Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) Checklist

If you like to view the video version of this blog post, you can click on the video.

[8-Jan-2021: Blog created after passing the exam "TOGAF Business Architect Level 1" from "The Open Group"].

[3-Apr-2021: Blog updated after passing the exam "DPBoK foundation certification" from "The Open Group"].

[19-Nov-2021: Blog updated after passing the exam "ArchiMate certification" from "The Open Group"].

I passed my first Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) exam for TOGAF Business Architect Level 1 certificate on 6-Jan-2021. In this post I'm trying to share a checklist for test-takers. I think the experience is the same regardless of the exam.

I will try to maintain this blog post if I found more tips in the future, as content is important.

Before Exam

1. Make sure to use a personal laptop with administrative rights not a work laptop as be revoked based on your company policy.
2. Use a Windows laptop, if you have Mac please check in the references section for steps to follow to make it work without issues.
   
3. The following software are allowed to run during the exam:
• Norton Anti-virus.
4. The following software should be disabled/stopped before the exam:
• Microsoft PowerToys.
• Autodesk Desktop App Service: AdAppMgrSvc.exe
5. Locate your laptop on the same location that you will be testing from.
6. Perform system test (The URL with amended /onvue):

• The Open Group: https://home.pearsonvue.com/theopengroup/onvue
• AWS: https://home.pearsonvue.com/aws/onvue

Exam night

1. Prepare your room/testing space.
• No notes.
• No pencils.
• No posters.
• No TVs, or monitors.
• My room was having mirrors and it was not an issue.
  
• Clean desk (Laptop + Mouse only).
• The room has enough light, and you may use a desk lamp. You need to make sure enough light so your picture is clear during the whole exam as usually, a computer webcam needs sufficient light to provide a good photo.
• The room has a lock inside.
• Prepare a "Don't disturb" sign to be hanged on your door from outside as a reminder to your family.
2. Prepare your ID: Passport, driving license, ... If you will use a passport, prepare a dark surface that will be used as background for it. If you get an email that you need to use your ID with your signature, just use your passport it is widely accepted (I have confirmed that with support prior to the exam).
   
3. Charge your mobile (You will need it in the beginning & if they wanted to contact you during the exam).

Exam day

1. Prepare yourself:
• Fully clothed.
  
• No hat.
• No hood.
• No watch.
2. Final room preparation:
• Close Window for no sound if possible.
• Hang the "Don't disturb" sign outside.
• Lock the door.
3. Start before 30 mins of the exam. From the dashboard, select your exam, and click "Checkin".
4. Very important: Take a note with exam access code on your computer, you might need it later to file any technical case.
5. Enter your mobile number.
6. Test your system (Microphone, Internet speed, Webcam).
7. Use your mobile to access the web browser for m.proctorcam.com?l=en-US
8. Follow the steps to take picture of:
• You.
• Identification (Passport with dark background).
• Workspace (Front, Back, Left, Right).
9. Place mobiles, headphones and watches out of reach.
10. The above process consumed around 15 mins, then wait for the proctor facing the webcam.
    
11. In one of the exams, I was asked before the exam start to lift & rotate the laptop, and use the webcam to show the desk content I was using in the exam.

During Exam

1. Food, drinks, smoking and gum are prohibited.
   
2. You must stay within your webcam view all the time.
3. You cannot move your webcam once your testing session has started.
   
4. You cannot use scratch paper, take physical notes, or talk.
   
5. You cannot get up and walk around.
6. You cannot leave your testing environment for any reason.
7. No one can enter your testing environment.
8. You can use the scratchpad provided within onVUE software (It was slow, but recent versions (After Apr-2021) are near real-time and you can use them).

References

• PearsonVue OnVue webpage
• Comprehensive Youtube video with screenshots: EXAM DAY: Process of using onVUE App (Pearsonvue Online Exam Application) at Home or Office
• Another Youtube video some more tips: Pearson VUE online exam review (August 2020) - What you NEED to know!
• Some issues Youtube video with Mac computer: MCSA Online Proctored Exam - Procedure And My Experience
• Recent video for onVue on Mac computer: Mac tips for success with PearsonVue testing software