Eastern Technical Associates
Phone 919 878 3188
Fax 919 872 5199
3302 Anvil Place
Raleigh, NC 27603
Our snail mail address is: ETA
PO Box 1009
Garner, NC 27529-1009
Under the SES contract, ETA has as long as 60 days to provide the grades to SES. This allows for surges in the numbers taking exams and a statistical review of the responses to newly added questions. This can result in delays as SES reevaluates the question. Exams are graded in the order taken and returned to ETA. Usually we complete the grading process within 30 days and send the grades to SES. If there is no backlog, results may go out sooner. SES does not have any grades until we send them. SES is responsible for informing Applicants at that point. In order to improve accuracy ETA double grades each paper that is within a few points of passing.
There are a few things that can slow a grade from getting back to the applicant. These include illegible email addresses, incorrect addresses, or a failed payment. Failed payments include incorrect credit cards or checks that bounce. Of these the illegible email address, is by far the most common. Downloading the PDF file from this website, filling it in on your office computer, printing it, and sending the printed copy can prevent major problems.
You must complete and submit the SES Qualification Registration Form showing that you meet the current requirements of the society for qualification. Please refer to the SES page for the most current form and requirements.
During the exams, the candidate may use any written documents including copies of published test methods, test method support materials such QA Manuals, engineering manuals, calculation sheets with or without hand written notes or reference tabs, or other technical reference materials. The candidate is not allowed to use computers, including laptops, or cell phones, Blackberrys, or other electronic imaging or communications devices during the exams.
Anyone who is a member in good standing of SES or pays the non SES member fee.
Taking an exam is completely voluntary.
Your two years experience should prepare you for most of the exam questions. In addition to that valuable experience, you should read over each of the methods on the test paying attention to any methods you do not have experience with.
In the case of alternate methods such as Method 5A, pay close attention to the differences between the main method and alternates.
SES has provided a study guide to prospective individuals. To view the guide, click HERE .
The exams are given by a proctor to evaluate the knowledge of the individual to become qualified. Each exam is developed by the contractor under direction of the Board of Directors of the Source Evaluation Society (SES) from questions submitted by Federal and State agencies, field testing personnel, consultants/educators, and the industry. A new exam for each group is to be developed every five years.
Each group exam consists of 50 questions. Questions may be multiple choice, true / false, or matching.
Answers are marked on the exam.
One and a half hours each is provided to take each exam.
At the conclusion of a exam, all exam materials are returned to the proctor.
A passing grade for each exam is 80% correct answers.
The original exam will be graded by Eastern Technical Associates after the program.
Some people have found that an independent proctor works better for their scheduling. If that is something you wish to pursue,
please contact ETA. Please provide: your address, an approximate number of examinees, a max number of exams for any given examinee, and an approximate date for scheduling.
We have a growing list of approved proctors across the country. This info will help us to locate a proctor in your area. Some proctors can come to your facility, others you will have to travel to them.
Proctor fees vary WIDELY. You contact and pay ETA, we pay the proctor. You will have to pay the proctor's fees, and a fee to ETA. The ETA fee ($100 the 1st time we use a proctor, $50 thereafter) is to cover our time locating and approving the proctor, scheduling, and shipping the materials back and forth.
The proctor fees are typically charged separately (if paying by credit card) from the exam fees. You will receive an email receipt for any credit card charges.
A wall certificate will be provided upon SES QSTI Qualification.
SES issues a certificate for each group you have qualified.
Qualification lasts for 5 years from date of successful completion of a specialty examination.
ETA will only conduct fully proctored exams with identified applicants. Each applicant will be required to show a government issue photo ID to receive and take an examination. Recommended ID includes State Drivers License or Passport. If you are planing on using a different photo ID, please check with ETA prior to traveling to the exam.
During the exams, the candidate may use any written documents including copies of published test methods, test method support materials such QA Manuals, engineering manuals, calculation sheets with or without hand written notes or reference tabs, or other technical reference materials. Applicants may use a calculator. It may be programable.
The candidate is not allowed to use computers, including laptops, or cell phones, Blackberrys, or other electronic imaging or communications devices during the exams.
You cannot bring any copy or parts of copies of previous SES QSTI exams.
No beepers are allowed to be on while in the examination room.
Payment is required prior to taking any examination. Payment may be in the form of check, cash, or credit card. ETA accepts Visa, Master Card, and AMEX.
If you pay by credit card and cannot attend, you will recieve an e-mail. The funds may be transferred to another location and date or credited back to your account. If you have paid with a check, you will be issued a credit letter. Please respond to the letter with your preference of fund transfer options.
If you fail to make a passing grade.... You must wait at least thirty days to re-take the exam.
If the exam is in its two months of introduction, re-examination is at no additional charge if you can attend one of our smoke school locations or are willing to pay for the proctor at your location.
A fee is charged for each re-examination. It is the same fee as taking the exam the first time....with one exception...That exception is for persons who are not members of SES when they take the first exam. The fee schedule is the same as for SES members. The fee covers the administrative overhead for conducting and grading the exam and SES administrative costs.
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The SES is responsible for all group questions. The current list of methods included in each group may be found on the SES website. Click HERE