Proctored Exam FAQs | PM9004x

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Proctored Exam FAQ

Proctored Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following FAQs only apply to learners taking the Capstone Exam on the verified track. Only verified learners will be proctored. Audit learners do not have access to capstone activities. Audit learners can view edX's learner documentation on Taking Timed Exams for more information.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What do I need for the PM9004x proctored Capstone Exam?

A government-issued photo ID that clearly identifies you by your full name and that can be used to confirm your identity.
A computer with a webcam and that meets all system requirements to use the edX platform and virtual proctoring software (RPNow v4.x). Note that the proctored exams cannot be completed on the edX app or on a mobile device (phone or tablet).
Other allowed materials as indicated on the Rules for the Exam.

Can I take the proctored Capstone Exam if I do not have a webcam?

No. You must have a webcam to do the ID verification as well as the proctoring recording.

Can I take the proctored Capstone Exam from a mobile device or a tablet?

No. There is no access to the Capstone Exam from a mobile device. This constraint only affects the timed, proctored exams.

Can I opt out of proctoring (do the exam without proctoring)?

Learners who want to complete the Capstone Exam on the verified track and intend to earn a certificate must complete the exam with proctoring. You cannot opt out of proctoring if you are verified.

When can I take the practice proctored test?

The practice proctored test is available as soon as the Capstone course opens. You should complete this practice proctored test well in advance of the exam start date to ensure the software works properly on your computer.

When will be the actual proctored test, the Capstone, be opened?

From November 9, 2020 at 14:00 UTC to November 16, 2020 at 14:00 UTC (convert UTC to your time zone)

How long do I have to complete the proctored Capstone Exam?

The proctored Capstone Exam is a timed exam. It has two parts. Once you start a part of the exam, you will have one hundred and twenty minutes (2 hours) to complete and submit that part of the exam. Once you complete the questions in a part of the exam, press the button "End My Exam" on the timer bar and close the proctoring software to submit that part of the exam. You can take a break in between parts of the exam but we recommend you take the two exam parts in the same day.

I have concerns about security of Software Secure (RPNow):

See Technology Questions below

Can I have a cell phone during the exam?

The only time you are allowed to have your cell phone out or make a phone call is if you need to contact Software Secure due to a technical issue with the proctoring software. You may also use Software Secure's live chat feature. Your cell phone must be silenced and put away (out of sight) before you start your exam.

Can I have a calculator during the exam?

Yes, computer calculator ONLY. No physical calculators.

What if I use my cell phone's SIM card to connect to the Internet?

If you can have a reliable internet connection while your cell phone is in your pocket, purse, or in a drawer, then this is okay. You cell phone must be silenced and put away (out of sight) before you start your exam, and you can only take it out to contact Software Secure.

Can I leave the room during the Capstone Exam? Go to the restroom?

No, this is not allowed. Each exam will only be 2 hours. You can leave the room and take a break in between exam parts.

Can anyone enter the room during the proctored exam?

No, this is not allowed. You must be the only person in the room during the exam.

Will resets be given during the exam?

During the exam, no resets will be given. Given the nature of the exam, it is of the utmost importance that students test the proctoring software on their machines and are prepared to use the proctoring software for the Capstone in advance of its release. In addition to course content, students must be aware of and be able to follow all of the virtual proctoring rules to satisfactorily pass the Capstone. We highly encourage you to plan in advance and block off a reasonable slot of time that guarantees you all the things you need to complete the exam (e.g. Internet connectivity, access to edX platform, etc.). It is the learner's responsibility to ensure that they have power and good internet connectivity throughout the exam.

What if I have any issue with the software?

See Support Questions below

PROCTORING SOFTWARE QUESTIONS

What is a proctored exam and why are we proctored?

Proctored exams are exams with time limits that you complete while online proctoring software (called RPNow) records you and your computer using screen recording and webcam video/audio for the duration of the exam. You will upload these recordings to Software Secure, the same organization who facilitates the verified certificate ID process. The recordings are then reviewed by Software Secure to check that you, as the person taking the exam, are the same person who is taking the course for credit, and detects any attempts to cheat on the exam. Suspicious behavior will be flagged and reviewed within 3-5 days of exam submission.

Only verified learners will receive proctoring. Verified learners will be asked to re-verify their ID upon launching any proctored exam.

Read edX's documentation on taking a proctored exam

Where do I find RPNow system requirements?

View the RPNow Proctoring System Requirements to ensure that your setup will work. Note that proctoring is only supported for MacOS and Windows machines. A webcam is required.

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

What does RPNow specifically do to students' computers?

Records video, audio, and desktop images.
Uploads recorded video, audio, and desktop screen capture.
Block keystrokes combinations (print-screen, ctrl+c, ctrl+v, etc).
Monitor processes and applications that are running that are prohibited.
Blocks prohibited applications from being opened.

Does RPNow change settings on my computer?

Yes. For PC, RPNow adds a task to the task scheduler. For Mac, RPNow removes default sequence of screenshot shortcuts. These are automatically restored upon exiting the RPNow software. Additionally, log and process files are created (see How do I uninstall the proctoring software? for how to remove these).

How long is my exam data retained by Software Secure (RPNow)?

The data is currently stored for 3 months. Software Secure (RPNow) does not store version numbers or what software applications you have running, or on your machine itself. Software Secure only monitors this during the exam to prevent cheating.

How does Software Secure (RPNow) protect student data?

Software Secure (RPNow) leverages data encryption - TLS, and stores data in secure Amazon Hosting facilities. Access to student data is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Will RPNow work behind a firewall or VPN?

The only way to verify if RPNow will work with your specific network is to take a practice proctored test in the same environment and on the same computer that you plan to take the actual Capstone Exam with. If you can successfully take a practice proctored test, you should be able to successfully take the Capstone Exam on the same computer and network.

How do I uninstall the proctoring software?

The RPNow application is not installed like a normal program, but it does create log files and processes in order to run. The RPNow application and all files can be removed after you get your proctoring results back by following edx's Uninstall Software Secure documentation.

Does RPNow have access to keystrokes or files that are not open?

RPNow prevents certain keystroke combinations (copy, paste, print screen), but does not record all keystrokes. It does not have access to any of your files. The software does detect what processes are running to report on unauthorized applications being used during an exam.

SUPPORT QUESTIONS

I cannot see the exam questions, what do I do?

You must agree to the Terms of Service to unlock both exams. If you completed this prerequisite, then try refreshing your browser window and returning to the course outline (click the word "Course" in the top menu). If this does not resolve your issue, there may be a delay with the edX servers and you will need to wait 5-10 minutes and try refreshing your browser again.

Where do I get my exam code?

After you agree to start your proctored exam in edX, your unique exam code will be displayed on the edX page. From there you will need to start the System Check and install the proctoring software.

What if I accidentally close the proctoring software window by mistake?

This can cause significant issues if you do this and you may not be able to complete your exam. Contact edX support and Software Secure per the instructions in the last question on this page. EdX will decide whether your proctored exam attempt is valid. EdX may not be able to reopen your exam and you may lose points on questions you did not complete.

What if I accidentally close the browser window (exam questions) by mistake?

If you close your browser, the exam timer continues to run. Make sure the proctoring software is still running, and then open a new browser window and navigate back to your edX exam. You can continue your exam, but you will have lost time while the exam browser was closed.

What if I have intermittent internet that causes the exam to quit?

Plan in advance for a reasonable slot of time that allows you to take the exam with no interruptions. There will not be a reset option in the PM9004x exam. If an unexpected issue happens, contact edX support and Software Secure per the instructions in the next question below.

What happens if I experience technical difficulties during the exam?

For any issue with the proctoring software, technical issues, or issues with the edX platform:

First search for a resolution to your problem in Software Secure's help knowledge base and in the edX Proctored Exam Troubleshooting Documentation. If this does not solve your issue, then do the following:

Use the Software Secure live chat in the proctoring software or through a browser OR call Software Secure's phone support, available 24/7 | US and Canada: 1-844-224-9759, International (Outside US and Canada): 1-617-658-2879
Also contact edx support at info@edx.org. Include "Proctored Exam PM9004x" in your subject line. It is critical you tell edX that it's a proctored exam for effective resolution. Both Software Secure and edX must be informed to ensure resolution.

For any questions related to the exam content, the exam rules, or the MicroMasters program:

Contact the course team at pm9004xhelp@rit.edu. Responses from the course team can take up to 12 hours.