What do I need for an online proctored certification exam?
You need a stable internet connection of at least 1 Mbps download, a computer with a working webcam and microphone, a quiet private room, and a completely cleared desk with only your ID visible. Complete a full system check through the proctoring provider's compatibility tool at least 24 hours before your exam. On exam day, close all other applications and disable notifications before launching the proctoring software.
Online proctored certification exams eliminate the need to travel to a testing center, but they introduce a different category of failure risk: technical and environmental problems during exam setup. Candidates who have studied thoroughly sometimes fail to even begin their exam because their webcam is not recognized, their room scan fails, or a network interruption during check-in causes the session to be invalidated.
This guide covers the complete technical, environmental, and procedural setup for online proctored exams from providers including Pearson OnVUE, PSI Bridge, ProctorU, Examity, and Honorlock. These platforms differ in their specific requirements, but share a core set of standards.
Internet Connection Requirements
| Provider | Minimum Download | Minimum Upload | Latency Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearson OnVUE | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Under 150 ms |
| PSI Bridge | 1.5 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Under 200 ms |
| ProctorU | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Under 200 ms |
| Examity | 2 Mbps | 2 Mbps | Under 150 ms |
These are minimums. For stability, target at least 5 Mbps download on a wired connection, or ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong (test with your device in the exact location you will use for the exam).
Wired vs. Wi-Fi: A wired Ethernet connection is strongly preferable. Wi-Fi is acceptable if signal is strong and stable, but wireless interference and handoffs between access points can cause momentary drops that flag suspicious activity in proctoring software.
The night before: Run a speed test from your exam location. Use fast.com or speedtest.net. Note the download speed, upload speed, and ping. If ping is above 200 ms, investigate your connection path -- this often indicates routing problems that can cause audio/video delays during proctor communication.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Computer
- Operating system: Windows 10 or later, or macOS 10.13 or later (most providers). Check your specific provider for current requirements.
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB, though 8 GB is recommended to prevent the proctoring software from competing with system processes
- Browser: Most providers require a specific browser or browser version. Pearson OnVUE uses its own application; ProctorU uses a Chrome extension; Examity uses a browser lockdown app. Download and test the required software at least 24 hours before the exam.
- Tablet and phone: Not accepted by most providers. Use a laptop or desktop.
Webcam and Microphone
The webcam and microphone are the proctoring system's eyes and ears. Failures here are the most common technical disqualifier.
- Webcam resolution: Minimum 320x240; most modern laptops and webcams exceed this
- Microphone: Built-in laptop microphone is acceptable; external USB microphone is also acceptable
- Lighting: Your face must be clearly illuminated. Sit facing a window or use a desk lamp to ensure even facial lighting. Backlighting (sitting with a window behind you) obscures your face and flags suspicious activity.
"The most common technical failure during online exam check-in is webcam recognition failure. This happens when multiple webcam drivers are installed, when a virtual webcam (used for video conferencing tools like OBS) is set as default, or when privacy software blocks application access to the camera. Run the provider's system check with all other applications closed to simulate the actual exam environment." -- Pearson VUE Technical Support Documentation
Audio
Proctors communicate with candidates via audio. Ensure:
- Your microphone is not muted
- Your speakers or headphones are functional
- Your external speakers are not so loud that audio feedback occurs
- No other application is claiming the microphone (Discord, Teams, Zoom, etc.)
Room Setup Requirements
Physical Environment
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Room must be private | No other people may enter during the exam |
| Desk must be clear | Only computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor; nothing else visible |
| Walls must be clear (some providers) | No whiteboards, notes, or informational posters |
| Room must be quiet | No TV, music, or conversation audible |
| Door must be closed | Or visible in webcam view as closed |
| Lighting must be adequate | Face clearly visible, no harsh shadows |
What Must Be on Your Desk
- Computer and input devices
- Your ID (for the webcam verification step, then secured nearby or out of view per proctor instruction)
- Nothing else
Notes, books, second monitors, phones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones (in most cases), and food/beverages are prohibited on the desk during the exam.
The Room Scan
Most proctoring platforms require a room scan during check-in: you pan your webcam slowly around your room to show the proctor or automated system that no prohibited materials are present. The scan typically takes 60-120 seconds. Prepare for this by:
- Removing all papers, books, and study materials from visible surfaces
- Turning whiteboards to face the wall or removing them
- Ensuring your bed is made and the room appears organized (this is not a formal requirement but reduces flags)
- Knowing where you will point the camera and in what order before the scan begins
Identity Verification Procedures
Online proctored exams require webcam ID verification. You will hold your ID up to the webcam while the proctor or automated system reads it. Ensure:
- Your ID is not expired
- Your face is clearly lit and matches your ID photo
- You hold the ID still and at a readable angle (not reflecting light back at the camera)
- Your name matches your registration exactly
Some providers use facial recognition to compare your exam-day webcam image to your ID photo. Ensure you are not wearing items that substantially alter your appearance compared to your ID photo (hats, face coverings).
Software Preparation: The 24-Hour Check
Run the provider's official system compatibility test at least 24 hours before your exam. This is a mandatory preparation step, not optional.
What the compatibility test checks:
- Operating system version
- Browser version (or application version)
- Webcam functionality
- Microphone functionality
- Internet connection speed
- Required permissions (camera access, microphone access, screen sharing)
If the test reveals problems, you have time to fix them before exam day. Common pre-exam technical issues and solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Webcam not recognized | Check privacy settings; allow camera access in OS settings |
| Microphone not recognized | Set correct default microphone in audio settings |
| Browser version incompatible | Update browser or download required version |
| Screen sharing blocked | Check OS privacy settings for screen recording permission |
| VPN active | Disable VPN; most proctoring providers prohibit VPN use |
| Firewall blocking connection | Add exception for proctoring application in firewall settings |
On Exam Day: Pre-Launch Checklist
Complete this checklist 30 minutes before your exam window opens:
- Speed test completed from exam location (minimum requirements met)
- Room cleared and organized
- Door closed
- ID within reach
- All non-exam applications closed (Teams, Discord, Zoom, Slack, antivirus scans)
- Notifications disabled (Do Not Disturb mode enabled on OS)
- Secondary device (phone, tablet) moved out of the room or powered off
- Anyone else in your home notified not to enter during the exam
- Proctoring software downloaded and updated
- Webcam and microphone tested
Handling Technical Issues During the Exam
If you experience a technical problem during the exam:
- Do not leave the exam screen -- leaving the exam window often triggers a proctor intervention or exam termination
- Use the proctor chat or call function within the exam interface to report the problem
- Keep your webcam and microphone active -- turning these off flags suspicious behavior
- If the session disconnects, reconnect immediately using the same login. Most providers allow reconnection within a defined window (typically 10-15 minutes)
Document any technical issues with screenshots if possible. If the exam terminates due to technical failure, contact the certifying body and proctoring provider immediately to request a reschedule at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a second monitor for an online proctored exam? No. Secondary monitors must be disconnected or powered off before launching proctoring software. Most proctoring platforms detect additional monitors and will not allow the exam to begin until they are disabled.
What happens if someone enters my room during the exam? The proctor will issue a warning. For most providers, a single brief interruption (family member who immediately leaves) results in a warning, not termination. Multiple interruptions or prolonged presence of another person may result in exam termination and potential score cancellation.
Can I take notes on paper during an online proctored exam? This depends on the specific exam and provider. Some exams permit a physical whiteboard or a blank sheet of paper that you must show the proctor at the start and end of the exam. Others prohibit any physical scratch materials and provide digital note tools. Check your exam's specific policy in the candidate handbook.
References
- Pearson VUE. (2024). OnVUE online testing system requirements and candidate guide. Pearson VUE official documentation.
- PSI Exams. (2024). PSI Bridge remote proctoring candidate guide. PSI official documentation.
- ProctorU. (2024). System requirements and technical preparation guide. ProctorU official documentation.
- Cluskey, G.R., Ehlen, C.R., & Raiborn, M.H. (2011). Thwarting online exam cheating without proctor supervision. Journal of Academic and Business Ethics, 4, 1-7.
- Woldeab, D., & Brothen, T. (2019). 21st century assessment: Online proctoring, test anxiety, and student performance. International Journal of E-Learning and Distance Education, 34(1).
- National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2020). Digital identity guidelines: Authentication and lifecycle management. NIST Special Publication 800-63B.