FAQ for University Testing Services

Is the Testing Office located at UTPA?
No. We are located at the UTPA Annex Room 180, 2412 South Closner Boulveard in Edinburg – 3 miles south of the Hidalgo County Courthouse on Business 281.

What are your business hours?
Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Do I have to be enrolled at UTPA to test?
No. Anyone interested in testing can come to our office and take an exam. Keep in mind that both ACT-Residual and Institutional TOEFL exam results stay at UTPA – you are not able to transfer ACT-Residual or Institutional TOEFL exam results to another institution.

Can I pay the exam fees with cash or debit/credit cards?
No. Cash or debit/credit cards are NEVER accepted as form of payment. The Testing Office will gladly accept checks or money orders for exam fees.

Can I use a calculator?
Calculators are permitted but not necessary for some exams. All questions can be worked out without the use of a calculator. Scientific calculators are permitted in the SAT, ACT-National and ACT-Residual exams only. A list of approved calculators can be found in their respective web-sites. A basic 4-function (=, -, /, x) nonprogrammable calculator with square root (√) and percent (%) keys is permitted for the THEA, Quick THEA and ACCUPLACER Exams.

When can I register for an exam?
Registration for all exams is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Seating is limited and you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The registration deadline is always a week before exam date – depending on availability for Institutional Exams only. Registration deadlines for national and state exams can be found at their respective web-sites. Or for a quick view please click on following link: 2009-2010 New Student Exam Information.

Are standbys allowed on the day of the exam?
Standbys are allowed on the day of the exam but, are not guaranteed a seat.  It is to your advantage to come in as early as possible on the day of the exam.  Stand by's for all institutional exams such as, ACT-Residual, Quick THEA, Institutional TOEFL, Accuplacer and CLEP must report to UTPA Annex Room 180. Procedures for standbys are as follows:

ACT-Residual examinees must bring the following items on the day of the exam:

• Valid photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport and student ID)
• Money order ONLY in the amount of $50.00 payable to UTPA
• Scientific or graphic calculator is allowed but not necessary.

Quick THEA examinees must bring the following items on the day of the exam:

• Valid photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport and student ID)
• Money order ONLY in the amount of $10.00 payable to UTPA
• Separate check or money order in the amount of $29.00 payable to NES. $29.00 payment can be made with credit card.
• Basic 4-function (=, -, /, x) nonprogrammable calculator [with square root (√) and percent (%) keys

Institutional TOEFL examinees must bring the following items on the day of the exam:

• Valid photo ID (i.e. Non U.S. Citizens must bring valid passport or laser student visa. U.S. Citizens must bring a valid drivers license and birth certificate.
• Money order ONLY in the amount of $40.00 payable to UTPA

ACCUPLACER examinees must bring the following items on the day of the exam:

• Valid photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport and student ID)
• Money order ONLY in the amount of $35.00 payable to UTPA

CLEP examinees must bring the following items on the day of the exam

• Valid photo ID (i.e. drivers license, passport and student ID)
• Money order ONLY in the amount of $20.00 payable to UTPA
• Separate check or money order in the amount of $72.00 payable to CLEP. $72.00 payment can be made with credit card.