--- title: "Online Proctored Exam" date: "2024-02-14T06:18:38+00:00" summary: "Prepare for your online proctored exam with our comprehensive guide. Learn system requirements, setup steps, and essential rules to ensure a smooth certification experience with Acquia and ProctorU." image: type: "page" url: "/acquia-academy/online-proctored-exam" id: "9d3016e6-5cc1-4f9f-9db6-081257a2cb84" --- Use of a non-work or personal computer for exams Acquia recommends the use of a personal or non-work computer to take our exams as the installation of exam software and browser extension may be restricted to administrators in some workplaces. The use of **virtualized desktops or parallel operating systems is not allowed and must be disabled prior to the start of your exam**. If they cannot be disabled, a different computer must be used to take the exam.  Before taking an online proctored exam, ensure you do the following: 1. Review the [system requirements for online proctored exams](https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/115011772748-Equipment-Requirements) several days before your exam to ensure you have the correct hardware and software. ProctorU provides a [system check that you can perform before your exam](https://go.proctoru.com/students/system-metrics/new). 2. Install the Guardian browser on your machine. Read [more information about the Guardian browser and download links](https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/sections/9979847689229-Guardian-Proctoring-Browser-Resources). 3. Set up and test your computer at least 72 hours before the exam start time, so if an issue arises that prevents you from taking the exam, you may reschedule the exam without paying a fee. 4. Use an internal webcam or arrange an external webcam. 5. Disconnect any extra monitors. 6. Disable or uninstall any virtual machine or desktop software including but not limited to Microsoft Remote Desktop, Team Viewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Anydesk, Ultraviewer, Parallels, or inactive versions of operating systems. These will get flagged by the proctor as virtual assistance and will result in the proctor pausing or canceling your exam in order to allow you to uninstall this software. 7. Prepare a quiet place where you can take the exam alone, as you will be monitored and noise or busy surroundings may cause the proctor to suspend your exam. 8. Remove any restricted materials from your workspace. These include headphones, papers, folders, books, or other reading material. You will need a cell phone with camera to complete the exam setup with the proctor. After the setup, you must store your phone out of sight. 9. Do not seek help or tutoring during an exam. This is strictly prohibited. Signing in to take your certification exam ------------------------------------------ The exam must be taken using the Guardian browser. Therefore, install it beforehand as mentioned in Step 2 of the previous section. Acquia recommends you take a few minutes to prepare your workspace and remove any distractions and restricted materials before the proctor initiates the exam preparation process.  ### To begin your exam:  1. Login to your account on Acquia Academy using the required Guardian browser. As a security precaution, you must sign in to Acquia academy as the first step before your exam starts as the exam is proctored and your screen will be recorded for the duration of the exam. 2. Access the exam you registered for. You can do this by navigating to **My Courses and Learning Plans** in the main menu and selecting the exam. 3. From the course, click on **Schedule and Launch your exam**. On the resulting page, click the link in Step 2 to login and launch your exam. 4. When taking a proctored exam, you and the proctor will access the exam on Acquia Academy together after the proctor performs a check that you are adhering to rules related to restricted materials and the space in which you are taking the exam. After you pass the check, the proctor will enter a password to give you access to the exam, and pass control back to you.  No-Show Policy Acquia has a strict no-show policy. If you miss your scheduled time for an exam, you forfeit that test. Since proctors monitor scheduled exams, Acquia does not provide a refund for no-shows. You must register and pay for the exam again or use a new voucher to pay for the exam. Setting up your computer to take an online exam takes some time. Acquia recommends setting up and testing your computer at least 72 hours before the exam start time. This way, if you have an issue that prevents you from taking your exam, you will still be able to reschedule without paying a rescheduling fee.