AWS Certification Exam - in Person or Online?
Tags: aws, cloudskills, cloud, beginners
Published: 2023-02-28 08:27:46

If you’re thinking about obtaining an AWS Certification, you may already know that you have the option to take your exam at a testing centre or from the comfort of your own home or office. Each option has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before booking your exam. Having experienced both, I’ve compiled some tips to give you a better understanding of the differences between taking the exam at a testing centre versus taking it at home.


## Taking a test online from your home or your office

**Your location doesn’t matter**

One of the most significant benefits of online exams is their accessibility. If you live in an area where there are no testing centres available, or if the nearest testing centre is too far away or hard to get to, online exams provide a convenient alternative. No matter where you are in the world, as long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can take your online exam.

However, you might choose an online exam even if you do live near a testing centre. Commuting on the exam day can be a source of additional stress, and unforeseen circumstances such as road closures or traffic accidents can make the journey even more challenging. With online exams, you can eliminate the need for planning and commuting, allowing you to focus on the exam and perform at your best.

**Familiar environment**

Taking an exam from the comfort of your home and in a familiar environment can help you feel calm and relaxed. However, it’s important to keep in mind that online exams have specific guidelines that must be followed. These guidelines may require you to rearrange your furniture and clear the space around you. Additionally, you will need to take photos of your room or office before the exam, so it’s important to remove any personal items that you don’t want your proctor (the person who is going to monitor your behaviour during the online exam to help prevent cheating and keep you on track to successfully complete the exam) to see. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to pass your exam check-in smoothly and create an environment where you can take your exam without any distractions.

**Beware of interruptions**

When taking your exam from home, it is essential to carefully manage your environment and do whatever you can to prevent any interruptions. Even innocent sounds or movements can be perceived as an attempt to cheat. Remember to turn off computer notifications and ensure that no one enters the room during your test. If you are expecting any deliveries, it is best to reschedule them, as leaving your room during the test is not permitted. Animals could also be a problem — if there is a risk that your pet could enter the room or make a lot of noise, it might be better to consider taking the test at a testing centre instead. This also applies if you live in a loud area with a lot of outside noise, such as from a busy road or construction site.

Pro tip: Before your exam, turn on the lights in your room, regardless of the time of day. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and if your room becomes too dim, the proctor may have difficulty seeing you clearly. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to leave your seat during the exam to adjust the lighting, so it’s best to do this beforehand.

**Avoid suspicious behaviour**

During the exam, your camera and microphone will be in use, and any unusual behaviour will be detected. To avoid any misunderstandings, try to avoid talking to yourself while thinking, as this could be interpreted as an attempt to communicate with others. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep your focus on the screen throughout the exam, even though this can be challenging and tiring for longer tests. Looking away from the screen will be identified by the proctor and may result in a warning. If something suspicious happens multiple times, the proctor will end your exam and you will have to reschedule (you will not get a refund for your exam fee in this case).

**Technical requirements**

To take the exam using your personal equipment, you will need a computer with a functional camera and microphone, as well as a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection. Prior to the exam, you will be able to run a system check to ensure all necessary functions are working correctly. It’s best to complete the system check as soon as you can (you will get a link when you register) using the same computer and internet connection you plan on using during the exam so that you have ample time to address any potential issues. Additionally, it’s recommended to use your personal computer for the exam, as some company computers might be running processes in the background that could interfere with the testing software.

**Check in early**

When you book your exam, you will get to pick a time you want your exam to start but it’s best to check in about 30 minutes early. That should give you enough time to upload the photos of your ID, your desk, and your room. The online proctor may ask you some additional questions to make sure that the testing guidelines are being followed. You can’t skip the check in and if you show up more than 15 minutes late, you will not be able to start your exam.


## Taking a test at a testing centre

**Everything is prepared and set up for you**

Testing centres have several advantages over taking exams at home. Firstly, you don’t need to worry about unexpected software issues or unreliable internet connection — everything is set up and prepared. Additionally, the environment is controlled to avoid any sudden disturbances that could interrupt your exam. However, keep in mind that other people may be taking their exams at the same time, which can result in noises such as chair squeaks, coughing or sighs. Although AWS Certification exams don’t require typing, others might, so you should also expect some keyboard clicking sounds in the background. Noise-cancelling headphones are typically available, but it’s best to confirm availability with your testing centre. Lastly, you will be provided with a sheet of paper and a pencil to write on (this is not allowed on the online exam), which should be left behind when you leave.

**Commute**

One downside of testing centres is the need to plan your commute. If the testing centre is in an unfamiliar area, consider driving there a day in advance and checking for any planned roadwork (or trackwork and other interruptions if you are using public transport). Keep in mind that commuting during morning or afternoon peak hours may take longer. Allocate an extra 10–15 minutes for unexpected changes. When you arrive, allow an additional 10–15 minutes for check-in, including presenting your ID and storing your belongings in a locker. Using the restroom is recommended, particularly for longer exams.

Pro tip: before selecting a testing centre, be sure to read the reviews. Previous test-takers may have experienced issues such as malfunctioning equipment. To avoid similar problems, it’s important to review the ratings and feedback from previous test-takers. Leaving a review after your own testing experience can help others in the future.

## Conclusion

Which of the two available options is going to work better for you depends on you personal preferences and individual needs. Personally, having done both multiple times, I prefer the testing centre because planning a commute is less stressful for me than setting up a room to meet exam requirements and hoping my laptop and internet connection won’t fail.

I hope this article has been helpful and wish you the best of luck on your exam!

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