What is the difference between Pearson VUE and Prometric for certification exams?
Pearson VUE and Prometric are the two major third-party testing center networks that deliver certification exams. CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and (ISC)2 use Pearson VUE. PMI, ISACA, and some vendor certifications use Prometric. Both offer testing center locations worldwide and online proctored options. Registration processes are similar, but accounts are not transferable between networks; you need separate accounts for each.
Most IT and professional certification exams are delivered through one of two global testing center networks: Pearson VUE and Prometric. Understanding how each works, how to register, and what to expect on exam day reduces anxiety and prevents logistical problems that can undermine performance.
Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE operates approximately 5,000 testing centers in 180 countries. The major certifications delivered through Pearson VUE include:
- CompTIA: A+, Network+, Security+, all CompTIA certifications
- Cisco: CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, all Cisco certifications
- Microsoft: All Azure, Microsoft 365, and other Microsoft certifications
- Amazon Web Services: All AWS certifications
- (ISC)2: CISSP, CCSP, and all ISC2 certifications
- EC-Council: CEH and related security certifications
| Vendor | Testing Network |
|---|---|
| CompTIA | Pearson VUE |
| Cisco | Pearson VUE |
| Microsoft | Pearson VUE |
| AWS | Pearson VUE |
| ISC2 | Pearson VUE |
| PMI | Prometric |
| ISACA | Prometric |
| Red Hat | Prometric |
| Salesforce | Kryterion |
Registration process for Pearson VUE:
- Create a free account at pearsonvue.com
- Navigate to your certification vendor's testing page or go directly to pearsonvue.com/[vendor]
- Select your exam, choose a testing center or online proctored option, select date and time
- Pay the exam fee (credit card or voucher)
- Receive confirmation with exam ID
Prometric
Prometric operates approximately 11,000 testing centers in 160 countries. Major certifications delivered through Prometric include:
- PMI: PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, and all PMI certifications
- ISACA: CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC
- Red Hat: RHCSA, RHCE, and Red Hat certifications
- GIAC: GIAC security certifications (also available other ways)
Registration process for Prometric:
- Create an account at prometric.com
- Select your certification sponsor (PMI, ISACA, etc.)
- Follow the sponsor-specific registration process (often requires eligibility verification from the vendor before scheduling)
- Select testing center and time
- Receive confirmation
Online Proctored Exams
Both Pearson VUE and Prometric offer online proctored options for most exams, allowing candidates to take exams from home or an office with a webcam-equipped computer.
Requirements for online proctored exams:
- Compatible computer (most exams require a PC or Mac; check specific requirements)
- Stable internet connection (minimum 1 Mbps; 10+ Mbps recommended)
- Webcam with clear view of your face
- Microphone (for proctor communication)
- Clean desk environment (no papers, books, or other materials)
- Private room you can be alone in for the exam duration
- Valid government-issued photo ID
System requirements check: Both Pearson VUE and Prometric offer system compatibility checks on their websites. Run these at least 48 hours before your exam to resolve any issues.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Testing center:
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Bring two forms of ID (primary: government ID with photo and signature; secondary: credit card, employee ID, or similar)
- No personal items allowed in the testing room (phones, watches, bags, notes all go in a locker)
- Scratch paper or an erasable whiteboard is typically provided
- The testing center supervisor initializes the exam and you begin
Online proctored:
- Log in 15-30 minutes before your scheduled start time
- A proctor joins a video session to verify your identity and scan your environment
- You cannot have phones, papers, or other people visible during the exam
- The proctor monitors you throughout the exam via webcam
Exam Reschedule and Cancellation Policies
Most vendors allow rescheduling or cancellation without penalty if done more than 24-48 hours before the exam. Within 24 hours of the exam, fees may apply or the exam registration may be forfeited. Policies vary by vendor:
- CompTIA: Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before; forfeited within 24 hours
- Cisco: Cancel up to 24 hours before with partial refund; full forfeiture within 24 hours
- AWS: Reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before; forfeited within 24 hours
- Microsoft: Reschedule up to 24 hours before without fee; forfeited within 24 hours
- PMI: 30-day cancellation policy with various fees depending on timing
Always verify current policies on the vendor's website before scheduling, as these policies change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Pearson VUE account for PMI certifications? No. PMI uses Prometric, not Pearson VUE. You need a separate account on prometric.com for PMI exams. Your Pearson VUE account covers CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and ISC2 exams but not PMI certifications.
What ID is required at a testing center? Most testing centers require one primary government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID card) and a secondary form of ID with your name. A credit card with your name is commonly accepted as the secondary ID. The name on your ID must match the name on your registration.
What happens if I have a technical problem during an online proctored exam? Contact your proctor immediately through the chat or audio channel provided. Do not attempt to restart your computer or reconnect on your own without proctor instruction. Your proctor has protocols for technical interruptions and can pause your exam or reschedule if needed.
References
- Pearson VUE. (2024). Pearson VUE certification testing. https://www.pearsonvue.com/
- Prometric. (2024). Prometric testing solutions. https://www.prometric.com/
- CompTIA. (2024). Testing with Pearson VUE. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/testing/testing-options
- Project Management Institute. (2024). PMI exam delivery through Prometric. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/pmi-certification-faqs
- Amazon Web Services. (2024). AWS exam registration through Pearson VUE. https://aws.amazon.com/certification/
- Microsoft. (2024). Schedule a Microsoft Certification exam. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/schedule-exam