Author: Lori Krone

The University Testing Center (UTC) is excited to announce its recognition as a recertified testing center by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), valid through March 2030.  The center received original certification in 2020 and is one amongst a growing number in the United States and around the world to have completed the process.  The recertification will be in place for five years and can be renewed by demonstrating continued compliance to national standards.

SMU’s UTC is the only certified center in Dallas, and one of three in the greater D/FW area, recognized for dedication to test integrity and adherence to NCTA’s best practices in test administration.

The certification is a rigorous, one-year accreditation process granted to those centers whose test administration policies are compliant with testing industry standards developed by the NCTA. Centers are evaluated using criteria from the NCTA’s Professional Standards and Guidelines that focus on the evaluation of the test facility, test integrity methods, test security, confidentiality practices, staff training, and public relations.

The distinction is not only important for the SMU community, but also to others as UTC expands its service offerings that include professional testing for certification and licensure, proctoring for distance learners attending other universities, credit-by-exam, placement testing, and school admission exams.

The National College Testing Association is a non-profit organization of testing professionals working in post-secondary institutions, in companies with test-related products and services, and in other professional testing venues. NCTA was organized in 2000 and currently has more than 2,200 testing professionals from 650 colleges and universities as well as 50 test companies and organizations offering test-related products and services.