For the first time, Certified IRB Professional (CIP^®) and Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA^®) exam candidates have the option to take their exams on personal computers through live remote online proctoring. Candidates who choose to go this route download a package that includes a secure identity verification mechanism as well as a secure browser extension from which they launch the exam. Exams are then administered by proctors who communicate with candidates through webcam and a chat box.

If you’re preparing to take your exams this fall and/or are curious about how live remote online proctoring works, check out these tips to familiarize yourself with the process:

Before the exam:

1. Watch PSI’s remote proctored exam experience video, which walks through the exam experience and
2. Read the CIP Handbook or the CPIA Handbook to familiarize yourself with policies and procedures.
3. In addition to running the systems compatibility test when you schedule your exam appointment, run the systems compatibility test again within 24 hours of your exam appointment, as operating system updates may have affected your computer settings. If you have questions regarding your compatibility test, contact PSI’s remote proctoring technical support at 844-267-1017. The computer system spec requirements are:

• • Operating system supported: Windows 7 and later; 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64); MacOS 10.x
  • Browsers supported: PSI Secure Lock-Down Browser
  • Google Chrome Extension
  • Browser settings: The browser must accept third-party cookies for the duration of the exam ONLY
  • Webcam/microphone: Minimum VGA 640 x 480 resolution, enabled built-in or external microphone (Candidates will be asked to scan the room using their webcams during check-in)
  • Google Chrome Extension: To be installed
  • Bandwidth: Minimum 400 kb/s download and upload
  • Hardware requirements: 2GB RAM Memory; 1 GB Free Disk Space, minimum 1368×768 screen resolution

On the day of your exam appointment:

1. Make sure you have your PSI website username, password, and candidate ID handy.
2. It’s highly recommended that you use a hardline internet connection (e.g., using an ethernet cord) while taking the exam. Ask other members of your household to refrain from streaming or gaming while you are taking your exam.
3. Make sure you have the appropriate two forms of identification, and that the name under which you registered matches those IDs. If your name has changed since you submitted your application, make sure you have proof of your name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree, court order). Failure to provide appropriate identification upon check-in is considered a missed appointment, and there will be no refund of exam fees.
   1. Candidates must present two forms of identification. The primary form must be government issued and current, and must include your name, signature, and photograph. No form of temporary identification will be accepted. Examples of valid primary forms of identification are: driver’s license with photograph; state identification card with photograph; or passport. Military IDs are not acceptable.
   2. The secondary form of identification must display your name and signature for signature verification (e.g., credit card with signature, social security card with signature, employment/student ID card with signature).
4. Launch your exam up to 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. This is the last opportunity for you to perform a system compatibility check. Proctors will initiate the check-in process 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
5. If you run into technical issues when running your systems capability test, or if you experience an issue launching your exam, you may initiate a chat after you close the Secure Browser Software by clicking here or by calling PSI’s remote proctoring technical support at 844-267-1017.

If you have any questions regarding your compatibility test or about live remote online proctoring, contact PSI’s remote proctoring technical support at 844-267-1017. If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, be sure to adhere to the deadlines listed in the CIP Handbook or the CPIA Handbook.