EXAM DAY ADMINISTRATION
Preview of the requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, microphones and browsers:
Click here for a video on connecting with a remote proctor.
You'll have multiple ways to get technical support with our proctoring service for PRONTO called ProctorU 24/7, 365 days a year. Below is their contact information:
Phone: 1-855-772-8678, Option 1
Text Support Prior to connection time: send a ticket for support
Text Support During connection time: You will have Live Chat support available
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
PLEASE NOTE: Your examination administration is NOT over until the proctor disconnects from your computer. If you choose to leave the examination administration before the proctor has disconnected from your computer, your examination results may be invalidated by ICC.
Examinees may bring the following items to the examination:
Reference material(s) - please make sure the reference(s):
• Are bound (either original bound book, three-ring binder, or stapled). Photocopies of copyrighted materials are not allowed.
• Have notes written in ink or highlighted
• Have permanently attached tabs (tabs that can’t be removed without destroying the page)
Magnifying glass
Eyeglasses, if necessary
Architects’ scale or ruler
Foreign language/English translation dictionaries
Battery-operated calculator that is:
• Nonprogrammable
• Not capable of storing examination information
• No ribbon or paper printing capabilities
Examinees may not bring the following items to the examination:
No food or drink (unless approved through testing accommodations)
Any kind of ink (ballpoint, felt-tip, gel, etc.) pens, colored pencils, highlighters, writing paper, or briefcases
Personal items such as purses, wallets, or watches
Calculators with print capability and/or that store formulas
Copying, recording, or photo devices
Cell phones, beepers, radios, MP3 players, and/or PDAs
Internet: We recommended to find the best internet connection prior to the beginning of your examination. Test It Out
Test your connection speed using one of the following sites:
http://speedtest.googlefiber.net/
http://beta.speedtest.net/
https://fast.com
• While you can use WiFi, we recommend using wired high speed internet access as WiFi may not be as stable
• Also, we recommend internet connection of 2MB upload/download
• Test your internet connection at the testing station to ensure a speed of at least 10 Mbps or higher is available
• Anything lower than 10 Mbps will not ensure optimal performance during the examination
Room - The room should be in a quiet place with a door that can be shut. While the room does not have to be empty, the less distraction the best. Again, only one person can be in the room at a time. Make sure you are comfortable and fully prepared to remain in full view of the web cam for the duration of the exam.
Computer - A laptop may be used, but a docking station with monitors attached cannot. Ensure laptop is plugged in. Prior to the examination, the proctor will shut down external monitors.
Screen Resolution: The recommended minimum resolution is 1280 X 1024.
• For 16:9 displays at 15” or more, we recommend you adjust your resolution to 1680 X 1050.
Optimize the Zoom Function: Some questions will require you to examine an exhibit, or image(s) that are attached to the question. If you need to enlarge an image, you can click on the image. You can then move your mouse over the image to bring up a magnifying glass that will take a closer look at a specific spot in that image. Complete the Tutorial before the exam to learn more.
Peripherals: Ensure your webcam, speakers, and microphones are installed and turned on. Make sure you are comfortable and fully prepared to remain in full view of the web cam for the duration of your exam.
Operating System:
• Windows XP - Windows 10
• Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) – 10.13 (High Sierra)
Browser (with pop-up blocker disabled):
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
Flash: No flash requirements
Firewall Ports (open):
• Minimum - 1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613,UDP/TCP
• Recommended - 1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP
Identification: You have your government-issued photo identification ready to show the proctor (e.g. driver’s license, passport).
The identification must:
• have the same legal first name and last name that matches your exam record
• not be expired
• have a signature
• You are only allowed to have one monitor connected to your computer during the assessment.
• If you use more than one monitor, disconnect it and make sure that it is facing away from you.
• Your workstation is clear of any non-approved materials.
• With exception to the examination website, all other programs and applications are closed.
Bathroom Breaks: You may take a 5-minute bathroom break at any time during the exam. The time clock will continue to run during the break. Upon return, an additional desk scan will be required before continuing the exam.
PLEASE NOTE: If a break exceeds the 5-minute mark, the Proctor will terminate the exam.
Taking Notes: While, you will not be allowed to write or mark in your reference materials during the exam, there will be a virtual notepad option on the PRONTO platform available for you to choose and type notes during your exam. The global notepad will stay visible on the screen do you can reference your typed notes throughout your PRONTO exam.
Time Clock: For electronically administered examinations, there is an optional clock on the computer that counts down to display the time remaining. (Information on turning on the clock is available in the tutorial prior to the exam.) When the time limit is up for the examination, the computer will end the test.
Finishing your exam: At end of exam, you will click the “Submit Exam” button in order to complete your exam. You will then receive immediate feedback on the pass/fail result of the exam.
The proctor will make sure the submission was successful. Once verified, the proctor will give you an opportunity to verify your results. The proctor will then give you instructions on how to close out the exam. You will receive a survey afterwards from ProctorU.
If you pass our examination, you cannot retake the examination you passed except as necessary for recertification.
If you do not pass your examination and wish to comment on your experience, please visit our Candidate Services page.
Pearson VUE
EXAM DAY ADMINISTRATION
What to expect in a Pearson VUE test center.
The examination proctor will check your identification, have you sign in, and may assign you a seat. The examination proctor will explain the procedures for taking the examination; answer questions related to taking the exam and provide notification to begin the examination.
- Metal detectors may be randomly used to search examinees entering and/or leaving the exam room.
- You will be asked to empty all of your pockets and place personal items in a locker.
- Proctors may inspect all materials an examinee carries into and from the exam room.
- NOTE: If your reference materials do not meet test site regulations (relating to tabs, pencil notes, etc.), you will not be allowed to take these references into the exam room. You will still be allowed to test, but without these materials.
Code Council testing procedures are designed to minimize negative conditions at the examination site such as bad lighting, excessive noise, or uncomfortable temperature conditions. In unlikely cases where such conditions may occur, the required passing score will not be changed. Should you feel your exam experience or conditions at the test site to be unfavorable, notify the proctor. If you would like to file a complaint, you must ensure that an Incident Report (IR) is created by the test personnel, and then follow up using the appeals process. In order for the Code Council to investigate and respond to your complaint, an IR must be filed before you leave the test site. Once the investigation is completed, you will receive a letter of determination from the Code Council.
General comments regarding the exam experience are encouraged. Please forward your comments to appeals@iccsafe.org. Please note all comments will be read; however, you will not receive a written response.
What should I bring to the test site?
For electronic examinations, examinees must provide their testing confirmation number (that was provided by the Pearson VUE representative at the time of exam registration) at the testing site on the exam day in order to be admitted to take the exam.
Examinees must possess and present a valid (unexpired) photo ID with signature, issued by a governmental agency, e.g., a driver’s license, passport, etc.
The name on the exam reservation must match the name on the ID provided. If it does not, you will not be allowed to test, and will forfeit your exam fee. Neither ICC nor Pearson VUE can make an exception to this policy. If you are unable to present identification as required by the ICC and Pearson VUE, or have questions about what will be allowed, you must call Pearson VUE prior to your scheduled exam to make other arrangements.
Examinees may bring the following items to the examination:
- Reference material(s) - please make sure the reference(s):
• Are bound (either original bound book, three-ring binder, or stapled). - Photocopies of copyrighted materials are not allowed.
• Have notes written in ink or highlighted
• Have permanently attached tabs (tabs that can’t be removed without destroying the page) - Magnifying glass
- Eyeglasses, if necessary
- Architects’ scale or rule
- Battery-operated calculator that is:
- Nonprogrammable
- Not capable of storing examination information
- No ribbon or paper printing capabilities
- Foreign language/English translation dictionaries
- What should I leave at home?
- Food or drink (unless approved through testing accommodations)
- Any kind of ink (ballpoint, felt-tip, gel, etc.) pens, colored pencils, highlighters, writing paper, or briefcases
- Personal items such as purses, wallets, or watches—lockers are available at Pearson VUE for small items, but will not accommodate laptops, briefcases, or large purses or bags
- Calculators with print capability and/or that store formulas
- Copying, recording, or photo devices
- Cell phones, beepers, radios, MP3 players, and/or PDAs
Examinees are responsible for arriving at the exam site on the proper date, at the proper time, and with proper identification. You should determine in advance the exact location of the test site, how to get there, and how much time it will take you to get to the site. Arrive at the exam site at least 30 minutes before the examination is scheduled to begin. Remember, it is your responsibility to already be familiar with the regulations governing Code Council examinations. Examinations will be given only on the date and time scheduled.
Please note: The Pearson VUE confirmation letter automatically adds 30 minutes to the actual exam time for you to complete the tutorial and exit surveys. Please arrive at the test site with required reference(s), if desired, for use during the exam. Required examination references are listed with the examination outlines found in this bulletin. References for examinations are not supplied by the Code Council or the testing center.
The Examination Site Proctor will check your identification, have you sign in, and may assign you a seat.
The name on the exam reservation must match the name on the ID provided. If it does not, you will not be allowed to test, and will forfeit your exam fee. Neither the Code Council nor Pearson VUE can make an exception to this policy. If you are unable to present identification as required by the Code Council and Pearson VUE, or have questions about what will be allowed, you must call Pearson VUE prior to your scheduled exam to make other arrangements.
You must have your government-issued photo identification ready to show the proctor. Examples include a driver’s license or a passport.
The identification must:
•have the same legal first name and last name that matches your exam record
•not be expired
•have a signature
The examination proctor will explain the procedures for taking the examination; answer questions related to taking the exam and provide notification to begin the examination. Metal detectors may be randomly used to search examinees entering and/or leaving the exam room. You will be asked to empty all of your pockets and place personal items in a locker. Proctors may inspect all materials an examinee carries into and from the exam room. If your reference materials do not meet test site regulations (relating to tabs, pencil notes, etc.), you will not be allowed to take these references into the exam room. You will still be allowed to test, but without these materials.
The Site Proctor has two main jobs: to give the examinations and make sure the exam materials at the test site are protected. Proctors are well-trained and treat candidates with respect, and in turn, expect the same level of respect from candidates. Threatening a proctor or interfering with the administration of an examination at any time may be considered a criminal offense and punishable by law. In addition, proctors cannot discuss contents of the exam or reference materials with a candidate.
Proctors have the right to remove a candidate’s test and ask the individual to leave the building if the candidate:
Gives or receives help during the examination
Attempts to remove exam materials or notes from the room
Creates a disturbance
Copies or attempts to copy examination questions or answers
Is found to have prohibited materials (cell phone, recorder, etc.) during the exam
If a candidate is asked to leave the test site for any reason, the candidate will not receive a refund, may jeopardize their right to take a Code Council examination in the future, and may face possible prosecution.
NOTE: The Code Council randomly videotapes examination sessions. You are not allowed to write or mark in or on your reference books during the examination. The proctor will give you a whiteboard and markers for use during the exam. While the examination is being administered, you are not allowed to leave the building and return to the exam room. If you wish to leave the exam room for any reason, you must receive permission from the proctor and turn in all of your examination materials and references to the proctor. Only one examinee at a time is allowed outside the exam room, and you are not allowed additional test time for time spent outside the exam room. The exam countdown clock will not stop during any absence from your seat. You are not allowed to communicate, verbally or nonverbally, with other candidates during the examination, and you may not share references.
It is highly recommended that if you are taking a computer-based exam, especially for the first time, you complete the tutorial available to you at the beginning of your exam. The time spent on the tutorial does not count against your exam time. You will receive important information about how to keep track of your time remaining, how to mark items for review, where to find the number of the question you are on, and more.
After submitting the exam, the candidate will receive a printed score report from the Test Administrator.
If you pass your examination, you cannot retake the examination you passed except as necessary for recertification.
If you do not pass your examination and wish to comment on your experience, please visit our Candidate Services page.
