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):

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


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How to pass TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 in less than 1 week?

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

Thanks to Allah; I have passed "TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1" on 6-Jan-2021. In this blog post, I'm sharing my experience on how you can achieve this certification in 6 days. 

 

If you would like to know more about the certification, I recommend that you watch this good video Applying TOGAF® Business Architecture Enhancements - The Open Group. I think this certificate makes sense in the following situations:

  1. When you are dealing with C-Level business management.
  2. Working with corporate strategy team.
  3. Working with corporate program management.
  4. Working in Enterprise Architecture Office as Business Architect.
  5. If you are a business analyst who wants to go to the next level.

Exam information

  • Current exam code: OGB-001 - English
  • Number of questions: 30
  • Exam duration: 45 mins – ESL (1hrs, 15mins)
  • Open Book: No
  • Passing score: 18/30 (60%)
  • Multiple choice with single most correct answer.
  • Time / question: 1.5 mins – ESL (2.5 mins)
  • Cost: 315 $ - 362 $ (Including Taxes)
  • Validity duration / Expiry: No expiry / No renewal required.
  • Location: Home or testing center.

Pre-requisites

Officially: None.

Personal opinion: I will recommend having TOGAF Certification v9.2 prior to applying to this exam. For the following reasons:

  1. This certification is for architects who wants to specialize in development of a business architecture based on TOGAF standard v9.2, so how you want to seek specialization without understanding the general framework first.
  2. To pass this certification you will need to read specific sections from TOGAF v9.2 specification, I think it will be hard for you to understand these section without understanding how the overall TOGAF framework work; especially I consider TOGAF change the mindset of IT professionals.
  3. TOGAF Certification is more known / wanted than this specialization so if you have limited budget better invest in TOGAF certification.

 If you have earlier certification of TOGAF v9 or v9.1, please consider this post "Passing TOGAF Essentials 2018" for upgrade to v9.2 I think it will be better path & knowledge for you, also includes many aspects in business architecture from this certificate as value streams, business scenarios & others.

Study sources

1- Self Study Guide

Purchase B190-TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 Study Guide, 1st Edition. This is what I have done.

  • Reasonable price: 29.95 USD (Summer, Black Friday, and Christmas sales you can get 50%).
  • Authors: AndrewJosey, The Open Group and Steve Else, EA Principals
  • The number of pages: 206.
  • The number of chapters: 12 chapters.
  • PROS: Every chapter ends with questions, answers provided.
  • PROS: Includes similar exam test with same difficulty, answers provided.
  • PROS: One document have it all, focused target.


2- Self Study multiple resources

If you want to save the cost of previous study guide & study from a complete set of free available resources. You will need to:

  1. Download X191-TOGAF® BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE LEVEL 1 CONFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. It contains all required sections required for the exam, and with links to free resources from TOGAF publications.
  2. It references the following resources:


3- Training courses

All TOGAF® 9 Accredited Training Courses are available in this link, previously I have made a small comparison below, but if you intend to select this way better to go with the full list for more updated options:

Course / Link

Cost

Duration

Notes

The Open Group Accredited Course Training Calendar 1395 USD  6 hrs - 2 days
  • Expensive
Good e-Learning - TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 eLearning 529 USD  7 hours for 6 months access
  • Include free exam voucher
  • Include 2 exams
  • Sometimes offer discounts up to 20%
EA Learning - TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 - eLearning 450 – 529 USD  7 hours for 6 months access
  • Include free exam voucher
EA principals - Applied Business Architecture 1395 USD
  • Active contributor in EA, and author of official TOGAF Study guide (Steve Else).
  • Classroom or live online.
  • Expensive


Register for home online exam

  1. Start from “Pearson VUE The Open Group” page.
  2. Click “Pearson VUE launch page”.
  3. Review personal information that is from the open group profile page that will be used to create or login to Pearson VUE, before clicking “Proceed to Pearson VUE”.
  4. In dashboard, click “View Exams”.
  5. Select “OGB-001” “TOGAF Business Architecture Part 1”.
  6. Select “Online from my home or office”, click “Next”.
  7. In agree to online exam policies, please read carefully, and mark checkboxes, click “Next”.
  8. Click “Next”
  9. Select suitable date. Your local time zone will appear, select best way to view the timing 12/24hr.
  10. Value with estimated tax is 362.25$
  11. Click “Proceed to Checkout”.
  12. Read and agree to policies, click “Accept”. (These important policies will be sent to you by email after completion).
  13. Add card details, click “Next”, then “Submit order”.
  14. ESL will be added after complete exam registration as long as you register from one of the ESL countries. Exam length 90 minutes!!!
  15. Check-in time will be 30 mins earlier.
  16. You will receive email with details of invoice, and policies / useful information.
  17. For customer service online chat, use this link.

 

For detailed checklist for OnVUE exam preparation, please check this blog post Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) Checklist

 

Getting exam results

After exam completed with 15 mins, I received email with subject "Score Report Available Notification". You will need to login Pearson with credentials of The Open Group, and you will find the link "View score report" and you will see your score and detailed report.

After the exam with around 8 hours, I received another email with subject "The Open Group issued you a new badge".


References

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