Proctored Exams

CFI is introducing remote proctoring for certification final exams to help protect the value and credibility of your credentials. We do this using a browser plugin called Proctorio. This article explains what proctoring is, what to expect, and how to prepare so your exam goes smoothly.

Overview
What to Expect
Permitted Materials & Restrictions
System Requirements
Getting Help

Proctoring Overview

What is Proctorio?

Proctorio is a browser-based proctoring tool that verifies user identity and monitors exam sessions to ensure a fair, secure testing experience for everyone. It runs as an extension in your browser; there's no separate app or account to set up.

Note: Proctored exams are currently supported on desktop and laptop devices only. If you typically use CFI on mobile web, plan to complete your proctored exam on a desktop or laptop instead.

Why is CFI introducing proctored exams?

As CFI certifications are recognized by more employers and institutions, we're strengthening the exam experience to protect the integrity of every credential earned. Proctoring helps ensure that the certification you earn accurately reflects your own knowledge and effort.

What to Expect

When you take a proctored exam, the following will be tracked and logged:

Your camera feed: to confirm you're present and to help identify unusual activity during the exam.
Your microphone audio: only sound above a normal background level is flagged; quiet, ambient noise won't trigger red flags.
Your screen: captured periodically throughout the exam attempt.
Your browsing activity: includes any websites visited during the exam. Visiting generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini) during your exam is not permitted and will be flagged for review. Navigating to approved tools like Excel, Power BI, or Python is expected and will not be flagged (see Permitted & Restricted Materials below).
Your identity: you will be asked to photograph a valid, government-issued photo ID before starting.

All of the above data is reviewed by CFI staff to help us identify rare cases in which learners break exam rules or compromise the exam's integrity.

What if CFI decides I have violated the proctored exam policy?

CFI expects all Candidates to complete examinations honestly and independently. Where CFI reasonably determines that academic misconduct has occurred, CFI reserves the right to take appropriate action. Please refer to our Examination Policy for full details.

Any actions related to exam validity are made by the CFI team, not by Proctorio.

Permitted Materials & Restrictions

You may refer to CFI's Learning Management System (LMS), course materials, templates, and CFI resources, including content and articles on the CFI website. You may NOT use CFI's AI Tutor or any other AI tools to assist you. For a full list of what is allowed or disallowed, please refer to our Examination Policy.

Computer Displays: Only one active display is permitted: disconnect any second monitor before starting your exam.
Printing: You won't be able to print or save exam content as a PDF during your exam.
Right-click menu: The right-click context menu is disabled during your exam.
Use of Tools: Excel, Power BI, Python, and any other tools required to take the exam are fully permitted. You will not be penalized for navigating away from the exam to use these tools.

Always follow the specific instructions provided on your exam page, as some certifications may have additional requirements.

Resuming your exam

If your exam session is interrupted or you're disconnected, log back into your CFI dashboard and return to your exam start page as quickly as possible — the exam timer continues to run while you're outside the exam. You will be asked to complete the proctoring prechecks again before you resume your session.

System Requirements

Compatible browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera.
Compatible operating systems: Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Ubuntu.
A working camera and microphone (internal or external).
A stable internet connection.
Desktop or laptop device required — proctored exams are not currently supported on mobile.

Installing the Proctoring Extension & Preparing for your Exam

You will be prompted to install the Proctorio browser extension before your exam begins. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.

Confirm the Proctorio extension is installed and up to date.
Disconnect any second monitor.
Plug in your laptop or device to avoid performance issues that can occur when it switches to battery-saving mode.
Disable system and browser notifications.
Test your camera and microphone.
Make sure your testing space is well-lit, your face is clearly visible, and avoid sitting with a bright light or window directly behind you.
Have your government-issued photo ID ready.
Review any additional instructions provided on your exam page before you begin.

Getting Help

Proctorio support is available 24/7. If you run into an issue during your exam, click the Proctorio shield icon in your browser toolbar and select Live Chat to speak with a support agent. You can also reach out to CFI Support for further assistance.

Learn more

For full details on identity verification, exam monitoring, and how your information is collected, used, and retained, see CFI's Proctored Examination Policy.