Preparing for your remotely proctored exam

The following information is provided to assist AOA Board Certification candidates and diplomates with navigating the process of completing remotely proctored certification exams.

Top tips

• Confirm your scheduled exam date and time.
• Identify a place to take your exam; you will need a private room with a door, and will need to have your computer and mobile device plugged in.
• Confirm that you have downloaded and installed the MonitorEDU Secure Browser and completed the pre-test technical check and setup.
• Install Google Chrome, disable any popup blockers and complete any needed system updates on your computer.
• Have your valid government-issued ID and your AOA ID number available for your exam.

For assistance

• Review the FAQs on remote testing.
• For questions related to your exam, please contact your AOA Certifying Board.
• For questions related to the exam platform, please contact MonitorEDU at schedule@monitoredu.com.

Before your exam

Get started by viewing the short video below, focused on how to prepare and what to expect on the day of your exam. Please also review the FAQs on remote testing.

Required secure browser

Be sure you have downloaded and installed the newest version of the MonitorEDU Secure Browser. If you have tested with MonitorEdu before, please delete/uninstall any previous versions of the secure browser and install the newest version.

Pre-test technical check and setup

Take a moment to access a practice exam and become familiar with the exam platform on the PARADIGM testing site. Please note that the practice exam is not specialty specific.

Technical guidelines

It is strongly recommended that you complete your online exam using a personal computer to which you have administrator access. IMPORTANT: Work computers, hospital computers or Chromebooks will not be able to download the required secure browser necessary to complete your exam.

It is important to ensure your computer system is up to date and as stable as possible. Be sure to install and run any recommended system updates on a regular basis and well in advance of the exam to ensure a smooth experience throughout the testing process. We strongly advise you not to wait until the day of the exam to ensure your system is up to date.

For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome as your internet browser. If you have not already done so, please download Google Chrome prior to your exam. All pop-up blockers will need to be disabled. To disable the pop-up blocker feature, follow the steps below depending on the type of computer you will be using.

• Disabling pop-ups on a Mac:
  • Click on the (…) symbol in the upper right corner of the screen within your Chrome browser window.
  • Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Select “Privacy and security” from the menu located on the left side of the screen.
  • Select “Site settings” in the center menu.
  • Select “Pop-ups and redirects” in the center menu (you may need to scroll).
  • Ensure the option for “Sites can send pop-ups and redirects” is selected.
  • Click on “Add.”
  • Copy the URL (https://paradigmtesting.excelindia.com/TNA/TAAdmin/Common/Login/Login.aspx) and paste it into the box.
  • If using a Mac, you must download the most up to date macOS operating system (High Sierra 10.13 or higher) in order to complete the online exam.
• Disabling pop-ups on a PC:
  • Click on the (…) symbol located in the upper right corner of the screen within your Chrome browser window.
  • Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Select “Privacy and security” from the menu located on the left side of your screen.
  • Select “Site settings” in the center menu.
  • Select “Pop-ups and redirects” in the center menu (you may need to scroll).
  • Ensure the option for “Sites can send pop-ups and redirects” is selected.

On exam day

Before connecting with your proctor, make sure the following programs are not running in the background on your computer: Skype, Microsoft Teams, Slack, GoToMeeting, Zoom, Cisco Webex or Team Viewer.

Be prepared to accommodate the following requirements:

• Show a valid government-issued ID that matches the name listed on your exam application.
• Provide your AOA candidate ID number.
• Prepare a clear exam area with only your computer and cell phone readily accessible.
• You may have bottled water, but with no labels.
• Scheduled breaks may be provided depending on the length of your exam (you should consider using the restroom in advance).
• Please note the exam clock will resume after the scheduled break even if you have not returned.
• Ensure that your laptop and phone are plugged into a power source. You should not rely on the battery.

Please note: Lab values, a scratch pad and a calculator will be provided online via the MonitorEDU platform.

When you are ready to begin the exam, connect with your proctor by visiting the platform and completing the form for your specialty certifying board. You may connect with a proctor no more than 15-20 minutes before your scheduled exam time.

If you have questions regarding the exam platform, contact MonitorEDU by emailing schedule@monitoredu.com, or connect with a MonitorEDU representative using the live chat feature.

Disclaimer

The remote proctored exam is web-based and certain performance aspects fall outside of our control. These include, but are not limited to:

• Candidate’s internet speed and connection.
• Candidate’s web browser.
• Candidate’s network issues.
• Other users on the same network who may be using streaming services for movies or gaming. It is strongly recommended that other users not use the same network during the time of exam administration.