General Proctoring FAQ

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Get the information you need to feel prepared for your proctored exam. This article provides answers to general questions about attending an exam.

Can I sleep or take breaks within the exam duration?

Yes, you can. We encourage you to include rest time into your exam preparations and planning. Please inform your proctor via the proctoring software chat client before you leave and when you return to your exam workstation. There is no need to wait for your proctor's response/acknowledgment for you to proceed.

We highly recommend you leave the proctoring session active while on break. Your VPN connection will remain active in case you want to leave any processes running while taking a break.

Please note that if you get disconnected or if you choose to disconnect from the session during the break, your exam VPN will be paused until you reconnect. It will only be reactivated once you rejoin the session. If you encounter any issues reconnecting, kindly reach out to Live Chat for immediate assistance

Can other people enter the room when I take my exam?

While it may be allowed for someone to enter the room during your exam for personal reasons, it is important to note that you are strictly prohibited from discussing or sharing any information related to the exam with them.

Is the proctoring session feed being recorded?

Yes, the sessions are recorded and stored for a short period of time. You can find more information and details about our data storage and retention in our Privacy Policy.

Can I change locations during the exam?

You are allowed to change your exam location during the exam. However, you must inform the proctor before doing so. The proctor will temporarily pause the exam VPN connection, and once you have reconnected to the proctoring session from your new location, a room scan will be conducted before the VPN connection is reactivated.

Note: If you get disconnected while changing your exam location, your proctor will ask you to run the Windows script again (for Windows users) or the macOS script (for macOS users).

I have any questions during the exam, can I ask the proctor?

Yes, you can ask any proctoring-related or exam-related questions, including requests for machine testing. Simply share your concern in the proctoring chat box, and the proctor will reach out to the support team on your behalf. They will get back to you as soon as they receive a response.

Will the proctor be able to hear me or will I be able to see them on webcam during the exam?

During the exam, the proctor will not be able to hear any sounds from you or your environment, as the webcam connection only provides visual monitoring. While the proctor will be monitoring your session, you will not be able to see or hear the proctor.

Will the proctor be with me for the full duration of the exam?

Yes, you will have a proctor during the full duration of the exam. Your proctor may change multiple times during the exam day, but to minimize any potential interruptions or distractions, the proctor will not announce when they are leaving, and when another proctor is taking over. You will be able to see the current proctor name in your Proctoring Tool window.

What exactly is the proctor doing during the exam?

​​The proctor verifies your identity and documents all exam observations. However, in order to maintain the security and integrity of the exam process, we are unable to disclose any specific details about the proctor's activities. Rest assured that the proctor's main responsibility is to ensure that the exam is conducted fairly.

Who are the proctors and who do they work for?

The proctors are full-time employees of OffSec.

To ensure the safety and security of our learners, all potential proctors are required to provide government clearance documentation and undergo a thorough background check, including a review of their previous employment.

Additionally, all accepted proctors must sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) to safeguard any sensitive information.

How can I end my exam early and close out my proctored exam session correctly?

You're allowed to end your exam early. You can either notify the proctor through the chat or simply click the "End Exam" button on the proctoring tool page, no need to wait for confirmation.

Once you end the session, your VPN connection will be terminated and cannot be reactivated. Make sure you've completed all exam requirements before ending your session, as you won’t be able to rejoin afterward.

If I take other exams with OffSec in the future, will they be proctored too?

If you plan to take other exams with OffSec, please refer to Which exams are proctored? article to see if they are proctored.

Can I take two or more proctored exams that are scheduled at the same time or have overlapping times?

No, you cannot sit for multiple proctored exams simultaneously or if their schedules overlap. Each proctored exam requires your full attention and adherence to specific protocols to maintain academic integrity. To avoid any conflicts and ensure compliance with exam guidelines, please schedule your exams at separate, non-overlapping times.

For more information, visit 'Managing OffSec Certification Exams.' For further assistance, contact orders@offsec.com 

What happens if the proctoring software stops responding?

Please clear your browser cache, try using a different browser, and relaunch the proctoring session. Once you're reconnected, inform the proctor that the application stopped responding and that you restarted it.
If the issue persists and you're unable to reconnect, please contact Live Chat for immediate assistance or you may contact us by submitting a request for assistance. 

Is there a dress code for a proctored exam?

We do not have a specific dress code but we highly recommend you to wear a decent attire during the exam.

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