MS Certification via Online Proctored Exams

Introduction

Starting on Jan 1 2015, Microsoft started a beta program, wherein you could opt to take a limited number of certification exams online, and in the relative comfort of your own home.  This tip will hopefully smooth your introduction to the online-proctored experience and prepare you for the process.

I'm currently in the process of getting my MCSA SQL Server 2012 certification, which is one of the sets of tests being offered through this beta program.  In the event that they continue this program past the initial 6-month beta, I thought I'd share some helpful tips to guide you through preparing to take an online proctored exam.

Beginning on Jan 01 2015, the only company administering/scheduling Microsoft certifications is PearsonVUE. You MUST go through their web site to schedule your exams.

Sanitize Your Test Area

Simply put, you need to make your test area as uncluttered as possible. I removed all hanging wall decorations (posters, pictures, paintings, etc). If you don't, you'll have to be able to get close enough to them with your web cam so that the proctor can visually inspect them.

I also removed as much as possible from the room that wasn't actual furniture. Anything I couldn't remove I stacked against the wall. My test area primarily serves as a hobby room, and there are all kinds of modeling supplies and tools on a folding table. I simply cleaned the table off as much as possible, and put everything that was loose into small boxes.

Next, if you have ANY additional equipment in the room, such as TV's, computers monitors, etc, unplug them and turn TV's and monitors so they face the wall. I have several unused monitors in my test area, and doing this will appease the proctor.

My advice is to have nothing on your desk except maybe external speakers. You CANNOT have a pen, pencil, paper of any kind (including sticky notes), books, etc. If you have a hutch with a closing door, close the door. If your desk has drawers, close the drawers.

Preparing Your Computer

I strongly recommend that you use a laptop (running at least Windows 7) with a built-in web cam and microphone. You also need a reliable internet connection, and I strongly recommend a wired connection (as opposed to wireless) because the proctor watches and listens to you while you take the exam. I don't know if you can take these exams on a different kind of device, but even if you could, I'm not sure it would even be practical to consider it.

Before starting your exam, you must make sure that your system is completely up to date. This is especially important because most MS certifications require taking multiple tests, and since your tests will probably be scheduled weeks apart from each other, the likelihood that your software will be out-of-date each time is highly likely. For EACH TEST that you take, verify the following just before your scheduled test (you would be well-advised to do this the same day as your test).

0) Windows is fully patched to the latest updates

1) You're using the latest version of Internet Explorer

2) You're using the <b>ABSOLUTE LATEST VERSION OF FLASH</b>.

3) You have the <b>latest version of the proctoring software</b> (downloaded from PearsonVUE) BEFORE you start your exam. You can get this by performing the first "system test". I had to take three exams, and each time, it required a new version of the proctor software. This, in turn, required the newest version of Flash.

System Test

Before taking your test (or even scheduling it for that matter), you MUST perform the two system tests that PearsonVUE has provided. The first test checks your microphone, web cam, and internet connection, and the 2nd one tests general system readiness. This is also how you get the latest version of the proctor software. DO NOT skip this step.

Starting Your Test

Be ready to start your exam at PRECISELY the time you've scheduled. This is important because you only have 15 minutes to click the button to start your exam. Once clicked, you will be connected via chat window to a greeter, who will then call yu on the phone to verify your identity and testing environment. The greeting takes about 20-30 minutes. Make sure you have a form of government-issues ID, such as a driver's license and your cell phone handy.

The greeter will also have you turn all of your pockets inside out, and will ensure you don't have anything under your shirt collar, or up your sleeves if you're wearing a long-sleeve shirt. I suggest wearing a t-shirt, just to speed things up.

After the greeter is satisfied, you will be told to click the Launch button and at that time, you will be connected to a proctor.

Problems

If you have any software/hardware problems at all during the "greeting", you'll probably discover them AFTER your 15-minute window has expired. This means you'll have to call PearsonVUE customer service and get them to refund your exam fee so that you can reschedule your exam. I had to do this for my first two exams.

Go to the bathroom BEFORE you start your test. You will not be allowed to leave the testing environment once you've connected with a greeter.

During the Test

Your computer's webcam will be on (and you'll be able to see that it's on). If others live in your house, it is paramount that you impress upon them that you can receive absolutely no outside communications (if you do, it could invalidate your exam and you will NOT get a refund). Close the door to the room and even put a sign on the outside that says something like "DO NOT DISTURB! TESTING! QUIET! ". Including a threatening image might also be viable.

Once you've finished your test, you're done. There's no need to contact your proctor. Simply shut down all related software and revel in your newly acquired certification.

My Opinion

If PearsonVUE would make it possible to do a web-based verification of your software configuration, this would go a long way toward streamlining the process of taking a proctored exam. However, at this point, it's essential that you just assume your stuff is out of date, and go through the process of verifying that you're ready BEFORE your exam starts. It'll save you time and heartache.

History

• 22 Jan 2015: Initial tip.