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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How to pass APMP Foundation in 2 weeks?

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

I have passed APMP Foundation in 25-Nov-2020. In this blog, I'm sharing my experience on how you can achieve this certification in 2 weeks.

Exam information

  • Current code: APMP (2015) Foundation
  • Current release date: 12-Feb-2016 (Exam option: 2015), updated every 5 years.
  • Number of questions: 75
  • Open book: Yes (Unrestricted material)
  • Exam duration: 1 hr – ESL (1 hr, 15 mins)
  • Passing score: 42/75 (56%)
  • Time / question: 48 secs – ESL (1 min)
  • Cost: 400$ Exam + 160$ Membership + Course fees
  • Validity duration / Expiry: 2 years (20 Educational Units CEU to renew, blogging, publishing articles, presenting).
  • Exam availability: 24/7
  • Exam location: Home / Authorized Training organization.

Training courses

On Oct-2020, I have checked all approved Training Organizations. I have made a quick comparison based on available information on these companies website:


Course / Link

Cost

Duration

Notes

baachuscribble 161 USD 12 hours / 1 - 2 weeks
  • Lifetime access.
  • Includes 200+ sample practice questions.
  • Opportunity for money back with WOW2K program.
  • Found some youtube videos about APMP
  • Very responsive in email's reply.
Bidcraft 360 USD
thebidtoolkit 307 USD 4 hours / on demand
sixfold 602 - 712 USD 1 full day training
  • Includes exam fee.
  • Seems they are confident to sit for the exam in the same day after you finish the training.
  • Includes Study guide.
  • Includes glossary.
  • Include quick reference guide.

I have selected baachuscribble from the above list based on the notes mentioned above and reasonable course price.

Study plan

I will recommend you start by answering the free sample exam, and select "APMP Foundation" before studying to understand how the exam looks like. 
I'm sharing with my MS project study plan to achieve both certifications in less than 2 weeks of study (Study time 20 hours / week ). If you don't have MS project, here is a link for Excel sheet having the same information. You can use it as a base for your study schedule.

Exam registration

1. Register on the apmp website. Offer 15 months for 12 months price 160$ (PayPal).
2. Register in course from WOW2K link.
3. Register in course from Baachuscribble link. Price 153$ (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Your will find two courses:
  • APMP Foundation Level Certification.
  • APMP Foundation Practice and Revision.
4. Booking the exam on website
  • Language: English.
  • APMP Foundation (2015).
  • Enter last name, and APMP membership id so exam fee is 400$ (Without membership 600$).
  • If you didn’t register, you will need to register in this site. Fill your data.
  • Is exam in a second language? Yes (This will add an extra checkmark in same page that you won’t be able able to book your exam until APMG confirm your request by contacting you).
  • Click “Pay by card”.
  • Enter information and card details.
  • Gives you a booking reference with a validity of 1 year & sent by email (Login information will be sent within 24 hours unless further information is required as ESL).
5. Within 1 day, I received an email to register on the exam website after filling:
  • Personal information
  • Employer
  • Industry
  • Communication preference
  • Name appearance on certificate First, Middle, Last.
  • Data protection.
  • Confirm declaration about entered data is correct.
  • After this step, you are ready for an online exam at any time.
  • I received a receipt for purchase after 4 days.

Exam tips

  • The exam can be scheduled anytime, I prefer to have it during vacation or before work.
  • Pick a quiet time to test.
  • Disable notification from your PC (Windows Focus Assist).
  • Silent Smartphone, no vibration, screen facing down.
  • Avoid conducting the test from your work network and use your home network.
  • Fully charged laptop not PC & connected to an electrical outlet.
  • Test your internet connection & have a backup connection up & running for an easy switch (Mobile Hotspot and set as a metered connection on your laptop).
  • Use Chrome browser.
  • Have Study guide, APMP Glossary website for quick reference, but use it as last resort as no time will be available in the exam.
  • Have google translate opened or its plugin installed to your browser.
  • Have the APMP tracking sheet printed per exam attempt.

References

APMP Certification Program

Frequently Asked Questions for the APMP Accreditation Program


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APMP Certification for IT Professionals

This post list references I have used to prepare the video and presentation for APMP.




Youtube video Presentation shared in slideshare


References



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How to pass PSM I & PSPO I in one day?

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

I have passed PSM I (Professional Scrum Master I) with score 96.3%, and PSPO I (Professional Scrum Product Owner I) with a score 93.8% on the same day (27-Aug-2020). In this blog, I'm sharing my experience on how you can achieve both certifications.

Training courses

The following is a list of courses that I used for preparing for the exams:

Course / Link

Certification

PROS

Note

Agile Scrum Mastery: Full Project Simulation + Certification PSM I Uses several tools for demonstration including free & paid. Practical demos was very important for people new to Scrum. Finished all course.
Scrum Master Certification Preparation & 240+ Prep Questions PSM I Geared more towards the exam providing detailed coverage of various topics. Also, conduct webinars for students to answer their questions as well. Only solved extra exams in the course.
Scrum Product Owner Certification Prep & 160+ Prep Questions PSPO I Geared towards the exam providing detailed coverage of various topics. Also, conduct webinars for students to answer their questions as well. Finished all course.

* For PMP holders: I reported PDUs for the above 2 completed courses in PMI.org and they got approved.

Study material

The following are list of materials that I used for preparing for the exams:

Material

PSM I

PSPO I

Note

Agile manifesto & principles Mandatory Mandatory It is always good to know some history that lays the foundation.
The scrum guide Mandatory Mandatory Official recommendation (Read minimum three times) - most of exam is from this reference.
Scrum Glossary Mandatory Mandatory

Official recommendation

The Scrum Framework Poster Mandatory

Mandatory

Official downloadable poster, you might take some notes on it.

Scrum Values Poster Mandatory Mandatory Official downloadable poster, you might get a question or two for the values.
Burn down chart Mandatory Mandatory Exam have chart questions
Burn up chart Mandatory Mandatory Exam have chart questions
What is the Cumulative Flow Diagram and How can I make use of it in my Backlog?

Mandatory

Mandatory Exam have chart questions
Cone of Uncertainty Mandatory Mandatory Exam may have question about it and not included in Scrum guide
Technical Debt Mandatory Mandatory Included in Scrum Glossary, and you may have question about it
Evidence-Based Management Guide Not required Mandatory Exam usually contains questions for Key Value Areas. read once and repear the section for KVA, KVMs as very important.
15 things a Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) actually does Optional Mandatory Good to have a list of the summarized PO role.
The Professional Scrum Competencies Optional Optional

Official recommendation

Suggested Reading for Professional Scrum Master™ Optional Optional Official recommendation
Scrum Master Learning Path Optional Optional Official recommendation
What is Scrum? Optional Optional Official recommendation
Nexus Guide Nice to read Nice to read The exam has many questions about scaling Scrum or multiple teams working on the same product. You will learn from practice as Nexus is not covered in any of the exams, but it is good to know how in such cases the product is handled.
Scrum - A Pocket Guide - 2nd edition Nice to have Nice to have For book lovers, this was recommended in several posts.
Maximizing Scrum Nice to read Nice to read Very good read
A 7-Step Agenda for Effective Retrospectives Nice to read Nice to read Practical retrospective meeting
Scrum et al.

Not required

Not required

Session by Ken Schwaber back to year 2007 still good to listen from the founders. Recommended if you need to get convinced by Scrum.
Agile and the Seven Deadly Sins of Project Management | Mike Cohn | Better Software West Not required Not required Session by Mike Cohn back to year 2011 still good to listen for project managers. Recommended if you need to get convinced by Scrum.

Practice Exam questions

Practice makes perfect: The courses have around 3 exams each, you must solve them (You will learn a lot from the explanations) and also below are free online exams.

Exam / Link

Notes

Scrum Open

Official Scrum Master open assessment. You can repeat as many as you want. Simpler than real exam so recommended to score near 100% before attempting the exam.

Product Owner open

 Official Product Owner open assessment. You can repeat as many as you want. Simpler than real exam so recommended to score near 100% before attempting the exam.

Mikhail Lapshin - Scrum Quizzes

Similar to the real exam. Contains exams for both SM and PO. Also, you should not miss his blog link for scrum questions, they are well explained and most probably you will find similar questions in the real assessment.

Study Plan

I'm sharing with my MS project study plan to achieve both certifications after 3 weeks of study (Study time 20 hours / week ). If you don't have MS project, here is a link for Excel sheet having the same information. You can use it as a base for your study schedule.


Exam Registration

  1. Free register to scrum.org
  2. I found a discount coupon reported by another candidate when they took paid courses, but I could not find a free coupon, and I needed to pay full amount.
  3. Navigate to certification -> Professional Scrum Master -> PSM I Assessment -> Buy (150$)
  4. Navigate to certification -> Professional Scrum Product Owner -> PSPO I Assessment -> Buy (200$).
  5. Enter billing info (Payment accepted using: Paybal, VISA, MC, AMEX).
  6. Assessment password emailed to you within 1 business day (I got it instantly).


Exam Tips

  • Exam can be scheduled anytime, I prefer to have during vacation or before work.
  • Pick a quiet time to test.
  • Disable notification from your PC (Windows Focus Assist).
  • Silent Smartphone, no vibration, screen facing down.
  • Avoid conducting the test from your work network as advised by Scrum and use your home network.
  • Fully charged laptop not PC & connected to an electrical outlet.
  • Test your internet connection & have a backup connection up & running for an easy switch (Mobile Hotspot and set as a metered connection on your laptop).
  • Use same browser you used in open assessment (I used Firefox for both open assessment and actual assessment).
  • Have Scrum guide, Scrum glossary, Sprint framework poster, Scrum values opened for quick reference, but use it as last resort as no time will be available in the exam.
  • Have google translate opened.
  • Have the PSMI & PSPOI tracking sheet printed per exam attempt.
  • Take care of keywords & word tricks in the exam:

    1. A phrase with “Not” -> Read carefully, in rare cases you might need to solve the question and invert the solution.
    2. A question asking about false i.e. “Which is false?” -> Read carefully.
    3. A phrase with “The best”.
    4. A phrase with “Only”.
    5. A phrase with “Authority”.
    6. A choice of “All of the above”.
    7. Recommended vs required.
    8. Responsible / Accountable vs influence.
    9. Must / should vs could.
    10. Attend vs participate.
    11. Can, may.
    12. A phrase with “Allowed”


References


Hope this helps someone out there.

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