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Live Remote Proctoring

Certified success – from wherever you are.

Online Exams 

Live remote proctoring (LRP) is available through our exam delivery partner, PSI Exams. They’ve set up a seamless process for our online scheduling and equipment testing, so you can take your exam safely and securely from home or another secure, private location. 

While LRP is a convenient option, not everyone may meet the technical requirements to test at home. As the candidate, you are responsible for ensuring that the proper and supported hardware, software, internet bandwidth, and environment requirements are available where you choose to test. If any of those requirements are not met, you may forfeit your test session and fees. Learn more about these technical requirements below. 

Are you a good candidate for LRP? 

1. Determine whether your computer meets all the current system requirements from PSI. 
  1. You have access to an up-to-date, personal PC or MAC computer. 
  2. Check that your operating system is in compliance. 
  3. DO NOT use an iPad, Chromebook and other tablets as they will NOT work. 
  4. DO NOT use a work computer as they frequently do not allow 3rd party downloads, like the PSI secure browser.  This means you may not be able to test. 
  5. Run a compatibility check. 
2. Ensure other computer requirements: 
  1. Moveable and portable Web cam to complete a 360-degree room scan 
  2. Working microphone 
  3. Working speakers 
  4. Stable Broadband internet connection (500 Kbits per second or higher). Not sure? Test your internet speed.
    *NOTE: This test does NOT guarantee internet speed throughout the exam.     
  5. Download PSI’s secure browser for the day of testing (the link will be sent to your email from PSI after scheduling your LRP exam). 

Even if you pass all the checks and meet all the requirements, you may experience issues on the day of your exam. If so, any of the following may be required: 

  1. Restarting the check-in process, including the room scan and ID check. 
  2. Contacting PSI technical and/or customer support at 833-518-7459. 
  3. Allowing PSI to access your computer remotely to help resolve any technical issues.  
  4. Paying additional fees to reschedule your exam. 

When you’re ready, simply log into your BCEN account, complete your application and select Remote Online Proctored Exam when scheduling your exam through PSI. 

Schedule Now

Learn More

Still can’t decide if remote proctoring is for you? Watch What to Expect on Exam Day to walk through the specific requirements for a seamless exam experience and for information regarding check-in, taking breaks, violations and exiting your exam to receive your score report.

    

You’ve Scheduled a Live Remote Proctoring Exam – Now What? 

Once you have passed all system checks, a tutorial sent from PSI in the scheduling email MUST be run at least 3 days prior to your exam. Even if you pass the system check, we recommend calling PSI tech support at (844) 267-1017 to verify that your device is compatible. 

On the day of the exam, we recommend following these steps to set yourself up for success:

  1. Begin your preparations up to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
  2. Log into My Account to initiate the exam launch process.
  3. You will be prompted to download the secure browser if you haven’t done so already.
  4. You will be required to perform a System Compatibility Check the day of your exam, and must ensure that all of your computer system items are satisfactory before being able to proceed.
  5. You will be required to provide a current, valid, Government-issued ID with a photo (see above).
  6. Please ensure your testing environment is clear, quiet, and free from distractions.
  7. A working web camera and microphone are required for testing.
  8. Watch the videos above for a more in-depth look at what to expect on exam day.

FAQs

  • Am I Eligible for Live Remote Proctoring?

    All nurses who meet BCEN’s eligibility requirements may choose live remote proctoring (LRP). LRP exams are by appointment only, and are designed to fit your schedule. Testing may not be available on U.S. holidays. To test with LRP, you must meet technological requirements to ensure uninterrupted testing, including Wi-Fi, a PC or Desktop computer, hardware requirements (see below for requirements), and a quiet, private testing environment.

  • Where Do I Take the Exam?

    Choose a calm, quiet area of your home that ideally can be closed off from distractions and other people. Children, pets and spouses should not be permitted in the testing area. Be sure your testing location is free from excess noise and distractions. Avoid public places like coffee shops or libraries, as well as workplace offices (as some may have firewalls that prohibit online testing).

    LRP exams can be scheduled virtually any day or time (pending proctor availability and closures on US holidays).

  • How Do I Schedule a Live Remote Proctored Exam?

    Ensure your contact information is correct in your BCEN Account.

    Once you complete your exam application:

    • Click on Schedule/Manage Exam found in the left-hand sidebar next to the appropriate logo on your BCEN account dashboard
    • You will be redirected to PSI’s website
    • Click on the Schedule button next to the applicable exam to select your live remote proctored exam date and time.

    To schedule by phone:

    After you schedule your exam, PSI will send a confirmation email listing your exam date and time.

  • What If I Need to Reschedule My Exam?

    You may reschedule your live remote proctored exam as many times as you need if you are within your 90-day exam authorization window AND at least 48 hours prior to your currently scheduled exam. You must log into your BCEN account and follow the same steps you went through to schedule initially. Once you are redirected to PSI you will be able to reschedule to a different date and time.

  • If I’m Already Scheduled for an In-Person Exam, Can I Switch to a Live Remote Proctored Exam?

    If you are currently scheduled for an exam with Pearson VUE and are interested in taking an LRP exam, call the BCEN office for assistance at 877-302-2236.

    If you are scheduled with PSI, simply log into your BCEN account and follow the same steps you went through to schedule initially. Once you are redirected to PSI you will be able to reschedule your exam to live remote proctoring.

    The same process applies for switching an LRP exam to a testing center.

  • How Do I Prepare for My Live Remote Proctored Exam?

    We recommend performing another compatibility check 72 hours before your scheduled exam time. You will receive a reminder email three days before your exam, which will have the information and steps you need for online check-in. Familiarize yourself with the instructions, and contact us with any questions you may have. Prior to the exam, make sure your testing space is prepared. Eat well, get adequate rest and plan time to unwind after the exam.

  • What Can I Expect on the Day of the Exam?

    Collect the items you will need for the exam, including a government-issued photo ID that matches the name you used at registration. You may NOT have common office items in your testing space, including binders, reference materials and books, cell phones and chargers, sticky notes, plants, eyeglass cases or food. You may have a charger connected to your laptop for the duration of the exam.

    NOTE: If you wear a religious head covering, you will need to notify PSI before scheduling your exam and request an accommodation to wear it while testing.

    PSI Candidate Services for Special Accommodations – 800-367-1565 x6750, examaccommodations@psionline.com

    Before you begin taking your BCEN exam either via test center or LRP, you will be asked to confirm the name of the exam you are taking and then asked to agree to the PSI and BCEN Examination Rules and Regulations agreement regarding exam confidentiality. Total seat time for the exam is 180 minutes (three hours). You will have five practice exam questions which are meant to familiarize you with the functionality of the exam. The timer begins counting when your exam begins.

  • What is the Process to Start the Exam?

    We suggest that you log into your BCEN account and click on the Schedule Exam link next to the applicable certification logo at least 30 minutes before the start time of your exam. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures (e.g. downloading the Secure Browser). Please note that the exam cannot be launched until 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, and will not begin until your online proctor has logged in. NOTE: If your proctor is late, please wait 5-15 minutes before contacting PSI.

    Before the proctor can launch your exam, you will be asked to do the following:

    • Download the Secure Browser (if not already done)
    • Complete a system check of your computer microphone and web-camera
    • Complete a 360-degree scan of your testing environment and your work area. This may require you to lift your laptop or PC if your webcam is not detachable.
    • Submit a valid, correct form of ID
    • Have your photograph taken*

    *You must agree to have your photograph taken as part of the admission procedure; if you do not agree, you will not be admitted for the exam.

  • What Happens if an Infraction Occurs?

    BCEN certification exams are heavily monitored and many restrictions have been put in place while taking the exam to ensure the integrity of the exam is upheld, similar to a testing center experience.

    Please review this list of major and minor infractions prior to taking your exam. Candidates can make up to three minor infractions or one major infraction before the live remote proctor will end the exam.

    If your exam is ended due to infractions, you will need to wait 90 days before submitting a new exam application. No refunds will be issued due to exam infractions.

  • Can I Take a Break?

    You may take a break whenever you wish as long as you inform the proctor, however, your timer continues. Your exam is NOT paused during a break.  During any break, you are not permitted to access personal items other than medication required at a specific time (unless you receive prior permission).

    Another room sweep must be performed upon your return.

    Additionally, you will need to show ID when leaving and entering the testing room.

  • When Will I Receive My Score?

    You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your LRP exam. A PASS or FAIL screen will be displayed upon completion of the exam. Additionally, a more detailed score report will be emailed to you.

    If you did not receive a score report upon completion of your exam, please contact PSI.

    PSI Candidate Services Support – 833-518-7459.

  • What Type of Technical Requirements Do I Need to Meet?

    Before your equipment is tested by PSI, please ensure you have:

    • Operating systems: Check current system requirements from PSI.
    • Web browser: Google Chrome 58.0 and above
    • Javascript and Cookies Enabled
    • Webcam:
      • NOTE: if you use your computer’s built-in webcam, you will need to pick it up and move it around the room during the environment scan.
    • Microphone: enabled built-in or external microphone
    • Bandwidth: minimum connection speed of at least 50 kbits per second
  • When Should I Test My Equipment?

    It is recommended you test your laptop and WI-Fi before scheduling your exam. Once scheduled, test again 72 hours before your exam. Perform your compatibility check here.

  • What Do I Do if I Don’t Pass the Compatibility Check?
    • If you are using your work computer, please notify your IT department to review any security and privacy settings/restrictions in place; you may need to seek permission to lift or relax these settings in order to take your BCEN exam online.
    • Please contact PSI Technical Support if you or your IT department have any questions about your compatibility test results.
    • If you’re using your personal computer, contact PSI Customer Service for technical support at 833-518-7459.
    • Note that exam purchases are nonrefundable. If your computer is unable to support taking the LRP exam, you will need to take the exam at a physical PSI location. Exams must be rescheduled 48 hours prior to the currently scheduled date.
  • What If I Experience Technical Difficulties During the Exam?

    If you have completed a successful compatibility check, technical issues are unlikely, but not impossible. Sluggish or overloaded Wi-Fi is the most common problem.

    If you experience any technical issues, inform your proctor via live chat to work directly with PSI tech support. If you are unable to connect, contact PSI Customer Service on that day. Their staff will be able to direct you to next steps.

    You can also contact BCEN at 1.877.302.2236 or bcen@bcen.org.

PSI Contact Information

PSI Candidate Services & Technical Support – 833-518-7459