Frequently Asked Questions—Online Proctoring

For a list of MTEL tests that are available via online proctoring, see "About Online Proctoring."

Appointments to take MTEL tests via online proctoring (OnVUE) are available during one-week testing windows each month. Testing is available 24 hours/day during that week. Testing windows can be found on the individual test information pages for tests that offer online proctoring.

Tests that require candidates to produce a hand-drawn response and tests that include audio components currently cannot be administered via online proctoring. Select your test(s) to see if your test is currently available for online proctoring. You will see an online proctoring column on the test page for tests that are available to be taken online.

1. Make sure you have the right equipment.
   • Required—a desktop or a laptop.
     1. Windows operating systems must pass Genuine Windows Validation.
     2. MacOS 10.15 or above (excluding beta versions).
   • Required—a single monitor. Extra monitors are not allowed.
     1. Extra monitors must be removed from the testing room, if possible, or unplugged.
   • Required if using an external monitor with a laptop—you must have an external mouse, keyboard, and webcam, and the lid of your laptop must be closed.
   • Recommended—a personal computer rather than a work computer, which may have additional security that can interfere with your test session.
   • Hardware and Software Exclusions
     1. Desktop or laptop computers that use Linux/Unix based operating systems (e.g., Chromebooks) cannot be used.
     2. Tablets and touch screens cannot be used.
2. Take the system test (Run a system check).
   • Take the system test before registering . This will determine if the equipment is eligible for online proctoring.
   • Run the system test at about the same time of day you expect to take your test to get a better feel of the connectivity you are likely to have. If you run the system test at 10:00 pm and take your test at 2:00 pm, the bandwidth available may be quite different.
   • If your setup does not pass the system test or does not meet minimum requirements, schedule your test at a testing center instead.
3. Review the policies and guidelines for online proctoring.
   • Review the online proctoring testing policies and what to expect on the day of the test on the MTEL website. If you are able to comply with these policies and guidelines, online proctoring may be an appropriate option for your test-taking experience.

NOTE: The two most frequent causes of technical issues with online proctored exams are (1) testing on a work computer and (2) an unreliable internet connection.

If you have a scheduled appointment at a test center, you must

• first cancel the appointment at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment
• and then withdraw your registration for the test center computer-based test. You will receive a refund of the test fees in your account. You may then submit a new registration for the online proctored method of testing.

If you have NOT scheduled an appointment at a test center, you must withdraw the registration for a computer-based test. You will receive a refund of the test fees in your account. You may then submit a new registration for the online proctored method of testing.

The environment must be clear within arm's reach. No monitors other than the one used for testing can be plugged in. There can be no notes, papers, whiteboards with writing, etc., in your workspace or within view*, and phones and watches must be placed outside of arm's reach. You should be in a room with the door closed, or, if there is no door, in a private space where no other people can be seen or heard.
*An online scratch pad is provided within the online proctored test for your use. Please see additional requirements below under "What could cause my test to be revoked?"

A test could be revoked if the proctor sees any irregularities.

• Moving out of webcam view.
• Getting up and walking around.
• Individuals entering the testing environment.
• Leaving the testing environment.
• Using paper and pencil/pen.
• Accessing your cell phone without explicit permission by the proctor.
• No hats or hoodies and candidates must be clothed.
• A beverage in any container is allowed, but no food or smoking.
• You possess any unauthorized materials as included in the Rules of Test Participation.

You could receive a warning for the following activities, which could lead to the test session being revoked:

• Moving the webcam—you cannot move the webcam once the test session has started.
• Mumbling or speaking out loud will lead to a warning.

Proctors may provide a verbal warning or use the chat function to provide the warning.

Desktop and laptop computers running Windows or macOS operating systems that meet minimum specifications are required for testing via online proctoring. Desktop and laptop computers that use Linux/Unix based operation systems (e.g., Chromebooks), tablets, and touchscreens are currently unsupported and not allowed.

NOTE: We strongly recommend using a personal computer (not issued from an institution or employer) and a wired, ethernet connection. The two most frequent causes of technical issues with online proctored exams are testing on (1) a work computer and (2) an unreliable internet connection. Firewalls or security settings from work/institution computers may restrict the software from operating properly. Unreliable internet connections (wireless network, VPN, mobile hotspot) may lead to being disconnected.

For optimal performance, a reliable and stable connection speed of 3 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up is required. A connection failure or interruption can interfere with, or even end, your test session. Take these steps to avoid disconnection.

• Use a wired internet connection rather than WiFi, if possible.
• If using WiFi, ask that other household members do not use the internet during your exam.
• Disconnect any VPNs if you have them; OnVUE does not work well with VPNs.

You are advised to keep your mobile phone nearby (but not within arm's reach) in case the proctor needs to call you. Normally a proctor will try to reach you by chat or VOIP before calling your phone. If the proctor calls you, they will tell you to answer your phone.

You should ignore other calls. If a proctor questions you about the noise because the phone rings, you can explain that it is your phone ringing. You should silence any alarms or reminders on your phone prior to your test session. If an alarm or reminder does sound during your test, you will be allowed to turn off the alarm.

The proctor will contact you via VOIP or phone to see what happened and offer help in restarting the test. If you do not respond to the proctor, the proctor will revoke the test session.

If the internet disconnection is longer than 3 seconds, OnVUE will shut down the secure browser and the test. You may restart your internet connection. The OnVUE application displays a screen that indicates we have detected a disruption of internet and will ask if you would like to resume the test.

When you do so, you will be put directly back into the proctor queue and the proctor will release the test to you again. You will resume testing at the question following the last answered question (the system also retains all but approximately 50 characters of written responses). You will not lose time during the internet disruption as the test clock also stops when the internet disconnects.

If you run out of time before completing the test, a prompt box will appear on the screen to indicate that time has run out. After you click OK in the prompt box, you will be taken to a screen to end the test. Your test results are based on the number of completed questions you answered correctly on your test.