If you've never taken an online proctored exam before, the process can feel unclear â and surprises on exam day cost you time and focus. This guide explains exactly how remote proctoring works, from the moment you launch the check-in software to receiving your score, so there are no unexpected moments when it counts.
What Is an Online Proctored Exam?
An online proctored exam (also called a remote proctored exam or home proctored exam) is a certification exam you take from your own computer while a human proctor or AI monitoring system watches via your webcam, microphone, and screen share. The goal is to maintain the same exam integrity as a physical testing center â preventing cheating, verifying your identity, and ensuring you're working alone without prohibited materials.
For IT certifications, the most common online proctoring platforms are Pearson VUE OnVUE, PSI Bridge, and Prometric ProProctor. Each works slightly differently but follows the same core process.
The 6 Phases of an Online Proctored Exam
Phase 1: System Check (Days Before the Exam)
Before exam day, run your vendor's system compatibility test. This checks your operating system, browser, internet speed, webcam, and microphone. Most vendors provide this tool when you complete registration. If anything fails the check, you have time to fix it before exam day â don't skip this step.
Phase 2: Check-In (30 Minutes Before Exam Time)
You can begin check-in up to 30 minutes before your scheduled start. Launch the proctoring software (either browser-based or a downloaded application). The software will close all other applications on your computer â this happens automatically and you cannot override it. Keep only exam-essential windows open.
Phase 3: Identity Verification (5â10 Minutes)
You'll photograph your government-issued photo ID using your webcam. The proctor verifies your name matches your registration. You may also be asked to show your face clearly, remove glasses, and verify that nothing is written on your hands. Some platforms require a 360° room scan â you slowly rotate the camera to show your workspace, walls, and surroundings.
Phase 4: Workspace Verification (5 Minutes)
The proctor reviews your workspace. Typically required: a clear desk (nothing on it except your allowed materials), blank walls visible behind you, no second monitors (or they must be disconnected/turned face-down), no other people in the room, adequate lighting so your face is visible. You may need to show your ears to confirm you're not wearing earbuds.
Phase 5: The Exam Itself
Once cleared, the exam launches. The proctor monitors continuously via webcam and screen share. You cannot leave the webcam frame, use a phone, speak to anyone, or navigate to other websites. The proctor communicates via a chat window if they need to flag something â watch for messages in the corner of your screen.
Phase 6: Submission and Score Report
When you submit the exam, your score appears immediately for most certification exams. For some exams (notably PMP and certain PMI certifications), provisional results appear immediately but final scores may require additional processing. Your certification account is updated within 1-5 business days.
What Proctors Can See and Monitor
- Your webcam feed â face, hands, and the space around you in real time
- Your screen â everything on your monitor including the exam questions (they cannot interact with the exam)
- Your microphone â any speech, background conversations, or suspicious audio
- Your system activity â whether you switch applications, open new windows, or attempt to navigate away
AI-assisted monitoring flags unusual behavior (eyes leaving the screen, background noise, additional faces) for human review. A live proctor may intervene via chat if flagged behavior is detected.
What's Allowed vs. Prohibited During the Exam
â Typically Allowed
- Blank scratch paper (or whiteboard) â check your vendor
- Silent lip movement while reading
- Drinking water (clear glass/bottle)
- Taking breaks only on exams that explicitly allow them
- Asking for clarification via proctor chat
â Prohibited
- Notes, books, or printed materials
- Second monitors (unless specifically allowed)
- Mobile phone nearby or in view
- Other people in the room
- Earbuds or headphones
- Talking aloud (beyond whisper-level self-talk)
- Looking away from the screen repeatedly
- Leaving the camera view
How Proctored Exam Flagging and Termination Works
Proctors flag â but don't immediately terminate â suspicious behavior. Common flagged behaviors include:
- Eyes leaving the screen for extended periods
- Another person visible in the webcam frame
- Audio that sounds like someone reading answers aloud or a second person speaking
- Attempting to navigate to another website or application
When something is flagged, the proctor sends a chat message asking you to correct the behavior (e.g., "Please look at your screen" or "Please clear the item from your desk"). Repeated or severe violations result in exam termination. A terminated exam is marked as a failed attempt and counts toward your retake limit.
"The single most disqualifying thing candidates do is leave the camera frame. Even to adjust your chair â"notify the proctor first via chat and wait for permission."
Technical Requirements for Online Proctored Exams
| Requirement | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload minimum (wired connection preferred) |
| Webcam | 640x480 minimum resolution; built-in or USB external |
| Microphone | Built-in or USB; no Bluetooth (in some vendor policies) |
| Operating system | Windows 10/11 or macOS 11+; Chromebooks usually not supported |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum |
| Browser / software | Varies by vendor (Pearson VUE uses a lockdown browser; PSI uses a web client) |
| Admin rights | Required to install and run proctoring software (VPN usually must be disabled) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the proctor see my screen during an online proctored exam?
Yes. Online proctors have access to your webcam feed, microphone audio, and a full screen share of your computer. They can see everything on your monitor during the exam.
Can I take a bathroom break during an online proctored exam?
Most online proctored exams do not allow bathroom breaks. For long exams (3+ hours), some vendors allow a scheduled break, but you cannot leave the camera view without proctor permission first. Check your specific exam's policies before exam day.
What happens if I lose internet during the exam?
The exam software typically attempts to reconnect automatically. You have a brief window (usually 5-10 minutes) to restore the connection. If it cannot reconnect, the exam terminates â contact support immediately with documentation of the outage for a reschedule.
Is it better to use a testing center or online proctoring?
Testing centers eliminate technical setup stress (no system checks, no workspace prep) and are ideal if you don't have a quiet private space. Online proctoring is more convenient â no travel, no fixed location. Choose based on your home environment and comfort with technology setup.
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