PMI has secured the use of secure technology to administer your exam in your home from Pearson Vue.
There is a short video from Pearson about the online proctored exam.
When you schedule your exam, you should run a system test to check your technical setup is suitable. So, schedule it from the same computer you plan to use, to take the exam.
Pearson Vue provides instructions if you want to run a system test in advance. (highly recommended!)
Starting Your Exam
- To start your exam, log into your PMI.org account
- Then click on the 'Certifications' tab in the purple banner.
- Click on 'Apply Now. This will bring you to the Certification Program Overview page.
- Click 'Begin Exam.'
The 'Begin Exam' link will be available 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
You will need:
- a computer with a webcam (yes, they check your behavior so you can't cheat)
- a stable internet connection (critical)
- a quiet space where you can spend a few uninterrupted hours
- a phone, to show pictures of your work area to your proctor
The system will take you through connection checks and, if your connection drops, there is live support from Pearson. If things do go wrong, technically, PMI will re-schedule your exam at no extra cost.
The Proctor
Their role is to help you take the exam and to enforce PMI's rules. They can answer your questions (by chat) about the process and the system, but not about the exam content.
Their principal role is to ensure the integrity of your examination and, therefore, of the PMP certification.
A few tips, if you have opted to take your exam online:
- There are breaks in the PMP exam. But I still recommend you use the bathroom before starting!
- Check in early. You can check in up to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
- Have your photo ID ready to prove you are... you
- Before you start, clear your workspace (see below)
- Have a glass of water to hand (but it must be in a clear container)
- Don't read your questions out loud
Good Behaviors
PMI and Pearson Vue recommend you avoid:
- Looking off to one side
- Leaning out of view of the webcam
- Covering your mouth and face
And you absolutely must not:
- record images of exam questions
- leave the view of your webcam outside of scheduled breaks
- have unapproved materials to hand (see below)
- use your phone during the exam (unless there is a problem and the proctor calls you or you need to access technical support)
- take the test for someone else
- have someone else take the test for you
(Pearson Vue has face-recognition AI to match your photo-ID)
If your proctor detects misconduct during your exam, they can immediately end your exam session. PMI's Exam Security team will investigate any suspected misconduct. If they find that misconduct did occur, they can:
- Cancel your score
- Revoking your certification - and any you already hold
- Ban you from taking future PMI exams, either permanently or for some time
- Take legal action against you
So, just ... don't!
A Clear Workspace
The proctor will check your workspace. It must be clear and you must not be able to reach any devices or materials that could help you in the exam, from where you are sitting at your computer.
Clear away any:
- pens and pencils
- notebooks or writing pad
- books
- calculators
- cards or sticky notes
- tablets or phones (have your cell phone to hand but out of sight)
- food, tobacco, sweets, gum (you may not consume any of them)
- take off your watch and have it out of sight
- earphones or earbuds
- other apps on your computer - you need to close all apps (including background apps like virus scans and timers)
These include notes on your walls, so a big poster of PM knowledge is a BIG no-no!
Extra monitors or TV screens must also be off and unplugged.
There must be nobody else around. If someone else enters the room while you are doing your exam, the proctor may stop the exam.
In general: Follow the rules! Act like a professional and aligned to the PMI Code of Ethics. That's it!
In the next lesson we will show you a few aspects of what to consider if you decide to take the Exam in an Exam Center near of you ...