Online Testing Tips
1. Connect Via Ethernet, Not Wi-Fi
Connect to the internet via ethernet and limit other uses of your bandwidth during your appointment. After establishing an ethernet connection, disconnect your Wi-Fi to ensure your computer maintains an ethernet connection throughout your exam.
2. Close All Computer Applications
Having other applications running in the background when testing through ProProctor will impact the performance of the exam software. Make sure you close all applications prior to testing.
3. Adjust Your Network and Computer Security Settings
ProProctor accesses your computer, including your camera and microphone, which may be identified as a security threat by your system. Prior to your exam, adjust or disable the security settings on your computer, router, and those set through your internet service provider (ISP) to ensure ProProctor is not blocked throughout your appointment. If you’re unsure how to check your ISP security settings, reach out to your provider directly.
4. Disable Your Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Connecting your computer through a VPN will limit performance of the exam delivery software and may cause ProProctor to block your access completely, so you’ll need to disable it prior to your exam. Reach out to your company’s IT support team for assistance on identifying your VPN and disabling it.
5. Make Sure Your Webcam Uses Autofocus
As part of the check-in process, Prometric will confirm your ID via your webcam. If your webcam isn’t able to autofocus, reading the text on your ID can be difficult or even impossible, and you may not be able to finish your security check.
6. Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Test Run Appointment
The test run will help you identify potential technical problems with your online testing setup or testing space prior to your exam. You should schedule your test run at least one week in advance of your actual ARE appointment and have the space prepared just as you will on test day.
Reminder: Prometric Mask Policy
This provision will remain in force, even in jurisdictions that have recently adopted less rigorous COVID-19 policies. Individuals not in compliance with this policy will not be allowed to sit for their scheduled appointment, will be marked as a no show for their appointment, and will not receive a refund.
Prometric’s policies shall remain in effect until further notice. To learn more about Prometric’s requirements, check out their COVID-19 updates.
Tech Issues
The overall proportion of candidates reporting tech issues since April 1 is 12 percent overall (slightly up from March). Technical issues for candidates testing in test centers dropped to a new low of 6 percent, while reported issues from those testing online went up about 10 percentage points—we are investigating potential reasons why this increase has occurred even though no system changes took place during this timeframe.
We’re actively completing quality assurance reviews of Zoomorphix and Prometric updates that should improve the overall performance of the ARE and will be deployed later this month. Also, while the majority of exam administrations (approximately 73 percent) continue to be delivered at Prometric centers, a new high of 27 percent are being taken online.
If you experience a technical issue, immediately notify your proctor and then contact NCARB within 15 days. Remember, if you’re unable to complete the exam due to a major technical issue, we will work with you to reschedule the division at no cost.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.