North America’s only third-party personnel credential for glaziers, the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certification program has announced a new partnership with Prometric®, a global leader of technology-enabled testing and assessment solutions. Beginning this month, the AGMT Knowledge-Based Test (KBT) is now offered via Prometric test sites across North America. The rollout makes it easier and more convenient for glaziers to test both on their own schedule and closer to home.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide much greater flexibility and access for qualified glaziers to earn the AGMT credential,” said AGMT Program Manager Scott Kennett. “We found an ideal partner in Prometric for its organizational stability, broad geographic reach, and ability to help us scale up for future program growth or market expansion.”
Two factors precipitated the shift in testing format: increased volume of first-time testing candidates and the requirement that glaziers retake the KBT every four years. Both the English and Spanish versions of the KBT, the latter of which was introduced earlier this year, are now available at Prometric testing centers in all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces, many with evening and weekend hours to accommodate candidate needs. Prometric’s secure online scheduling system offers candidates the ability to book a test center at their preferred time and location.
“We are excited to expand certifications for the AGMT program,” said Prometric CEO Stuart Udell. “As workforce trends continue to evolve, it is more important than ever for candidates to differentiate their skills. Candidate inspiration is one of the key strategic pillars of our business and culture, and we recognize how critical test day is on their journey to achievement.”
Experienced architectural glass and metal technicians (glaziers) earn AGMT certification by passing both the written KBT and a hands-on Performance-Based Test (PBT). Unlike the PBT, which must only be passed for initial certification, the KBT must be passed both for initial certification and again every four years for a glazier to maintain the AGMT credential. Since the AGMT program launched in 2019, the KBT has been administered by AGMT proctors at scheduled events across North America. Glaziers often needed to travel long distances to testing sites on the few days when proctors were available.
“As the program reaches its four-year milestone this year, our testing volume will shift from hundreds of initial test-takers annually to over 1,000 new and recertification testers by 2025,” explained Kennett. “Prometric’s geographic reach helps us to better meet the needs of candidates everywhere, offering access to individuals who may not have ever had a proctored location nearby.”
AGMT program administrators worked with Dainis & Company, Inc., a Virginia-based national psychometrics consulting practice, to develop the initial KBT format and to ensure a seamless transition to the Prometric version and that it continues to meet ANSI accreditation standards. To date, 1,518 glaziers have earned AGMT certification, representing 36 states and four Canadian provinces. As demand for certification has increased, program administrators have continually sought ways to improve access to testing.
Qualified glaziers interested in taking the Prometric KBT may learn more at: https://agmtprogram.com/prometric/.
