Most exam-day disconnections aren't caused by 'bad internet' — they're caused by predictable, fixable issues. This guide covers what to test, what to change, and what to accept as good enough.
Bandwidth vs Latency
Proctored exams need modest bandwidth (typically under 5 Mbps up/down) but low latency and stable connectivity. A 'fast' connection that jitters is worse than a modest connection that is steady.
How to Test Your Setup
- Run the platform's official system/network test twice
- Test at the same time of day as your exam
- Check jitter and packet loss, not just download speed
Why Wired Wins
A wired ethernet connection is almost always more stable than wifi. Even a cheap USB-C to ethernet adapter can eliminate an entire category of exam-day problems.
Common Fixes
- Restart your router the day before, not the morning of
- Move closer to the router if wifi is unavoidable
- Disable VPNs and background sync (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud)
- Update your network drivers
Watch and Learn
Curated video walkthroughs to reinforce what you've just read.
Understanding Pearson VUE Technical Issues
How network issues manifest during proctored exams and how to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G a good backup?+
It can work but is riskier than wired ethernet due to variable coverage.
What if I disconnect mid-exam?+
Stay calm. Most platforms will reconnect you to the same session. Contact support if reconnection fails.
Does a mesh network work?+
Yes, but wired is still preferable when possible.
Related Resources
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