How to apply for Remote Testing for US CMA Exam ?Remote Testing through Prometric’s ProProctor System | Uplift Professionals
It is quite evident that we are yet to break the shackles of covid pandemic across the globe which is still a matter of concern to go physically to a prometric centre to write your forthcoming US CMA exam. In addition, many of the prometric centres are still closed. Evaluating the crisis, ICMA has emerged with a remote testing option initiative which have a major beneficial impact on the flexibility of US CMA exam takers.
Let’s get you through all the modern advancements IMA has brought for the US CMA aspirants. Apart from the in person testing, in the Jan/Feb 2022 exam widow period, ICMA has come out with a new remote testing option through Prometric’s ProProctorTM services starting on January 18, 2022. ProProctor gives you greater flexibility to choose where to test, when to test, and how to test. It is a reliable, convenient – yet secure – testing experience.
What is Remote Proctoring?
Instead of going to a computer testing center, Prometric offers the opportunity to take your US CMA exam from your home or other quiet workspace using their ProProctor software. You will take your exam under the supervision of a live proctor via a video link.
Remote proctoring is an exam delivery method that allows candidates to take the US CMA exam from home or a location of their choice, rather than at a Prometric test centre. Prometric, will administer the exam to candidates through the ProProctor remote assessment platform versus testing at a Prometric test centre.
The security process and candidate check-in procedures are comparable to the test center. Prometric live Proctors monitor the candidate test session through audio and video throughout the exam.
The Technology and Area Requirements
Prometric, the ICMA’s testing companion, works with the ProProctorTM remote testing device to give exams using remote proctoring. It is feasible to take the US CMA exam in the English language US CMA exam at a spot outside of the Prometric Test Centre by borrowing remote proctoring. If you are in a region that is competent for this service and your test location and equipment meet Prometric’s criteria, it is apparent to take this test.
The Difference between taking the exam at Home/ Office and taking it a Prometric test centre
The Prometric test centre is like a “Brick & Mortar” location, a physical location responsible for a compatible testing environment. In contrast, the remote proctor testing security procedures match the level of scrutiny you will experience at a Prometric test centre, and the exam interface is the same. However, while the test centre is responsible for a compatible testing environment, it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure a distraction-free environment when taking the exam at home/office.
How to Sign up for Live Remote Proctoring?
If you are interested in live remote proctoring, you can follow the directions found in your Scheduling Authorization or go to your exam’s Prometric webpage and choose the “Schedule” link under “Remotely Proctored Exam.” It is recommended that candidates interested in remote proctoring first read all of the information provided by Prometric to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Exam workspace look
1. Your room/work area must be indoors, well lit, free from background noise and disruptions.
2.Your work area must be free of pens, paper, electronic devices, etc. There should be no content that could potentially provide an unfair advantage during your exam, including anything posted on walls or elsewhere in your work area.
3.Make sure to clear your workspace and put away all personal items.
4.Your proctor will ask you to scan your room/work area with your webcam/laptop to check for any security risks.
5.Be sure your workspace is free of books, paper, and general clutter.
6.It’s recommended you cover dressers, bookshelves, and any other large electronic equipment or furnishings that is in your workspace.
Be aware: Your exam will be terminated, and results invalidated if any other person walks into your work area/room during the exam.
Things to know before taking the remote testing exam
A. Before you schedule your appointment, please read the ProProctor User Guide. Full directions and rules for live remote proctoring will be found there: https://www.prometric.com/proproctorcandidate
B. You will need to download and install the ProProctor software to your computer prior to your exam appointment.
C. You will need to present your valid, government-issued, photo ID.
D. It’s highly recommended that there is no additional load on your wifi connection from other users such as streaming videos, music, or games. Lack of signal strength may cause you to lose connection.
E. If you are able to use a wired connection to the internet, rather than wifi, please do so. A wired connection to the internet is generally more stable.
F. Candidates who are unable to connect to the exam or unable to finish the exam due to internet connectivity issues will be counted as no-shows. These candidates will forfeit their exam fees and will need to reapply for the next testing window.
G. Please be sure to perform any Windows or OS updates before your exam appointment.
Technical Requirements
It is recommended that candidates use a computer using Windows 8.1 or higher or Mac OS 10.13 or higher.Technical requirements may change, please see https://www.prometric.com/proproctorcandidate for the most up-to-date requirements and a short video on what to expect during your remotely proctored examination.
Candidates should not use work computers, as system security and firewalls may prevent you from connecting to the ProProctor system. Candidates also need to download and install the ProProctor Software before their appointment.
System requirements for remote proctoring
To qualify for remote proctoring, you will need a fast and reliable internet connection and a computer or laptop that meets these minimum technical requirements:
· Screen Resolution: 1024 X 768
· Operating System: Windows / MacOS
· Web Browser: Latest Google Chrome
· Webcam Resolution: 640 X 480p (if not using a laptop, a portable webcam is required)
· Microphone: Enabled
· Download Speed: 500 Kbps
How to check/ change the screen resolution to 1920 x 1080?
For Windows computers:
· Click on the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner.
· Click on Settings (the gear icon).
· Click on System, which should populate the Display setting.
· Scroll down, and under Scale and Layout choose 1920 x 1080 for Display resolution.
For Mac computers:
· Open System Preferences and click on Displays.
· Hold down the Option/Alt key while simultaneously clicking on the radial button next to the ‘Scaled’ option under Resolution.
· This will reveal all available screen resolution options for your display. Choose 1920 x 1080.
How do I check if my computer meets the system requirements for remote proctoring?
Before applying to take the exam remotely, you are advised to run the System Readiness Check. The results will help you to determine if your system meets the minimum technology requirements and if your operating system is compatible to install and run the ProProctor application. The system check can be conducted at any time at https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/Home/SystemCheck
What are the test requirements for a home or office setting?
Your remote testing environment must meet the following requirements during the check-in process with a Prometric Readiness Agent:
1.The testing location must be indoors (walled), well lit, free from background noise and disruptions.
2. No third party may be present in the room or enter the room for the duration of the exam. If this occurs, the Proctor will terminate your exam and/or invalidate your results.
3. Your workstation and surrounding area must be free of pens, paper, electronic devices, etc.
4. No content that could potentially provide an unfair advantage during your exam, including that posted on walls or within your immediate area, should be present during your exam session.
5. Regulations allow two tissues at the workstation, but the Proctor will inspect the tissues prior to the start of the exam.
What should you expect on test day? What is the remote candidate check-in process?
I. During the check-in process the following self-service steps will occur:
· The ProPoctor system will prompt you to capture your image.
· The system will prompt you to capture an image of your government-issued ID.
· The system will prompt you to read a checklist to ensure the following is in place before meeting with a readiness agent
· Clean workspace
· Environment suitable for testing
· Environment, clothing, and devices are compliant with security requirements
II. You will meet the Prometric exam proctor who will guide you through three security checks before launching your exam:
1. ID Verification -Your proctor will confirm your name, address, and exam details with you via video chat.
2. 360˚ Environmental Check-Your exam proctor will ask you to provide a 360° view of your environment using your webcam and also will ask you to scan your work surface using your webcam.
It is strongly recommended having a medium-to- large mirror during your environmental check. During this step, the proctor will ask to inspect things such as bookshelves, wall hangings, electronic devices such as televisions. (*It is recommended to have a large bedsheet or linen available if asked to cover any area of clutter*)
IMPORTANT: Do not have your laptop connected to a docking station anytime during the setup of your exam. This can cause connectivity issues. Make sure to clear your workspace and put away all personal items.
3. Candidate Person Check- The proctor will ask you to stand up to do a scan of your person. This scan will include – but is not limited to – conducting a sleeve, pocket and glasses check. Additionally, you will be asked to turn all pockets inside out. Remove large jewellery items from your person prior to and throughout the duration of the exam.
IMPORTANT: In order to expedite the check-in process, please remember to empty your pockets prior to the visual check.Prometric’s “What to Expect” video provides a summary of the information as does https://www.prometric.com/proproctorcandidate.
What to do in case you experience a disruption to the exam due to internet connectivity?
If you are still connected to the internet, the live Proctor will attempt to reach you via chat or audio to troubleshoot the problem. Once connectivity is re-established, you will follow the candidate check-in procedures for starting the exam.
In case you get disconnected from the internet, do the following:
1.Wait for 3-4 minutes post disconnection.
2.Reboot your desktop / laptop.
3. Run the system check and ensure all the checks pass.
4.Re-launch your exam using the “Launch exam” button on the top. You must go through the whole check-in process again, however your exam would start from the point where it was disconnected. Lost time cannot be recovered.
5. If connectivity cannot be re-established due to an unstable or lost internet connection, the exam will be terminated. Candidates can report the issue to Prometric. Upon review and approval, candidates may receive one opportunity to retake the test again remotely or at a test centre (based on appointment availability).
Having a stable internet connection
1.Identify the place in the house where Wi-Fi is strongest and test there. It is recommended to use direct hardwired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
2.Do not have other family members using up internet bandwidth with Netflix, social media, etc.
Will the Proctor be visible on computer during the exam?
The live Prometric Proctor will monitor the candidate throughout the examination, but the candidate will be unable to see the Proctor during the exam. However, the Proctor can be contacted at any time via chat. When necessary, the Proctor can also contact the candidate by chat or audio.
Can one use a tablet, notebook, or smartphone to take the remote proctored exam?
No, candidates must use a computer to complete the exam via ProProctor. Hybrid tablet/laptop devices such as the Microsoft Surface are not compatible with the ProProctor application.
What is allowed and not allowed in my testing area?
A. Unauthorized personal items may not be accessible while testing. Such items include, but are not limited to outerwear, jewelry, hats, food, drinks, purses, bags or briefcases, notebooks, watches, cell phones, electronic devices, or wearable technology.
B. Test at home policies prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum during the exam. Proctors also restrict candidates from taking written notes or using published materials and other testing aids during the exam. A virtual whiteboard is available for taking notes. No physical scratch paper, pens, and pencils are permitted for note-taking.
C. Candidates must hang light clothing items they remove for comfort such as sweaters, suit jackets, scarves, etc., on their chair. They must not place the light clothing in laps or on the workstation desktop. Proctors restrict candidates from maintaining outerwear such as heavy coats, parkas, raincoats, etc., in the immediate testing area.
D. Policies prohibit candidates from changing location while testing, turning off lighting or audio, or speaking to or receiving aid from other individuals.
Can one take breaks during the exam?
Yes, due to the length of the US CMA exam, you are allowed to have one optional scheduled 20-minute break between section one (1) and section two (2) of your exam. Candidates are able to take unscheduled breaks at any time during the exam session. Please note that the exam clock continues to run during the unscheduled break.
To begin your break, you must notify the Proctor before leaving the view of the camera. Failure to notify the Proctor prior to taking a break will result in termination of your exam session. When you return from break you must perform the same security check-in routine administered at the start of your exam.
IMPORTANT: The security check in routine takes about 10-15 minutes!
● Note that the internet connection in some nations and portions within countries may not be smooth enough to perform the exam remotely. Local technology and firewall problems may make it riskier to test using a remote proctor. You are credible for assuring that you meet the technical requirements and testing your internet connection.
● A tablet or smartphone is not friendly with the ProProctor outlet.
Rescheduling the Exams
To shift from in-person proctoring to remote proctoring, you must
● Suspend your current session.
● To plan, go to prometric.com/icma
● Choose “Reschedule/Cancel” from the “Actions” panel
● Lastly, select “Schedule” from the “Remotely Proctored Exam” menu.
NOTE- There may be a rescheduling cost implicated in this procedure.
Remote Testing for US CMA Exam FAQs – IMA
Remote proctoring is an exam delivery method administered by Prometric, ICMA’s test administration partner, using its ProProctor™ remote assessment platform.
Remote proctoring provides you with the option of taking the English language US CMA exam and the CSCA exam at a location other than a Prometric Test Center. This option is available if your residence is in a country eligible for the service and your chosen testing environment and systems meet Prometric requirements.
For more detailed information, including a video on what to expect with remote testing, visit ProProctor Candidate Information.
1. Is the remote proctored testing option offered worldwide?
Remote proctoring is available globally, except in the Crimea part of Ukraine, North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Cuba. In China, remote proctoring is available for the CSCA and the English language US CMA exam only, as the Chinese language CMA exam is a paper-based test.
Note: In some countries and some areas within countries, internet connection may not be stable enough to administer the exam remotely. Local technological and firewall issues may create a greater risk of not being able to test via remote proctor. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the technical requirements and to test your internet connection.
2.What is the availability of remote proctoring?
Remote proctoring is available 24/7; however, keep in mind that the day and time you select may not be available. If you are told your day/time is not available, simply select a different time frame.
3. What are the system requirements for remote testing?
Visit Prometric’s ProUserGuide to see the system requirements for remote testing: https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/ProProctor/PrometricProUserGuide.pdf.
4. Can I use a tablet or smartphone to take my remote proctored exam?
No, the ProProctor platform is not compatible with a tablet or smartphone.
5. What are the testing location requirements for remote proctored testing?
To comply with the security procedures, there are various requirements for your testing environment: Your selected testing location must be indoors (walled), well-lit, with a closed door and free from background noise and disruptions. The entrance to the room must be in full view of the camera. Your workstation and surrounding area (including the walls) must be free of materials (i.e., pictures, office supplies, electronic devices, etc.).
6.Can I take my remote proctored exam at my place of work using my work computer?
No, you should not be taking your remote proctored exam at your place of work.
7.Can I use my work computer for testing from home?
ICMA does not recommend this, because corporate firewalls that many organizations have in place could prevent successful test delivery. If you choose to test from home using your work computer, ICMA strongly recommends you involve your IT team to resolve any issues, including potential firewall issues, long before test day.
8.What about turning off pop-up blockers? Do I need to do this before testing?
Yes. Prior to launching the exam, you must turn off web browser pop-up blockers to ensure a successful launch and the smooth administration of the exam.
9.How do I know if my computer system meets Prometric’s remote proctoring requirements?
You can confirm your system’s compatibility by going to https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/ and completing the system check step.
10.How do I sign up to test via remote proctoring?
Once you register for an exam part and receive your Authorization Letter, you may schedule your exam appointment. To schedule online, go to www.prometric.com/icma, scroll down, and select the “Schedule Your Remotely Proctored Exam” option.
11.I already signed up to test at a test center but would like to change to remote proctoring. How do I do that?
To change your appointment to remote proctoring, you will need to cancel your existing appointment first. Go to www.prometric.com/icma and click on the “Reschedule/Cancel” option under the “Actions” panel, then click on the “Schedule” option in “Remotely Proctored Exam” to schedule. Note: A rescheduling fee may apply.
12.How will I receive my exam results after I test?
Exam results will be emailed and posted to your online profile approximately six weeks from the end of the month in which you tested for the US CMA exam and approximately eight weeks for the CSCA exam.
13.What should I expect from the security check-in process?
Visit Prometric’s ProUserGuide to see what to expect from the security check-in process: https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/ProProctor/PrometricProUserGuide.pdf.
14.Does the security check-in time affect the time I have to take the test?
You are expected to launch the exam 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to go through the Prometric security check-in process. However, delays do occur. If this should happen, the extended time spent during the initial security check-in will not affect your exam time, and you will be provided with the full testing time. Note: If you take a break, the time counter will continue to run while you are being checked back in.
15.Is a break allowed at some point during the exam?
Yes, you are allowed one 10-minute optional, unscheduled break at any time during the exam session. If you wish to take a break, you must notify the proctor before leaving the view of the camera.
Failure to inform the proctor prior to taking a break, or failure to return on time from the break, will result in the termination of your exam session. Upon your return from the break, a full security scan will be conducted before the exam session is resumed. However, please note that the exam clock will continue to run during the time interval between when your break begins and when your session re-starts.
16.Can I take more than one break?
No, only one break is permitted.
17. Am I required to take a break?
No, the break is optional. If you do not need or want to take a break, you should just continue testing.
18. Can I download the Prometric ProProctor application ahead of time?
Yes.
19.Can I have a glass of water on my desk when taking a remote proctored exam?
No. Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited during the exam.
20.Since I am not allowed to have my mobile phone in the area when I’m testing, what if I run into technical difficulties or unexpected circumstances during my remote proctored exam session and need to connect to a proctor?
Mobile phones are not permitted in the testing area but should be close by in another room. In the case of internet or power loss, you should go to the room where your mobile phone is located and connect with the proctor. If using a smartphone, go to https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/ and click on “Contact Support,” then follow the prompts.
21. Is remote proctored testing a replacement for the in-person testing format?
No, remote proctored exam testing is an additional testing option and not a replacement of in-person testing. Both are available alternatives.
22.Is there an additional fee to take a remote proctored exam?
No. At this time, there is not an additional fee to take an exam via remote proctoring.
23.Can I whisper or read the questions out loud?
No. For security reasons, examinees are not permitted to read out loud or whisper exam questions/answers.
24.Can I use scratch paper when taking a remote proctored exam?
Yes. You are allowed to have four sheets of white plain scratch paper on your desk during testing. You must show the front and back of each sheet of paper to the proctor to ensure that there is no writing on the paper. At the end of the test session, you must show the front and back of each sheet of paper to the proctor and rip the scratch paper up into small pieces in front of the camera.
25.What is Prometric’s data privacy protection policy specifically as it relates to the duration of storing identifying documentation such as my government-issued photo ID?
Prometric retains examinees’ test-related documentation for 30 days. After that time, the information is removed from its system. You will be asked to acknowledge and consent to this as part of the privacy policy review.
26.What if I really want to talk to someone at Prometric for scheduling/rescheduling? Can I call them?
Yes. However, please be advised that the quickest way to get resolution is to fill out an online request form at https://www.prometric.com/contact-us. You can also contact ProProctor technical support at (800) 226-7958.
27.What do I do if there is an unexpected power or internet disruption during my remote proctored exam session?
If you experience a power or internet disruption during your remote proctored exam session, the exam will pause after the connection is lost. At that point, you should try to reconnect to the exam by first exiting out of the window; a blank screen with an “X” will appear.
Next, close the window, reopen the browser, and reconnect to the test driver. If successful, the exam and the timer will resume where you left off. You have up to 20 minutes before Prometric’s exam-disruption time allowance runs out.
In the event you are unable to reconnect in time, your exam will be terminated, and you will need to reschedule. Contact Prometric Help Support via chat once your internet is back up or leave the testing room to use your smartphone. To contact Help Support using a mobile phone without Internet, see the “How to Contact an Agent.”
Repeat disconnections are an indication of an unstable internet. In this situation, ICMA will allow examinees up to three relaunches of the exam with up to 20 minutes of overall interruption time.
Incidents that extend beyond either of these circumstances will result in the termination of the exam. If this happens, you can contact Prometric via chat to report the issue. Upon review and approval, you may receive a second opportunity to test. However, you will be required to test at an in-person test centre location.
Summary
The US CMA certification is the global benchmark for management accountants and financial professionals. The two-part exam tests 12 competencies and earning the US CMA can give professionals greater credibility, higher earning potential, and ultimately, a seat at the leadership table. ProProctor gives you greater flexibility to choose where to test, when to test, and how to test.
It is a reliable, convenient – yet secure – testing experience. Given the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and the recent advances in remote testing, it is an appropriate time for us to welcome remote proctoring for US CMA aspirants which is risk free and gives the flexibility to write the exam from the comfort of home.
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