Online proctored exams

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 I have no idea if the infrastructure at Pearson has been improved, or if it is a newer version of the required software.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.

Year summary

Well, only a week left of this year. It is time look at all the good stuff that happened this year – and the exiting things that are to come in 2015. Exciting projects involving upgrading Configuration Manager 2007 to 2012 R2 helped customers get off Windows XP – and get ready for migrating off Server 2003 as well.

A shift towards the Cloud is emerging. Customers are still wondering if Public or Private Cloud is the way to go. With System Center 2012 R2, they don’t really have to choose one or the other – they can have both. Windows Azure Pack (WAP) glues the worlds together and open up new possibilities. Microsoft is helping us along in that direction by incorporating System Center questions even in Server 2012 r2 certifications. There is no doubt that cloud awareness and a fair amount of cloud expertise will be needed if you work in IT going into 2015. If you have not started your journey into cloud, you’d better do so soon. I recommend some of the great training available at Microsoft Virtual Academy. It is free, and let by Microsoft experts.

Let your employer know that you are up-to-date: Take the MCSE: Private Cloud. To be honest, it requires a fair amount of knowledge on the whole System Center suite of products. I recommend spending quite a few hours in the lab in addition to taking the MOC courses.

It was my second best year in taking certifications this year with a total of five new Microsoft certifications. Next year, the goal is new Azure certifications. I have also had the opportunity to promote some of my favorite Microsoft products this year. As one of the speakers on the Microsoft Technology User Group, I got to travel around Norway and speak about technologies for the future. Configuration Manager With Intune, Automated deployments, Service Management Automation (SMA) were some of the topics. I also had the pleasure of speaking to students at the University in Trondheim (NTNU) – promoting Cloud management. Who knows, maybe a future colleague was in the room.

But now it’s time for baking gingerbread men and spending time with my family. I intend to relax during the holidays, and charge the batteries to be ready for 2015.

Happy holidays everyone!