FDP Institute - Remote Proctoring FAQs

FAQ'S Remote Proctor Testing

What is Remote Proctoring?
Remote proctoring is an exam delivery method that allows Candidates to take the FDP exam from home or a location of their choice, rather than at a Prometric test center. FDP Institute’s test delivery vendor, Prometric, will administer the FDP exam to Candidates through the ProProctor remote assessment platform versus testing at a Prometric test center. The security process and Candidate check-in procedures are comparable to the test center. Prometric live Proctors monitor the Candidate test session through audio and video throughout the exam.

Who is eligible for remote proctoring?
All registered Candidates for the FDP exam window are eligible to take the remote proctored FDP exam from an approved location.

I live outside of the United States of America, am I eligible for remote proctoring?
Yes, Remote Proctor Testing (RPT) is available globally.

What is the difference between taking the exam at home/ office and taking it at a Prometric test center

We refer to the Prometric test center as a “Brick & Mortar” location, a physical location. The test center is responsible for a compatible testing environment.
The remote proctor testing security procedures match the level of scrutiny you will experience at a Prometric test center, and the exam interface is the same. However, while the test center is responsible for a compatible testing environment, it is the Candidate’s responsibility to ensure a distraction-free environment when taking the exam at home/office while meeting the computer and system requirements to perform the exam.

What are the system requirements for remote proctoring?
To qualify for remote proctoring, you will need a fast and reliable internet connection and a computer or laptop. Detailed information about system requirements can be found on the Prometric website here. The minimum technical requirements are as follows:

Desktop computer or laptop. Device plugged directly into a power source, unattached from a docking station.
iPad and Android tablets are not supported.
No VPNs or virtual machines permitted.
Operating System: Windows / MacOS (refer to current specs here) . IMPORTANT: MacOS 13.0 to 13.2.1 Ventura are not supported at this time.
Web Browser: Google Chrome (current version) is the only compatible browser, do not use any other browser.
Screen Resolution: 1024 X 768 is the minimum resolution required. Recommended resolution is 1920 x 1080.
Webcam Resolution: 640 X 480p (if not using a laptop, a portable webcam is required)
Working speakers and microphone required. Wired headset and microphone allowed. Bluetooth headsets are not allowed.
Internet Connection Speed: 5.0 Mbps or greater download speed, 1.0 Mbps or greater upload speed.
To ensure a seamless security check-in process, we require that you take your test using an undocked computer with a movable web-camera.
Be advised, you must be using only a laptop or desktop computer for your exam. No dual-monitor configurations are permitted for testing (i.e.: a desktop with two monitors or a laptop with a separate monitor).

How do I check/ change my screen resolution to a minimum of 1024 x 768?

For Windows computers:

Click on the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner.
Click on Settings (the gear icon).
Click on System, which should populate the Display setting.
Scroll down, and under Scale and Layout choose a minimum of 1024 x 768 for Display resolution (if not at the recommended setting of 1920 x 1080).

For Mac computers:

Open System Preferences and click on Displays.
Hold down the Option/Alt key while simultaneously clicking on the radial button next to the ‘Scaled’ option under Resolution.
This will reveal all available screen resolution options for your display. Choose 1920 x 1080.

How do I check if my computer meets the system requirements for remote proctoring?

Before applying to take the FDP exam remotely, you are advised to run the System Readiness Check. The results will help you to determine if your system meets the minimum technology requirements and if your operating system is compatible to install and run the ProProctor application. The system check can be conducted at any time at https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/

How do I apply to take my FDP Exam remotely?
You can apply for remote testing by following the 3-step process:

Complete your registration for the Exam here
Already registered for the FDP Exam: Start your remote testing application here
Receive the approval confirmation for remote testing within five business days.

I already have an appointment at a test center but would like to make use of the Remote Testing offer. How do I schedule a remote testing appointment?
You need to submit a remote testing application to test from home. When you meet the eligibility requirements and are approved within five business days, the FDP Institute will cancel your test center appointment and send instructions to schedule your remote testing appointment.

What are the test requirements for a home or office setting?
Your remote testing environment must meet the following requirements during the check-in process with a Prometric Readiness Agent:

Exam can be launched no more than 1 hour before or 1 hour after the scheduled start time.
The testing location must be indoors (walled), well lit, free from background noise and disruptions.
No third party may be present in the room or enter the room for the duration of the exam. If this occurs, the Proctor will terminate your exam and/or invalidate your results.
Your workstation and surrounding area must be free of pens, paper, electronic devices, etc. No content that could potentially provide an unfair advantage during your exam, including that posted on walls or within your immediate area, should be present during your exam session.
Regulations allow two tissues at the workstation, but the Proctor will inspect the tissues prior to the start of the exam.

What are my responsibilities in the case of an unsuccessful exam experience or delivery?

Please refer to the Online Proctored Exam Cause of Unsuccessful Exam Experience and Delivery for details.

What should I expect on test day? What is the remote candidate check-in process?

I. During the check-in process the following self-service steps will occur:

The ProPoctor system will prompt you to capture your image.
The system will prompt you to capture images of your government-issued ID.
The system will prompt you to read a checklist to ensure the following is in place before meeting with a readiness agent

Clean workspace
Environment suitable for testing
Environment, clothing, and devices are compliant with security requirements

II. You will meet the Prometric Readiness Agent who will guide you through three security checks before launching your exam:

1. ID Verification

Your readiness agent will confirm your name, address, and exam details with you via video chat.

2. 360˚ Environmental Check

Your Readiness Agent will ask you to provide a 360° view of your environment using your webcam.
Your agent also will ask you to scan your work surface using your webcam.
During this step, your Readiness Agent will ask to inspect things such as bookshelves, wall hangings, electronic devices such as televisions. (*It is recommended to have a large bedsheet or linen available if asked to cover any area of clutter*)

IMPORTANT: Do not have your laptop connected to a docking station anytime during the setup of your exam. This can cause connectivity issues. Make sure to clear your workspace and put away all personal items.

3. Candidate Person Check

Your Readiness Agent will ask you to stand up to do a scan of your person. This scan will include – but is not limited to – conducting a sleeve, pocket and glasses check. Additionally, you will be asked to turn all pockets inside out.
Remove large jewelry items from your person prior to and throughout the duration of the exam.

IMPORTANT: In order to expedite the check-in process, please remember to empty your pockets prior to the visual check.

Prometric’s "What to Expect" video provides a summary of the information as does https://www.prometric.com/proproctorcandidate

What happens if I experience a disruption to the exam due to internet connectivity? What should I do?
If you are still connected to the internet, the live Proctor will attempt to reach you via chat or audio to troubleshoot the problem. Once connectivity is re-established, you will follow the Candidate check-in procedures for starting the exam.

In case you get disconnected from the internet, do the following:

Wait for 3-4 minutes post disconnection.
Reboot your desktop / laptop.
Run the system check and ensure all the checks pass.
Re-launch your exam using the “Launch exam” button on the top. You must go through the whole check-in process again, however your exam would start from the point where it was disconnected. Lost time cannot be recovered.

>> If connectivity cannot be reestablished due to an unstable or lost internet connection, the exam will be terminated. Candidates can report the issue to Prometric. Upon review and approval by FDP Institute, Candidates may receive one opportunity to retake the test again remotely or at a test center (contingent on appointment availability).

How can I prevent internet connectivity from disrupting my exam?

Have a stable internet connection
Identify the place in their house where Wi-Fi is strongest and test there. The FDP Institute recommends direct hardwired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Do not have other family members using up internet bandwidth with streaming services, gaming, social media, etc.

Will I be able to see the Proctor on my computer during the exam?
The live Prometric Proctor will monitor the Candidate throughout the examination, but the Candidate will be unable to see the Proctor during the exam. However, the Proctor can be contacted at any time via chat. When necessary, the Proctor can also contact the Candidate by chat or audio.

Can I use a tablet, notebook, or smartphone to take the remote proctored exam?
No, Candidates must use a computer or laptop to complete the FDP exam via ProProctor. Hybrid tablet devices such as the Microsoft Surface are not compatible with the ProProctor application.

What is allowed and not allowed in my testing area?

Please refer to the Candidate Handbook for a listing of all item permitted and those not allowed for the Remote Proctor Online Test Exam.

Can I take a break during the exam?
Yes, due to the length of the FDP exam you are allowed to have one optional scheduled 20-minute break between section one (1) and section two (2) of your exam. Candidates are not able to take unscheduled breaks at any time during the remote exam session.

To begin your break, you must notify the Proctor before leaving the view of the camera. Failure to notify the Proctor prior to taking a break will result in termination of your exam session. When you return from break you must perform the same security check-in routine administered at the start of your exam.

IMPORTANT: The security check in routine takes about 10-15 minutes! If you exceed the time allowed for the optional break, the extra time will be deducted from your time for exam section 2.

How will I receive my exam results after completing the exam?
Official results will be provided to Candidates approximately 5 weeks after the close of the last remote testing day.

Where can I find additional information about Remote Proctoring

For additional information, Candidates can review the Prometric ProProctor user guide.
Questions? Contact us at info@fdpinstitute.org

Candidates can not use their personal calculator! A calculator is is provided through the testing software. learn more here

BEST PREPARATION?
Know what to Expect on your Remotely Proctored Exam Day

ALL FDP Candidates are eligible to experience a DEMO exam. Learn more here.

Brought to you by:

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software