PSI center ratings by address?

[Sarah Gronquist]

I've had several candidates now report serious problems with their local testing center - like the exam crashed on them in two separate sessions on a PSI computer. I was wondering if there is a way to see evaluations for individual test centers? PSI website is not helpful of course. Yelp is not really organized for this, though there does seem to be some information if you search by business instead of through PSI. Does CLARB keep track of performance by individual test center? 

Frustrating to see candidates struggle with this issue again and again after spending so much time and money.

[Lynn Geng]

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for bringing this up. I’m based in the Sacramento area and scheduled my first section — IAP — at the Sacramento PSI testing center. I noticed it has a Google review score of 2.8, which seems similar to other PSI centers in Northern California and the Sierra region. Now I’m a bit worried about whether I’ll have a smooth testing experience for my IAP exam.

If anyone has taken the LARE at the Sacramento location (8950 Cal Center Dr #158, Sacramento, CA 95826), I would really appreciate hearing about your experience. I also saw that the Roseville PSI testing center has a 5.0 rating, but with only three reviews, so I’m not sure how reliable that is.

Thank you.

Best regards,
Lynn Geng

[Nancy Cano]

Hi Lynn,

I’ve tested at this center, and it was fine. The check in process has always been a little chaotic, but honestly that seems pretty normal for PSI test centers in general. Once you’re actually in and settled, everything runs smoothly.

I’d just plan to show up early and take your time the day of. 

[Lynn Geng]

Hi Nancy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 

Best regards,

Lynn Geng

[Sarah Gronquist]

Lynn, where is the rating system? Is that visible to candidates when you register? 

[Lynn Geng]

Hi Sarah,

It’s from the Google reviews. If you search “PSI Center” in Google Maps, the rating will show up, and you can scroll down to see all the reviews for that specific location. And yes, the reviews are visible to everyone on Google Maps.

[Lucie Simmons]

For Los Angeles residents- I took my first three exams at PSI Lawndale at the baytower corporate center. They all went just fine. I took the GDSW section twice (failed both) at PSI Glendale and that was super smooth, I prefer that location to the other in Lawndale. It's cleaner and a more professional staff in my opionion but both were great. I will be taking GDSW for a third time this month!!! AHHHH!!!! :-( 

[Gwendolyn Ellman]

For all in Hudson Valley, NY. Don't go to Poughkeepsie. Rude and aggressive staff, long wait times to get into the exam, broken calculators, white boards that don't erase, every black marker they have is running out of ink. 

[Erica A]

I have had positive experiences at AVNA Testing Center in Albany, NY. I got there 30min - 1 hour early and often got to start early. Simple amenities but no issues. They have white boards, calculators, ear phones to cancel out sound, comfortable room temp. Calm environment. I always got a notification about a week before confirming time and location. 

[Sarah Gronquist]

Some PSI testing centers in Indiana and Arizona are not providing handheld calculators and whiteboards. The Candidate Orientation Guide specifically says (p.32):
"Provided – Updated 01.2024 • A calculator will be provided within the exam software. (Please note: a handheld calculator is available upon request to candidates testing in person at a PSI testing center.) • Access to an electronic whiteboard will be available through the exam software. (Please note: a physical whiteboard is available upon request to candidates testing in person at a PSI testing center.)" 

My advice is to 1) verify that they will have the materials BEFORE  your test day 2) if they do not provide acceptable materials, reach out to all of these: CLARB, your local ASLA, and your state technical committee. Candidates should not have to take the Grading and Drainage section without the tools they need.