What to Expect When Taking a Certification Exam Online
I recently sat for the AI-900 Azure AI Fundamentals certification exam. Rather than in person at a test center, I opted to schedule it as a proctored online experience.
First off, I am very comfortable with taking exams at my local test center. I show up, they verify my ID, take my photo, lock up my personal belongings, then escort me to a room with a computer that has my exam already queued up on the screen. When I tried to schedule my exam in person, my regular testing center was no longer available. This left me with very few options. Because I had heard a lot of horror stories about taking exams online, I was initially hesitant to schedule it.
As this was my first experience with taking an online proctored exam, I wanted to share my experience with the process and what you can expect if you opt to take an exam online at home as well.
Before the Exam
Upon scheduling the exam, Pearson Vue will ensure that the computer you plan to use for the exam meets its requirements by encouraging you to run a system test.
As part of the system test, Pearson Vue will encourage you to do the following:
- Restart your computer
- Disconnect any external monitors
- Close all open programs on your computer
- Use a wired connection to your router
- Plug your computer into a power source
The system test will verify the following:
- No external monitors are connected to the computer
- All programs are closed
- Microphone is functional
- Camera is functional
- Internet speed is sufficient
The system test application that mimics the exam day experience is quite intuitive and quickly showed me what I needed to do to ensure I was complying.
Exam Day
On exam day, I had to scan a QR code with my cell phone and provide photos of my ID and my workspace. I had to take four photos, one for each side of my desk and what I see when sitting at my desk. After I submitted the photos, I was placed into a queue.
When it was my turn, I had to answer questions from a proctor about my setup and demonstrate that my monitors were truly unplugged. I also had to pick up my laptop and show the proctor that my desk was still clear using the integrated webcam. Once I proved that everything was clear, she took my photo and started my exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my desk have to be clear? I cleaned off everything except a plant and a glass of water. Ancillary items — like monitors (unplugged), keyboard, and mouse — were on my desk the whole time.
Do monitors need to be unplugged from their power source? Yes. I unplugged the HDMI cable from my monitors from the computer and docking station, but the exam proctor asked to see the power source (plugs) for the monitors as well.
If someone walks behind me, will I fail? Nobody walked behind me because I was strictly compliant with this request. I was warned multiple times that nobody was to be in the room with me at any time, or I would risk failure.
Can I read questions out loud? No, do not read the questions out loud. This is to protect the integrity of the exam questions and avoid anyone overhearing you.
Can I wear a headset/headphones? No. You would not want to give the impression that you are receiving answers from another source via the headset.
Is it true that curtains must be closed on windows in the room? It is highly recommended that you close the curtains because it is possible that light from the sun could make visibility difficult for the proctor. Also, if there is any chance that someone could see the exam through the window, it would take away from the integrity of the exam.
What is allowed in the testing area? Pearson Vue maintains a list of comfort aids that can be in the testing area with you: Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List.
An additional resource to review is Pearson Vue’s online test-taking tips: Tips on taking an OnVUE exam // Pearson VUE.
Advice
My best advice is to be prepared and give yourself plenty of time to manage the process, especially if this is your first time taking an online proctored exam. The extra time will give you peace of mind and help you get that passing score. Best of luck on exam day!
