How to Prepare For Your Exam Day (Online-Proctored)

Learn how and why you need to prepare for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam’s strict device, network, testing environment, and proof of identification requirements. Then, get a step-by-step overview of the exam pre-check process.

Visit this article, to learn how to prepare for a Salesforce certification exam onsite at a testing center.

Watch this video, to get a walkthrough of how to prepare for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam.

Table of Contents

What to Prepare and Why It’s Important
Testing Device and Network
Your Online-Proctored Testing Environment
Acceptable Proof of Identification
What to Expect During the Pre-Check Process 

What to Prepare and Why It’s Important

Q: What am I required to prepare for, besides the exam’s subject matter, the day of my online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: Besides knowing your exam’s subject matter, there is additional exam security preparation you must do to keep your exam experience safeguarded and running smoothly. 

The four requirements you must have ready the day of your online-proctored Salesforce certification exam are an acceptable:

1. Testing Device

2. Network

3. Testing environment

4. Proof of identification

Q: What are the implications for not meeting the testing device, network, testing environment, and proof of identification requirements?
A: Implications for not meeting testing device, network, testing environment, and identification requirements include longer time spent during the pre-check process which can result is missing your exam time, not being allowed to launch your exam, forfeiture of the voucher you used to schedule the exam, and forfeiture of all exam registration or rescheduling fees. 

Q: How far ahead of time should I prepare my testing device, network, testing environment, and proof of identification?
A: We recommend preparing your testing device, network, testing environment, and proof of identification at least 24 to 48 hours before your exam day.

Q: Why do Salesforce certification exams have such strict testing device, network, testing environment, and proof of identification requirements? 
A: Salesforce certification exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, which has specific online-proctored testing requirements that offer industry-standard security policies and processes that help to safeguard the value and security of your hard-earned Salesforce certifications. For more details, visit 3 Steps We Take to Safeguard Your Salesforce Credentials.

Q: What are the benefits of preparing my testing device, network, testing environment, and identification requirements ahead of my exam day?
A: Preparing your device, environment, and identification ahead of your exam day will ultimately make your exam experience more seamless and efficient. Your exam will launch smoothly and the pre-check process will be quick. 

Testing Device and Network 

Q: What are the testing device requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: The testing device requirements for a Salesforce online-proctored certification exam include the following: 

1. A computer running Windows 10, macOS 14, or higher.

2. A webcam, microphone, and speaker.

3. Only one display screen.

4. The ability to close all other running applications except for OnVUE.

5. System administrator rights to stop applications that are set to auto-open upon restart or anytime during the exam.

If the above testing device requirements are not adhered to, you will not be allowed to enter your exam.

Q: What are the network requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: Your network must have a minimum bandwidth of 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Try to keep video streaming and large file transfers to a minimum during your exam time. Internet hotspots are not allowed; a wired internet connection is recommended.

Q: How can I make sure my testing device and testing network will launch my online-proctored Salesforce exam successfully?
A: Ahead of your exam day, it’s highly recommended that you run and pass the OnVUE system test using the equipment and network you will take your exam on. Also, it’s recommended to restart your computer to free up resources.

Q: What technology is not allowed during my online-proctored Salesforce exam?
A: Technology not allowed during your exam includes:

• Virtual machines or beta versions of Windows or macOS. 

• Additional programs running in the system’s background.

• Phones, tablets, headphones, earbuds, or watches. 

• Secondary displays or monitors (they must be disconnected), and touch screens. 

  • If you have any of the above, you will be directed to perform a room scan and show that your display, monitor, or touchscreen is off and no cords are connected to the testing device.

• Corporate networks or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Your Online-Proctored Testing Environment

Q: What are the testing room requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: The testing room requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam include:

• Showing you are in a private space and alone in the room. 

• No shared office area, dorm room with other occupants, or in a public place like a coffee shop or library.

• No testing in a bathroom or while undressed.

• Letting others know that you must remain alone, quiet, and free from distraction.

• Ensuring no one else can see what is on your screen, even at a distance.

• Your screen cannot face a window. 

• A good light source that faces you.

• No noteboards and whiteboards in your room.

• Removing anything with writing on the wall, such as post-its, artwork, and certificates.

Q: What are the testing background requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: The testing background requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam include:

• A testing background that is a solid wall.

• No glass in your testing background, including conference rooms with glass walls. Pictures in the background are acceptable as long as they don't include writing.

Q: What are the testing surface requirements for an online-proctored certification Salesforce exam?
A: The testing surface requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam include:

• Ensuring the only items on your desk and within arm's reach are the computer, keyboard, and mouse you will use for your exam.

• A clean and bare testing surface. 

• Removing all other items from your desk and at arm's reach, including:

  • Books and notes.

  • Paper and pens.

  • Food and smoking products.

  • All other electronics. Disconnect them if you cannot remove them. 

Acceptable Proof of Identification

Q: What are the proof of identification requirements prior to taking an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: Proof of identification requirements for an online-proctored Salesforce certification exam include a valid, government-issued photo ID matching the name on your booking exactly. Your photo must be recent and reflect your current appearance.

• Pearson accepts the following forms of identification:

  • International travel passport.

  • Plastic driver's license.

  • Identification card (national, state, or province ID card).

  • Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa).

  • Certain types of Aadhaar card. See Aadhaar ID Policy for OnVUE.

  • Brazilian paper-based driver's license or ID card (Carteira de identidade Nacional).

If you have any questions or concerns about the ID you are required to bring with you to the testing center for admittance for your exam, please contact Pearson customer service. To view the full ID policy, including any additional allowances, visit Pearson’s Global ID Policy 1S.

Q: What types of proof of identification does Pearson not accept?
A: Pearson cannot accept IDs that are expired, digital, copied, paper-based, or restricted by law, including:

• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Common Access Card (CAC), or certain secure access IDs.

• IDs from countries where OnVUE delivery is restricted: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), Russia, Belarus, and certain regions of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, Crimea).
  
  
  

What to Expect During the Pre-Check Process

Q: What are pre-check process steps that I should expect before I take my scheduled online-proctored Salesforce certification exam?
A: 

1. On the day of your online-proctored Salesforce certification exam, navigate to Trailhead Academy. Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of your scheduled exam time.
   
   

2. On your exam day, your exam will show in the Available section of your Trailhead Academy homepage.
   
   

3. Click Launch on your upcoming exam within the Available section.
   
   NOTE: Before you click Launch, it’s important that your testing device, testing environment, and proof of identification meets Pearson’s strict online-proctored testing requirements that were discussed earlier in this article.
   
   

4. After you click Launch, you will be taken to Pearson's exam delivery platform. 
   
   

5. During the first part of the pre-check process, you will be prompted to perform a system check to ensure your testing device meets all the requirements to support your exam. This includes ensuring your microphone and video are working properly, all unnecessary programs are closed, and additional monitors are disconnected.
   
   NOTE: It's crucial to disconnect from any VPN/Zscaler connections or screenshot applications.
   
   

6. At this point, you will be prompted to download the OnVue software Browser Lock.
   
   

7. Afterward, the pre-check process will require you to take a selfie, photos of your room, and photos of your government-issued identification. Please have your phone’s camera available for this step of the pre-check process. You may also use your computer’s internal camera to take photos, but doing so may delay the launch process.
   
   

8. Ensure no one enters the room during the exam.
   
   

9. At this time you will not be able to proceed until all other programs are shut down.
   
   

10.  Next, you will wait in a virtual lobby until you are connected with a live proctor.
    
    

11. Once connected with the live proctor, they will do a review of your proof of identification and testing environment, including your testing background and testing surface.
    
    

12. Once your live proctor approves your testing environment and proof of identification, your exam will launch.
    
    

13.  During the exam, you will be monitored via webcam and microphone by the live proctor, and you will be able to contact the proctor via chat if you need assistance.

Q: What should I do if I get disconnected during the pre-check process or while I’m taking my online-proctored exam?
A: If you get disconnected during the pre-check process or while taking the online-proctored exam, your live proctor will contact you via chat or mobile phone. If you are not contacted by your live proctor, please ask Agentforce to create a case due to being disconnected from your Salesforce certification exam.

Q: What are the most common issues that occur while taking an exam?
A: The most common issues that occur while taking an exam are: 

1. Related to electricity, the internet, or laptop hardware. These problems can stem from background software or applications. To prevent interruptions during your exam, be sure to close all background applications and services.
   
   

2. Leaving the testing space after the exam has started is prohibited. Please be sure to stay seated at your desk during the exam. Failure to do so will result in your exam being suspended. If you must leave your seat due to an emergency, please seek permission from the live proctor.
   
   

3. Third parties are not permitted in the testing environment during the exam. You must take the exam alone, or your exam will be suspended.