diff --git a/Projects/UOContent/Special Systems/Engines/TestCenter.cs b/Projects/UOContent/Special Systems/Engines/TestCenter.cs
index 2c84bc177..d8d2505e4 100644
--- a/Projects/UOContent/Special Systems/Engines/TestCenter.cs	
+++ b/Projects/UOContent/Special Systems/Engines/TestCenter.cs	
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ namespace Server.Misc
                     return;
                 }
 
-                var value = double.Parse(valueStr);
-
                 try
                 {
+                    var value = double.Parse(valueStr);
+
                     if (name.InsensitiveEquals("str"))
                     {
                         ChangeStrength(from, (int)value);