Online Proctoring

What proctoring is
With CLEP, DSST, and similar exams, you must visit a particular location in order to take the exam while a trusted person watches over you. The location and the exam-givers are referred to as proctors.

How online proctoring works
However, some alternative credit methods utilize online proctoring systems. The most commonly-encountered online proctors are ProctorU and RPNow. ProctorU is a live proctoring system where you sign up for a time slot and an actual person monitors your webcam and computer activity for any signs of cheating. The experience is similar to visiting an actual test center. RPNow, on the other hand, is a recorded proctoring system. Your webcam and computer activity are recorded while you take the exam. These recordings are reviewed later for signs of cheating.

Controversy
There are some people who prefer the live proctor experience that ProctorU provides. They like being able to know that they passed proctoring requirements (unlike RPNow where you must wait for proctoring results) immediately upon finishing the test. However, if you have internet that is not perfectly reliable then ProctorU can be extremely glitchy and may not even work for the exam(s) you're trying to take.

If you plan to use Coopersmith, StraighterLine, or TECEPs in your degree plan, it is suggested that you start with the $50 Medical Terminology TECEP. This is a relatively inexpensive way to find out whether or not your system (computer + internet) will be able to deal with Proctor U requirements. (As a bonus, this is also a critical step to enrollment for TESU students.)

ProctorU does have a system test available on its website that can tell you when things are absolutely broken - such as not being able to detect your camera at all - but passing the system test on the ProctorU site does not ensure that you will have a smooth testing experience on exam day. Only a live test will be able to fully test how the entire process works for you.

Preferences
In general, students prefer the RPNow system because it continues to function even with some brief internet glitches or if your internet connection is a bit slow. It also means that an exam can be taken whenever you want without having to schedule an appointment for the exam. However, there have been reports of the PSI browser used by RPNow shutting itself down randomly in the middle of the exam and it being difficult or impossible to resume testing without intervention by the institution giving the exam.

ProctorU requires a higher-quality (faster) connection and is also subject to various glitches (including being unable to actually hear the live proctor's instructions) but it can be easier to resume an exam in the event of a computer issue.

Examples
Study.com is one institution that solely utilizes RPNow for testing. TECEPs are only available with ProctorU testing. Davar allows you to choose which proctoring method you prefer. Sophia.org forgoes traditional proctoring and instead utilizes their own method for testing.