Traveling the online

testing route
An all-inclusive guide to taking
your exam online

Policies 1 Back to Table of Contents

Table of contents

Welcome to your online testing journey!

Know before you go ......................................................3
A few helpful phrases ..................................................4
How to navigate ............................................................4

Plan your trip: Before test day

First, do some prep work ...........................................6
Second, get familiar with testing requirements ....9
Third, schedule your exam ........................................12

Bon voyage: On test day

Before you check in .....................................................14
Check in ..........................................................................14
Start your exam ............................................................17
After the exam ..............................................................18

1
 Welcome to your
online testing
journey!
Policies 2 Back to Table of Contents
 Welcome to your online testing journey!

Taking an exam with OnVUE, Pearson VUE’s online testing system,

is flexible, convenient and easy. However, it also has unique rules
and requirements. For the best experience possible, you should get
familiar with these before taking your exam.

But don’t worry. It’s a bit like taking that long awaited vacation—
with a little planning and preparation you’ll have smooth sailing.

Know before you go

Taking your exam online means you’ll need to:

Run a system test to ensure your computer is

compatible and your internet service is sufficient

Find a quiet and private space where you

can take your exam without interruptions

Consent to monitoring throughout your

test via webcam and microphone

Observe all the online exam requirements

Welcome 3 Back to Table of Contents

 Welcome to your online testing journey!

A few helpful phrases How to navigate

• Test-taker: that’s you! The following information details the policies and procedures for
• Program: the organization, business or association that online testing. Your program may have additional requirements,
offers/sponsors your certification or licensure exam so we strongly encourage you to read your program’s
online testing page.
• OnVUE: the online testing system
We’ve structured this reference material so you can easily find
• Testing space: the area where you’ll take your exam—lots
the information you’re seeking. Use the hyperlinks throughout to
more on this later
navigate. Return to the table of contents at any time by using the
• Greeter: a real human who will help you get checked in before anchor links on each page.
your exam begins Think of it as the itinerary for your online testing journey.
• Proctor: another real human (or humans) who will monitor Familiarizing yourself with this information will help your entire
and communicate with you during your exam (Note: All proctor- experience go smoothly—from checking in to logging out.
related communication occurs in English unless you see the “Select
proctor language” page when scheduling your exam.)
• Online testing page: a place where you can find loads of Security checkpoint
info to help you prepare for your exam, schedule your
appointment, check in for your exam, and find any policies
It’s an unfortunate reality: cheating happens. And cheaters
unique to your exam program
try lots of different things. To maintain high security
throughout exams, protect exam content, and confirm
you’re following online-testing rules, you will be monitored
at all times. Audio and video may be recorded, and a proctor
may contact you if they witness any questionable behavior.

Welcome 4 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip:
Before test day
Policies 5 Back to Table of Contents
 Plan your trip: Before test day

There’s a lot you can do before your test to make it the best experience
possible. You wouldn’t travel to an exciting new destination without
Pack the right gear
doing some research, making reservations, packing your bags, and
planning how and when to get to the airport… so you’ll want to do some
When testing online, you’ll provide your own computer
similar planning before taking your exam online.
equipment, so be sure you’ve got the following before
exam day:
First, do some prep work • A desktop or a laptop computer. Tablets may be used only
as a screen, paired with an external keyboard. Touchscreen
Run a system test (or two). technology cannot be used when testing online.
(Don’t forget your power cord!)
To take your exam online, you’ll need a computer* equipped with
• A single monitor. Remove extra monitors from the
a webcam and a strong internet connection. About one week before testing room, or at least unplug them before taking
you’d like to take your exam, run a system test, which you’ll find on your test-space photos during check-in.
your program’s online testing page. Be sure to run it on the computer • An external mouse, keyboard and webcam. You’ll only
need these if you plan to use either a tablet as a screen, or an
and internet connection you plan to use for your exam. (For example,
external monitor with a laptop—in which case you’ll need to
don’t run the test at home, then plan take your exam in an office keep your laptop lid closed.
where you may run into firewall or other connectivity issues.)
Also, plan to use the best internet connection possible.
The system test checks your hardware and network connection, A connection failure or interruption can interfere with,
then runs a short exam simulation to determine if your equipment is or even end, your testing session. To avoid disconnection:
compatible with OnVUE. Running the test well in advance gives you • Use a wired internet connection rather than Wi-Fi, if possible.
the opportunity to make any necessary upgrades or decide that you • If using Wi-Fi, ask that others do not use the internet
during your exam.
should take your exam in a physical test center instead.
• Disconnect any VPNs if you have them; OnVUE does
We recommend running the system test again two to three days not work well with VPNs.
before your exam. This will identify any issues that might arise from
Questions about your equipment? Find detailed OnVUE
automatic software downloads, background upgrades, etc. technical requirements here.

*Tip: We do not recommend using an employer-issued computer to test with OnVUE.

Before test day 6 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Choose and prep your testing space.

The place where you’ll take your exam is one of your
most crucial decisions. First and foremost, you must Stow away personal items
take your exam in an enclosed, private space that allows you to
maintain a strong and stable internet connection. An ideal testing It’s a good idea to stage your testing space before test day.
space will allow you to close all doors to avoid interruptions, since Start by clearing all personal and preparatory items. You’ll
no one else—including children, roommates, colleagues, etc.—may need to take photos of the area during check-in, and plan to
enter or pass through your testing space once you’ve started keep it tidy as inspections are sometimes requested.
your exam.
The following items are not allowed in your testing space:
We do not recommend testing in the following environments: • Mobile phones*, hand-held computers/personal digital
assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers,
• Public places like libraries or coffee shops, where other and watches
people could easily enter your space, and where you would
• Books or notes (unless specifically authorized
use a shared Wi-Fi connection. by your exam program)
• Hotels, where Wi-Fi connections may be insufficient and
• Writing instruments, paper, notepads
don’t allow for basic troubleshooting.
• Corporate offices, where firewalls, VPNs or other security • Wallets or purses/handbags
measures may block video streaming. • Eyeglass cases
Within your testing space, your computer screen must be positioned • Firearms or other weapons
to face you directly, and your background environment cannot
• Headphones/headsets (unless approved
jeopardize the integrity of the exam content. For example, your by your test sponsor)
testing space must not allow anyone else to view your screen, so
avoid testing near windows or glass partitions. Important: If your
*See rules surrounding the use of mobile phones below
testing space allows any other people into the camera’s view, you risk
exam revocation.

Before test day 7 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Make sure you have acceptable ID.

Acceptable forms of ID
Before testing online, you’ll need to provide identification
(ID) that meets the requirements outlined on this page. You should
• International travel passport
also check for any program-specific ID policies on your program’s
• Driver's license
online testing page.
• Identification card (national, state
• All IDs must be valid, government-issued originals or province ID card)
(i.e., not a photocopy) • Alien registration card (green card
or permanent resident/visa)
• ID must include the test-taker’s name and a recent,
recognizable photo
Unacceptable IDs
• The first and last name on the ID must match the first
and last name used to register for the exam • Restricted IDs*, including:
• For test-takers under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian - U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
must present their own ID during check-in and give consent Common Access Card (CAC)
for the test-taker to be recorded. If they have one, the - Certain secure access IDs
test-taker must also present a government-issued ID. If • IDs from countries where OnVUE
they do not, a student ID will suffice. delivery is restricted:
- North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan,
Iran, and the Sevastopol/Crimea
region of Ukraine
• Digital IDs

*Pearson VUE cannot accept restricted IDs—those

prohibited by law from being photocopied, digitized or
captured on camera—as identification for online testing.

Before test day 8 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Second, get familiar with testing

requirements
Behavioral do’s and don’ts
Visibility/movement. Throughout your exam, you must stay in
your designated testing space, in view of your webcam, unless your
program specifically allows breaks. (Most programs do not allow
breaks, so plan accordingly.) Your eyes must face forward at all
times, and you may not cover your webcam. Additionally, unless
prompted by the greeter or proctor, do not move your webcam
once the exam has started.

Communicating with others. Once you’ve started your exam,

nobody may enter or even pass through your testing space, and
you may not communicate with anyone other than your proctor.

Speaking aloud. You may not read the test questions aloud, nor
may you cover your mouth, attempt to hide your face, or move out
of view of the webcam.

Adjusting on-screen content. To improve visibility of exam content,

you may increase or decrease the size of the text at any time by
selecting CTRL+ to zoom in and CTRL- to zoom out. (Remember
that touchscreen technology may not be used.) Test-takers who
can demonstrate a need may also request special accommodations
directly from their program.

Before test day 9 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Using the whiteboard. Some programs allow the use of the built- Snacking, smoking, and so on
in electronic whiteboard feature for scratch work during the exam. Taking breaks. Breaks may not be taken during your
Learn more and practice using the whiteboard here. exam unless your program allows them. Visit your
program’s online testing page to find out if breaks are allowed,
Test questions. You may not copy/paste or attempt to remember
how many, duration, etc.
test questions or test answers from the exam, and you may not
share or discuss the test questions or test answers with anyone. • If your test includes scheduled breaks, instructions will appear
on your computer screen at the appropriate time. Be sure to
What not to wear
follow the steps provided to begin your scheduled break.
Clothing and accessories. You must be fully clothed
If you do not, or if you take an unscheduled break or take
throughout your exam. You may not wear the following
a break during a test that doesn’t allow them, your exam
during your exam:
will be revoked.
• Coats or jackets • Review your exam program’s policies related to accessing
• Barrettes or hair clips larger than ¼ inch (½ centimeter) wide previously stored personal items during the break (with the
exception of comfort aids and medication, which you may
While taking your exam you may wear head scarves, hair wraps,
access without permission during the exam). Unless permitted
billed caps (e.g., baseball caps), brimmed hats (e.g., fedoras) and
by your exam program, you cannot access mobile phones,
religious apparel. Generally, all head coverings and hat types
watches, test notes or study guides during your break.
are allowed as long as your eyes remain visible to the proctor
throughout the exam. Eating, drinking and smoking. Beverages in any container are
allowed—but remember, you may not get breaks during your
exam, so plan accordingly. You may not eat, smoke or use other
tobacco products at any time.

Before test day 10 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Mobile phone use.

You may use your cell/mobile phone while checking in for your exam and/or if you experience a technical issue. Any other use,
including but not limited to taking a call and having a conversation with anyone other than a Pearson VUE proctor, texting,
accessing apps, etc., may result in your exam being revoked/terminated.

• Storing your phone: - If you lose your OnVUE connection, or to reach Pearson VUE
- Once your exam has started, keep your mobile phone in the room Support after your exam, use the chat feature on your
where you’re testing, but out of arm’s reach. Your phone may not program’s online testing page.
be kept in your immediate testing workspace. We recommend
• Silencing your phone:
placing it on the floor beneath you or a desk/table behind you.
- If you need to silence your phone after the exam has begun, first
• Incoming calls: alert a proctor, then wait for their acknowledgement to ensure
- If your phone rings during the exam, limit your interaction to they understand you are accessing your phone only to silence
identifying the caller. To do so, you may reach for your phone, but any notifications.
you must stay within the webcam view. The proctor must be able - Once you have silenced your phone, move it back to a place
to see you access the phone. where you won’t have immediate access to it.
- If a proctor is contacting you, the number will display as 617-379-
• Other notifications:
0635, and/or caller ID may identify the number as Pearson VUE.
- We will not text you during your exam. If you receive a text
If this number or contact appears, please answer the call.
notification, ignore the notification and continue testing.
- Any mobile phone use other than engaging with a proctor is strictly
- If an alarm sounds on your phone, first alert a proctor, then wait
prohibited and will result in your exam being revoked. If your phone
for their acknowledgement to ensure they understand you are
rings and the call is not from Pearson VUE, do not answer it.
accessing your phone only to silence the alarm.
• Outbound calls. - Once you have silenced the alarm or notification, move your phone
- You may not make outbound calls for any reason. back to a place where you won’t have immediate access to it.
- If you need help during your exam, click the Chat icon at the top
of the screen to contact a proctor.

Before test day 11 Back to Table of Contents

 Plan your trip: Before test day

Third, schedule your exam

Once you’ve done all the prep work and are comfortable with the
exam requirements, you’re ready to schedule your exam. Start in
one of two places:

1. Your test sponsor’s external landing page — follow the

steps provided.
2. Your program’s online testing page (most test-takers will start
here) — sign into your account, select the exam you want
to take, then choose the “home or office” option. Follow the
remaining prompts to complete the scheduling process.

Once you’ve successfully scheduled your exam, you will receive a

confirmation email with appointment details and other important
exam-day information.

Before test day 12 Back to Table of Contents

Bon voyage:
On test day
 Bon voyage: On test day

The big day is here! You’ve studied, confirmed your equipment

will work with OnVUE, and gotten familiar with all the testing
requirements. You are ready for takeoff!

Before you check in

First things first—before checking in with a greeter on your scheduled
day and time, be sure your:

Computer and internet passed the pre-exam

system test

Testing space is private and free from noise

or distractions, and cleared of any preparation
materials or unauthorized items
(see above for a list)

ID meets requirements and is ready to present

during check-in

Check in
Once you’re ready, you can check in 30 minutes before to 15 minutes
after your scheduled appointment time. The steps below will guide
you through the check-in process.

On test day 14 Back to Table of Contents

 Bon voyage: On test day

Sign in.
To check in for your exam, sign in just as you did when
scheduling it, either on your test sponsor’s external landing page or
your program’s online testing page. Next, find your exam and click Measures to foil the fraudsters
the Begin Exam button.
You’ve done a lot of hard work to get here and we want
• Click the Copy Access Code button when you see it; the access you to succeed. Unfortunately, there are others who look
code is your unique code for your OnVUE testing session. for ways to cheat or try to steal test content. Because these
attempts are all too common, we take measures to protect
• A final system check will take place, and you’ll re-download the both your efforts and exam content. This means a greeter
OnVUE application. (You don’t need to delete any previously may ask you to:
downloaded versions of OnVUE.)
• Show your ears to verify that no Bluetooth
• Before launching the software, shut down all other applications devices are present
running on your computer. If you do not, OnVUE will attempt to • Roll up your sleeves to confirm there is no
take this action automatically, but this could disrupt your exam writing on your arms
start. Additionally, the exam may not load as expected and you • Empty your pockets to ensure nothing is in them
could forfeit your exam fee. Tip: Don’t forget any applications that • Complete a full 360-degree room scan either
may deliver pop-up/unprompted reminders or messages. during check-in or your exam

- On Microsoft Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Del to access Task Manager We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
- On a Mac, press Command+Option+Esc to access Force Quit

• After you’ve downloaded OnVUE and closed all other

applications, you’ll need to run the program manually
either from the screen you are on or from the folder
it was downloaded to; for security reasons, it will not
run automatically.

On test day 15 Back to Table of Contents

 Bon voyage: On test day

Take your check-in photos.

Prior to beginning your exam, you’ll provide photos of You’ll take photos differently depending on the type of ID you’re
yourself, your ID and your testing space. A mobile phone works using, as follows:
best for capturing these photos, but you can use a webcam as well. - Driver’s license, government-issued ID or other approved ID card:
The system will guide you through the process, which includes: capture front and back, including all four corners
- Passport: capture photo page only, including all four corners
• Headshot photos: Your headshot is compared to your ID photo
to make sure the right person takes the exam; it may also be If the image is blurry or illegible, you may be asked to retake
included on your score report. the photo.
- Take your headshot in front of a solid background
Important: If there are discrepancies with your ID, you may be
using good lighting
prohibited from starting your exam. Additionally, you may not be
- Prompts will indicate any adjustments needed to
allowed to reschedule your test, and you may forfeit the exam fee.
get a good photo—just follow the instructions
Testing space photos: You will take four photos of your testing
• ID photos: We use both artificial intelligence and a greeter to space. These are used for reference during the testing session and
check and authenticate your ID and verify your identity. Note: for quality control, security, and auditing purposes, so try to get the
Your exam program defines the specific ID requirements used clearest shots possible.
during the check-in process; we cannot alter this process.

Note: We delete check-in photos according

to regulations in the country where you test.

On test day 16 Back to Table of Contents

 Bon voyage: On test day

Agree to terms and conditions Start your exam

You may be presented with a non-disclosure agreement Once you’ve started your exam, it’s best to focus on the
or other security statement before your test begins. If this questions and not get distracted. You’ve come this far—stay the
happens, you must read, acknowledge, and agree to the terms course to successfully reach your destination.
and conditions of the document within the specified time limit
(if applicable). Observe the environmental and behavioral rules
As we’ve mentioned, the online testing rules have been established
If you do not agree, you will not be permitted to take the test and
to protect both you and the exam content, and it’s imperative
may forfeit your exam fee. If you select “DECLINE,” your session will
you observe them throughout your exam. Violating the rules will
immediately end.
have consequences.
Verify and start your exam • Any disruptive, threatening, or fraudulent behavior—or
Your final check-in step involves verifying that you’re checking in for
anything specifically against exam rules—is grounds for
the test you registered to take. Once you’ve done this, the greeter
terminating your test, invalidating your test results, or
will verify that your testing space and ID meet requirements, and
disqualifying you from taking the test at a future date.
then start your exam.
• Additionally, your exam program may take action if you:
- Do not abide by the rules
- Are suspected of cheating
- Tamper with your computer to modify your testing space
in a way that does not meet requirements

If any testing violations are suspected, the proctor(s) monitoring your exam will intervene. Depending
on the severity of the violation, you may first receive a warning and reminder of the policy in question.
If the behavior continues, we may be required to revoke your exam session. Please note that some
violations are severe enough to warrant immediate exam revocation without a warning.

On test day 17 Back to Table of Contents

 Bon voyage: On test day

How to get help during your exam After the exam

For questions or concerns during your exam, or if you You did it! But before you walk away from your
experience any problems, simply click the chat icon webcam, be aware of these final steps.
and a proctor will assist you.
Getting your test score
• Please don’t use your mobile phone to contact customer service Depending on the type of test taken, your exam program may
during your exam, as this violates policy. The chat feature is display your test score immediately, or you may be provided with
your best option. a confirmation notice indicating that you have completed the test.
• If a proctor does not respond, you may be experiencing a You may also be asked to complete an optional on-screen survey.
connectivity issue blocking our ability to contact you. In For more information on obtaining score reports, refer to your
such cases, you may be able to use chat from the OnVUE program’s online testing page.
download page used during check-in. If you lose your OnVUE
connection entirely, use the chat feature on your program’s Exiting the application
online testing page. When you’ve finished your exam, you’ll see information on how to
Note: Proctors cannot answer questions related to test content. close the program and exit the OnVUE application. It’s extremely
If you have a concern about exam content, ask your proctor to important to follow these steps properly and avoid your exam
open a case documenting the item(s) of concern. being revoked in error.
Important: If you leave the view of the camera before
successfully closing the program, the proctor may interpret
that as a testing violation.

What to do if you couldn’t finish

If you were unable to finish your exam for any reason other
than timing out, contact your program’s customer service team
for assistance.

On test day 18 Back to Table of Contents

 Still have questions?
Check out the FAQs on your
program page for more information.

We wish you a pleasant online

testing journey!

Copyright © 2022 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 19