Yesterday, I had my first attempt at taking an online proctored exam. I checked the system requirements, installed the additional software needed and checked in. I used my Microsoft LifeChat headset to be ready for some high quality audio. The clock is nearing 8 PM. I refresh the page, and I am able to click the check-in process. Having done al the tests in advance, I was ready in no time. Then the wait began. At 20:15, the greeter joined the session. She informed me that she was not able to contact me on the phone number I had provided. Weird. It was right next to me. I borrowed my wifes phone and provided the number. The greeter is still unable to contact me. I call myself from my wife’s phone. That worked. Go figure. Finally the greeter tries to contact me through the headset. The audio quality makes it almost impossible to hear her. Next, I am told that they cannot see the picture of the ID I had taken during the check-in process. I am asked to go back and retake the picture. I am happy to do so, so I click the back button a few times. I see my ID on the screen clearly, but I retake the picture. The wizard then takes me to the launch window. The greeter is still unable to see the picture. I repeat the process a few times, and even show the ID card several times in the camera that monitors everything. She still can not see the picture ID. The end of the story is that I was unable to take the exam, because they could not see my ID. I feel that I had done everything I possibly could, and I had done all of the system tests several times. I called Pearson Vue immediately, but I am told I just have to wait 3-4 business days before someone will contact me. There was no way they would let try again. So Merry Christmas to you, Pearson Vue, for this joyful experience.
Update:
I have since then tried Online Proctored Exams two more times. It failed every time. At last I gave up, and went to the testing center to do it the old fashioned way. At least that works.
Update 2:
I have tried two more times, and both of them worked like a charm. I have no idea if the infrastructure at Pearson has been improved, or if it is a newer version of the required software. Now, I am quite happy with the option to take my certification test from my home.