Maximize your momentum: The inside scoop on Dual Skills Testing

By Diana Costa

If you’re working hard toward your next skills certification — whether it’s nailing your RSR or pushing through your RPR legs — there’s a testing option designed to save you both time and money: Dual Skills Testing Registration.

As a student, balancing classes, practice, and speed tests can be tough. Dual Registration lets you strike while the iron is hot by allowing you to take two back-to-back attempts of the exact same test type during a single testing session (for example, two RPR Testimony exams in one go).

Think of it as an affordable insurance policy for your peace of mind: If nerves get the best of you on the first try, you have a backup plan ready to go while your fingers are fully warmed up. When you take your attempts consecutively in the same session, you get to ride the wave of your momentum, allowing you to focus more effectively. It removes the high stakes and takes the pressure off that very first transcript!

The student discount advantage

Your NCRA student membership is especially advantageous here. When you choose a Dual Registration instead of booking two separate single tests down the road, the pricing breaks down beautifully for students:

Single Skills Test Attempt: $90
Dual Skills Test Registration (two attempts): $135 (You get the second attempt at half price!)

How to get started

Getting set up is simple. You can register for one dual registration of each test type (e.g., RPRL, RPRJC, RPRT) per testing period. When purchasing your exam for a specific leg on the NCRA website, just select the Dual Registration option. Once the testing window opens, you can log in at any time 24/7 to take your exams. When you launch your session, you’ll complete your first test and then immediately continue straight into your second attempt.

The Dual Testing “Fast Facts” Checklist

To ensure that your testing session is successful, here is a quick look at the logistics behind how back-to-back testing works:

Skills only: Dual registration is exclusively available for online skills testing (not written knowledge tests).
Plan to test early: Testing within the first 10 days of the testing period gives you a stress-free buffer for technical troubleshooting before the window closes.
No breaks: Like the single testing option, breaks are not permitted. After your first test, the exam will prompt you to continue straight into your second attempt.
Double the opportunity: You will receive individual official results for each completed exam, and both scores will appear in your testing history.
Maximizing your attempts: Think of the second attempt as a safety net. Preliminary scores of 92 percent or above are sent to NCRA qualified graders for official review, while scores under 92 percent are final. If you feel confident in your first score and choose to skip the second attempt, that’s fantastic! Just keep in mind that the unused attempt simply expires, and partial refunds are not issued.

Staff pro tip: Because our online skills exams are fully on demand within the testing window, you can log in and test at any hour of the day or night that fits your schedule! Please keep in mind that NCRA Testing staff are only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. If you happen to need administrative assistance, our team is here to help at testing@ncra.org during those standard working hours.