Certification Q&A: Taking the Exam Remotely

​Have questions about the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials? In every issue, the SHRM Certification team will answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

Q: What is remote proctoring?

A: Remote proctoring is an exam delivery method that allows candidates for SHRM certification to take their exams from their homes, offices or other secure locations under the online supervision of live observers. This test-taking option is administered by SHRM's test vendor, Prometric, using its ProProctor remote assessment platform. Remote proctoring means you don't have to take the SHRM certification exam at a Prometric test center, provided your chosen testing environment and computer operating system meets Prometric requirements and is located in a country eligible for the service (i.e., worldwide except for China, Ethiopia and Nigeria, where candidates must take the exam at a Prometric test center).

Q: What are the environment and system requirements for remote proctoring?

A: The environment and system requirements are very specific:

Environment. Your testing location must be indoors (with walls and a door that can be closed, with the entrance in full view of the camera), well-lit, and free of background noise and disruptions. Your workstation and the surrounding area and walls must be free of all materials.

System. For remote proctoring to work correctly, you will need the following:

• A PC or Mac laptop or desktop computer, undocked, with a single screen. (Tablets, smartphones or other mobile devices cannot be used.)
• An internal webcam or an external webcam connected to the computer, and a microphone.
• A computer power source.
• A minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768.
• An operating system of Windows 7 or higher, or MacOS 10.13 or higher.
• The most current version of Google Chrome. (Safari, Firefox, Explorer and other browsers cannot be used.)

• An Internet connectivity speed of 0.5 mbps or greater. (Disconnect all other devices so that your computer is the only device connected.)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection. (For best performance, use an ethernet cable to connect directly to the router.)

Perform an online readiness check to confirm the compatibility of your systems prior to test day.

Q: What are some of the things I cannot or should not do or use for remote proctoring?

A: The following prohibitions apply:

• No tablets, smartphones or other mobile devices.
• No attachment of the computer to a docking station.
• No dual-monitor or multiple-screen configurations (i.e., a desktop with two monitors or a laptop with a separate monitor).
• No tethering to a mobile hotspot.
• No external webcam if it is unconnected to your computer.

Q: How can I optimize my remote proctoring experience?

A: Follow these recommendations for best performance:

• Use a Wi-Fi network wired directly to your router (versus a wireless network).
• Make sure your connectivity is stable to avoid disconnections.
• Contact your Internet service provider to make sure it will not be making random or scheduled "brownouts" or bandwidth adjustments that day.
• Make sure that no one else in the area (e.g., a spouse or roommate in your home) is using the Internet during your exam.
• Avoid a testing location, such as your workplace, where there is a corporate firewall (including a VPN). If you choose to test from your office, have your IT team resolve any issues well in advance of test day.

Q: Where can I get more information about remote proctoring?

A: For further questions and technical support, contact shrmcertification@shrm.org or visit these sites:

• FAQs about remote proctoring.
• Video from Prometric.
• Prometric Proctor User Guide.

Have additional questions? Send them to SHRMCertNews@shrm.org.

Want to learn more about how to obtain or maintain your SHRM certification? Visit the SHRM Certification website.