First-time experience of online exam for M$ cert

So, good news for me? I passed with the mark of 850/1000.
What really fascinates me though is how these things work. Online exams. I mean, I've taken Microsoft's Exams before but that was my first time taking it online.
This is really just for Microsoft's exam, I don't know how it works with others.

Pros of taking it online: You can pretty much schedule it on whichever date/time you find suitable. Middle of the night? there's probably a slot. Early morning? for sure.

I'm writing this down as a guide for anyone out there whom never experience taking Microsoft's Exams online or maybe going to take it online for the first time.

So M$ partners up with another company called Pearson if you want to take it online.
To be more exact, it's Pearson Vue.
When you apply or schedule the exam online, you'd likely get an email of confirmation and instructions on what to do (for the exam). In the email, there are two separate links you need to care about. The 'system check', and the 'check in' for exam.

➡️ ALWAYS READ THE EMAIL FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

➡️ Always do 'system check' days before the scheduled exam date/time.
Why? The system requirements for the exam. You might think you're good but do it anyway. Who knows, your system might not meet the requirement?

- Either a computer running Windows or MacOS - because when you do a system check, it will ask you to run a program that only supports Windows & MacOS. No Linux, No Android, No iOS etc.
- Virtual machines are detectable by the program, so do not risk it.
- During the system check - it will check for your Microphone, Speaker, Webcam (and internet connection) - so make sure you have all that - use a laptop with all those built-in if it makes it easier.
- And it will also check for any programs running in the background - just close all of it.

➡️ The 'Check In' link will only work 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled.
If you click too early, you'll get nothing/some website telling you it's 'not valid'.

➡️ You're only allowed to use a single screen. If you have multiple monitors, disconnect them. Even better, just get rid of them - put it in another room or aside. If you use a laptop and comfortable with using the built-in screen, just use that instead.

➡️ If you're in a room - close the door; windows? close the blinds. Make sure nothing will ever disturb you. Tell your household not to knock on the door. This is to avoid any problems later. Don't worry, you'll only be in this prison for like 1-2 hours lol (or however long the exams take).

➡️ When you Check In, you'll be prompted to use your mobile phone for a bit - it'll ask to provide the following:
- Take a photo of your ID, front and back & submit (Gov-issued ID, Passport, Drivers' License etc).
- Take a photo of your surrounding - the front setup, the back, the left side, the right side (this is important - make sure things are cluttered around you - it needs to be clear).
After that part is done, put the phone aside, do not reach for it again until the exam is over and the program closes.

➡️ During the Check In, it will also prompt for another round of 'system check' just to make sure your system/computer is ready.

➡️ If the Check In & System Check is done a bit early, you may get a page saying to wait for the exam to start. During this short period - stay visible on the camera, even if it doesn't start yet. All these rules are already applied at this stage. As long as that Pearson OnVue program is running full screen, all rules are applied.

➡️ A proctor will be assigned to you to watch you at all times during the exam. The proctor may asks you to do certain actions - just follow it, do not question them (unless they really asks to do something so stupid or personal or abusing). This can be anything you might find a little silly like closing the blinds on your window; putting certain unrelated-stuff aside; show a 360-room-tour; etc - the point is, just do it if they ask you to.

➡️ When you're done with the exam, do not grab your phone to take a picture or anything.
Even after it gets to the survey. You're not safe yet. Wait for the program to fully close by itself. You're only safe to do what you want after the program closes. The rules are applied as long as the program is still running.

In certain exams - you might see your score right away after the exam, and it will tell you whether you pass the exam or not. Again - remember that the rules are applied as long as the program is still running.