March FAQ
Q: How do I appropriately budget for my travel expenses for Part Three of boards?
A: Budget your time and money!
Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to travel to the headquarters. Also remember that the NBEO website will have a list of the equipment that is available and a video tour. Be sure to familiarize with this prior to the test day.
Don’t forget about time changes! Make sure you allow adequate time to adjust. It is also suggested that you map out and time your walk/ride to the testing site to relieve any confusion that may come about the day of the test. Always add additional time for your arrival in the case that something comes up.
From the website: Late-arriving candidates will not be permitted to take a written examination if they arrive after the halfway point of the examination. A candidate who arrives late for the examination (but before the halfway point) will not receive additional time. A candidate who finishes the examination early cannot leave the room prior to the halfway point of the examination. Candidates for the Part III Clinical Skills Examination should refer to the Candidate Orientation to Examination Procedures for specific policies. Moral of the story … DO NOT BE LATE!!
NCCTO address: 200 South College Street, Suite 2020, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Hotels: average price is around $120-150 for a decent hotel. If you are looking for a bargain, there is a Super 8 and Motel 6 nearby for as low as $40/night (all quotes were taken for November of 2011 just as a rough estimate). However, it must be mentioned that the Super 8 and Motel 6 will require driving to the facility and parking, etc. That being said the student will also need to keep in mind that there may be traffic. It is suggested that the students stay within walking distance to avoid such nuisances.
Since most of us will not be driving, you may look into renting a car once you arrive. You can also use the local public transportation, which includes taxi service, city buses, and a trolley car that serves the uptown Charlotte area. Keep in mind that if renting a car you will have to find and pay for parking. Unless you are making a mini vacation out of your CSE trip, the NBEO suggests that you use public transportation and stay within walking distance of the testing center. There are also many restaurants within walking distance of the hotels the NBEO suggests. This will save you money and be less stressful in the long run.
Start looking for flights! They will likely come down after spring break is over, so keep an eye on prices over the next few months if you still need to book a flight. It is suggested to look at flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays when flights tend to be the cheapest.
Q: How are the special sites for Part II changing for the upcoming classes?
A: For 2012, special sites to take the test are limited to sites that are already available. There will be no new sites created for students on rotations that are not near a current site.
For 2013, there will be no international special sites, but special sites within the U.S. will still be available.