ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

REMOTE EXAM TESTING

CFA UK works with PearsonVUE to deliver our exams remotely via OnVUE online proctoring. 

WHAT IS ONVUE?

 In 2020, we worked with PearsonVUE to develop OnVUE online proctoring. OnVUE has allowed thousands of candidates to take exams without having to travel to a test centre – although this option is still available. Check your system requirements and read our FAQs to find out if remote proctoring is the right option for you. 

WATCH VIDEO

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

To take your CFA UK exam online, you need to use your own equipment, and internet connection, and make sure they are suitable for use. You should also take your exams in a walled room with a closed door and without any distractions. We recommend you do a systems test before taking your exam, and ensure all non-essential applications are closed before starting OnVUE.  

Check the full list of system requirements and explore our tips on taking an OnVUE exam for more details. 

To take an online exam, you’ll need: 

  • A computer with Mac or Windows* 
  • A functional webcam 
  • OnVUE software downloaded 
  • An internet connection*
  • A private and clean space to test 

*Employer-issued computers/laptops are not recommended, as firewalls often cause issues with the OnVUE software. 

*We recommend using a wired internet connection for OnVUE to avoid connection issues.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Explore our FAQs to find out more about OnVUE online proctoring.

What are OnVUE online proctored exams?

OnVUE online proctored exams are exams delivered via the Pearson VUE OnVUE system that can enable CFA UK candidates to sit their exams securely at home/work via internet‐based testing. 

How is an OnVUE online proctored exam different to an exam taken in a test centre?

During an online proctored exam, your ID is authenticated remotely, and online proctors monitor 100% of your exam session in real time via your webcam and audio equipment. At test centres, your ID is verified by test centre staff and your exam session is monitored by test centre proctors (invigilators). In all other respects (such as exam duration), the exam remains the same whether taken in a test centre or via OnVUE online proctoring and candidates receive the same certification for all CFA UK examinations. 

Can I still take a CFA UK exam in a test centre?

Candidates can still choose to sit their CFA UK exam at a Pearson VUE test centre, subject to availability. 

Can I take an OnVUE online proctored examination from anywhere in the world?

Yes. Candidates can schedule exams via OnVUE online proctored exams globally with the following exceptions:  

List of countries and region where OnVue is not delivered due to OFAC related sanction: 

  • Cuba 
  • Iran 
  • North Korea 
  • Sudan 
  • Syria 
  • Crimea and Sevastopol region  

General Country Restrictions 

The online proctor exam delivery system has very specific technical, system, environment, and testing protocol requirements, which may not be supported in some countries. Pearson VUE does not deliver OP exams in following countries:  

  • China 
  • Cuba 
  • Iran 
  • North Korea 
  • South Korea 
  • Sudan 

OnVue is available in Zimbabwe. 

Is there an additional cost for me to sit my exam via OnVUE online proctored exams?

No. Your CFA UK qualification registration fee includes your exam sitting fee, provided that you sit your exam within 12 months of the date of registration. Candidates can choose whether to sit their exam at a test centre or via OnVUE online proctoring, both of which are subject to availability.

I have already registered for my CFA UK examination – do I need to re‐register to be able to take the exam as an OnVUE online proctored exam?

No – candidates who have already registered for their CFA UK examination do not need to re-register to take the exam via OnVUE. For new candidates, there is no change to the existing registration process. 

If you have already scheduled an exam in a test centre, you will need to cancel this exam booking before being able to schedule an OnVUE online proctored exam. 

What is the minimum technical specification to use OnVUE online proctored exams?

Candidates are responsible for ensuring the suitability of their own technical equipment before scheduling an OnVUE online proctored exam. Candidates must provide their own computer for testing: 

  • Mac or Windows* 
  • Functional webcam 
  • OnVUE software downloaded 
  • Specified minimum internet speed 
  • Private space to test (uninterrupted) and a clean desk 

* *Employer-issued computers/laptops are not recommended, as firewalls often cause issues with the OnVUE software. 

A full list of system requirements can be found here.  

Candidates should run the Systems test before scheduling an OnVUE exam to confirm they meet the system the requirements. 

To minimise problems with WiFi connectivity, CFA UK advises candidates to use a wired internet connection when taking their examination. 

I don’t know how fast my internet speed is. How can I find this out?

Internet speed tests measure the speed of your internet connection. Your connection speed includes things like download speed and upload speed. There are many websites which offer a link to test the speed of your internet. For example: 

  • Go to www.google.com 
  • Search for ‘internet speed test’ 
  • Tap or click ‘Run Speed Test’ 

Google partners with Measurement Lab (M‐Lab) to run this test. 

How can I apply for reasonable adjustments to be applied for my OnVUE online proctored exam?

Candidates should submit a reasonable adjustment request with CFA UK before scheduling their exam. Some reasonable adjustments may not be available in an OnVUE online proctored exam. 

For more information on Reasonable Adjustments, please see our Exam Policies page

How do I schedule an OnVUE online proctored exam?

Once you have received your registration booking confirmation, you need to wait two working days. At that point, you may log onto the Pearson VUE website and schedule your exam. You will have the option of scheduling your exam in a test centre or via OnVUE online proctoring. Please note: it is essential that you check your device meets the systems requirements for OnVUE online proctored exams (see above) and run the systems test before scheduling your exam via OnVUE. 

Candidates are advised to pay particular attention to the setting of the scheduling clock when scheduling a time for their OnVUE examination. The scheduling clock can be viewed as a 12-hour clock, or a 24-hour clock. Both clocks have clear ‘Morning’ and ‘Afternoon’ headings. Candidates are also advised to check that they are scheduling for the correct time zone. 

Please note: An examination time of 12am on the 12-hour clock, will be for 12 midnight and not 12 noon. Please see the examples below of the different clock settings. 
 

When can I schedule my exam?

OnVUE online proctored exams are offered Monday to Saturday, 24 hours a day, subject to availability.
 

I have already scheduled to take my exam in a test centre. Can I reschedule my exam to take it via OnVUE online proctoring?

Yes – normal scheduling requirements apply (ie you must allow a minimum of 72 hours before your scheduled exam time to be able to reschedule). You will need to cancel your test centre exam in order to reschedule your exam as an OnVUE online proctored exam via logging into the Pearson VUE website. 

I want to schedule an OnVUE exam for the day before the syllabus version is due to change. What is the latest time that I can schedule my OnVUE exam to start?

For OnVUE, the exams will switch to the new syllabus version at midnight UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). It is important to check your local time zone against UTC when scheduling an OnVUE exam on the last day prior to a syllabus change, to ensure that your exam starts sufficiently prior to midnight UTC.  

Candidates are advised to allow sufficient time to complete the check-in process. If delays result in an exam starting after midnight UTC, you will be sitting an exam against the new syllabus version.  

Exams scheduled in test centres can be sat on the last day that the syllabus is valid. Local test centres will switch to the new syllabus version at midnight local time. 

What support is available before and during an OnVUE online proctored exam?

During the check‐in process, it is important that you enter a valid telephone number that you can be contacted on. If you have technical difficulties, the proctor will contact you on this telephone number and provide assistance, where they can, to resume your exam. If the technical difficulties can be resolved, you will be able to continue with your exam. If not, your exam will be terminated, and you may need to re‐register with CFA UK and pay the associated registration fee in order to schedule another exam. 

The OnVUE proctor will not allow you to move away from the webcam view after they join you. Mobile telephones must be placed out of arm’s reach during the examination. Therefore, candidates are advised to put their telephone on silent mode so as not to be disturbed in the exam. 

Will I still be able to use scratch paper in an OnVUE online proctored exam?

No – you must not have any pens or papers within the immediate vicinity of your testing workspace. Failure to remove prohibited materials may result in your examination being revoked. 

An onscreen whiteboard is available for you to use. Further information on the whiteboard can be found here 

You can access an online demonstration of the whiteboard here 

Candidates who sit exams in test centres will be provided with physical wipe boards to make notes on. 

Can I take a break during the exam?

No breaks, including toilet breaks, are permitted in an OnVUE online proctored exam. If you leave your computer during your exam the proctor will end your session and you will be unable to continue testing. 

Candidates are advised to schedule their exam in a test centre if they feel that they will be unable to complete their exam without a toilet break. 

Can I eat or drink during the exam?

Water in a clear glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking (including electronic cigarettes,) and chewing gum are prohibited. 

How will I receive my exam result for an OnVUE online proctored exam?

All candidates taking a CFA UK exam will now receive their exam result on the screen at the end of the exam. This applies to candidates testing in test centres as well as candidates taking their exam via OnVUE online proctoring. At the end of your exam, you may also access your provisional grade report via your Candidate Dashboard on the Pearson VUE website. 

Can I use a hand held calculator in my CFA UK exam?

No – handheld calculators are no-longer permitted. Please see our calculator policy for further information. 

Terms and Conditions

In order to take an OnVUE online proctored exam, candidates will, on the day of the exam, be required to agree to the specific terms and conditions in place for OnVUE online proctoring. Specifically: 

By taking the exam, you acknowledge that the proctor will continuously monitor you by video and audio while you take your exam, and you acknowledge and consent to audio and video recording of your face, voice, the physical room where you are seated, and the location during exam delivery. You recognise that you have no right to privacy at your current location during exam delivery and that you waive any and all claims asserting a right to privacy. If you do not wish to be recorded (either by video or audio), please notify the proctor immediately of your intention not to proceed with the exam. 

If you do not follow the online proctored policies or are suspected of cheating or tampering with Pearson VUE’s or its subcontractor’s software, if a third party is detected in the physical room where you are seated during the exam, or if you are found to be in possession of any prohibited materials, the exam will be immediately terminated. This will be reported to Pearson VUE and CFA UK, along with audio and/or video evidence of the infraction. Your exam may be invalidated, and CFA UK may take other action following investigation. 

Examination conditions begin once the candidate has opened the OnVUE platform and reached the agreement page. Candidates will then remain under examination conditions until the OnVUE platform has been closed. Any prohibited actions will result in termination of the examination once candidates have progressed past the agreement screen. 

ON THE DAY

Explore what happens on the day of your OnVUE online proctored exam. 

Self check-in process powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI)

On exam day, candidates will download the OnVUE application. This simple download works on both Mac and PC and does not require computer administrative rights.  

OnVUE will then prompt the candidate to take photos of the following with their smartphone:  

  • Head-shot  
  • Government-issued ID (back and front) 

Please see the OnVUE Setup and Check-in guide for further information. 

Electronic identity verification

OnVUE uses advanced identity authentication technology to validate the government-issued ID presented by the candidate. Once the ID is authenticated, the candidate’s head-shot photo and registration name are compared to those from the ID and recorded as part of the exam delivery record. 

Testing environment photos

During the self check-in process, the OnVUE application will prompt the candidate to take (and upload) four photos of their testing environment. The photo gallery on the phone is locked down during this time so live photos are required.

Artificial Intelligence, greeters, and proctors

AI tools perform identity verification. If the AI screening approves the ID and photos, the candidate will be able to begin the exam with a proctor. If it does not, the candidate will be automatically connected to a live greeter who manually performs the ID verification and instructs the candidate to make necessary modifications to the testing environment.  

If they pass all security checks, they’ll then be joined by a proctor and the exam will begin. The secure browser function of the OnVUE application locks down the candidate’s computer so they are unable to copy/paste, print, access other applications, or share content while progressing through the exam. 

Live proctoring boosted by AI

The OnVUE proctoring solution combines the best of both worlds: live proctoring and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  

The proctor is a professional Pearson VUE-certified proctor, just like you’d see in a traditional Pearson Professional test centre. Their main responsibility is to ensure test security is maintained throughout the exam and shut it down if there is suspicious activity.  

This live proctoring is augmented by AI, which also monitors for suspicious activity, like detecting if the candidate swaps seats with someone during the exam. 

IGNITE YOUR CAREER

Create a CFA UK portal account to grow your career, meet new contacts and expand your knowledge. 

CREATE AN ACCOUNT