Formerly available only in a classroom setting, the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician Program began offering the written, knowledge-based test for glazier certification through a remote proctoring platform, permitting candidates to complete the test at their convenience from their own home or glazing shop.
AGMT partnered with BTL Surpass Inc., a global testing agency with U.S. operations based in Exton, Pennsylvania, allowing the use of a unique dual camera technology for administering the exam. Candidates are able to choose a time-slot between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., six days a week. Once registered, they log onto Surpass at their chosen appointment time and receive the exam with monitoring by Surpass. Surpass personnel utilize screen-sharing, the candidate’s computer webcam and mobile device camera to verify security of the entire test delivery.
AGMT performed successful beta-testing of the new platform in May of 2020 and rolled out the new technology on June 27.
In order to obtain certification, glazier candidates must take a 125-question, written exam and a hands-on, performance-based exam utilizing storefront, curtain wall, and sealant application test rigs. Offering the written exam remotely, utilizing Surpass’ assessment platform, allows candidates to complete the written test in advance of scheduling the in-person, hands-on exam.
The hands-on test has been temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Although the nature of the hands-on test allows for significant social-distancing, candidate safety is our main priority,” says Ben Beeler, who directs the technical requirements of administering the AGMT exams. Beeler adds that “the AGMT team is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in order to determine when hands-on testing may resume.”
