5 tips for a successful online-proctored AWS Certification exam

Online proctoring is a testing environment that allows you to take an exam from any private space, such as your home or office. In this post, I’ll share five tips that can help you be successful and confident taking an AWS Certification exam via online proctoring.

To maintain our high bar for earning an AWS Certification, our exams are taken in a proctored, timed environment. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go in-person to a testing center to take your exam. With online proctoring, you use your own computer for the exam, and converse with a proctor—in English, Japanese, Spanish (Latin America), or Mandarin, —who remotely monitors your exam via a screen-sharing application and your webcam. You can schedule an online-proctored AWS Certification exam with our test delivery provider, Pearson VUE. For online proctoring language availability dates and times, visit Schedule an Exam.

If you’re wondering whether you really need to run the recommended system test (yes, you do!), or whether the proctor will notice a well-meaning family member who interrupts your exam (yes, they will!), or if you can wear your slippers during the exam (yes, you can!), read on.

1. Consider your needs
Online proctoring is a great choice for candidates who want the comfort of testing at home or in another private space. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding between an online-proctored exam and an in-person exam at a testing center.

• Breaks: During an online-proctored exam, breaks are not allowed. This means you will not be able to get up and move out of view of your webcam during your appointment. If you anticipate needing a break during your exam, we recommend scheduling your exam at a testing center.
• Privacy: You will also need to ensure your private space to test is uninterrupted. You won’t be able to continue the exam if someone else comes into the room.
• Proctor Communication: Taking an exam with online proctoring requires communicating with a proctor. You can take your exam in any of the available languages, but the proctor will greet you, give you directions, and provide assistance in your selected proctoring language.

2. Run the system test
You will need to ensure the computer you intend to use to take the exam meets the system requirements for the exam. We recommend reviewing the system requirements for compliance and running the system test before you schedule your exam so you can determine if the computer you plan to use is appropriate.

Remember to do this on the computer you plan to use, in the place you plan to take the exam, and on the network you’ll be connected to. View the Pearson VUE system test requirements before exam day. Also, make sure to run the system test again on the day of your exam.

3. Schedule ahead
Exam appointments are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our recommendation: the farther out you schedule an exam, the greater the chance of taking it at a time that’s convenient for you.

Scheduling ahead is also a good idea no matter how you choose to take your exam. Having a date on the calendar can be motivating to make preparation a priority. If you anticipate being ready to take your exam in the next month, schedule your exam at a time that works for you.

4. Read the confirmation email
When you schedule your exam, your test delivery provider, Pearson Vue, will send you a confirmation email with the information you’ll need about your appointment. Read this email. I repeat: read this email. In it, you’ll find all the details related to your exam appointment, such as how to start your exam and what kind of personal identification (ID) is required.

5. Check in early
You will be able to launch your exam up to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time, and we recommend you take advantage of the full 30 minutes. You’ll show the proctor your ID and they will review your testing environment. Having plenty of time to complete this step before you begin the timed exam will help you start strong and confidently. Keep in mind, if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you won’t be able to start your exam.

If you take away only one thing about online proctoring from this post, let it be this: Wearing your slippers during the exam is optional; running the system test and reading the appointment confirmation email are not. Best of luck with your next certification exam! For additional information about AWS Certifications, visit here.