Application Process


1) What is actual deadline for submission of application materials - when the application is postmarked or when it is received by the ABS?


2) What do I do if I am having problems with the online application process?


3) I sent in the required application materials. How will I know if the ABS received them?


4) What do I have to submit by the initial deadline to avoid the late application fee?


5) My application materials have been received by the ABS - does this mean my application is approved?


6) What do I do once my application is approved?


7) Why is the ABS requesting another fee to register for the examination when I already paid the application fee?


8) I received my exam registration information, but I was out of town and missed the deadline. Can I still register?
 

FAQs - Application Process


1) Q. What is the actual deadline for submission of application materials - when they are postmarked or when it is received by the ABS?

A. Application materials must arrive at the ABS office by the application deadline. To confirm delivery of your application materials, please track your package through your carrier. Due to volume, the ABS staff is unable to confirm receipt of materials until they have been processed.

2) Q. What do I do if I am having problems with the online application process?

A. Please send an e-mail to the IT staff or call the ABS office at 215-568-4000.


3) Q. I sent in the required application materials. How will I know if the ABS received them?

A. The status "Received" will be stated on the Status of Application page. We suggest you track your package through your carrier to ensure delivery by the application deadline. Allow 10-15 business days for mailed items to be marked "Received" on the Status of Application page due to mail and processing time. The "Received" date will thus differ from your package's arrival date or postmark.


4) Q. What do I have to submit by the initial deadline to avoid the late application fee?

A. To avoid the late application fee, the following items must arrive by the application deadline: (1) online application form (via website); (2) operative report (by mail or website, depending on format); (3) signature form with all required signatures (by mail); and (4) application fee (credit card payment via website). No applications will be accepted after the late application deadline.


5) Q. My application materials have been received by the ABS - does this mean my application is approved?

A. No. "Received" means that your application materials arrived at the ABS office and have been processed. Your application has not yet been reviewed or approved. Your application will not be reviewed for approval until all application materials are received by the ABS office. If your application is approved, "Approved" will be stated on the Status of Application page. If there are errors or missing items from your application, you will be notified by e-mail.


6) Q. What do I do once my application is approved?

A. Once your application is approved, you will be sent instructions on how to register for the upcoming examination and submit credit card payment of the separate exam fee. Once you are registered and payment of the exam fee has been received, you will be sent an examination admission authorization letter with instructions on how to reserve a place at a Pearson VUE computer-testing center. You cannot reserve a spot at a testing center until you have received your admission letter from the ABS.

7) Q. Why is the ABS requesting another fee to register for the examination when I already paid the application fee?

A. The examination fee is separate from the application fee that you paid with your application.


8) Q. I received my exam registration information, but I was out of town and missed the deadline. Can I still register?

A. We will accommodate late registrations for computer-based examinations when possible.