Exam Policies

PCEP Delivery Modes

The entry-level certification exam (PCEP-30-0x) is administered worldwide in proctored format via OpenEDG Online Proctoring Service and through the network of OpenEDG Testing Service Partners. The OpenEDG Online Proctoring Service delivery mode is the default global exam format offered to test candidates through TestNow™, an online exam delivery service owned, run, and managed by the Open Education and Development Group.

The OpenEDG Testing Service Partner delivery mode, which is a non-default exam delivery format, is available to schools, colleges, and universities, as well as certain organizations and institutions participating in the OpenEDG Education Partner Program. Due to the unique specificities of test delivery requirements that particular educational entities and organizations are obliged to follow, OpenEDG Python Institute offers customized proctored exam instances and tailor-made exam delivery solutions that are in compliance with the policies and regulations adopted or adhered to by these entities.

Admission Policy

OpenEDG Online Testing Service (Global, default mode for PCEP exams):

• Test Candidates who wish to take the exam via OpenEDG Online Proctoring Service should sign in to their User Account at TestNow and enter the voucher code. Then, in order to begin the exam session, they must complete the check-in process, agree to follow the Code of Conduct, and accept the NDA and Testing Policies.

OpenEDG Testing Service Partners (Local delivery mode for PCEP and PCAP exams):

• Test Candidates who take a proctored exam require a proctor authorization to begin the exam session. Candidates can take proctored exams at OpenEDG Testing Service facilities (i.e., schools and universities that are members of the OpenEDG Authorized Academy Program and/or OpenEDG Testing Service Partners).
• Proctored exams must be held in a secure testing environment (physical test center, quiet testing room, testing station which complies with recommended hardware/software, proctor invigilation during exam session, etc.).
• A designated proctor must verify the candidate’s identity and exam information, and approve the launch of the exam session. During the exam, the proctor will supervise the session and report any improper conduct or examination process violation to the exam sponsor.
• We ask that you arrive at the testing center 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you have time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures.
• Please be prepared to show at least one form of personal identification, e.g., a valid, government-issued picture ID. Expired IDs are not valid. Failure to provide the required ID will result in you being denied entry to the examination. Your exam Proctor will verify your identity and launch your exam session.
• You can provide the following forms of ID: State/Country ID card; Government-issued driver’s license; Passport; Military ID; Employee/school ID, Social Security card; Credit/Debit Card; Bank/ATM card; Library card.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Test Candidates must read and accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement, which takes effect immediately after launching the exam session. Test Candidates agree to treat examination materials as confidential, take no copy of the test or notes that contain the content of the exam, specifically the exam questions and answers used during the session, and comply with the Testing Policies throughout and after the exam session.

Refusal to accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement will result in termination of the exam session – the voucher status will be changed to used, and the exam fee will be forfeited.

Reschedule and Cancellation Policies

If you wish to reschedule your proctored exam, you must contact the OpenEDG Testing Service Provider/facility you will take your test at not less than 24 hours prior to your exam appointment.

Global exams available via OpenEDG Online Proctoring Service do not need to be rescheduled. As long as you have not redeemed your exam voucher, you can take your exam in a later time. Please make sure the voucher code has not expired.

Accommodation of disabilities

OpenEDG Python Institute will endeavor to accommodate any special requirements. Candidates must submit their accommodations requests to Python Institute who will then notify them about the decision. All special conditions must be approved before the exam appointment. Accommodations may include:

• 25% time extension,
• 50% time extension,
• 100% time extension,

Contrast change and font size adjustment features are available by default. No automatic time extension is given to candidates who reside in a country where the first language is not English, or candidates whose first language is other than English.

To submit your request for special exam conditions, please contact OpenEDG Customer Service.

Testing Environment and Exam Session Security

Test Candidates should take exams in a quiet, well-lighted area, which is free from noise and distraction.

Code of Conduct

The following Code of Honor and rules for taking the exam must be respected throughout and after the exam session:

• the test candidate must work entirely alone on the test, and all the solutions submitted must be their own work;
• the test candidate must not share their solutions or any information about the exam contents with anyone;
• the test candidate must not use a false identity or take the test in somebody else’s name;
• the test candidate must not engage in any unfair activities that may dishonestly improve their results or influence somebody else’s results.

Prohibited behaviors during and after the exam session

The Test Candidate declares they will not participate in any cheating incident, breach of security, or any other behavior that may be considered a compromise of the integrity or confidentiality of the exam. Prohibited behaviors include (and are not limited to):

• copying, publishing, selling, offering to sell, distributing in any way, or otherwise transferring, modifying, making derivative works of, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, or translating any exam or any part of the exam content;
• disseminating the actual exam content by any means (e.g., web postings or reconstruction through memorization)
• using a falsified identity, or providing falsified information or documentation; solicitation of a third party to take a test on the test candidate’s behalf;
• using falsified or modified certificates/score reports to misrepresent the actual certification status;
• seeking or obtaining unauthorized access to examination materials before, during, and after the exam session; using brain dump materials or any unauthorized publication of exam items;
• using or accessing notes, study materials, didactic aids, or any other examination aids during the exam session;
• exiting the exam session Full Screen mode;
• exiting the exam session interface;
• opening new tabs or pages, clicking/moving the mouse pointer anywhere outside the exam session interface;
• using more than one monitor/screen during the exam session;
• causing intentional Internet connection drops;
• causing a disturbance of any kind in a testing facility (proctored exams)
• making notes of any kind;
• using any recording devices during exam;
• tampering with the operation of the testing facility equipment (proctored exams) or attempting to hack the OpenEDG Testing Service system;
• violating the Exam Policy or Exam Retake Policy;
• otherwise violating the Exam Terms and Conditions or NDA.

Penalties

Test Candidates who have been found violating the Testing Policies may be subject to penalties, which include:

• immediate termination of the exam session;
• a lifetime ban on all future exams,
• the nullification of all previous certifications,
• reporting misconduct to other exam sponsors and providers of other certification programs,
• reporting misconduct to third-party testing service providers (e.g., Pearson VUE).

Additional Information for Test Candidates

• Your proctored exam length may include time for non-scored sections such as a tutorial. The appointment length does not necessarily reflect the total amount of time allotted for the actual exam.
• After you finish your exam, a score report (pass/fail and breakdown) will become available in your User Account in the Exam History Successful candidates will receive their online certifications/credentials via email; these will also be available in the User Account.
• When a candidate fails or passes an exam, he or she must usually wait 7 days before being allowed to re-sit that exam. There is no limit to the number of retakes of a failed exam. See Testing Policies for specific exams to learn more.
• OpenEDG will endeavor to accommodate any special requirements. Candidates must submit their accommodations requests to Python Institute who will then notify them about the decision. All special conditions must be approved before the exam appointment. To submit your request for special exam conditions, please contact services@openedg.org.

Last revised: June 21, 2022

Registration and Scheduling

Python Institute candidates can register and schedule by:

• Visiting the OpenEDG Python Institute Candidate Website (Exam delivery channels: Pearson VUE Testing Centers / OnVUE Online Proctoring)
• Calling the Pearson VUE Contact Center: Customer Service (Exam delivery channels: Pearson VUE Testing Centers / OnVUE Online Proctoring)
• Contacting a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center of your choice (Exam delivery channel: Pearson VUE Testing Centers)

All Python Institute exams should be scheduled at least one full business day (24 hours) in advance. Candidates may pay for exams by all major credit card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express), Debit Cards or Vouchers. Confirmation emails will be generated after scheduling, rescheduling or cancelling tests. Payment receipts will be generated. Receipt will be issued for refunds of credit/debit cards only.

Exam Hours and Availability

• OnVUE: available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. (Note: there are brief outage windows for maintenance and updates.)
• Physical Testing Centers: Select a local test center to find information about its availability.

Admission Policy

Onvue Online Proctoring

To take the PCAP-31-0x/PCPP-32-10x exam, test candidates need to download and launch the OnVUE application:

• Candidates will be asked to copy an access code and download and install the program.
• Next, they will be required to check if the access code is the same as on the previous page, and then enter a phone number.
• After that, the candidate will be transferred to the check-in processing page and asked to select one of two options: one is for candidates who are 18 years of age or older; and the other for candidates who are under 18 years of age.
• When the candidate clicks “Get started”, they will be transferred to the identity verification website. They will be required to take a photo of themselves, a document which can confirm their identity (e.g., driving license), and their working space (the front, back, left, and right sides of the working space).
• Once they are successfully verified and have accepted the exam rules, the candidate will be reminded to close all applications except for OnVUE, and to wait for their online proctor.

The check-in process lasts about 15 minutes, but in some cases it may take longer.

Physical Pearson VUE Testing Centers

Please arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you have time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Please be prepared to show two forms of personal identification.

You will be provided with a secure locker where any personal items can be stored prior to entering the testing room.

Identification (ID) Requirements

You will be required to present two forms of valid in date identification at reception, both must have your name and signature, and one must be a valid, government-issued picture ID. Expired IDs are not valid. Failure to provide the required ID will result in you being denied entry to the examination.

• The first and last name that the candidate uses to register must match exactly the first and last name on both of the IDs that are presented on test day.
• All IDs required must be issued by the country in which the candidate is testing. If the candidate does not have a qualifying primary ID issued from the country they are testing in, an International Travel Passport from their country of citizenship is required, along with a secondary ID.
• Candidates are required to present two forms of original (no photo copies or digital IDs are allowed), valid (unexpired) IDs; one form as a primary ID (government issued with name, recent recognizable photo, and signature) and one form as a secondary ID (with at least a name and signature, or name and recent recognizable photo).

Reschedule policy

Candidates can reschedule their exam or cancel any time before the scheduled date and time. If the exam cannot be rescheduled before that time, or if the candidate does not show up for the exam, it will not be possible to get a refund for the exam.

If you wish to reschedule your exam, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Appointments must be rescheduled within the authorized exam delivery period.

All registrations with accommodations must be rescheduled or canceled through the Call Center.

Cancellation policy

If you wish to cancel your exam, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. If you cancel an exam less than 24 hours in advance, you will forfeit your entire exam fee. Exam fees are also due for no-shows.

To contact Pearson VUE regarding cancellations, or any problems you experience during the registration or booking process, please call 0161-855-7483.

Accommodations

We will work with you to review and provide suitable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Among the available accommodations are:

• enlarged font/change in exam text/background color/contrast (via the operating system settings)
• time extensions,
• ability to wear headwear (for religious reasons)
• items from the Comfort Aids list.

To submit a request for special exam conditions, please contact OpenEDG Customer Service. Each request for accommodations is reviewed individually.

No automatic time extension is given to candidates who reside in a country where the first language is not English, or candidates whose first language is other than English.

OnVUE Technical Requirements

We strive to enable as many candidates as possible to test through online proctoring.

Please make sure that the computer being used for the exam meets the minimum requirements necessary to take the exam. The list of current requirements can be found here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/op/OnVUE-Technical-Requirements.aspx.

Retake policy

When a candidate fails an exam, he or she must wait 15 days before being allowed to re-sit that exam.

There is no limit to the number of retakes of a failed exam, but please note that if your voucher does not come with a free retake option, you may need to purchase a new voucher to be able to resit your exam. No retakes of a passed exam of the same exam version are allowed (e.g. candidates who pass the PCAP-31-02 exam cannot retake it, but are welcome to take the PCAP-31-03 exam).

If you purchased an exam that includes a retake option and did not pass, you'll require a new voucher to attempt the exam again. Please complete and submit the Retake Voucher Request Form to obtain your retake voucher.

Additional Information

• For more information about OnVUE online proctoring system, please visit the OnVUE Online Proctoring Information Page.
• Please note that your appointment length may include time for non-scored sections such as a tutorial/check-in process. The appointment length does not necessarily reflect the total amount of time allotted for the actual exam.
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time and are refused admission, the exam and delivery fees are not refundable.
• After you finish your exam, a printed report (pass/fail and breakdown) will be provided to you at the test center. This document should be retained for your records, as replacements will not be provided under normal circumstances. After your exam, you can authenticate your score report. Good luck!

Last revised: June 21, 2022