CFX Instructions FAQ
CFX Instructions FAQ
The Comprehensive Final Exam (CFx) is the capstone exam for the MicroMasters Program in SCM. It is
virtually proctored and timed and consists of a mix of qualitative and quantitative questions from the
five SCx courses. Only learners who are identified as having passed all five courses are invited to take the
CFx.
Once you pass the CFx exam, you earn a MicroMasters credential and join the ranks of 5,094 MM in
SCM credential holders (as of May 2024) worldwide. The credential brings many opportunities and
benefits including potential professional career advancement and an application pathway to getting a
master’s degree.
TIMED EXAM | Once you start the exam there is a time limit of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete it.
You cannot pause or reset a timed exam. Please block off your calendar for an adequate amount of time
to take the exam without any interruption. These preparations include: completing all required pre-CFx
steps, having your computer ready with power cord plugged in and access to continuous internet
connectivity.
The actual CFx exam window is 2 days (total of 35 hours and 59 minutes – from 1200 UTC on November
4 to 2359 UTC on November 5). We strongly recommend taking the CFx early, on November 4, in case
you experience technical issues that require time for us to assist you.
PROCTORED EXAM | A proctoring software will monitor your computer while you take the exam.
Before you can access the CFx starting on day 1 (Novmber 4), you need to complete some pre-CFx steps,
including downloading the proctoring software which is a step in the required Onboarding check.
PRE-CFx STEPS
• Complete the Onboarding check
• Review SCx courses
• Plan out logistics for taking the exam
The Onboarding Check is a technical check meant to ensure your system is compatible with the online
proctoring system and it also serves to confirm proper registration by validating your identity through a
face and ID scan. It is required before you can access the CFx exam. During the Onboarding check, you
will download the proctoring software and while it is running, take a simulation test to ensure the
proctoring software is working properly on your computer. Take this Onboarding check at least 5
business days in advance of the exam.
You will need to download and install the proctoring software to complete the identity check, and face
and ID scans. A room scan is also required during the actual exam instance. Please read how to Prepare
to Take a Proctored Exam here.
Please ensure you have sufficient time to complete the onboarding check from start to finish, including
time for the software to download. It should take no more than 30 minutes total. You have 2 hours from
the time you begin to complete this process.
The Onboarding check includes a few checkboxes questions to let you experience what it will be like to
be proctored by the proctoring software. The questions will come after the Face and ID scan and are
not graded. These questions are only there to check if the proctoring software is working with your edX
platform. . Working through the steps in the Onboarding check will help you confirm that you have the
following:
A summary of the necessary links is provided below. Read the instructions, rules and system
requirements carefully:
Learners must submit a clear face scan and picture of your photo ID to pass the onboarding check. Here
are some recommendations you should follow:
1. Before going through the onboarding check ID verification process, please go into your edX
account and check that your profile name matches exactly with your ID name (this includes
names and last names in the same order and in the same language).
2. Before submitting the picture of your ID, please make sure that the ID is clear and legible
(the ID should be close enough to the camera, so the name is readable).
If you have a disability-related request or need specific accommodations to take the exam, email both
[email protected] and [email protected] at least two weeks before the CFx starts. The course
team must approve your request and make any adjustments before you start your exam.
PREPARING FOR THE CFx – Reviewing SCx courses and materials in CFx course site
• Review archived SCx courses, particularly Quick Questions, Practice Problems, and Graded
Assignments.
• Become super familiar with the Key Concepts Document (KCD), since that is the only document
allowed during the CFx.
• In the CFx course site, watch the summary videos, take the practice problems, and watch the
videos of instructors explaining the solutions to the practice problems.
• Read the CFx instructions and learn the proctoring rules.
• Join the CFx live events or watch the corresponding recordings to receive additional
recommendations on how to succeed in the CFx.
PREPARING FOR THE CFx – Planning out logistics for taking the exam
Treat this proctored exam as you would treat an important exam that you take in-person at university,
i.e., make sure your environment is prepared and presentable, dress appropriately, and don’t bring
anything other than the allowed materials. The main idea is your workspace needs to be clear and free
of everything except your computer (laptop or desktop) and we need to see that. In other words, imagine
taking a big exam in-person at school where you sit at an empty desk with just your computer/laptop. It's
you and the test and there are no other distractions for the duration of the exam. You're not allowed
anything else.
This is what you want to recreate for the online, proctored exam with your computer/laptop.
• Reserve a reasonable amount of time to take the exam, preferrable on day 1.
• Make sure to prepare your physical surroundings, i.e., ensure the room is well-lit, you are in
front of the camera (not besides it), your face/head and shoulders are clearly captured on the
webcam and your head does NOT appear as a dark silhouette (you are NOT silhouetted).
• Use your laptop’s webcam or external webcam for the room scan. Only use a mirror if you
cannot move your computer around for the room scan.
• Sit at a clean desk or table without distraction from other people. You must be the only person
in the room.
• Close all other programs or windows on your computer.
• Remove any wrist watches (do NOT wear a watch -of any kind- for the CFx exam).
• Make sure you do not have more than one display or monitor connected to the computer on
which you are taking the test. For example, if you usually use a laptop with a monitor
connected, disconnect your monitor, and use only the laptop screen. Note that, if using a laptop,
you may only use the laptop display. Closing the laptop and using an external monitor is not an
option.
CFx – Room scan (this is required during the actual CFx Exam)
You must do a room scan of the desk and room in which you will take the CFx proctored exam.
• Scan and record the work area and the space around it thoroughly, holding the camera STILL for
10 seconds in each direction, LEFT, RIGHT, TOP, BOTTOM. Use the webcam of your
laptop/computer to do this. You can use a mirror (only if you cannot move your webcam
around) to do the scan.
• Scan and record your entire desk and workspace area to show the proctor your work area is
clear and doesn't include items that are not allowed.
Here are specific instructions with images for scanning your desk and room using a webcam or a mirror.
Remember to scan under your desk!
This is one of the most common reasons for learners to fail the proctor test. Please pay special
attention when you are scanning the room and the desk.
1. Before starting the CFx exam, you must read and agree to the " Face and room scan, and
proctoring rules agreement”, and to the "Terms of Service and Honor Code"
2. Stay alone in the same room, you must always be viewable in the camera and use only
one computer
• The room you take the test in must be the same room in which you performed the room scan
during the CFx session setup.
• Make sure the camera is positioned right in front of you. Positioning your camera on your left or
right side will jeopardize your chances of passing the proctored exam.
• Do not leave the room during the exam for any reason.
• Do not cover the camera.
• Do not be out of reach of the camera.
• Do not use an additional monitor, computer, or laptop.
5. Use only the Key Concepts Document (KCD) provided by the link within the exam (no
other support material is allowed)
• Do not use a KCD file downloaded before the exam or of unknown origin.
• Do not use personal notes.
• Do not open any other document on your computer.
• Do not browse the internet (other than the approved translation websites, see the list of
allowed materials below).
• Do not use books or hard copy dictionaries.
• Use only Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat Reader, or Apple Preview to view KCD.
7. Do not stop the proctoring software at any time during the exam
• Start the proctoring software before starting the exam.
• Close your spreadsheet (do not save!), close the KCD, and end the CFx exam before closing the
proctoring software.
• REMEMBER: If you are not proctored (meaning your entire room scan and exam instance
sessions is visible and audible and complying with the guidelines), your exam is not valid.
8. Do not use anything other than the ALLOWED MATERIALS (see below)
9. Before time runs out in your exam, close your Excel or Libre Office file without saving and
press the "End My Exam" button on the timer bar. You must also quit the proctoring
software after you end the exam. When there is no time remaining, the course page
automatically uploads any answers you clicked ‘Submit’. Remember that only submitted
answers are graded. Saved-only answers will not be graded.
Anything other than the CFx-approved KCD, including the KCD you used to study with or printed
copy of the KCD are NOT allowed. The ‘Find’ feature (CTRL+F) is allowed.
• Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc
• Adobe Acrobat or Apple Preview
• The following translation websites (if needed, use only for translation!):
Google Translate | https://translate.google.com/
Fanyi Youdao Translation | http://fanyi.youdao.com/
Bing Translator | https://www.bing.com/translator
THINGS TO REMEMBER
• Linux is not supported.
• Microsoft Surface computers and Chromebooks (using ChromeOS version 79 or lower) are not
supported.
• You will not be told if your answer is right or wrong.
• When your answer is submitted, the answer box will turn blue/black. Saved answers will not be
graded, only submitted answers will be. You have two submission attempts for each question and
only your last submission counts.
• Your corporate computer might restrict you from installing and running the proctored software.
Doing the onboarding check on the same computer you will use to take the exam, is recommended.
If you have a technical issue with the CFx exam, please email [email protected]. Please make sure
that your email includes these items below:
If we’re not able to assist you, we may direct you to edX support at [email protected] or ProctorTrack
support at +1 (844) 753-2020 or [email protected] for technical assistance.
If something minor happens during the exam, please complete your exam, and finish the proctoring
session. Then report the incident to us at [email protected] after the exam ends with email title
“CFx_15 - Not Urgent - brief description of what occurred”. It is important to remember that when
you email us, please provide your edX username and edX email.
2. I am eligible to take the CFx exam and want to take it in the next run, what do I need to do?
If you are eligible to take the CFx exam, you will be automatically enrolled in the next CFx course.
This does not commit you to take the exam, it only means that you have the option to take it. If you
want to take the exam, you must upgrade to verified status (i.e., pay the verification fee) before the
verification deadline.
Before you can take a proctored exam, you must complete the Onboarding Check. The Onboarding
Check is a technical check meant to ensure your system is compatible with the online proctoring
software, and serves to confirm proper registration. Take this Onboarding check as soon as it’s
available, with a minimum of 5 days in advance of the exam, to ensure your system is compatible.
You will need to download and install the proctoring software to complete the identity check, and
face scan. To take the CFx, you must pass the Onboarding check successfully. Please note that after
completing and submitting the onboarding check, the approval/confirmation process may take up to
5 days. If you are not approved within 5 days, please contact the CFx help team at [email protected].
The Onboarding Check has no Supply Chain content questions, it’s just a couple of basic questions to
test the system, not your knowledge of Supply Chain. If you fail for some reason, you will receive an
automatic email. In this case, you can reset your Onboarding check to retake it until you complete it
successfully. If you do not complete the Onboarding check successfully, you will not be able to take
the CFx exam. Once the onboarding is done successfully, you will receive a message saying that
“Your onboarding check profile has been approved”.
Please note: Even if your Onboarding status is Approved in Another Course, we strongly advise
you to complete the Onboarding check (again) for this specific CFx session. Some learners who did
not complete Onboarding in recent proctored exams have experienced technical issues on the CFx
that could have been avoided by completing the Onboarding check. Onboarding in every proctored
exam ensures that the most current version of the ProctorTrack software functions on your device,
and is crucial to a technically smooth exam experience.
If you have a disability-related request or need specific accommodations to take the exam, email
[email protected] at least two weeks before the CFx starts. The accessibility team must
approve your request and the course team must make any adjustments before you start your exam.
9. How many attempts do I have to answer each problem in the CFx exam?
You will have two attempts per part of each problem therefore you can submit your answers twice.
Please note that:
(1) You will not see if your answer is right or wrong (no red or green check), you will only see that
your answer has been submitted (answer box border turns blue/black).
(2) You will be graded based on your last submission.
12. What can I have in the room during the proctored exam?
Your test-taking environment should be clear of materials. If there are other items in your test-
taking environment such as bookcase with books or cupboards, everything should be out of reach
and not accessible during the exam.
13. Can I take the CFx with a different computer than the one I used for the onboarding?
Yes, you can take the CFx exam with a different computer. Please make sure that the computer
meets all requirements for the proctored exam rules.
14. Can I use my personal notes, the course slides, or any other documents apart from the KCD?
No, you cannot use your personal notes. No, you cannot use the course slides. No, you cannot use
another KCD document that you have previously saved in your computer. You cannot open any
other document in your computer apart from the CFx-approved KCD provided through the testing
platform.
20. Music helps me concentrate; can I listen to music while taking the proctored exam?
No, you cannot listen to music while taking the CFx exam. Using earphones or headphones is not
allowed, playing music in the background is also not allowed.
21. When should I open and close the Excel or LibreOffice spreadsheet?
You may open a blank Excel or LibreOffice sheet inside the exam after the proctoring exam starts –
the platform will prompt you once you are inside the exam. At the end of the exam, make sure to
close the spreadsheet and DO NOT save any Excel or LibreOffice spreadsheets related to the exam.
Close the spreadsheet FIRST, then End your exam and finally, close the proctored session. You
must show the proctors that you closed your Excel and did not save any file BEFORE ending the
proctored session.
23. Can I save the spreadsheet that I have used during the proctored exam?
No, you are not allowed to save spreadsheet or any other files during the exam or at the end of the
exam.
27. Can other people be in the room while I am taking the proctored exam?
No, it is not allowed to have other people in the room during the exam, so make sure that no one
enters the room before or while you are taking the CFx exam.
30. Can I access the proctored exam from a mobile device or a tablet?
No. There is no access to the proctored exam from a mobile device. This constraint affects all
proctored and timed exams on edX.
32. What if I use the internet off my SIM card to connect to the Internet?
The phone must be out of reach. It should not be on your desk neither be used during your
proctored exam.
34. Should I have the proctoring software open during the whole proctored exam?
Yes, if you are not proctored, your exam is not valid. You must open the proctoring software before
starting the exam and close it only after closing (without saving!) your spreadsheet and ending the
exam. This is mandatory. You need to show the proctors that you closed the files without saving
them. Closing the proctoring software during the exam will jeopardize your ability to pass the CFx.
During the proctored session, make sure your face is fully visible and well-lit in front of the camera.
If you accidentally close your proctoring software window, end your exam immediately and contact
[email protected]. Provide explanation as to why you closed the proctored window and see #49
below for instructions on next steps. The CFx team will evaluate each case and decide.
36. What if I am not redirected to the exam after completing my face scan and room scan?
If you are not automatically redirected you can open a new tab in your browser and open the CFx
course to find the CFx exam.
37. What if I get stuck or have any issue with the proctoring software?
If you get an “Error with Proctored Exam” message, follow the instructions detailed here. If you get a
“Waiting for the system check to finish” error message, please follow the instructions in this link.
See #49 below for instructions on next steps.
40. Where can I find more information about using ProctorTrack with my edX course?
edX.org uses an online proctoring service for certain exams (typically final exams) that are part of
courses that can be made eligible for credit. Read more here.
41. Where do I find ProctorTrack system requirements, including for the operating system?
View the ProctorTrack System Requirements to ensure that your setup will work. Note that
proctoring is only supported for Mac OS and Windows machines. A functioning webcam and
microphone are required.
45. Do I need to take extra steps to launch the software and begin proctoring on MacOS Catalina or
above?
Please see the instructions here if you experience issues.
If you have a technical issue with the CFx exam, please email [email protected]. Please make
sure that your email includes these items below:
If we’re not able to assist you, we may direct you to edX support at [email protected] or
ProctorTrack support at +1 (844) 753-2020 or [email protected] for technical assistance.
If something minor happens during the exam, please complete your exam and finish the
proctoring session. Then report the incident to us at [email protected] after the exam with
email title “CFx_15 - Not Urgent - brief description of what occurred”. It is important to
remember that when you email us, please provide your edX username and edX email.
50. What if I have intermittent internet that causes the exam to quit?
Make sure to take the exam in a place with continuous internet. Contact us right away at
[email protected] if you have issues.
51. I will take the CFx in mainland China. Do you have a specific instruction for me?
For our learners located in mainland China who are experiencing issues accessing the proctoring
software, please see this link. Contact us at [email protected] if you have issues.
52. I will take the CFx in Egypt. Do you have a specific instruction for me?
Learners located in Egypt have reported being unable to submit answers or view math equations in
their courses. If you do not use a VPN, you may investigate this option, as other learners have
reported that using a VPN can resolve the issue. If you already use a VPN, try turning off or changing
your VPN settings.
53. For learners in United Arab Emirates (UAE) who report issues with accessing Proctortrack
We have found that restarting your computer before starting the exam has helped some learners.
You may also try adjusting your global connection settings, as this has worked for some learners.
54. What is the minimum score required to pass the CFx exam?
In order to pass the CFx exam you must pass BOTH the proctored exam and achieve a final grade of
60% or higher.
55. When will I know if I successfully passed the exam? When will the certificate be available for
download?
The official final grades will be published within one month from the end of the CFx Exam date.
When the final grades are published, the certificates will be available for those who successfully pass
the proctored exam and achieve a final grade of 60% or above.
56. What if I fail the exam? Is there a limit on the number of times I can take the exam?
If you do not pass the CFx exam, you can try again in the next run of the CFx. You can take the CFx as
many times as you want, even if you pass, but NOTE that you will have to pay the verification fee
every time you wish to take the exam.
57. I successfully completed the MicroMasters, who should I contact or what should I do to apply for
the SCM Blended Master’s Program?
For more information about the SCM Blended Master’s Program, please click here.
Keep in touch with the SCx learners through the MicroMasters Portal here.