Online Proctored Exams (OLP)
Use this fact sheet to make an informed decision about your exam experience. https://apse.org/in-person-versus-online-proctoring/
Access Kryterion Support where there is 24/7 help with scheduling, technology, and examination support, Link: https://kryterion.force.com/support
We recommend in-person proctoring if you are concerned about any of the following:
- Access to a laptop or computer with audio and camera capabilities, where you can download software.
- Reliable Internet connection (we recommend a direct plug-in!).
- Having a quiet and distraction-free place where you can be alone.
- You feel that you would be more prone to talk or read aloud if you were at home taking the exam.
- You are not comfortable downloading the necessary software to take the exam online.
- You need restroom breaks during the exam (unless you have an Approved Accommodation).
Please see the Candidate Handbook for an appendix about OLP, provided here for your convenience.
Kryterion has a Youtube page too, where you can watch videos about Online Proctoring! Find a playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QR9xpBZJzY&list=PLgPhRdZGXqNZ8d_kaOWe000Tx9f9fDM5i
The ESPCC and APSE have partnered with Kryterion to provide Online Proctored (OLP) exams.
Since the examination will be administered to CESP candidates at home through OLP, the use of video surveillance is necessary to ensure the fairness and integrity of the exam.
While OLP testing generally mirrors traditional in-center test processes, there are important disclosures to consider before deciding to schedule an OLP examination:
- Please review the Kryterion Support Guide to prepare. Their support page will answer many questions about OLP, including the software, biometrics, and requirements for technology.
- Ensure that you have a testing location that is indoors (walled - not cubicle walls), well lit, that is free from background noise and disruptions.
- Your workstation and surrounding area must be free of pens, paper, electronic devices, etc. No content that could potentially provide an unfair advantage during your examination, including anything posted on walls or within your immediate area, is allowed during your session.
- Ensure that no third party (i.e. person) is present in the room or enters the room for the duration of the examination.
- Computer View: The candidate’s computer must clearly be shown and fully inspected during the check in process.
PERSONAL DATA COLLECTION & PROCESSING
You must consent to Kryterion collecting and processing your personal data (including valid ID, video images of your person, workspace, and/or room in your home or office), and biometrics (i.e. photos) as required by the ESPCC.
The confidential data recording of your examination session is held by Kryterion. APSE staff has access to your recording to be reviewed following the Appeals Policy (Policy #605).
Once your examination is complete you are able to edit your details on Kryterion Webassesor, such as images or profile data. You are also able to delete the testing software, Sentinel, from your device.
Your CESP examination results are shared with APSE and you will receive your digital credential by email.
VIRTUAL TEST CENTER PROCESSES
- PRIOR to launching your examination, prepare your laptop or computer.
- Use a personal laptop or computer with one monitor, a high-speed and stable internet connection, audio capabilities, and a web camera.
- You must work with IT or have the password to download Sentinel software from Kryterion (the testing vendor) to take the exam. The software requires that you disable firewalls and pop-ups to download and use it successfully. This is done through the Kryterion Webassessor.
- To take the examination online, Candidates will either need to have full admin rights or a personal computer (strongly recommended). Since Kryterion’s Sentinel program locks everything down on the computer (required for our credential’s accreditation) it is essential that all firewalls and anti-virus software is disabled. Again, this is why Kryterion recommends using a personal computer.
- The web camera can be either an external/plug-in web camera or an internal camera.
- You cannot use a phone, a tablet, or a Chrome book.
- To see if your system is compatible, we encourage you to complete a system check. Link: https://www.kryteriononline.com/systemcheck/
- Ensure that your testing area is also free of any items, such as pens, paper, or your cell phone.
Find a room that is well-lit, quiet, free of distractions, and where you can be alone.
VIDEO RECORDING AND EXAMINEE CONDUCT
Video recording helps ensure that the right person takes the examination, does not use notes or information from others to answer items, and does not try to copy test items to gain an advantage in preparing themselves or other candidates.
To protect the integrity of the exam, the following are behaviors that are not allowed:
- Lean out or move out of the camera. The proctor should always be able to see you.
- You cannot talk, read aloud, or mouth any of the questions during the exam. This is a security issue, as proctors cannot guarantee your testing room will remain empty.
- Wear any hats, earrings, headphones, lanyards, badges, watches, bracelets, or necklaces during online proctoring. You’ll be asked to show your ears at check-in.
- Interact with anyone during your online exam, even if the conversation has nothing to do with the exam.
- Take any breaks or leave the room, unless you have an approved Accommodation Request.
- Have food present in your testing area, unless you have an approved Accommodation Request.
- Have your cell phone on or anywhere near you while testing. (We’d recommend turning it off and putting it out of sight while you test.)
NOTE: If any of these are violated, your test will be suspended. You will need to reschedule your exam and may incur an additional fee.
Confidentiality of Examination Content Administered Through Online Proctored Exams (OLP)
The remote proctoring application, computer-based test delivery system, tutorial, examination content, and surveys are the published, confidential, and proprietary materials or intellectual property of Kryterion and/or the ESPCC.
Communicating, publishing, reproducing, or transmitting any part of an examination, in any form or by any means (e.g. verbal, electronic, written, etc.) for any purpose is strictly prohibited. ANY reproduction or disclosure will result in immediate notification to ESPCC and potential filing of administrative, civil, and/or criminal charges against you and anyone directing or conspiring with you.
Accommodations
Requests for special accommodations will be reviewed by ESPCC staff on a case-by-case basis and addressed as per the existing policy. Please note that some accommodations are easier to adapt to OLP virtual testing than others, so APSE staff will communicate with you to finalize the accommodations and schedule when you submit your Eligibility Application.
OLP Outside of the US
Candidates outside of the U.S. are not eligible for OLP or in-person testing. Violation of this policy (i.e., candidates outside of the U.S.) will subject test results to invalidation or other appropriate action.
Test Disruption
As a condition of selecting OLP, candidates must have access to reliable high-speed internet service and computer equipment and acknowledge that neither Kryterion nor ESPCC bears responsibility for any candidate’s computer malfunctions, internet service issues, or power outages, should any arise.
Various disruptions can occur during the testing session, such as a test delivery system or equipment failure, construction noise, power outages, or severe weather conditions. Candidates may also accidentally submit their test before they have completed the exam. Should interruptions occur outside of the candidate’s control the online proctor will pause the test session until the interruption is resolved and allow the candidate to continue.
In the unlikely event that an OLP examination is interrupted for more than 10 minutes (including, but not limited to, extended power outage, loss of internet connection), the examination session will be terminated. Please email cesp@apse.org to let us know that this has happened.
The candidate will be able to retest again after 30 days, however, each case will be reviewed, and after review, candidates may be granted an additional opportunity to retake an examination in the future. APSE may request additional information from the candidate.