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Online Proctored Exams vs Test Centers – which one is better?

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    • Avatar of dartmoorcatdartmoorcat
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      27 Apr 2021 at 8:06 pm
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      So as I understand it, CAIA offers both remote exams and test centers. Just have a few questions on that, hope you can help with this!

      • Is both exam methods an option to everyone, or just certain regions?
      • Is there general agreement as to which is a better exam method?
      • Are there any differences to, say, speed of results being released?

      Thanks!

      Zee Tan voted up
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    • Avatar of Zee TanZee Tan
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      • CFA Charterholder
      29 Apr 2021 at 7:51 am
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      Remote exams, or online proctored exams, may sound clearly advantageous, but you should consider its drawback as well before you make a decision.

      Online Proctored Exams Advantages

      • A lot less likely to be cancelled due to Covid
      • No travel or accommodation issues
      • Take your exams in a familiar setting

      Online Proctored Exams Disadvantages

      • Requires your own equipment to meet defined technical specifications: you need to check that this will not be an issue before you agree to online proctoring!
      • Technical problems when setting up your exam: Issues with software installation, internet issues can commonly occur.
      • Private setting needed: If you get disturbed at any point during the exam you will be disqualified. For example, if you live in a noisy crowded household, this may not be suitable.
      • You have to prepare your own room: Overall, there is a mental load on your to prepare your exam room, rather than just show up and everything’s prepared for you.
      • No toilet breaks during exam: With online proctored exams, you’re allowed a toilet break only between papers, not during.
      • Digital whiteboard only: For scratch paper, with online proctoring you’re only allowed the online digital whiteboard provided by the proctor, which may not be easy to use. With test centers, usually a whiteboard and pen are provided.

      Overall, my opinion is that the main advantage remote proctoring has over test centers is Covid-friendliness. If that’s not a factor I would say test centers are the clear choice.

    • Avatar of dartmoorcatdartmoorcat
      Participant
      29 Apr 2021 at 12:13 pm
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      Thanks – you make some very good points and it does look like it might be easier to use test centers.

      Is there a difference in the timing of results being released?

      • Avatar of Neil HarknessNeil Harkness
        Moderator
        29 Apr 2021 at 11:58 pm
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        There are no differences to CAIA exam results speed whether it’s online proctored or not. They both go through the same grading process.

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