Remote proctor information

To take the exam you will need the following:

• A valid government issued photo ID.  The paper driver’s license issued by your state/province upon renewal will not be accepted.  The first and last name in our system must match the name on your ID.  You will be required to show the remote proctor your ID.
• Desktop computer or laptop computer running Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX (Tablets, iPads, Chromebooks and smartphones do not meet our requirements).
• Only one computer display/monitor. You will be asked to unplug any additional displays/monitors.
• Ensure that you have access to Google Meet on your computer, this is what the proctor will use to connect.
• A working built-in or external webcam and microphone.
• Two cameras are required during your proctored exam. In addition to your computer's camera and microphone, please have a mobile device with the Google Meet app installed. Your phone will need to be placed so the proctor can see your computer screen. This image shows several examples of acceptable angles.
• A quiet and clean workspace cleared of any papers, post-its, books, electronic devices, phones, drinks, etc. where there will be no interruptions. The proctor will ask you to do a complete 360-degree room pan and desk sweep with your webcam. You MAY have pictures on your walls, but posters & bookshelves must be covered up.
• No digital watches, headphones/earbuds or hats can be worn.
• No breaks are allowed.
• A calculator will be provided within the exam.
• You are allowed one blank piece of scratch paper and a pen or pencil. You will be required to show both sides of the paper to the proctor.
• You must use Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Chrome is the most compatible. Do not use Safari or Internet Explorer.
• Reliable internet connection.  Hot spots should not be used.
• Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. 10 download/3 upload is recommended. Test your internet speed at: http://www.speedtest.net. You should test your speed at the location you are taking the exam on the day of the week and time of your exam to get the best estimate of your internet speed. Speed can vary on exam day based on your provider and usage.

To check your computer and network compatibility, please take this sample exam.  If you have issues, you may need to use a different computer or take your exam from a different location. If you are using a company computer or are at work and are having trouble, you can ask your IT department to following the instructions in this guide, which may resolve the issues. Make sure you can successfully take the above exam before your appointment date.

Some candidates may experience difficulties accessing the online proctoring system when using company-issued PCs, due to company firewalls and content filtering. This is an increasing concern and can prevent candidates from starting or completing their exams.

Key points for candidates:

• Whenever possible, candidates should use a personal (non-company) device to take certification exams, as company firewalls commonly block or restrict necessary proctoring services.
• If a company computer must be used, advise candidates and their IT support to whitelist the online proctoring service domains and any required ports. Provide a list of these URLs and ports in advance.
• Local boards should proactively communicate these requirements to candidates and their organizations and facilitate access to IT teams for troubleshooting.
• In case of access issues during an exam, candidates should contact technical support immediately and document the problems for follow-up.
   

To take the exam, the proctor will give you the information to connect using Google Meet. Please ensure you have access to that program on both your computer and mobile device.

• International Exam - 2.5 hrs
• Local Board Exams - 2 hrs
• Exam Section - 1 hr
• Most Specialty Exams - 2 hrs
  4R NMS Region 1 - 3 hrs

When an exam is a remote proctored exam, it means you will now take the exam on your computer at your home or office and the proctor will be monitoring you live, via an online webcam.

There are many benefits of having exams given via remote proctor. You will no longer have to travel to an exam site to take the exam. Within the designated exam dates, you will now be able to pick the best day and time to take the exam. Exams can be taken 24 hours a day within the designated exam dates. Also, many people feel more comfortable taking an exam in a familiar setting.

Below is a list of things that you will need to have to take the exams via remote proctor:

• Desktop computer or laptop computer running Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX (Tablets, iPads, Chromebooks and smartphones do not meet our requirements).
• A working built-in or external webcam and microphone.
• A quiet and clean workspace cleared of any books, papers, phones, drinks, etc. where there will be no interruptions.
• Chrome, Firefox or Edge for a browser. Chrome is the most compatible. Do not use Safari or Internet Explorer.
• Reliable internet connection. We recommend that your computer is hardwired to the internet to ensure your connection isn’t dropped. Wifi can be used, just be sure the connection is dependable.
• Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. 10 download/3 upload is recommended. Test your internet speed at: http://www.speedtest.net.
• A valid government issued photo ID must be presented.  The first and last name that you register under must match your ID.

To check your computer and network compatibility, please take this sample exam.  If you have issues, you may need to use a different computer or take your exam from a different location. If you are using a company computer or are at work, you can ask your IT department to follow the instructions in this guide, which may resolve the issues. Make sure you can successfully take the above exam before your appointment date.

When launching the exam, the proctor will be using GoToMeeting or Zoom. If you have used these in past and/or already have this installed on your computer, you should be fine. If you are using a work computer and/or are connected to your employer’s internet we strongly recommend that you test your computer's compatibility before your scheduled exam date. Join a GoToMeeting Test Meeting or a Zoom Test Meeting.

When scheduling your exam, we will have a link available to check the compatibility of your computer. This is why when you schedule your exam you should use the same computer that you will be using to take the exam.

Yes, a calculator is available within the exam. One sheet of scratch paper will be allowed. You will be required to show the paper to the proctor.

One week prior to the first exam date, you will receive an email with a specific link to schedule and take your exam. This link is specific to your exam and will allow you to schedule the date and time you would like to take the exam. We recommend that you schedule the exam using the same computer you plan on the taking exam with. If you haven't already checked your computers compatibility, we strongly recommend you do this.

Exams offered as continuous testing will receive immediate pass/fail results on-screen after the exam is submitted. You will have the option to print or email the exam results.  Within 7 – 10 business days for continuous exams, you will also receive an email when official exam results are released with a specific password protected URL to log into.  Exams not offered as continuous testing will receive an email approximately four weeks after the exam date when official exam results are released with a specific password protected URL to log into. For Fail results only, you MAY receive the category areas needing the most improvement for future study.  Please whitelist or note as a safe sender the email certification@sciencesocieties.org on your email account as this is the email we use to send email notifications to you.