reference materials may be brought into the testing room. The examinee will be seated at a computer terminal for the EIFS mechanics’ exam in the previously selected English or Spanish version. Only basic computer skills are needed for this simple format; practicing with the sample test provided on this site will help familiarize those without any computer experience. The examinee will have two hours to complete the multiple-choice exam. The proctor will be observing the examinees for any unacceptable behaviors. Notice of passing or failing is given immediately at completion. Formal notification will follow by mail. Examinees failing the test may request performance feedback by topic category.
What to Bring to the Test Site
The examinee must bring two forms of identification with him, one with photo, and the authorization letter containing his unique password.
How to Prepare and the Practice Exam
The most important preparation for the exam is to know and understand the information provided in EIFS—Doing It Right videos and workbook. An examinee who does not review this material is at risk of failing the exam. Answering the practice questions in the workbook is one way to reinforce the material covered. These practice questions are simple and a different type than the exam questions for the mechanics’ certificate. The examinee is encouraged to take the practice exam even if he is familiar with computers. Examinees who are not familiar with computers should find someone to walk them through the practice exam. As an added help, he could show the examinee basic computer features, such as how to use a mouse. You may also request printouts of how the computer test screens will look so the examinee can become familiar with the format.
The examinee needs to remember he will be asked questions on techniques and procedures outlined in EIFS—Doing It Right. He needs to answer accordingly, not how he is used to doing things, if they should be different.
The examinee should do whatever is necessary to stay as relaxed as possible. Stress interferes with thinking clearly. Therefore, it is better not to "cram" the night before the test. Instead, see a movie or do something relaxing. Allow plenty of travel time to arrive relaxed at the test center.
Cancellations, Rescheduling and Refunds
You may reschedule or cancel your testing appointments by calling the test center by noon two days prior to the scheduled testing time. For example, to cancel a test scheduled for Monday, you must notify Prometric 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 Prometric 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 48 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 48-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.
Retaking the Exam
In the event the examinee fails the examination and wishes to re-test, he must call AWCI immediately to receive a new eligibility code. He can use this code to re-register with Prometric. The retake fee is $80.
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 Prometric centers comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
When and How to Get Your Test Report and Performance Feedback
Unofficial pass / fail scores will be provided at the completion of the exam. Once scores have been received by AWCI, an official score report will be mailed. Failing examinees may request a listing of how he did on each of the topic areas; however, a percentage correct or incorrect is not available.
About the Test
The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in either the video or workbook. (See How to Prepare and the Practice Exam). It is a two-hour timed test.
AWCI contracted with a professional testing company for assistance in developing a valid and reliable examination according to scientific principles.
The questions themselves were written by subject matter experts in the EIFS industry 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.
For the Spanish version, the questions were translated by the professional translation company that also translated the workbook. The objective was to use "international Spanish" because it is widely understood in the many Spanish speaking countries.
Reports will be given as pass or fail only. No actual scores will be given. Establishing the "passing point" for the mechanics’ exam was also performed with the assistance of the testing professionals. A panel of end-users was assembled to participate in a modified Angoff-Study to determine the passing point.
Options to Computer Testing
If the examinee is very uncomfortable with the idea of taking the test on a computer, arrangements can be made through AWCI to take a paper-and-pencil test. Contact AWCI directly for more information.
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