Online Proctored Exams

Here you will find up-to-date information on the technical requirements for writing the online proctored exam, how to register, system checks that must be completed before sitting the exam and how to prepare your testing environment for exam day.

Registration

After registering for the QAFP exam or CFP exam with FP Canada for online proctoring, candidates will receive an email from Yardstick Assessment Strategies (testingsupport@getyardstick.com) with instructions on setting up a user account on their system to facilitate the exam session.

After creating a user account, candidates must book their exam time on the Yardstick/Measure platform. The exam time includes time for onboarding (showing identification, scanning the exam room), exam writing and break(s).

This video provides an overview of the registration process.

Once you have registered, log in to the Yardstick platform to conduct a system check on the computer and internet connection you will be using on exam day. Log in to your account and click ‘Test It Out’ to run the check. Repeat this check again before your exam to ensure preparedness.

Technical Requirements for Online Proctored Exam

Review the technical requirements, process for completing system checks and instructions on how to prepare your testing environment for exam day. It is MANDATORY that all candidates test their exam day computer PRIOR to the exam date. To ensure all requirements are met, it is the candidate’s responsibility to run the system check using the equipment and internet connection to be used on exam day.

This mandatory test must be completed on the Yardstick/Measure platform after registration. If a candidate is unable to access their exam due to a failure to complete the computer readiness check prior to the exam, they will be deemed a “No Show” for the exam.

Your exam day computer must also be equipped with:

• A functioning microphone: most computers and some web cameras have them built-in.
• A compatible browser: Google Chrome. Ensure that you have the latest version of Chrome to run testing, and for exam day. Once you have the browser installed, you’ll also need the ProctorU browser extension which you must download before completing mandatory system checks:
• Download Chrome
• Download ProctorU extension for Chrome
• A six-foot (minimum) extension cord: to allow flexibility in the placement of the computer and camera if the proctor determines that these items must be moved.
• One monitor: ProctorU supports the use of one monitor only. You may either use a laptop computer with the built-in screen only or use a desktop computer with a separate monitor. Candidates who use two (or more) monitors will have to remove any excess monitors beyond the one monitor allowed.
• An appropriate operating system: to ensure that your computer’s operating system is compatible with the exam day requirements. While online proctoring supports both Mac and Windows operating systems, we advise against utilizing a Windows operating system on a Mac device via a virtual machine as this will not be supported during your proctoring session. The following systems are not supported: Google Chromebooks, Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.), smartphones, Linux operating systems, Surface RT and running inside any virtual machine.
• A stable internet connection: to ensure your internet is both consistent and connected. Confirm your upload and download speeds are consistent and can be relied upon. FP Canada strongly recommends hard wiring the internet connection to your computer rather than relying on a wi-fi connection. If you choose to use wireless, we recommend a speed of at least 5Mbps. You can test your internet connection and speed by using one of the following sites:
  http://speedtest.googlefiber.net/
  http://beta.speedtest.net/
  https://fast.com

Exam Day Testing Environment

Candidates are required to ensure the testing environment is and will remain comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions during the scheduled exam.

This video provides an overview of the exam launch process.

The following is required and will be confirmed by the proctor:

• An indoor, private and quiet location (candidates will not be permitted to write the exam in a room where a clear glass wall would allow their computer screen to be viewed by another individual)
• Access to a desktop or laptop computer with monitor and webcam that fulfill the technical requirements, noted above
• A cleared desk or tabletop (candidates will be asked to remove anything from their desk that is not permanently affixed or approved for the test)
• A comfortable chair
• The areas beneath the desk and chair are clear
• The walls immediately behind and in front of where the candidate will be seated are clear
• The computer is plugged in for the duration of the examination
• Adequate lighting and the room temperature are comfortable for the candidate

Candidates should also prepare so that during the administration of the examination:

• Landlines, non-required electronics, and any security or recording devices in the room are turned off
• Other household members have been informed of the examination date and time and will remain quiet during the examination and not enter the examination room
• A sign should be placed on the door of the examination room to remind everyone when the examination is in progress

During the examination, candidates are not permitted to do any of the following:

• Wear a hat, coat, scarf, or bulky clothing; candidates may be asked to remove such items (religious attire is permitted)
• Wear a watch; an examination clock will be on the screen as part of the examination delivery platform
• Wear earphones in either a headphone style or ear bud style
• Have access to or access electronic devices not listed as required for the examination on your person, or within reach
• Have access to or use a communication device or any type of recording device, other than those listed as required for the examination 
• Have anything in your pockets; candidates may be asked to show that their pockets are empty
• Refuse to move the computer or other objects or to satisfy other requests made by the proctor
• Open other websites or programs and/or documents on the candidate's computer
• Make notes on anything other than on the software platform’s note taking feature or handheld whiteboard (maximum size of 8.5" x 11") permitted for this use; at the end of the examination candidates will be asked to erase any notes on the whiteboard in clear view of the proctor
• Have anything on the desk or table or within reach, other than:
  • Valid photo identification
  • Water or other beverage in a clear, label free bottle with a lid
  • Approved calculator
  • A handheld whiteboard (maximum size of 8.5" x 11"), to be checked by the proctor to ensure any notes or calculations have been erased at the end of the exam session
  • Desk lamp