Approved By:	ESPCC
Approval Date:	February 24, 2012
Revision Date(s):	March 22, 2019; April 26, 2019; October 23, 2020; January 22, 2021; August 27, 2021
Date Last Reviewed:	December 8, 2023

The CESP examination is a multiple-choice examination delivered via multimodalities, including computer-based testing at testing sites across the US and Online Proctored (OLP) Exams through the use of a subcontracted testing vendor. The CESP examination is also administered through Hosted Exams. The examination is given in English only. Examination application forms, fees, deadlines, and other instructions are published in the candidate handbook and on the web site.

Proctors

Test Center or Online Proctored (OLP) Exams: The testing vendor will manage the hiring and training of all examination proctor.

Hosted Exams: The Certification Director and/or assigned APSE staff will manage the recruitment and training for the CESP Exam Hosting Location Liaison and all examination proctors. The CESP Exam Hosting Location Liaison is the primary point of contact for all communication with APSE.

All proctors will sign and adhere to a conflict of interest agreement before administering any examinations. Proctors should not have a vested interest in the outcome of the CESP examination in which they are administering.

Live Proctored Exams

Live Proctored Exams include both Testing Centers and Hosted Exams. For Testing Centers, the testing vendor manages examination test sites and ensures that all sites meet the following criteria. For Hosted Exams, the CESP Exam Hosting Location Liaison ensures the space for testing meets all criteria below.

• All test takers are required to present a valid, government issued, photo identification to gain admission to the examination site and a second form of ID.
• Examination rooms will be quiet and free of disruption
• Rooms will have adequate and comfortable ventilation, lighting and temperature
• All exam administrations will be monitored by approved proctors as noted above
• Adequate seating space will be provided to reduce distractions and so that test takers cannot see each other’s work
• Entrances/exits will be monitored/controlled and working fire exits will be available
• A clock will be visible for all test takers
• The test site will be accessible in compliance with the ADA
• Test takers will have access to water and restroom facilities

The ESPCC reserves the right to visit examination sites at any time to monitor compliance with security policies and procedures.

Proctors at each test site will:

• manage candidate sign-in and verify candidate identity
• administer pre-approved ADA accommodations as directed by the ESPCC
• manage room and computer set up
• address any candidate or other site problems as needed
• report any exam related incidents or security concerns directly and promptly to the testing vendor

Online/Live Remote Proctoring (OLP)

Live Remote Proctoring is defined by the NCCA as remote proctoring that occurs with a person actively watching and monitoring a candidate during the time of the test administration and that provides safeguards for examination integrity and validity similar to in-person proctoring (NCCA Considerations, 2020).

The testing vendor:

• Will use a lockdown browser
• Will use facial recognition to confirm test taker identity
• Will scan the physical space around the test taker to secure the examination
• Proctors will understand the behavior criteria for the examination - the ESPCC will document how and under what conditions a proctor may terminate an examination session

Proctors for Online Proctored Exams will:

• verify candidate identity
• scan the candidate’s room and observe their testing space
• administer pre-approved ADA accommodations as directed by the ESPCC
• address any candidate behavior or other testing problems as needed
• report any exam related incidents or security concerns directly and promptly to the testing vendor

Score Reporting

Exams will be scored following each exam administration. Score reports are available to candidates after taking the exam, except when delayed in the case of new exam form being developed where a delay will occur to allow for standard setting. Score reports will include a “pass” or “fail” result and failing candidates will receive information on their performance in each content domain area.

Re-Examination

Candidates who wish to retest must adhere to the Policy #603, Retesting of Candidates policy.

Exam Appeals

Candidates who fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor may file an appeal. Candidates who wish to appeal must adhere to the Policy #605, Reconsideration of Adverse Decisions.

Candidate Feedback

Candidates with feedback about the examination processes or their experience throughout testing should utilize the comment area(s) during the exam and after exam survey. Complaints also can be directed to the Certification Director and/or APSE staff. Reports of candidate feedback will be pulled from the testing vendor at least every 6 months for review by Credential staff/ESPCC and if any concerns are identified, the Certification Director and/or assigned APSE staff will bring them to the testing vendor.

Feedback from candidates regarding the content of the exam or specific questions submitted via the comment screen during the exam administration will be reviewed and considered by SMEs as part of the ongoing item review and test development process.

Complaints/appeals and testing irregularities are tracked and documented for the re-accreditation application submission and NCCA annual reports. A log of these complaints is kept by the Certification Director.