Proctored Exams: How Do They Work

Exams are the stuff of nightmares. Many of us have woken up in sweat thinking we have a math or physics exam the following day, panicking over our lack of preparedness, only to realise – with relief – we were still in our beds, and that it was only a dream. But we know now that exams aren’t so bad after all, mostly because they are essential for our academic and professional growth and advancement. Whether it is applying to a college as a student, or for a license or certification as a professional, exams are a frequent occurrence in our lives and we better get used to them.  

Types of Exams

Most exams, like the ones administered by testing and assessment service providers, including Prometric, Yardstick, Castle, Paragon and several others, are either online or paper-based. These high-stakes, proctored certification and licensure examinations, namely, ACCA, MCCEE, USMLE and so on, open a world of opportunities for test takers. These credentialing examinations prove that the individual has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to do a job competently.

Difference Between Certifications and Licenses

Certifications are awarded by professional organizations or other non-governmental bodies, while licenses are offered by governmental organizations to regulate a profession or occupation. Both involve meeting standards and often include passing an exam. Licenses and certifications are usually valid for a limited term and need to be renewed periodically.

The biggest difference between the two credentials is that the purpose of licensing is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public – not the profession. Examples include nurses, engineers, teachers and so forth. Licenses are legally required to work in particular occupations, while certifications aren’t. With few exceptions, only licensed individuals are allowed to practice in a regulated job or profession. Some certifications require individuals to obtain a licence before applying to take the certification exam.

Once the candidate has successfully cleared the exam, they are allowed by that particular agency to use the title or a set of initials. For example, Certified Financial Professional (CFP) or the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

What is a Proctored Exam?

A proctored exam is monitored or supervised by a proctor/invigilator and ensure order and fairness by following rigorous standards for test administration. A proctor is an approved, neutral person whose job is to ensure the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test-taking environment. They are trained to detect anything that may compromise test security or interfere with candidates’ concentration.

Most of the professional and academic tests are proctored and based on the convenience of the candidate can be taken online or using a paper and pencil.

Testing Centres Offering Proctoring Services

Exam providers partner with proctoring testing centres, like Ashton Testing Services (ATS), that can offer a secure, professional testing environment. ATS has over ten years of experience in testing and administering numerous examinations, tests, and assessments, offering candidates a seamless testing experience.

In most cases, testing centres are chosen and booked by the testing body. In such scenarios, all the candidate has to do is show up at the centre, adhere to the rules and regulations, give the test and leave.

But there are also instances where the educational or regulatory body expects the test takers to make their own arrangements. They are expected to arrange for external proctoring services and book their exams online. It is an excellent option for distant learners because they are often unable to be at the school’s geographic location.

Rated as one of the best testing centres in Canada by Prometric, Yardstick and Pearson, ATS conducts over 200+ exams, and has had more than 33,000 test takers take an exam at one of their two locations (Vancouver and Abbotsford).

Secure, Professional Testing

While choosing a test centre, you want to ensure that it meets or exceeds all requirements outlined by the National College Testing Association including the regional body (for example in British Columbia, it’s the ‘British Columbia Higher Education Testing Association’). Such agencies ensure professionalism and quality of testing services and programs, including issues relating to test administration, test accessibility, test development, test scoring, and assessment.

Recently, ATS was awarded the Prometric Pace Setter Award, in recognition of the Centre’s efforts in consistently complying with the strict security protocols set by Prometric. 

Book your next exam at a centre that has experienced proctors, and offers you a high-quality testing environment along with exceptional service.

Good luck.