PSI Online Proctoring Guide 2026: System Check, Accommodations & Tips

PSI Services is one of the world's largest exam delivery providers, administering certifications for PMI (PMP), SHRM, HRCI, CompTIA (via PSI Bridge), and hundreds of other professional licensing bodies. If your certification exam is delivered through PSI online proctoring, this guide covers everything you need: system requirements, check-in, accommodations, keyboard navigation, ID verification, and what to do when things go wrong.

PSI Bridge vs. PSI Proctoring: What's the Difference?

PSI Bridge is PSI's online exam delivery platform — it's the web application you use to take your exam. PSI Online Proctoring refers to the monitoring service that a live proctor uses to watch you during the exam via PSI Bridge. You'll interact with both simultaneously during your exam experience.

PSI also operates a network of physical testing centers where you take the same exam in person. This guide focuses on the online proctored (at-home) experience.

PSI System Requirements 2026

Requirement	Specification
Operating System	Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or macOS 11 Big Sur and later
Processor	1.4 GHz or faster
RAM	4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Internet	10 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload; wired connection strongly recommended
Webcam	640×480 minimum; external USB or built-in
Microphone	Built-in or USB (Bluetooth may not be accepted)
Browser	Latest Chrome or Firefox (PSI Bridge is browser-based, no download required for most exams)
Display	1024×768 minimum resolution; single monitor only
VPN	Must be disabled during exam
Firewalls	Certain enterprise firewalls may block PSI — test from a personal network if at work

PSI ID Verification: What to Expect

PSI requires one or two forms of government-issued ID. The check-in process includes:

1. Photo the front of your primary ID (driver's license or passport) using your webcam
2. Photo the back of your ID if it's a driver's license
3. Face match — the system or proctor compares your live webcam image to the ID photo
4. Hold ID up to the camera — the proctor may ask you to hold your ID next to your face simultaneously

Critical: Your legal name on the ID must match your registration name exactly. Middle name discrepancies, nicknames, or name changes not yet reflected on your ID can result in exam refusal. Update your registration first if there's a mismatch.

PSI Keyboard Navigation and Accessibility

PSI Bridge is designed to be accessible. For candidates who require keyboard-only navigation or use assistive technology:

Tab Navigation

Use Tab to move forward through exam interface elements, Shift+Tab to move backward. All buttons, answer options, and navigation controls are reachable via keyboard.

Answer Selection

• For multiple choice: Use arrow keys to select answer options, then press Enter or Space to confirm
• For drag-and-drop: PSI Bridge provides an alternative keyboard method — typically using Tab to reach the item and Enter to grab/drop

Navigation Controls

• Next question: Alt+N or the Next button (Tab to it)
• Previous question: Alt+P or the Previous button
• Flag for review: Available via keyboard; typically Tab to the flag button and press Enter
• Review screen: Shows all questions and their status (answered, flagged, skipped)

PSI Accommodations for Disabilities

PSI offers a formal accommodations process for candidates with documented disabilities. Common accommodations include:

• Extended testing time (25%, 50%, 100%, or time-and-a-half depending on documentation)
• Additional break time
• Screen magnification or zoom
• Text-to-speech / screen reader compatibility
• Separate testing environment (at a testing center)
• Alternative input devices (approval required)

How to Request PSI Accommodations

1. Contact your certification program (e.g., PMI, SHRM, HRCI) — request accommodations. Each program has its own accommodations review process.
2. Submit documentation from a licensed healthcare provider describing your condition and the specific accommodations needed.
3. Allow 4–6 weeks for review before your desired exam date.
4. Once approved, the certification program notifies PSI, and your exam registration automatically reflects the accommodations.

Common PSI Technical Issues and Fixes

Webcam not detected

Close all other applications using your webcam (video calls, Zoom, Teams). In Chrome, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Camera → make sure PSI's website has camera access. If using Firefox, check the permissions in the URL bar padlock icon.

System check passes but exam fails to launch

This is often a firewall or security software issue. Temporarily disable VPN, antivirus real-time scanning, and corporate firewalls. If using a company-issued computer, switch to a personal device — enterprise network policies frequently block proctoring software.

Proctor chat is unresponsive

If the proctor chat doesn't load or respond, do not continue the exam on your own. Wait 2–3 minutes, then use PSI's real-time support chat at psionline.com/en-us/support in a separate browser window (if your exam allows it) or call PSI support. Document the time and the issue.

Exam freezes mid-test

Do not close the exam window. Try clicking within the exam area first. If completely frozen, wait 30 seconds before refreshing — the exam state is typically preserved server-side. If you must close and reopen, your answers up to that point are saved.

PSI Online Proctoring: The Check-In Timeline

Time Before Exam	What to Do
3+ days before	Run system check at syscheck.psionline.com
1 day before	Close unnecessary applications; prepare your workspace; charge laptop
30 minutes before	Launch PSI Bridge; begin check-in process; ensure workspace is clear
15 minutes before	Complete ID verification and workspace scan; wait for proctor clearance
Exam start	Proctor grants access; exam timer begins

Which Certification Exams Use PSI?

PSI delivers exams for a wide range of professional certification bodies:

• PMI — PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, CAPM, and other PMI credentials
• SHRM — SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP
• HRCI — PHR, SPHR, GPHR, aPHR
• CompTIA (via PSI online option) — A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, CASP+
• IAPP — CIPP/US, CIPM, CIPT (privacy certifications)
• Various state licensing boards — real estate, insurance, cosmetology, and other regulated professions