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CompTIA Online-Proctored Exam Guidelines

Ensuring your success and full compliance with CompTIA and Pearson VUE rules

You've studied for weeks or even months—now, how can you ensure a smooth and successful exam session? This page provides you with all the essential guidelines and insider tips to help you feel confident and prepared from start to finish. These rules not only help you have a stress-free testing experience but are also designed to ensure your compliance with CompTIA’s requirements as well as those of our exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE. Following these guidelines and policies will help maintain exam security, avoid delays or disruptions, and ensure your results are valid. For further details, links to official policies and procedures are included at the end of this page.

Before your exam

Scheduling & preparation

  • Confirm your scheduled exam time, add it to your calendar, and plan to log in at least 30 minutes before your session.
  • Run the OnVUE system test using the device and network you will use for your exam.
  • Restart your computer before the exam to free up system resources.
  • Remind others in your location or who are sharing the same network not to stream video or transfer large files during your appointment.
  • Notify household members or colleagues of your exam time. Interruptions will result in exam revocation.
  • Use the restroom before check-in, as breaks are not permitted except with prior approval (accommodation) and only at a test center.

Technology requirements

  • Use a computer running Windows 10 or macOS 13 (or higher). Virtual machines are not allowed.
  • Ensure your device has a webcam, microphone, and speakers.
  • Use one display screen only. Disconnect and power down any additional monitors or touch screens.
  • Confirm your internet connection meets the minimum required speeds: at least 6 Mbps download/2Mbps upload (wired or reliable WiFi).
  • Do not use a corporate network or VPN; connect to a private and stable network.
  • Close all unnecessary applications before launching OnVUE.

Prohibited technology

  • Phones, tablets, smart devices, headphones, earbuds, watches—including smartwatches and smart glasses—must be removed and placed out of arm’s reach.
  • Any secondary displays, recording devices, or electronics not explicitly permitted must be fully removed or disconnected.
  • Touch screens are not permitted for use during your exam.


Setting up your testing space

  • Test in a private, quiet, well-lit area—not in public spaces or bathrooms,
  • Prepare to be fully dressed prior to starting your exam check-in process; both your upper and lower body must be properly covered at all times.
  • Ensure your desk is clear. Only your exam computer and pre-approved items for CompTIA's testing program are allowed.
  • Remove all books, notes, scrap paper, pens, pencils, food, drinks, smoking products, tissues, towels, and handkerchiefs from your desk. Ensure they are all beyond arm's reach.
  • Clear all whiteboards or noteboards in the room.
  • Ensure no one else can see your screen, even from a distance.
  • Inform others to avoid entering your room or interrupting you during your exam session.
  • Respond to the greeter’s direction to remove unnecessary objects from the test space as well as the room scan.

Proof of identification

  • Have ready a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (see below) that exactly matches the name on your exam registration. Accepted forms include:
    • International travel passport
    • Plastic driver’s license
    • National, state, or provincial photo ID card
    • Alien registration card (green card/permanent resident/visa)
    • Certain Aadhaar cards (see policy); Brazilian paper-based license also accepted.
  • Expired, digital, copied, or otherwise ineligible IDs (ex., some military/government access cards) are not accepted.
  • For a full, up-to-date list of accepted ID types, review both CompTIA’s Candidate ID Policy and the Pearson VUE ID Policy for Online Proctored Exams.
  • OnVUE exams are not available to candidates from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Russia, Belarus, and certain Ukrainian territories.
  • Under 18? Present your ID and have a parent or guardian available with their ID to provide consent. 

Starting and taking your exam

  • Arrive on Time: Begin check-in up to 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will not be allowed to test.
  • Check-In: Complete the process with your proctor. Follow every instruction provided.
  • Behavioral Rules:
    • Do not ignore the greeter’s or proctor’s instructions to remove unnecessary objects from the test space or to complete the room scan.
    • Once check-in is finished, remain seated and follow all on-screen and verbal instructions.
    • Stay in full webcam view with your face and ears fully visible (no hats, hoods, scarves, headphones, or earbuds).
    • Remain quiet unless otherwise instructed.
    • Do not read questions out loud.
    • Do not record, take screenshots, transcribe, photograph, or share any exam content in any way.
    • Do not use the restroom or leave the webcam view during the exam unless you have documented and pre-approved accommodation from Pearson VUE’s accommodation team.
  • Prohibited Actions:
    • Do not access your phone or any other electronic device.
    • Do not allow anyone else to assist, see, or take your exam.
    • Do not appear on camera without being fully dressed; failure to do so will result in termination of your exam.
    • Do not allow anyone else or any pets to briefly enter or be visible in your testing space during your session—this will result in termination of your exam.
    • Do not make eye contact or communicate with anyone off camera.
    • Do not test in restricted environments such as bathrooms or public places.
  • Digital Whiteboard: You may use the built-in digital whiteboard. No physical note-taking materials are allowed.

After the exam

  • Remain seated while you complete the post-exam survey and review your score.
  • Do not take any photos or notes of your results screen.
  • Fully exit the OnVUE application before leaving your seat.
  • Do not discuss, disclose, post, or share any exam content—including after your exam—per the CompTIA Candidate Agreement.

Need help or an accommodation?

  • If you experience technical issues, use the “Contact Proctor” option within OnVUE. Note: Proctors cannot pause your exam, add time, or fix issues with your equipment.
  • For information about requesting accommodations (including physical aids or extra time), see Pearson VUE's accommodations page during your booking process.

Important

Exam security is of utmost importance. Failure to adhere to any of these requirements may result in your exam being revoked, your results invalidated, and a possible permanent ban from future CompTIA exams.

For further details, please review: