March 15, 2023—In response to feedback received during the initial launch of CCO’s new Online Proctored Testing (OPT) option, CCO is excited to announce a change to materials permitted during the exam.
To assist in the transition away from scratch paper, candidates are allowed to use a small physical whiteboard or dry erase board in addition to the on-screen whiteboard. This change is anticipated to help ensure the best possible testing experience and will be applicable to both OPT and Event Online Testing (EOT).
“This change came about because CCO listens to our stakeholders,” said Thom Sicklesteel, Chief Executive Officer. “We heard from the front lines and appreciate their input!”
The allowed physical whiteboards may be up to 8.5 in. x 11 in., the same size as a standard sheet of paper. Upon check-in, if the candidate is using a physical whiteboard, the proctor will ask the candidate to show both sides of the board and ensure there isn’t writing on either side. If there is, everything will need to be erased. At the conclusion of testing, the candidate will be required to show both sides of the whiteboard and, once again, will ensure any information on the whiteboard is erased.
In scenarios where the candidate either refuses to erase the board or leaves the session before the proctor can confirm that it has been erased, it will generate an incident report to be reviewed by CCO. A dry erase marker must be used; candidates who mistakenly use a pen or permanent marker will have their exams invalidated. Candidates, as always, must remain within the camera frame.
“CCO aspires to continue improvement of the candidate experience. We are thrilled to be able to add this enhancement so quickly while maintaining test security and integrity,” said Senior Director of Innovation, Joel Oliva.