Everything You Need to Know About Taking an Online Proctored Exam

Taking an exam is the culmination of weeks—even months—of studying and preparation. When you finally complete and pass that exam, you want to be sure that there are safeguards in place to retain the value of the designation or credential you worked so hard to earn.

That’s where virtual exam proctoring comes in. It’s a seamless, reliable way to ensure a fair and equal experience for all test takers. Through secure recording and standardized procedures, online proctoring helps maintain the same integrity as a traditional in-person test center (just with a lot more flexibility). Read on to explore everything you need to know about taking an online proctored exam, how it benefits your professional journey, and how you can be as prepared as possible when it’s time to sit down and test.

What is a Proctored Exam?

If you've taken the SATs in high school or a midterm in college, you're already familiar with how a proctored exam works. It's a standard educational practice where someone oversees the exam process to ensure fairness across all test takers. Online proctoring takes this same concept and applies it to the exams you take remotely, offering the added convenience of taking an exam in your own home, on your own time.

There are two types of virtual proctoring: live proctoring and record & review proctoring. Live proctoring is when a supervisor oversees a student take their exam in real time and most closely resembles in-person proctoring. Record & review proctoring, however, is when the assessment platform uses a remote proctoring software to record a student’s screen, webcam video, and audio as they test. Someone then manually reviews the footage afterwards as needed. This is the approach we recommend, as it provides a much less intrusive experience while still maintaining the highest standards of exam security.

The Benefits of Online Proctoring

Virtual exam proctoring offers several key advantages that directly benefit you as a professional, especially in risk management and insurance fields where the skills gained from specialty designations can be used on the job right away.

Protects Your Achievement: When you earn a designation, you want employers to know it truly reflects your expertise and dedication. Virtual proctoring ensures that everyone earns their credentials fairly and with integrity.

Maintains Credibility: You can rest assured that the designation or credential you’ve just completed keeps its value and is not awarded to those who didn’t earn it.

Provides Flexibility: Easily complete your online exams from any computer with a webcam and microphone. This freedom allows you to better balance your professional development with other commitments.

How Does an Online Proctored Exam Work at The Institutes?

The Institutes uses the record & review method. Students’ exam sessions are recorded to ensure compliance with exam rules and reviewed by our Assessments team as needed. We also partner with Talview, a leading remote proctoring provider, to deliver a secure and user-friendly exam experience. Before your exam begins, you'll be asked to consent to the recording. All recordings are handled in compliance with industry data and security standards, including GDPR, ensuring your privacy is protected throughout the process.

Those in risk management and insurance trust and value The Institutes Designations because they represent a high standard of knowledge and professionalism. Virtual proctoring is another way to ensure they continue to maintain their value and credibility.

For a detailed look at the virtual exam proctoring experience, check out this video or visit our FAQs page.

Materials Needed for a Proctored Online Exam

To ensure a smooth experience when taking an Institutes Designations exam, make sure you have the following:

Required Hardware

• Laptop or desktop computer (mobile devices and tablets are not supported)
• Web camera
• Microphone

Supported Operating System

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• macOS 14 or macOS 15

Supported Browser (Latest Version or up to 3 Previous Versions)

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox

And don't forget to test your camera and microphone at least 48 hours before your scheduled exam time to make sure everything works properly!

Embracing the Future of Professional Testing

Proctoring for online exams is already a widely accepted practice among leading professional education providers, including the CFA Institute and Project Management Institute, and will only continue to grow in prevalence and relevance. It represents an important step forward for the learning and development of RMI professionals. In protecting the value of your professional achievements, you’re setting yourself up for greater success now and in future roles.

Ready to take the next step in your professional development? Explore what The Institutes Designations has to offer and learn more about their virtual exam proctoring today!