National Security Agency Applicant Testing Page

This page is designed to assist NSA applicants with prerequisite testing including selection of the test location, test date selection, answers to frequently asked questions and additional support.

Test Descriptions

Computer Networking Assessment Battery

Data Science Examination (DSE)

Accepted Personal ID Requirements

Proper Identification (ID) is required at time of admittance for your exam. Any exceptions to the ID policy must be pre-approved by the Pearson VUE customer service center at least three business days before the schedules exam appointment.

Primary Secondary
  • International Travel Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Military ID (including spouse & dependents)
  • Identification cards (national/state/province identity card)
  • Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa)
  • Local language ID (not in Roman characters) – accepted only if issued from the Country the candidate is testing in
  • Any ID containing at least name and signature, or name and recent recognizable photo that meets the ID requirements described below
  • In Japan, a valid Blue Japanese Health card is acceptable
  • The first and last name used to register must match exactly the first and last name on both of the ID’s that are presented on the test day.
  • All ID’s required must be issues by the Country in which the candidate is testing.
  • A candidate is required to present two forms of original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) IDs; one form as a primary ID and one as a secondary ID. Expired forms of ID are not acceptable; unless accompanied by valid renewal papers.

For further questions regarding accepted ID requirements, please contact Pearson VUE customer service.


Frequently asked questions

You will receive an email with a link notifying you that a request to test at Pearson has been sent. For additional questions or concerns, you can contact Pearson VUE customer service.

No request form is necessary. Your test request is sent by your recruiter automatically authorizing you to test.

Your eligibility to retest depends upon whether or not you are applying to multiple positions.

Once you receive your link to schedule a test, you can schedule your test based on your own availability and the availability of the test center. Your scheduling window will be approximately 2 weeks.

You will not receive your test scores directly. If your knowledge and skills meet our hiring criteria, you will be contacted by a recruiter. In about 4-6 weeks, you will be sent for prescreening.

If you are unable to test on the date that you chose, You must cancel your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your appointment date and time. If your two week window has not expired, you can schedule another date. If your window has expired and you are unable to schedule an alternative date, contact your recruiter.

You will choose your test site from a list of centers that are convenient to your location and report there.

You will have an inclusive list of test centers from which to choose, however if you do not find a center in your area, unfortunately travel fees will not be reimbursed.

Depending on the test you are taking, test times vary from one to three hours. It is likely you will complete the test in less time than allotted.

Two forms of valid identification are required. View information on acceptable IDs. If you have further questions please contact customer service at least 3 business days prior to exam.

Please contact the Pearson VUE customer service team with any questions regarding testing.

Pearson VUE will send you an automated email letting you know if your testing session is cancelled. You will then have the option to reschedule the appointment. If you have questions, you can contact Pearson VUE customer service.

We ask that you arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment you may be refused admission.

Last updated 2023-07-11