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Metro Institute provides online computer-based testing services in Alabama for the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. ADAI proctored testing sites are conveniently located throughout Alabama. All persons desiring to hold a Certified Operator License with the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries must first apply with ADAI and pass an exam(s) in the appropriate category(s).

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If you have not been issued an TDA Account Number or have never tested at a Metro computer based testing center you must apply with the TDA. It fast and easy good luck!

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If you have already applied and been issued an New Account number or existing license number and need to schedule or reschedule a test click the Schedule Now button below. It's fast and easy good luck!

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More Information on Applications

Structural

Before scheduling a Technician or Certified Applicator exam you must be approved by TDA and have an Approval Number.

Upon approval of the license application, TDA will send the applicant a letter with a New Account Number. This account number will be used to register and schedule the exams with Metro Institute.

If you are currently a licensed Technician or Certified Applicator and are either currently working for a business or your license is "Inactive" you may continue to schedule exams to add categories to your license. You will continue to use your Technician license number or your Certified Applicator license number (make sure to include the leading zero) to schedule exams with Metro Institute.

To apply with TDA Structural Pest Control Service or you need additional information visit:

TDA Structural Pest Control Service

(Click)

 

 

Agriculture

Before scheduling a Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator or Noncommercial Political Subdivision Pesticide Applicator exam you must Submit the completed applicator license application form and license fee to TDA and be approved.

Upon approval TDA will send the applicant a letter in the mail with a New Account Number.

Private Applicators must first take the Texas Private Applicator Training Course, then apply to TDA, pay the required license fee, and receive their eligibility letter with a unique TDA Account Number before they will be able to schedule the Private Applicator Exam.

To apply with TDA Agriculture Pesticide Program or you need additional information visit:

TDA Agricultural Pesticides

(Click)

Weights & Measures

All Service Technicians must be employed by a Licensed Service Company. To apply to be a Service Technician, email your completed RWM-708 application to:

WeightsMeasures@TexasAgriculture.gov

Upon approval of the license application, TDA will send the applicant a letter with a New Account Number. This account number will be used to register and schedule the exams with Metro Institute. Technicians needing to renew their license or add Classes will use their Existing License Number to register.

You must have a New Account Number or Existing License Number to schedule exams.

To apply with TDA Weights and Measures or you need additional information visit:

TDA Weights and Measures

(Click)

 

 

Testing Info

Everything you need to know to get started.

Testing "Step-by-Step"

Customer Registration: Structural, Agricultural and Weights and Measures

To schedule exams, you must have your existing TDA issued current License/Certification number, TDA Approval number or TDA New Account number.

Register with Metro 

Metro Institute maintains a simple-to-use online customer registration and scheduling system available at the company’s Metro Online Services (MOS) website at

www.metrosignup.com

A new customer needs to do little more than enter a name, phone number and email address to register and get started. Metro will collect additional information to help contact customers when necessary or as required by TDA.

Customers may access the scheduling website twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

To access specific exams for scheduling the customer will be required to enter a TDA issued number. This will be an existing certification number or TDA Approval/New Account number.

Anyone can sign up on the Metro website. Metro provides a unique means by which “Company Representatives” (e.g., employers, office managers, etc.) may also sign up on the website. Company Reps can then quickly register additional examinees (i.e., fellow employees) under his or her own MOS account and schedule exams on the employee’s behalf from a single login. This special feature is specifically designed in response to the needs of the private pest control industry with companies who may have many employees in need of test taking.

Full instructions and helpful hints are provided throughout the entire signup, scheduling, and payment process. Metro provides exam descriptions to help customers make correct exam selections and TDA contact information if the candidate is not sure what exams to take.

Customers may return to MOS at any time to schedule retakes or schedule additional TDA approved exam categories.

If Metro Institute cannot not locate your number in our system you cannot schedule and purchase tests on the Metro website, Please contact TDA directly to ascertain your number or to check your eligibility status.

Agricultural Pesticide Information
Main:(512) 463-7622
Email: pesticides@TexasAgriculture.gov
Website: Agricultural Pesticide Program

Structural Pest Control Information
Main:(512) 463-3207
Email: spcs@TexasAgriculture.gov
Website: Structural Pest Control Service

Weights and Measures Information
Main: (512) 463-7698
Fax: (888) 215-5386
Email: weightsmeasures@texasagriculture.gov
Website: Weights and Measures Program

If you know your “Number” or TDA license number follow the steps below

Testing Registration and Scheduling Procedures:

The scheduling procedure can be summarized as follows:

  • Log into the online scheduling system with a unique username and password received at new customer registration. Once logged in select the test candidate you wish to schedule and enter their unique TDA-issued existing Certification Number, New Account or TDA Approval Number to access approved exams.
  • Select the exam/s to schedule.
  • A list of available testing locations is presented for selection. Customers may schedule an appointment to take an exam at any statewide conveniently located Metro proctored location.
  • The available days and times for the selected location are then displayed. Multiple exams may be scheduled on the same day if time permits; alternatively, each exam selected in a purchase may be scheduled on different days.
  • Exam, location, and appointment details are gathered and summarized at each step of the scheduling experience; importantly, customer may edit any appointment selections at any time in the process prior to payment.
  • Satisfied with the appointment selections, press the checkout button and pay for the exam/s using any major debit/credit card or PayPal account.
  • Once scheduled a printable receipt and testing itinerary are provided on screen.
  • An email itinerary is sent at the time of scheduling as well.
  • The testing itinerary details the candidate's name. the day/time and location of all scheduled exams and other testing site information.

Structural and Agricultural exams are $64.00 each. Retake exams are $64.00 each.

Weights and Measures exams are $60.00 each. Retake exams are $60.00 each.

The customer may return to the scheduling system to reschedule or retake an exam using the same login credentials.

Exams cannot be cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the appointment. Failure to cancel in time or failure to appear for the appointment will result in the forfeiture of the exam fees.

Notice: All exams are closed book except for the Weights and Measures Class exams. Weights and Measures candidates MUST bring a clean and unmarked copy of NIST HB44 to the testing facility. Handbooks that have notes or markings in them will not be allowed in the testing centers. The testing center will NOT have copies available for use on site. 

Register and Schedule a Test Online - "HERE"

For Assistance  with Registration or Scheduling Call  "877-533-2900" 

 

Not sure of the testing requirement or what test you need?

TDA Weights and Measures: queue line: (512)-463-7698

TDA Structural Pest: queue line: (512)-463-3207

TDA Agricultural: queue line: (512)-463-7622

Customer Service Woman

 

Exam Info and Testing Rules: 

Exam Durations, Question count and Passing Score:

  • Structural Exams are 50 questions each  and you will have up to 75 minutes to complete your exam. The average completion time for all exams is approximately half of the allotted time. Therefore, take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully. Exams are $64.00 per exam. Retakes are $64.00 per exam.

 

  • Agricultural Exams most exam categories are 50 questions each  and you will have one hour to complete your exam.  The General Standards and Private Applicator exams are 100 questions and you will have two hours to complete your exam. The Private Applicator recertification exam is 125 questions and you will have up to three hours to complete your exam. Therefore, take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully. Exams are $64.00 per exam. Retakes are $64.00 per exam.

 

  • Weight and Measure Exams are 20 questions each with the exception of Class 7 which is 25 questions. You will have up to one hour to complete your exam. Therefore, take your time and read each question and each of the possible answers very carefully. Exams are $60.00 per exam. Retakes are $60.00 per exam.

All exams require 70% or greater to pass.


Examinee Personal Items
Maintaining exam integrity is one of the primary goals of a proctored exam. One of the ways exam integrity is achieved is by limiting the items allowed in the testing room. The method used to store personal items can vary by testing center. Examples of storage methods are lockers, storage containers, or asking examinees to leave unnecessary items in their vehicle. All testing centers must provide some form of secure storage for car keys and other small items.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room:

(This list is representative but is not exhaustive. Other items that are deemed to cause distraction to other examinees or put exam security at risk may be prohibited)
• All electronic devices, watches, fitness devices (e.g., Fitbits), cellphone, smart glasses backpacks, purses, wallets, bags, sunglasses, food or drink, loose change, personal scratch paper, trading aids, pencils, pens, tissues, hats, earmuffs, scarfs, umbrellas, medications (inhalers or diabetic items are exceptions), personal laptops, keys, and work ID badges
• Regarding outerwear, coats and jackets should be stored or hung up outside of the testing room.


Items to be VISUALLY checked before an examinee is seated:
• Glasses - Proctor must visually inspect the glasses of examinee.
• Jewelry - Solid or chunky jewelry must be visually inspected. Items that may cause noise or distraction must be removed.
• Pockets - Pockets of examinees must be emptied with all items placed in a locker or storage area. Examinees must be asked to pat their pockets to show all items have been removed. Some testing centers require that pockets be turned inside out. (Please note: The proctor should never physically touch the examinee to determine that pockets have been emptied. This should be determined by visual inspection only.)

Other Considerations:
 Backpacks - rolling or large bags that do not fit in the storage area should be stored in vehicle. If that is not possible, it is recommended that valuables be removed and secured in the locker or storage area. Backpacks must be placed at a designated location with the understanding that the examinee is liable for any belongings. Examinees’ personal belongings must never be stored in the proctor area.

Guests Accompanying Examinees to the Testing Centers

Only examinees are allowed in the testing center, including the waiting area and testing room. Any guests accompanying the examinees will be required to wait outside the center regardless of age. Minors (anyone under 18) must be accompanied by an adult while they are waiting outside the center. If an examinee has brought a minor with them and has no one to supervise the minor(s), the proctor shall instruct the examinee to reschedule his/her testing appointment.
Exam Aids
• The use of a personal calculator is prohibited, and a simple four function calculator should be provided to the test candidate.
• Scratch paper and a writing instrument will be provided to the examinee and collected by the proctor immediately after the examinee leaves the testing room.
• The examinee’s name and testing ID number will be written or printed on the top of all scratch paper issued to confirm collection.

Monitoring
Proctors will monitor exam examinees at all times during exam delivery. Active monitoring is the process of continually observing examinees as they take their exams. Examinees must be actively monitored at all times. Several methods are used: viewing windows visible by a seated proctor, proctor walk-throughs of the testing room, cameras, and computer software (for certain exams). 

Examinee Disqualifications
All incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported as defined in processes below. Suspected cheating on exams should be verified by at least two center staff persons whenever possible before action is taken.
• Examinees will be disqualified for cheating.
• Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying questions or answers in any manner, talking with other examinees, referring to any notes while the exam is being administered, or being in possession of any items with documented questions, answers or notes or any other restricted materials.
• When an examinee is disqualified, the exam will be terminated and the examinee will be asked to leave the testing center.
• The proctor will collect and retain any evidence or items relevant to the incident such as notes, study material or devices.

• Any disqualifying incident will immediately be reported to Metro Institute 
• Metro will request a written email incident report to be sent to the designated Metro Institute representative.
• Metro will immediately notify the TDA Compliance Officer for incident review and penalty review and penalty enforcement as described in (relevant statute or rule if available).
• Metro will call TDA initially and follow up with a written incident report and provide the contact information for testing center personnel for questions and evidence collection.

Notice: All exams are closed book except for the Weights and Measures Class exams. Weights and Measures candidates MUST bring a clean and unmarked copy of NIST HB44 to the testing facility. Handbooks that have notes or markings in them will not be allowed in the testing centers. The testing center will NOT have copies available for use on site. You will not be allowed to test without NIST HB44 manual. Failure to bring a clean copy of the manual may results in the loss of you testing fees and require you to reschedule your appointment.

For any questions or clarifications regarding the rules for testing  please contact Metro Institute at (877) 533-2900

Taking an Exam and After, What Next?

Examination Process: What to expect at the testing center.

When you arrive at the testing center on the scheduled day and time you will be asked to present a valid (unexpired) government issued photo id. You will not be allowed to test without the proper ID.

The test proctor will confirm you appointment and identification. The test proctor will tell you what exam you are about to take. If this is not correct let the proctor know before you proceed. The proctor will take a photo of you and upload it to the testing system for TDA review and identification. After the sign in process the proctor will direct you to a testing computer. If you need instruction regarding how to operate the computer in anyway please ask the proctor for assistance. If you have any technical issue during your exam raise your hand or step to the door to get the proctor's attention.

The proctor should provide you with scratch paper or dry erase board and a simple four function calculator. If you are not provided these items please notify the proctor before beginning your exam.

Taking the test:

• Once you are seated at the testing workstation will enter a unique testing ID number as shown on you scratch paper to begin the testing process of a scheduled exam.
• Your name will be displayed on screen. If the name presented is not your name inform the proctor immediately.
• You will also be shown the exam name of the exam they are about to take. If this is the now the you intended to take inform the proctor immediately.
• You will be presented onscreen exam instructions and must electronically acknowledge your understanding before beginning the exam.
• Before beginning the actual exam, the examinee is given the option to take a practice exam to familiarize himself or herself with the exam interface and computer functions. The practice exam has no content related to the actual exam.
• Before an exam begins, you will be presented with onscreen rules for the exam and must agree by electronic affirmation to follow the rules accordingly.
• Once you begin the exam the testing interface continuously displays the time remaining (countdown clock) and the number of questions answered and unanswered. Furthermore, a question navigation panel shows answered (highlighted in yellow) and unanswered questions.
• You may end the exam at any time. If questions remain unanswered and you attempt to end the exam, you will notified  some questions are unanswered, and then given an opportunity to go back and review the exam before finishing.
• If the allotted time for an exam is reached the exam will automatically end and be graded.
• You will be shown the test results onscreen immediately upon completion of the exam.
• You will be provided with a test results printout prior to leaving the testing center.
• The test result printout includes your name, exam name and exam date and time of the exam and the exam score. 
• If more than one exam is to be administered at a testing session you must exit the testing area to be signed in again by the proctor for the additional exam/s.
• You may not take additional exams the same day unless it has been prescheduled and on the proctor calendar for that day.
•If you arrive late you may not be able to take an exam that day. This is at the discretion of the proctor. If you are late  the proctor may not administer the exam this will count as a missed appointment and you will forfeit your testing fee.
• The proctor will retrieve all materials provided (e.g., pencil, calculator, scratch paper) at the conclusion of each exam.

Reviewing Test Scores
When your exams are complete the proctor will provide you with a printed results page. This page will indicate your overall score on the exam

Test Results Printout

Structural Pest: 

Metro Institute will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license.

Agricultural Pesticide: 

Metro Institute will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license.

Weights and Measures

Once TDA reviews your results and confirms a passing score, the license will be issued. A license is valid for 5 years and at that time the Service Technician will be required to re-test. To request re-testing please email WeightsMeasures@TexasAgriculture.gov.

Failed the Exam? What Next?

If you failed any of the exams, you may visit Metrosignup.com to schedule and purchase a retake; applicators are eligible for a retake exam the day after the failed attempt, testing center availability applies. 

To Purchase and Reschedule an exam Online - Click "HERE" or call Metro Institute for assistance or questions (877) 533-2900

 TDA resources for licenses and exams:

Agricultural Pesticide Information
Main:(512) 463-7622
Email: pesticides@TexasAgriculture.gov
Website: Agricultural Pesticide Program

Structural Pest Control Information
Main:(512) 463-3207
Email: spcs@TexasAgriculture.gov
Website: Structural Pest Control Service

Weights and Measures Information
Main: (512) 463-7698
Fax: (888) 215-5386
Email: weightsmeasures@texasagriculture.gov
Website: Weights and Measures Program

Apply with TDA?

If you do not have an existing license/certification number or been issued a TDA New account/Approval number you must apply with the TDA before scheduling exams with Metro. Click the button below to visit the Structural, Agricultural or Weights and Measure Application "TDA eAPPLY website.

What to Expect at the Testing Center

Metro strives to provide a professional and pleasant testing experience for every examinee. Below you find some simple requirements and rules to follow before, during and after your exam. Not everything is covered here and your exam proctor may advise or remind you of the rules to begin and finish your exam. Good Luck and thank you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding testing rules and procedures please call Metro Institute toll free at (877) 533-2900

Photo ID Required

A test candidate must present to the test proctor a government- issued photo identification:

Acceptable ID includes original, unexpired, current photographic identification that clearly depicts the examinee, and is obtained from a governmental agency.

Examples include a state driver’s license, military identification, passport, state-issued identification card, or federal agency identification.

You will not be able to test without a qualifying ID.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room

Examinee Personal Items

Maintaining exam integrity is one of the primary goals of a proctored exam.  One of the ways exam integrity is achieved is by limiting the items allowed in the testing room.  The method used to store personal items can vary by testing center.  Examples of storage methods are: lockers, storage containers, or asking examinees to leave unnecessary items in their vehicle.  All testing centers must provide some form of secure storage for car keys and other small items.

Items Not Allowed in Testing Room:  

(This list is representative but is not exhaustive. Other items that are deemed to cause distraction to other examinees or put exam security at risk may be prohibited)

  • Watches, fitness devices (e.g., Fitbits), cellphone, backpacks, purses, wallets, bags, sunglasses, food or drink, loose change, personal scratch paper, trading aids,  pencils, pens, tissues, hats, earmuffs, scarfs, umbrellas, medications (inhalers or diabetic items are exceptions), personal laptops, keys, and work ID badges
  • Regarding outerwear, coats and jackets should be stored or hung up outside of the testing room. Exception: Some vendors allow jackets to be placed on back of testing chair.

Items to be VISUALLY checked before an examinee is seated

• Glasses - Proctor must visually inspect the glasses of examinee.

• Jewelry - Solid or chunky jewelry must be visually inspected. Items that may cause noise or distraction must be removed.

• Pockets - Pockets of examinees must be emptied with all items placed in a locker or storage area. Examinees must be asked to pat their pockets to show all items have been removed. Some testing centers require that pockets be turned inside out.

(Please note: The proctor should never physically touch the examinee to determine that pockets have been emptied. This should be determined by visual inspection only.)

Other Considerations: • Backpacks - rolling or large bags that do not fit in storage area should be stored in vehicle. If that is not possible, it is recommended that valuables be removed and secured in the locker or storage area. Backpacks must be placed at a designated location with the understanding that the examinee is liable for any belongings. Examinee’s personal belongings must never be stored in the proctor area.

Examinee Disqualifications

All incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported as defined in processes below. Suspected cheating behavior on exams should be verified by at least two center staff persons whenever possible before action is taken.

• Examinees will be disqualified for cheating.

• Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying questions or answers in any manner, talking with other examinees, referring to any notes while the exam is being administered, or being in possession of any items with documented questions, answers or notes or any other restricted materials.

• When an examinee is disqualified the exam will be terminated and the examinee will be asked to leave the testing center.

• The proctor should collect and retain any evidence or items relevant to the incident such as notes, study material or devices.

Incident Handling: All disqualifying incidents (cheating, distraction, noise, unscheduled breaks etc.) will be reported to Metro Institute and the governing agency.

• Metro will immediately notify the Agency Compliance Officer for incident review, penalty review and penalty enforcement as allowed by rule, regulation and law.

For customer service or technical support call (877) 533-2900

LET METRO HELP MAKE YOUR TESTING EXPERIENCE WONDERFUL AND SUCCESSFUL!