TestNow™: PCAT Testing Policies

PCAT Delivery Modes

The associate-level certification exam (PCAT-31-0x) 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 PCAT 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 PCAT 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 request special exam conditions, please complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

Retake Policy

When a candidate fails a PCAT exam, he or she must wait 15 days before being allowed to re-sit that exam. Note that a new voucher may be required to launch a retake session. There is no limit to the number of retakes of a failed exam.

Age Requirements

• children under 13 are not allowed to test or receive certification even with parental consent;
• minors between 13 and 17 years of age are allowed to take tests and if passed, receive certification (with parental or legal guardian consent)
• test candidates who are 18 years or older are eligible for certification without any age-related restrictions;
• OpenEDG reserves the right to impose additional restrictions to comply with local data protection laws.

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: September 20, 2023