Most exam-day technical failures are avoidable with 30 minutes of preparation the day before. This checklist covers everything that consistently causes trouble — before it becomes an issue.
Operating System & Updates
- Run all pending OS updates 48 hours before the exam
- Restart your computer after installing updates
- Confirm your OS version matches the platform's supported list
Browser & App Install
- Install the exam platform's app or browser well in advance
- Confirm administrator rights
- Disable browser extensions that could interfere
Webcam & Audio
- Test the webcam and microphone in the platform's system check
- Confirm the correct webcam is set as default
- Ensure no other app is holding the camera or mic
Background Apps
- Close cloud sync clients (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud)
- Quit chat apps (Teams, Slack, Zoom)
- Disable VPNs
Full Preparation Checklist
Watch and Learn
Curated video walkthroughs to reinforce what you've just read.
Video
Master Your Proctored Exam Setup
Complete setup and equipment walkthrough.
Video
Understanding Pearson VUE Technical Issues
Common technical issues and how to prevent them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an external webcam?+
No, but external webcams often give better lighting and framing than built-in laptop cameras.
Can I use Linux?+
Most proctored platforms support Windows and macOS only. Confirm before your exam.
What if my system fails the check?+
Address the failure before booking. Never assume 'it'll be fine on the day'.
Related Resources
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