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Test Taker Resources

A guide to taking your test with PSI

Get certified on your terms, whether you choose to test from home or at one of our convenient Test Centers.

The basics – before test day

Online proctoring

Perform your system check to ensure compatibility

Log in from the comfort of your home or office at your assigned examination time

Verify your identity with the proctor and complete your online proctored exam

Test center testing

Locate a PSI Test Center nearby and choose a convenient time to take your exam

Be sure to bring your valid ID and any necessary documentation on test day

Check for any allowed items, such as calculators or reference materials, as specified by your Test Sponsor

Top tips

Your success is our priority, so we’ve compiled essential tips to help you succeed, whether online or in-person.

Quick guides

Online proctoring quick start guide

Essentials for taking your test anytime, anywhere using PSI Bridge.

Online proctoring full guide

Everything you need to plan, schedule, and launch your test using PSI Bridge.

Testing environment & lighting

Your complete reference guide for setting up your testing area before taking your test using PSI Bridge.

Pre-approved comfort aids

Learn about specific medical and communication items that are cleared for your exam.

Prepare for your testing experience

Here’s everything you need to get ready, from system requirements and setup for online proctoring to check-in tips and recommendations for our Test Center testing. We want to see you succeed!

Online proctoring testing experience

Discover what you will need to prepare for your test and learn what to expect on test day.

 

Online proctoring - how to check-in to your test

Discover the preparation tips and recommendations for checking-in to your online proctored test.

 

Test center testing experience

Get ready for your test day with these check-in tips and general recommendations for visiting our test centers.

 

Online proctoring system requirements

Minimum requirements apply for online proctoring only, covering operating system, screen resolution, internet bandwidth, and hardware (camera and mic).

Candidate tips & FAQs

1. Is my online proctored test secure?
Yes. Your online proctored test is secured to protect the integrity of the test and the safety of your personal data. PSI uses secure browser technology with enhanced communication security and encryption. Your personal information is always protected. PSI does record your webcam and desktop on your computer, but only during the testing session. This stops when you close the online proctoring software application.

You can test in the convenience of your home, school, or office. Wherever you test, you should be in a walled room where you will not be disturbed. No one else is permitted in the room with you while you are testing.

For the closest test center to you, use our simple search function to find locations for your chosen test.

You are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification as part of the check-in process. Your identification must contain your full name and a recent, recognizable photo.

Please Note: Military identifications and credit cards are not accepted for online proctored tests.

Please review the System Requirements, you may find the System Requirements here‍. You will need to be able to install PSI Bridge on your computer to take the test. If you are on a corporate computer that does not allow program installation, you may want to take the test at home instead. Only one monitor is allowed during testing, and PSI Bridge will ask to automatically close any prohibited programs on the laptop/computer, such as Microsoft Word, or other Office programs, various browsers, etc.

The check in process will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You are able to begin the check-in process up to 15 minutes prior to your test start time. Your organization’s testing rules will provide guidance on being late.

You will be asked to take a video of your testing area during the check-in process, which will be reviewed by a PSI proctor prior to test launch. Please ensure that you are in a well-lit room so that your testing area can be reviewed – artificial lighting is recommended.

Please ensure that your desk space is clear and clean of any prohibited items. Unless allowed by your test sponsor, please make sure that there are no notes, paper/pencil, calculator, or other materials on the desk, and, overall, no items or information in the room that could be considered cheating materials. Items in the background, provided that they are not accessed during the test, are fine.

For example, having books on a bookcase in the background is not a problem, provided that you do not access them.

No. You may not receive any assistance from other individuals while taking the test, and you may not allow other individuals to see your computer screen when test questions are being presented.

The Online Proctor cannot answer questions related to test content.

Technical Support is available via live chat to assist with any technical issues related to the PSI Bridge Secure Browser, such as connection issues.

Test rules provide guidance for what is acceptable during your test. The proctor will use your webcam/desktop and on-screen chat to communicate with you during your test. Your test may be paused by the proctor or automatically by the testing platform to investigate suspicious actions or events during the test.

Examples of prohibited behavior may include, but are not limited to:

  • Looking off the screen
  • Mumbling or speaking aloud
  • Using unauthorized materials as listed in the section below
  • Interacting with third parties intentionally or unintentionally
  • Leaving the circle of view of the webcam

The proctor will investigate the event and then release your test so that you may continue after re-accepting the terms and conditions. If you have any questions about the pause or release of your test, you can live chat with your proctor directly.

Please make sure that you do not have access to any mobile device or electronic device during your test aside from the laptop or desktop on which you are taking the test.

Examples of items that may not be permitted in your test space during the online proctored test include:

  • Reference materials, paper, notepads, or language dictionaries
  • Calculators
  • Any type of communication, surveillance or recording devices such as:
    • Mobile phones
    • Tablets
    • Smart watches or glasses
    • Headphones, AirPods, or any in-ear device
  • Baggage of any kind including handbags, purses, or briefcases
  • Weapons
  • Food or beverage
  • Tobacco products or smoking paraphernalia

If you are viewed with communication, surveillance, recording devices, or any other prohibited item during your exam, your exam will be terminated, and your exam fees will be forfeited. 

Please refer to your test sponsor’s rules for guidance on food/drink/breaks.

Yes. The entire test session is recorded, from when you check in to when you complete the test and close out of the online proctoring application.

Please Note: After completing the test, you must fully close the online proctoring application before leaving the view of the webcam. Leaving the view of your webcam for any reason or duration during the test may result in your test session being terminated, and your test results invalidated, even if you have already completed the test.

Many test appointments can be canceled and/or rescheduled through logging in to your account. Typically, we allow you to schedule 1 day prior if space is available and we require 2 business days to reschedule your exam without penalty. Check with your sponsor’s FAQ or Candidate Information Bulletin for your program’s particular rescheduling rules if applicable.

The testing centers’ primary purpose is to administer exams. Candidates should visit our website or contact our Candidate Service Center to schedule an exam appointment. Test center staff are not able to schedule appointments for their test center under any circumstances.

Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance. You will have the best opportunity to schedule your preferred date if you schedule 4-6 weeks prior to your preferred date.

We're here to help

Whatever your testing needs, our friendly, experienced team is here to provide guidance and answer your questions.