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Tips for a successful remote proctored exam experience:
Remote proctored exams have the convenience of offering testing throughout the world, but also puts more demands on you, the test taker, in creating an acceptable test environment. You are in control of creating a successful test experience. Proctors are professionally trained to observe exams to look for evidence of potential security risks and cheating. Not preparing your computer and your exam space for your exam appointment can lead to extensive pre-exam pre-checks delaying the start of your exam. Following the tips below will help create a smooth exam experience for you and the proctor, allowing you to focus on your exam.
Before you schedule your exam
Selecting the best time for you exam is more than just picking a date and time. Here are some tips to help you choose the best time for you.
- Do not wait until the day you want to test to schedule your exam.
- CAP exams do not allow same day registration and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Do not wait until the end of your eligibility period to schedule your exam.
- Exam appointments are on a first-come first-served basis. If you want until the last minute to schedule your exam, you might discover there are no more exam appointments available.
- Select a time and place that will have the least amount of distractions as possible.
- Avoid times when others are likely to come in/out of your exam space. People entering your exam enviroment will results in invalidation of your exam and forfeiture of your exam fees. If possible, we recommend testing in a room with a locked door to prevent entry.
- Avoid times when there is heavy use of your internet network. This can cause latency issues and you may lose connection with your exam.
- Block 4-5 hours for your exam.
- All CAP exams have a three hour exam time. This does NOT include the time to connect and launch the exam. We recommend leaving yourself enough time in case of issues with connecting to your proctor and/or exam. Give yourself the room to adapt just in case you need the extra time.
A few days before your exam
Prior to beginning your exam you must complete the ProctorU computer requirements check and download the Guardian Browser. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Download the Guardian Browser
- Review the Technical Requirement listed below
- Ensure any background programs (remote access, viewer, support tools, or security) are removed or disabled before accessing your exam.
- You may need to restart your computer after removing the programs.
- We recommend testing from a personal device if possible. If not possible, work with your IT department ahead of your exam appointment to verify these programs have been disabled as they may prevent you from completing your exam.
- Check your equipment to make sure your system is compatible with ProctorU at https://go.proctoru.com/testitout
- Test on the computer you will be using during the exam
- Test during the same time of day as your scheduled exam appointment
- If your equipment tests slow, you may still enter the exam, but will likely experience latency issues, and may even lose connection. This can cause delays in reconnecting and require additional identification and environment verification before you may reenter the exam.
- Prepare identity verification documents. This includes one of the following:
- Government-issued driver’s license
- College/University-issued staff photo ID
- Passport
- Non-US Military issued identification card
- Any Physical Government-Issued Identification Card (must include photo)
- Gather your INFORMS/Prolydian username and password. You will be using the Guardian Browser and will not have access to a password manager. Be sure you know your username and password.
On the day of your exam
Log in 10 minutes prior to the exam using the Guardian Browser. You may want to refresh the screen at the time of the exam. To access your exam:
- Clear your exam area of items besides your computer and monitor.
- Remove paper and objects from your desk/table, including below your desk/table.
- Cover windows, bookshelves, etc. to remove distractions for both you and the proctor.
- No other people or pets are allowed in the room with you while you take the exam. You should take the exam in a room with a door that you can close and if possible, lock. Your exam will be voided and you will forfeit your exam fee if someone enters the room during the exam.
- Download the Guardian Browser if you don't already have it.
- Open the Guardian Browser and log into your Prolydian account at https://app.prolydian.com/organizations/INFORMS. If you log in with your INFORMS credentials, you must log into the system through https://app.prolydian.com/organizations/informs for your exam. You MUST access Prolydian and log in via Guardian Browser and NOT any other browser
- Go to the "My exams" dashboard and click the "Launch Exam" button (This button will be enabled one minute before your exam time.)
- Click "Start Session"
- Follow the on screen instructions to share your screen and check your equipment
- Follow the identity verification instructions
- The proctor will perform a system check and camera pan of your workspace and will give you directions on how to begin your exam
Technical Requirements - Verify your system!
It is not just your interenet speed that impacts your exam experience. If your system does not meet (or just barely meets the minimum) the technical requirements below, you may experience lag or even connection issues with your exam. Time spent connecting and reconnecting to the exam do not count against you, but can be frustrating to examinees. It is your responsiblity as a test taker to ensure your equipment meets the needs of the exam.
- Guardian Browser is required for testing. Download here.
- Operating System: macOS 11 or later, Windows 10 or higher. ProctorU does not support Linux or Chrome OS
- Web Camera: Minimum- 640×480 resolution, Recommended- 1280×720 resolution
- Internet Download Speed: A required upload and download speed of 3Mbps, with 10Mbps preferred
- For a better exam experience connect to the internet via an ethernet cable instead of wireless network. Wireless networks experience sudden disconnections more frequently.
- If you must use a wireless connection, position your device where you have the strongest signal (e.g., near the router).
- Make sure there are no other devices (phones, tablets, streaming services, other computers, etc.) or users connected to your network for the duration of the exam.
- RAM: Recommended- 4GB
- CPU: 4 cores at 2.4ghz
- A Functioning Microphone: Webcams with built in microphones and stand alone microphones supported
- Not Supported:
- Tablets (iPad, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Note, etc.)
- Mobile (Android, iOS)
- ARM CPU Architecture
- Chromebooks
- Dual monitors are not permitted