Initial FAQs for Online Testing with Pearson for DBPR
When will online proctored testing be available for DBPR exams?
Online proctored testing will be available for select exams starting August 4, 2020.
Which exams will be available for online proctored testing?
The following exams will be available for online proctored testing:
- Asbestos Contractor
- Asbestos Consultant
- Auctioneer
- Barbers
- Restricted Barbers
- Cosmetology – Theory
- Cosmetology – Clinical
- Certified Drug Representative
- Community Association Manager
- Landscape Architect Florida Section
- Veterinary Medicine Laws & Rules
- Real Estate
- Sales Associate
- Broker Associate
- Real Estate Instructor
- Real Estate Laws & Rules
- Florida Appraiser Supplemental Law & Rules
Is the exam still proctored?
Exams will be proctored and monitored by a live proctor.
How does online proctored testing work?
Similar to center-based testing, online proctored testing requires that you be monitored by a proctor while you take your exam, but they will do so through your microphone and webcam.
Before starting the exam, you will need to complete a self-check-in process. You will be prompted to take a headshot photo, a picture of your identification card/driver’s license, and pictures of your surroundings. Once you begin the exam, you will not be permitted to leave the room or move out of the proctor’s view.
If you have a question during the exam, you can use the “Chat” function at the top of the screen to contact the proctor
Can a candidate just take the exam whenever they want to?
Since you are required to be video monitored by a live proctor during your exam, the exam is not “on-demand” and you will need to schedule it ahead of time. However, appointments are offered 24/7 so you should be able to find a time that is convenient for your schedule.
Where can I take my exam?
You can test at home or in your office. Whether it is your home or your office, you should be in a walled room, with a closed door, and without distractions. Find a quiet, private location. Once the exam begins, you are not permitted to talk, stand, or move from your seat. Also, no one else is permitted in the room with you while you are testing.
During the check-in process after you have submitted all required photos, the proctor may ask to see your environment, including the walls, floor space and the desktop. This is to ensure you are not within arm’s reach of books, notepads, post-it notes, papers, pens, pencils, or other writing instruments/objects. Additional monitors must be unplugged, and additional computers must be turned off. Items on the wall such as wall art, posters and whiteboards will be inspected. If you are unable to complete this room scan, you are not permitted to proceed further or to take the exam.
Is my workspace okay for testing?
During the check-in process, you will be asked to take four photos of your work area, which will be checked by a proctor prior to exam launch. Please ensure that your desktop is clean and that you are not within arm’s reach of books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and other writing instruments/objects. Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off. Items on the wall with writing on them, such as whiteboards, will be inspected. If your workspace does not pass a room scan, you will not be permitted to proceed with taking the exam.
What technology will be needed for online proctored testing?
A candidate will need a functioning home computer or laptop with a webcam with microphone and strong internet connection.
How do I know my computer will work with the online proctored software?
Prior to their exam, candidates they will need to run a system check to test the compatibility of the OnVUE application.
Will I be able to access the internet while taking my exam?
Your computer will be locked down once you start your exam. You will not be able to access the internet or use other software applications while taking an exam.
Are breaks during the test available?
A candidate will NOT be able to take a break once the exam starts and no one is allowed to enter the space where exam is being taken.
During traditional center-based testing, candidates are allowed to have a blank sheet of paper for notes and a calculator if needed. Am I allowed to have these during the online exam?
During the online exam session, you are not allowed to use exam-specific materials and are not permitted to use scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, a calculator, or any other physical writing objects such as a pen, marker, or pencil.
Instead, the exam has a built-in calculator feature. Whether you are taking the exam online or at a testing center, you will have access to the built-in calculator. You can access it by clicking on calculator icon in the exam screen.
For the online exam, you will also be able to access a built-in whiteboard while taking your online proctored exam. This feature gives candidates the choice to work through items visually by entering notes or drawing shapes. You can access it anytime during the exam by clicking the eraser icon at the top of the screen. You can learn more about this feature here.
Please note, during your online exam, you can access both the built-in whiteboard and calculator at the same time to perform notes and calculations.
Will I be able to schedule a review of my test if I fail my examination?
At this time, reviews will only be available for candidates taking the exam at a test center; it will not be an option for an exam taken online.
Why am I being asked to pay again for my exam? I already paid when I registered for the exam at a test center.
You will need to pay again to schedule for an online exam. If you cancel your registration at the test center following the cancelation policy, you will be refunded the cost of that exam.
Why did I receive 2 emails for test authorization?
You received 2 separate emails for test authorization because the test center and online testing are 2 separate systems. Please schedule for the one method of delivery you prefer.