I GOT CERTIFIED IN MY BEDROOM

Online proctored testing may be the future of IT certification exams

- PETER MANIJAK

With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all segments of society, including the closing down of IT certification testing centers around the globe, remote online proctored testing has stepped to the forefront in the IT certification world. I’m curious to look at it from the standpoint of program owners as well as address the thoughts and concerns of individual test takers.

For programs that were already using some degree of online proctored testing (OLPT), it has been an easy transition to go completely OLPT. In general, any exams scheduled for on-site testing were pushed back a few months, and they will likely be pushed back even further. The timing is also in place for programs to go completely OLPT, so test takers should get set up to take near-future exams remotely.

This usually means getting an external webcam (i.e., not an integrated laptop cam) as well as setting up any required software. Waiting until just before the scheduled exam time to get set up could result in missing the start time and forfeiting the exam fee. Most organizations also recommend testing the external camera at least a week ahead of time.

Testing providers who use live proctors — a person is assigned to observe the test as you take it and can pause or end the test if they see any unusual behavior — will be sticklers for scheduled test appointments. You should not expect to switch your exam time after it’s been set. There is at least one vendor that has live proctors working from home, but there is still a schedule to maintain.

In looking at testing providers, please be aware there is a tremendous difference between a live proctor, who watches the exam as you take it, and proctors who tape an exam session and review it later. We’ll circle back to this more passive proctoring in a moment.