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Two laptops side by side displaying different secure remote testing browsers.
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Guardian Browser vs Pearson VUE OnVUE: Understanding Their Security Features

A calm, side-by-side look at how two of the most common remote testing platforms verify identity, monitor the environment, and shape the candidate experience.

Proctor Tutors Editorial Team10 min readUpdated February 6, 2026

Guardian Browser (used by PeopleCert) and Pearson VUE OnVUE are both mature, widely used remote testing platforms — but they take different approaches to identity, monitoring, and candidate experience. Understanding the differences helps you prepare appropriately for whichever platform your certification uses.

What Each Platform Does

Both platforms deliver secure remote exams by locking down the test environment and connecting the candidate to a proctor. Guardian Browser is PeopleCert's proprietary browser installed on your machine, while OnVUE is Pearson VUE's launcher that connects to a live greeter and proctor.

Identity Verification

  • Both require a valid government-issued photo ID
  • Both take a candidate profile photo during check-in
  • OnVUE relies heavily on human greeters; Guardian is more automated for check-in tasks

Monitoring & Security

Both platforms combine software controls (blocking screenshots, external apps, and virtual machines) with live or recorded proctoring. Guardian tends to feel lighter-touch during the exam itself; OnVUE typically involves more visible proctor interaction.

Candidate Experience

  • Guardian: streamlined install, quiet monitoring, common in ITIL and PRINCE2 exams
  • OnVUE: live greeter interaction, common across IT vendor certifications

How Preparation Differs

  • Guardian requires reliable local install permissions and a stable OS
  • OnVUE requires strong bandwidth for constant proctor video streaming
  • Workspace, lighting, and ID rules are broadly similar across both

Watch and Learn

Curated video walkthroughs to reinforce what you've just read.

Video

Master Your Proctored Exam Setup

Preparing your workspace for either Guardian or OnVUE exams.

Video

Understanding Pearson VUE Technical Issues

Common technical issues that also apply to other proctored platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one platform harder to pass?+

No — the platform doesn't affect exam difficulty. It affects check-in style, not content.

Do I need different equipment?+

Both need webcam, microphone, and stable internet. OnVUE benefits more from higher upload bandwidth.

Can I use the same setup for both?+

Yes. A clean, well-lit workspace and stable internet work for either platform.

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