Skip to main content

Preparing to take an online exam

  • Updated

How do I schedule a remotely-proctored online exam?

If you would like to schedule the remote proctored online option, you will first need to ensure that your computer meets the technical specifications by completing the System Readiness Check, and ensure the space where you intend to take your exam meets the testing environment requirements. Once you have verified your computer meets the minimum system requirements click here to schedule your online exam.

Be sure to note the time of day that you are selecting (a.m. or p.m.). Prometric is an international company that offers appointments to suit many different time zones. The early morning (a.m.) hours are displayed first. Click "select more" to load additional appointment times available in the afternoon and evening (p.m.) hours. 

To watch a video tutorial of the appointment scheduling process, download the "Schedule your Exam" video. 

Does my appointment time reflect my local time zone?

When scheduling an online exam appointment, the time zone of your current location is automatically displayed. If that is not the time zone in which you will be testing, you will need to select the correct time zone in the drop-down box before proceeding.

Will my appointment time be impacted by the change between daylight savings time and standard time?

Prometric's scheduling system will automatically account for time changes due to the implementation of Daylight Savings Time. The time of your exam appointment will not change because of this occurrence.

How do I change my remotely-proctored exam appointment to an in-person exam at a test center? 

If you have scheduled a remotely-proctored online exam and would like to instead take it at a Prometric test center, you will first need to cancel your existing exam appointment using your confirmation number. Then follow this link to schedule a test center exam using your exam eligibility ID (EID). 

To watch a video tutorial of the appointment rescheduling/cancelation process, download the "Reschedule or Cancel your Exam" video. 

Please note: You will receive a new confirmation email. If you do not, please contact Prometric immediately to confirm that your exam was rescheduled.

As I prepare to take my online exam, what documents should I review to ensure I have a successful testing experience?

In addition to reviewing the ProProctor User Guide in its entirety, the Prometric appointment confirmation email and the ProProctor installation guides (Windows or Mac), please review the guidance and resources provided in the ProProctor Tips & Guidance document and the ProProctor Checklist to ensure that you have a successful testing experience. 

To watch a video tutorial about preparing for your remotely-proctored exam download the "Online exam: Setting up for success" video. 

What are the technical requirements for a remote proctored online exam?

Operating System: Windows 8.1 or higher; MacOS High Sierra 10.13 or higher; Microsoft Surface or similar can only be used when configured in laptop mode.

NOTE: The following are not supported at this time:

  • Mac OS Ventura 13.0 to 13.2.1 (13.3.1 upgrade required)
  • Mac OS Sequoia 15.0
  • Chrome OS
  • Linux based distributions
  • Virtual machines
  • iPad/Android tablets

Web Browser: Google Chrome (with the latest update installed)

Power: Your laptop/PC should be plugged directly into a power source, unattached from a docking station and not relying on battery power. 

Screen resolution: The recommended screen resolution is 1920 x 1080; the minimum resolution is 1024 x 768.

Monitor: You can only use a single monitor for your exam, please ensure you unplug any additional monitors you have connected to your device. If you are using a laptop, you are permitted to connect a single external monitor, however you must close the laptop. Wall-mounted monitors (such as TV monitors) are not permitted. There are no restrictions on monitor size, including large and curved monitors.

Audio Hardware: Working speakers and an enabled microphone are required. Bluetooth headsets are not supported.

Camera: You must have a working camera connected to your device to perform a 360-degree view of your testing space and to enable monitoring during the exam. An external camera connected via USB is required if testing on a desktop computer or on a laptop with the screen closed.

Internet Connection: Download speed 1.0 Mbps or greater

Wi-Fi Connection: For the best experience, use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the router and make sure there is no additional load on your Wi-Fi connection from other users such as streaming videos, music or games. If unable to plug directly into the router, please position your device where you can receive the strongest signal. Lack of signal strength during your exam may cause you to lose connection to your exam. No VPNs or virtual machines are supported. 

You can read more about the technical requirements in the ProProctor User Guide and ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements by performing a system readiness check.

My webcam is integrated into my laptop. Do I need an external webcam to take the exam?

No, if your webcam is integrated into your laptop and working, you do not need a separate external webcam. You will be required to use the integrated camera to complete the 360-degree environmental check of your remote test area.

A system readiness check of your computer will need to be performed at least 7 days prior to your exam date in order to confirm it is fully compatible with the ProProctor application.

Do I need to download an application to take the remote proctored online exam?

Yes. ProProctor is the application Prometric has developed to deliver remotely proctored exams. The ProProctor User Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application, system requirements, and testing environment requirements.

Download the ProProctor application at least one week in advance of your exam. To download ProProctor you will need the 16-digit confirmation number included in your “Confirmation Appointment” email sent by Prometric (donotreply@prometric.com) upon scheduling your exam. If you are not able to locate the confirmation email, please check your spam, junk or clutter folders.

What should I do if I am not able to download and install the ProProctor app on my computer?

Review the ProProctor Software Installations Guides, the ProProctor System Requirements and perform a system readiness check before downloading and installing the ProProctor application. If you are having technical difficulties, contact ProProctor Technical Support who will provide assistance to troubleshoot errors (you may need to switch Ad-blocker software off, in order to launch the technical support chat session).

If you are using a computer issued by your employer, you may need to first contact your IT department in order to download and install the ProProctor application. 

For specific instructions on how to install the ProProctor application, follow the instructions in the ProProctor Software Installation Guide for either a Windows or Mac operating system. In addition, check your antivirus software to ensure that the ProProctor application is added to the exclusions list and is excluded from the antivirus scan scope while taking your online exam.

Can I use my employer-issued computer to take the remotely proctored online exam?

Yes, if you have the necessary permissions to change security settings and install/launch a new program.

Prior to scheduling an online exam, you will first need to confirm with your employer’s IT department that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to your security settings (e.g. temporarily disable firewalls) and that you have permission to install Prometric’s ProProctor application. We strongly suggest that you send the General Instructions for Corporate Computers, ProProctor System Requirements and the ProProctor User Guide to your IT department so that they fully understand what is required.

Note: the ProProctor system check does NOT check your computer’s security settings, anti-virus settings, or whether you have the necessary permissions to install and launch ProProctor and, therefore, if you have not previously checked with your employer’s IT department you may experience technical issues when trying to install and launch the ProProctor application during your scheduled exam time.

Will the ProProctor application work with a Windows computer?

Yes, the ProProctor application will work with Windows 8.1 or higher. A system readiness check of your computer will need to be performed at least seven (7) days before your exam date in order to confirm it is fully compatible with the ProProctor application.

For specific instructions on how to install ProProctor application on a Windows computer, please visit ProProctor Software Installation Guide for Windows OS.

Will the ProProctor application work with a Mac?

Yes, the ProProctor application will work with a Mac OS High Sierra 10.13 or higher. IMPORTANT: Mac OS Ventura 13.0 to 13.2.1 are not supported; please upgrade to 13.3.1 before testing.

A system readiness check of your computer will need to be performed at least seven (7) days before your exam date in order to confirm it is fully compatible with the ProProctor application.

For specific instructions on how to install ProProctor application in a Mac, please visit ProProctor Software Installation Guide for Mac OS. Some Mac users have found it helpful to temporarily switch off the Mac factory default firewall in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Firewall in order take the online exam. Remember, ProProctor is web browser-specific and requires the current version of Google Chrome.

Can I use my Microsoft Surface to take the remote proctored online exam?

Yes, you can use the Microsoft Surface to take a remotely proctored online exam. However, you have to configure your surface in laptop mode and turn off the touchscreen mode to avoid obstructions on the camera view. To learn more on how to configure your surface as a laptop visit ProProctor’s FAQs.

Can I use my iPad to take the remote proctored online exam?

No, you can only use a computer or laptop to take the remotely proctored ProProctor exam.

What type of internet connection is recommended while taking my remotely proctored online exam?

For best internet connectivity, it is recommended that you connect with an Ethernet cable rather than using a wireless connection. Wireless connections are less stable and can lead to sudden disconnections and being dropped from the exam. If this happens, you should relaunch ProProctor to resume your exam. (Note that you will be required to go through the security check again.) If this happens multiple times, visit the ProProctor help page and contact technical support via chat.

If you are using a wireless connection, position your device where you can receive the strongest signal.

Make sure there are no other devices (phones, tablets, gaming/video streaming devices or TVs) or users connected to your internet connection for the duration of your exam. Lack of internet bandwidth or inconsistent internet bandwidth during your exam are the most common causes of lost connection to ProProctor and your exam.

Where can I take my online exam? 

Your remote testing location must be indoors (walled), well-lit, and free from background noise and disruptions. Your workstation and surrounding area must be free of pens, paper, electronic devices, etc. No content that could potentially provide an unfair advantage during your exam, including that posted on walls or within your immediate area, should be present during your exam session. You will want to make sure that your remote test area is secure and that no third parties (including pets) can enter your room during your exam; if this occurs your exam will be terminated. 

Is it okay if there is a window in the room where I am taking my online exam?

A readiness agent may consider a window or glass door to be a potential threat to the security of the exam. If you are unable to take your remotely-proctored exam in a window-less room, please be prepared with a large bedsheet, linen, or piece of cardboard that you could use to cover the window, glass door, or any other area of the room that the proctor may consider a potential threat to security.

What is allowed and not allowed in my remote testing area? 

  • Unauthorized personal items may not be accessible while testing. These items include but are not limited to: outerwear, hats, food, drinks, purses, bags or briefcases, notebooks, watches, cell phones, electronic devices, or wearable technology.
  • Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited during the exam. 
  • Written notes, published materials and other testing aids are strictly prohibited.
  • Light clothing items removed for comfort such as sweaters, suit jackets, scarves, etc., must be hung on the examinee’s chair, not placed in laps or on the workstation desktop. Outerwear such as heavy coats, parkas, raincoats, etc., is not permitted in the immediate testing area.
  • Changing location while testing, turning off lighting or audio, speaking to or receiving aid from other individuals is strictly prohibited.

To watch a video tutorial about what is, and isn't, allowed during a remotely-proctored exam download the "Checking in for your exam: Identification and security requirements" video. 

Related articles