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(ISC)² Online Exam Proctoring Frequently Asked Questions

The online proctoring pilot test concluded February 28. The results are being evaluated and we expect this assessment to conclude during Q3 of 2021. Any determination regarding potential online proctoring as part of a regular (ISC)² offering will take place after the conclusion of this assessment. Candidates who participated in the pilot program will be notified of their official results via email beginning April 23, 2021.

Read about Online Proctor Exam Pilot Results on the (ISC)² blog. If you have additional questions, please contact Member Services at membersupport@isc2.org.

Q:

What is the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test?

 
A:
The (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test is designed to assess the viability of online proctoring for (ISC)² certification examinations. The results of these pilot tests will help determine the potential future availability of online proctoring for (ISC)² certification examinations.
Q:

When can I register for the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test?

 
A:
Candidates will be able to register for the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test beginning January 11, 2021. Candidates must select an exam with “OP” in the name when registering. At checkout, you’ll need to provide the promotion/voucher code “ISC2ONLINE” to register for exams that are a part of the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test.
Q:

When will the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot tests occur?

 
A:
Online examinations for the CAP, CCSP, CSSLP, HCISPP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSMP and SSCP certifications will be administered February 15, 2021 – February 21, 2021. Online CISSP examinations will be administered February 22, 2021 – February 28, 2021. Exam appointment availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q:

Who is eligible to participate in the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test?

 
A:
Online proctoring pilot test deliveries will be limited to candidates located within the United States who have no past (ISC)² discipline actions on record. Candidates must have access to computer systems that meet minimum requirements. A maximum of 2,000 total examinations will be delivered as a part of the pilot test.
Q:

How much do online certification examinations as part of the pilot test cost?

 
A:
The cost for examinations offered during this pilot test is the same as regular, test center-delivered examinations.
Q:

In which languages will certification examinations be available as part of the pilot test?

 
A:
Certification examinations will only be available in English.
Q:

In what format will certification examinations be available as part of the pilot test?

 
A:
Certification examinations will only be available in a linear format with no item review permitted. The CISSP exam will NOT be available as a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT).

Online proctoring pilot test exam format:

Exam

Time Allotted

Items

Language Availability

CISSP

6 hours

250 multiple choice and advanced innovative items

English

SSCP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CCSP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CCSP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CAP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CSSLP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

HCISPP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CISSP-ISSAP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CISSP-ISSEP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

CISSP-ISSMP

3 hours

125 multiple choice, 4 choices

English

Each of these exams contains 25 pre-test items. Pre-test items are included in examinations without impacting your score. They are included for the purpose of reviewing the possibility of becoming exam items in the future. As pre-test items are not identified, candidates are to answer each item presented to the best of their ability.

Q:

If I am scheduled for an in-person exam, can I reschedule my exam to take it online?

 
A:
Yes, however, you will need to cancel your in-person exam and create a new reservation for an online exam as part of this pilot test. (ISC)² and Pearson VUE will waive the $100 cancellation fee for your in-person exam if you are booking an online exam. Candidates can contact Pearson VUE Customer Service directly for assistance.
Q:

Will breaks be available for certification examinations as part of the pilot test?

 
A:
For security purposes, only one (1) 10-minute break will be permitted approximately halfway through the exam questions for the CISSP examination. No other certification examinations will have breaks permitted. Candidates who attempt to take unscheduled breaks during certification examinations as part of the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot tests will have their sessions terminated and risk forfeiture of their examination result.
Q:

What test results will be available for the pilot test certification examinations?

 
A:
Unlike test center-delivered examinations, exam results for online proctoring will only include a “pass/fail” result to candidates. No further diagnostic information, regarding relative performance by domain, will be presented.
Q:

Is group scheduling available for certification examinations as part of the pilot tests?

 
A:
Group scheduling is NOT available. Candidates must register individually for certification examinations as part of the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot test. Appointment availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q:

If I pass an online proctored exam, can I use it to apply for certification?

 
A:
Yes, candidates will be able to use results from successful examination attempts within the (ISC)² online proctoring pilot tests to apply for certification.
Q:

Are the online exams the same as the test center-delivered exams?

 
A:
Examinations delivered online are equivalent to test center-delivered examinations with regard to examination outlines (domains and weighting), item types and difficulty.
Q:

What if my online exam encounters a technical problem during delivery?

 
A:
If for any reason an examination as part of the pilot test cannot be delivered successfully, it will be rescheduled for a future date at a Pearson VUE Test Center. No reschedule fee will be incurred. Please be aware that online proctoring pilot test examinations that encounter a technical problem during delivery CANNOT be rescheduled for online delivery.
Q:

Why is the online pilot only available to candidates in the United States?

 
A:
For exam security and candidate support purposes, examinations delivered as part of the online pilot test are only available in the United States.
Q:

Are the results of the online pilot test also subject to statistical and psychometric analysis prior to releasing the official results?

 
A:
All examinations delivered as part of the online pilot test are subject to statistical and psychometric analysis prior to releasing the official results. Additionally, all candidates and exam deliveries are subject to conditions in the (ISC)² Examination Agreement and Candidate NDA.
Q:

Am I able to cancel an online exam for a full refund or reschedule for another time? Are there cancellation or reschedule fees for the online proctored pilot test exams?

 
A:
All examinations delivered as part of the online pilot test are subject to standard (ISC)² reschedule and cancellation policies. You will need to contact Pearson VUE online at least 48 hours prior to your exam, or by phone at least 24 hours before your exam. Pearson VUE charges a rescheduling fee of U.S. $50 and a cancellation fee of U.S. $100.
Q:

I took my (ISC)² exam online during the pilot test. When will I get my exam results?

 
A:
Preliminary results were provided immediately at the conclusion of the examination. (ISC)² conducts a thorough statistical and psychometric analysis of the score data to establish the pass/fail score before releasing official results, which will be sent via email. Depending on the volume of test takers for a given test, there may be times when scores are delayed for approximately six to eight weeks to complete this critical process. Candidates who participated in the pilot program will be notified of their official results via email beginning April 23, 2021.
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