US Marshals Service

When you arrive you will be required to show your government-issued photo ID and signature-bearing identification, such as USMS credentials, driver’s license or passport (please review ID requirements here: Pearson VUE ID Policy 1). 

The Pearson Vue representative will compare your ID with the name on the eligibility list.  If the name on your identification is different from the name registered, you will not be admitted to take the exam. Nicknames are acceptable if the legal name differs slightly from the registration name (i.e. Brad vs Bradley).

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. You will not be allowed to take the assessment if you arrive later than 15 minutes after your appointment start time, and therefore will need to reschedule your exam.

Deputy United States Marshals (DUSM) are authorized to carry a firearm while testing. You should identify yourself verbally to the proctor as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and present your official USMS credentials. You will then be allowed to put away the credentials, keeping it and the weapon during the testing session. You may wear your weapon into the exam room, but it must be concealed by clothing.

However, you will not be allowed in the testing center with any communication or recording devices, such as:

• Mobile devices
• Cameras
• Smart watches
• Handheld computers/tablets
• Personal notes
• Study materials

All personal items will be stored in a designated locked area of the testing center for the duration of the test.

You will be given an erasable note board and dry erase marker upon admittance to the testing room. The white boards and markers must be returned at the end of your exam.

You have a maximum of four (4) hours to complete the exam. Once you begin, an introduction screen and brief tutorial will be available to help familiarize you with the testing platform. Please note, this counts towards your total 4 hours to complete the exam.

A preliminary score report will be provided to you after the exam is complete.

If you require special accommodations, you cannot schedule your 2025 Merit Promotion Exam until the special accommodations have been approved by the USMS and confirmed with PDRI. Please email USMS Affirmative Employment Programs Chief Katrina Queen at Katrina.Queen@usdoj.gov to request an accommodation.

You must contact Pearson VUE or access your online Pearson VUE account to reschedule or cancel your appointment at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled time. Appointments cannot be rescheduled or cancelled less than 48 hours prior to your appointment. Failure to reschedule in time or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of the testing fee paid by USMS.

If you are unavailable to test in March/April 2025, you may request a make-up exam by emailing Merit.Promotion@usdoj.gov and cc your supervisor along with the reason for the request. Permission for make-up exams will be granted on a case-by-case basis and be limited to hardship cases.