When you’re taking a proctored exam, the stakes feel higher than ever. Whether it’s a certification for your job, a licensing exam, or a final for your online degree, how and where you take it matters. Two main options exist: taking the exam from your home or office with online proctoring, or going to a physical test center. Neither is better across the board - it depends on your situation, your tech setup, and what kind of pressure you can handle.
Online Proctoring: Take It From Anywhere
Online proctoring lets you sit your exam from your living room, a quiet corner of the library, or even your garage if the lighting’s good. Services like ProctorU, Examity, and Pearson VUE’s OnVUE use your webcam, microphone, and screen-sharing software to watch you in real time. Some even use AI to flag unusual behavior - like looking away too long or whispering to yourself.
The biggest win? Convenience. No commute. No need to book time weeks in advance. If your internet is stable and your room is quiet, you can start the exam within minutes of logging in. For parents, shift workers, or people in rural areas without nearby testing centers, this is often the only realistic option.
But it’s not perfect. You need a reliable computer, a good internet connection (at least 1.5 Mbps upload), and a private space. If your kid walks in during the exam, or your neighbor starts drilling into the wall next door, you might get flagged - even if it’s totally innocent. Some people feel watched. Constant eye movement tracking and screen monitoring can make you anxious, which hurts performance more than the exam itself.
According to a 2024 survey by the Association for Assessment in Higher Education, 68% of test-takers reported higher stress levels during online proctored exams compared to in-person. That’s not because the rules are harsher - it’s because the environment feels less human.
Test Center Exams: The Old-School Way
Test centers like Pearson VUE, Prometric, or PSI offer controlled environments. You show up, show ID, store your phone and bag in a locker, and sit at a designated computer station. Proctors are physically present. You can raise your hand if you need help. There’s no risk of your Wi-Fi cutting out or your laptop dying mid-exam.
These centers are common in cities and larger towns. In New Zealand, you’ll find them in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton. Most offer appointments during business hours and on weekends. Some even have quiet rooms for neurodivergent test-takers or those with disabilities.
The downside? Logistics. You have to plan ahead. Booking a slot can take days or weeks, especially during peak seasons like the end of a semester or certification renewal window. If you’re sick on exam day or stuck in traffic, you might lose your fee or have to reschedule. And if you live outside a major city, driving 100 kilometers just to sit a two-hour exam isn’t always practical.
Still, many professionals prefer this method. A 2025 report from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy found that 73% of CPA candidates who took their exam at a test center reported higher confidence in their scores being accepted, compared to 52% who took it remotely. Why? Because they felt the process was more secure and less prone to technical glitches.
What the Rules Say - And What They Don’t
Not every exam lets you choose. Some licensing boards, like those for nursing, accounting, or engineering, require in-person testing. Others, like CompTIA or Google certifications, give you full freedom. Always check the official exam provider’s policy - don’t assume.
Even when online proctoring is allowed, the rules vary. Some platforms require you to show your entire room with your webcam before starting. Others scan your ID against a government database. A few even use keystroke analysis to make sure you’re the same person from start to finish.
What’s not always clear? What counts as a violation. Is sipping water okay? What if you need to scratch your nose? Can you have a notepad next to you? These gray areas cause panic. Most providers publish a list of allowed and prohibited items - read it twice. If you’re unsure, email them directly. Don’t risk disqualification over a bottle of water.
Technology Needs: Are You Ready?
If you’re going online, your tech setup isn’t optional - it’s your lifeline. Here’s what you need to pass the system check:
- A laptop or desktop (tablets and phones won’t work)
- Webcam with at least 720p resolution
- Microphone (built-in is fine)
- Stable internet - no public Wi-Fi, no hotspots
- Latest browser (Chrome or Edge recommended)
- Administrator access to install the proctoring software
Most platforms run a system check 24-48 hours before your exam. Do it. Don’t wait until the last minute. If your webcam isn’t recognized or your firewall blocks the software, you’ll be stuck. I’ve seen people cancel exams because they didn’t realize their company laptop blocked third-party apps. That’s avoidable.
Also, close everything. No Slack. No email. No background apps. Even Spotify running in the background can trigger a flag. The proctoring software sees your screen - and it sees everything.
Who Should Choose Which Option?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But here’s a simple guide:
- Choose online proctoring if: You’re in a remote area, have a busy schedule, have a quiet home environment, and your tech works reliably. You’re comfortable being watched by a camera.
- Choose a test center if: You get anxious with tech, your home isn’t quiet, your internet is spotty, or you’ve had issues with online exams before. You value physical presence and control over your environment.
Some people try online first - and fail because of technical stress. Then they switch to a test center and pass easily. Others try the test center, get rattled by the sterile environment, and freeze. It’s personal.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, do a mock exam with the same proctoring software. Many providers offer free practice sessions. Use them. It’s the best way to know if you can handle it.
What Happens If You Get Flagged?
Being flagged doesn’t mean you cheated. It just means something unusual happened. Maybe you sneezed. Maybe your cat jumped on the desk. Maybe the proctor misread your eye movement.
Most providers review flagged incidents manually. You’ll get an email within 3-5 business days. If it’s a false positive, your score stands. If they find a violation, you might get a warning, a zero, or even a ban.
Keep records. Save your confirmation email, system check results, and any communication. If you’re wrongly accused, you can appeal - but you need proof. Don’t panic. Just stay calm and follow the process.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Control
At the end of the day, proctored exams are about trust. Online proctoring trusts technology to monitor you. Test centers trust a human to watch you. Neither is perfect. One gives you freedom at the cost of anxiety. The other gives you calm at the cost of flexibility.
Your best move? Know your own limits. Are you tech-savvy and calm under pressure? Go online. Do you need structure and quiet? Book the test center. Don’t pick based on what’s trendy. Pick based on what makes you feel like you can do your best.
And remember - the exam is just one step. The goal isn’t to pass the proctor. It’s to prove you know the material. Choose the path that lets you focus on that - not the camera.