What are the differences between online and in-person proctored certification exams?
Online proctored exams allow you to test from home using a webcam and lockdown browser, while in-person exams are taken at authorized testing centers with controlled environments. Online proctoring is more convenient but requires a stable internet connection, quiet private space, and passing system compatibility checks. In-person testing centers handle technical issues and provide physical scratch paper.
Most major certification providers — Pearson VUE, Prometric, PSI, and others — offer both online proctored and in-person testing center options for the same exams. Choosing between them depends on your home environment, technical setup, and personal comfort with remote monitoring.
This guide covers the key differences, requirements, setup process, and decision framework for choosing the right testing format.
Overview of Both Options
Testing Center (In-Person)
Authorized testing centers are physical facilities operated by Pearson VUE, Prometric, or other proctoring services, typically located in office parks, universities, or learning centers.
How it works:
- Schedule appointment online through the certification provider
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early with required ID
- Lockers store your belongings (phone, bag, keys)
- Check-in staff scan your ID and photograph you
- You are escorted to a monitored testing room with individual workstations
- Complete exam on the provided computer with scratch paper or whiteboard
- Results typically shown immediately (for linear exams)
Online Proctored (Remote)
Online proctored exams are taken on your own computer with a proctor monitoring via webcam and screen sharing software.
How it works:
- Schedule appointment through the certification provider
- Download and install the proctoring browser or software (OnVUE, ProctorU, PSI)
- On exam day, log in 15-30 minutes early for check-in process
- Show your room, desk, and ID via webcam
- Proctor locks down your computer and monitors your screen and camera throughout
- Complete exam; proctor can interrupt if policy violations are detected
System Requirements for Online Proctored Exams
Hardware requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, macOS 10.13+ | Work computers often blocked by IT policy |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB recommended |
| Processor | 2 GHz dual-core | |
| Webcam | 640x480 minimum | Built-in or external |
| Microphone | Required | Built-in or headset (no earbuds) |
| Internet | 1 Mbps upload/download | 5+ Mbps strongly recommended |
| Browser | Proctoring-specific lockdown browser | Must be installed before exam day |
Environment requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Room | Private, no other people allowed |
| Desk | Clear of all materials except ID |
| Lighting | Well-lit, proctor must see your face |
| Monitors | Single monitor only (disconnect additional displays) |
| Headphones | Not permitted (earbuds, noise-canceling headphones all prohibited) |
| Phone | Must be out of reach (face down or in another room) |
"Online proctored exams create unique stressors that in-person exams do not. Technical failures, noisy environments, and the discomfort of being continuously watched on camera can impair performance. Candidates with quiet home environments and stable internet connections generally report similar or better experiences online. Those in apartments with family or roommates often perform better at testing centers." -- Pearson VUE Candidate Experience Survey, 2024
Running the System Check
Always run the official system check before your exam day:
Pearson VUE: https://home.pearsonvue.com/Clients/OnVUE.aspx Prometric: https://www.prometric.com/online-proctoring PSI: https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers
What the system check tests:
- Internet speed and stability
- Webcam and microphone functionality
- Screen resolution compatibility
- Prohibited software detection (remote desktop, screen sharing apps)
- Lockdown browser installation
Common system check failures and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Internet speed too low | Use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi; test at peak hours |
| VPN detected | Disconnect all VPN software before system check |
| Remote access software | Uninstall TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Zoom before exam |
| Work computer restrictions | Use personal computer; corporate IT often blocks proctoring |
| Webcam not detected | Update drivers; try different USB port; use external webcam |
Check-In Process Comparison
In-Person Check-In
- Arrive with government ID (passport or driver's license)
- Sign nondisclosure agreement (NDA) on tablet or paper
- Palmscan or fingerscan biometrics (at some centers)
- Empty pockets into locker
- Walk through or wave scan with metal detector wand
- Escorted to testing area; scratch paper or whiteboard provided
- Log in with candidate ID on provided computer
Time: Typically 5-10 minutes
Online Proctored Check-In
- Log in 15-30 minutes before exam time
- Complete automated pre-check: system scan, room scan
- Live proctor joins via chat (text or audio)
- Show 360-degree view of room with webcam
- Show ID close up to camera
- Clear desk on camera; show empty pockets
- Close all applications; proctor launches lockdown browser
Time: Can take 15-30 minutes; technical issues can cause delays
When to Choose Each Option
Choose In-Person Testing Center If:
- You have family members, roommates, or pets that cannot be kept quiet for the exam duration
- Your home internet connection is unreliable or shared with heavy users
- You use a work computer with IT-managed security software that blocks proctoring
- You have had previous online proctoring technical issues
- You prefer physical scratch paper for calculations or diagrams
- Your exam is performance-based with VM environments (some must be in-person)
Choose Online Proctored If:
- You have a reliable internet connection (wired Ethernet preferred)
- You have a private quiet room available
- The nearest testing center is inconvenient (far away or poor scheduling availability)
- You prefer the flexibility of testing at home without commute time
- You perform better in your own familiar environment
Special Considerations by Certification
| Certification | Online Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AWS certifications | Yes | All exams available online |
| CISSP | Yes | Pearson VUE OnVUE |
| CompTIA | Yes | Pearson VUE OnVUE |
| CKA/CKAD/CKS | Yes (only) | PSI online-only, Linux VM environment |
| Cisco CCNA/CCNP | Yes | Pearson VUE OnVUE |
| PMP | Yes | Pearson VUE OnVUE |
| OSCP | Yes (only) | Offensive Security proprietary platform |
Technical Troubleshooting on Exam Day
Common Online Proctoring Issues
Internet drops during exam:
- Most proctoring platforms save your progress automatically
- Close the lockdown browser, reconnect internet, relaunch
- Contact proctoring support immediately via the chat interface
- Do not attempt to re-join without proctor guidance
Webcam or audio fails during exam:
- Use the in-exam chat to notify the proctor immediately
- Do not restart your computer without proctor authorization
- Some platforms allow a grace period to resolve technical issues
Proctor interrupts the exam:
- Stop what you are doing and respond to the proctor's chat or audio
- Common reasons: background noise, suspicious behavior, lighting issue
- Calmly comply and resume when cleared
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the proctor see my notes if I take the online exam? Yes. Online proctors monitor your entire screen via screen sharing and watch your webcam continuously throughout the exam. They can see if you look away from the screen repeatedly, use other applications, or reference materials. You cannot have any notes, papers, or reference materials at your desk. Writing implements are also prohibited for most online exams. The room scan at the beginning requires showing there are no notes on walls or nearby.
What if my online exam has technical problems and I cannot finish? If unresolvable technical issues prevent exam completion, contact the proctoring provider (Pearson VUE, Prometric, PSI) immediately. Most providers have incident reporting processes and will schedule a retake at no charge if the technical failure was on their end. Document the issue with screenshots if possible. Do not close the exam application without proctor guidance, as this may be interpreted as an intentional exit.
Is online proctoring available 24/7? Many providers offer online proctored exams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with on-demand scheduling for some certifications (no appointment needed). This is one of the key advantages over testing centers, which operate during business hours and have limited appointment slots. Demand during peak periods (end of quarter, Monday mornings) can make same-day scheduling difficult even online.
References
- Pearson VUE. (2025). Online Proctoring (OnVUE) System Requirements. https://home.pearsonvue.com/Clients/OnVUE.aspx
- Prometric. (2025). ProProctor Candidate Guide. https://www.prometric.com/online-proctoring
- PSI Services. (2025). Online Testing Candidate Handbook. https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers
- CompTIA. (2025). Online Testing with Pearson VUE. https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/take-in-person-exam
- AWS. (2025). Schedule an Exam - Online Proctored. https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-prep/testing/
- Linux Foundation. (2025). PSI Online Proctoring Requirements. https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-handbook2/exam-preparation-guide