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For the online based proctoring exam, what you really should be concerned about are the technical issues. Any technical issue could make your exam revoked. I'd like to share my experiences and offer some advice. Hope they help. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know if I can be of any help.
I finally passed the online based exam today, after experiencing many technical issues between the incomplete exam and the finished one. I filled out the survey at the end of the exam about those issues and I hope they will make some improvements.
1. Make sure to take a photo for the "access code" during your check-in.
This code is the only way for you to get back in the exam if your computer crashes or freezes. With that said, stop/uninstall all unnecessary program in your computer, restart your computer, and kill the unnecessary processes in the background. Get your computer ready and restart it before the check-in.
2. You want to mitigate any risk about internet instability.
I'd connect your internet through a internet cable to your router instead of using WiFi connection, if possible. Make sure to restart (turn off for 15 seconds and turn back on) the cable modem and router right before the check-in, for the most internet stability.
3. You need a very stable webcam.
I found out that the built-in webcam in the laptop is a lot more stable during such a long time period in the exam. For some reason, a USB plugin webcam could become unstable with their proctoring program. When that happens, you lose the video stream and the proctor would likely revoke your test, if they cannot re-establish the video connection with you. Your best bet would be replace the webcam right away with a backup (implement the risk response plan) or re-plugin your webcam (a fallback plan) and hope the video connection is back. You might need the proctor to restart the proctoring program, if possible.
4. The proctor has confirmed that sometimes the program would kick you out for some reason.
When this happens, do not panic. They will let you in again immediately, and all progress is already saved. I think the program is not very compatible with many software and hardware issues. So you want to spend some time on your computer beforehand and keep it as simple and robust as possible.
5. The whiteboard offered is the same as the first google result of "online whiteboard practice". It's a pain to use so I'd practice on using it. Personally I would try to memorize all the stuff and avoid using it for "brain dump". Practice on drawing the network diagram in the most efficient way. For example, A4 B5 C2 represent 4 days activity for A and so on. If you space everything well, you can skip drawing the lines and arrows. The exam is not likely to give you a crazy diagram to draw.
6. The calculator can only be operated by mouse. Do not sweat trying to use the number keypad on your keyboard.
7. You get to mark any question you want. You get to click the buttons and see the list of all questions, only marked questions, and unanswered questions anytime during the exam. You can choose to review/do any questions anytime during the exam, except the 10 minutes break rule.
8. If you choose a second language when you schedule the exam. All questions and the correspondence screens (all the buttons on the screen, the agreements to click, prompts for next steps, and etc.) will be displayed with the second language you choose. However you get to click on a button and show the questions in English, when each question comes up.
9. When you do the check-in, the video window will show up. This is your last chance to use the restroom. Once you are back and the proctor started the check-in process, you are not allowed to leave. The proctor will review the photos of you, your ID and your room that were submitted by you. He/she will ask you (through audio) to use your webcam to show the room 360 degree. You will be asked to unplug your other computer monitors if any. During the exam, no one will be able to speak with you, but there is a "Chat" button for you to call the proctor and chat about any issue or concern.
10. After you answer the 89th or 90th question, you get to review the first 90 questions (for however long you want) before taking the 10 minutes break. They won't be available for your review after the break. You want to watch the clock and decide how much time you want to spend for this step. You get to choose to take a break or not. You can end the break sooner if you'd like to. If you are late to be back, the exam time will be deducted accordingly.
11. No food, gum, or drink is allowed, but you can drink water. If you have identified a risk of any potential urgent call, I suggest preparing a bucket just in case. You can use a massage chair if you would like to! You can even get out of your chair and kneel down for a change. Just make sure your face is in the camera at all times. :)
12. Out of the 200 questions, only 175 of them will be graded, as the other 25 are for their "experiments". While I did find a handful of challenging questions, I could not count up to 25 "weird" questions. There were a good mix of difficult, medium, and straightforward questions. I'd say 90% of the questions were situational. You have to know what process it is about and choose the right answer according to its ITTO, the best action, or the next action.
13. For each question, you just click on the answer you choose and it is already saved in the system. Once you click done with all 200 questions or the time is up, you are informed whether you pass the exam or not in the very next screen!
It's very interesting that I have found quite a few questions that look very familiar from some of the practice exams I did. Lots of practice exams are essential for beating this beast!
Good luck!
