<p>Is it very likely to get a spot as a standby? Is it worth the risk? I don't really want to put in the effort to study for it only to learn that I can't even take it.</p>
<p>almost 100% likely</p>
<p>i took the test standby in october and had no problem. just make sure to get to the test center early.</p>
<p>Standby testers are seated last: after testers trying to make test center or test date changes on the day of the test. So you are more likely to get a seat if you register online for a future test date (for which the regular registration deadline hasn't passed), then take your admission ticket for that test date with you to the test center. The extra cost is the same; but there's the additional risk that if you don't get a seat, you can't get your $30 basic fee back, though you can try again on the next test date.</p>
<p>Arrive very early. The list of standby testers (at least at the center where I tested) is ordered by arrival. </p>
<p>At my test center in October, about 10 people tested standby. I'm not sure if they could have taken more or not.</p>
<p>I did standby before, got in without a problem.</p>