Online Proctoring FYI - Auto Focusing Webcam Likely Needed

[RTPD]

FYI - I was just prohibited from testing during my scheduled appointment due to the online proctor repeatedly rejecting submission of my identification citing lack of clarity. 

I tried multiple HD 1080p webcams, but many webcams, including mine, are optimized for for views from 2-12 feet, so they are unable to capture a good photo of the small print on identification cards. 

If taking the test via online proctoring, I would suggest that you essentially must have a webcam that can manually adjust focus or auto-focus so it can capture a good quality, up close photo of your identification card. I felt I could read the photo I summited and tried resubmitting multiple times being rejected each time, so please be aware that any blurriness can be cause for rejection. 

Hope this info helps others avoid the issue! I also notified CLARB so they are aware they need to provide equipment specifications for cameras. 

[Jane Zheng Guo]

I also run into a technical error twice when I took the onsite psi exam. A tab popped up and asked me to sign in with my clarb username and password. It failed to login in even with right username and password. The admin called the test center and fixed that.

It is very frustrating and terrifying.

[Christopher Cuesta]

Camera + Upload issue

I had a similar issue. I was unable to upload my Id correctly and kept on getting rejected. I spoke to a customer service agent and they told me to "use a better camera" Days prior to my exam I checked and double-checked all of the systems requirements, via the system checker. After scrambling and finding a 4k camera I was able to upload my ID properly. As soon I was about to enter the exam I was kicked out and unable to get back in. Customer service said they will get back to me in 3-5 days. I was unable to take the exam.

I agree they need to provide equipment specifications,  check the ID live on camera or submit it prior to taking your exam. This can save a lot of time and confusion.

I heard someone had a similar issue as well. 

[Jesse Yan]

Were you guys allowed to take a picture of your ID using your cellphone or did it have to be from the webcam?

[Brian Kelly]

Also curious about this....can you have a jpeg on deck to submit or is the point of it for the proctor to see you take the picture and upload that exact ID photo?

[TCT]

I initially had trouble getting a clear photo of my ID. What I found that helped was to move my head and body out of the frame, then put my ID in the frame. I think that helped the camera focus on the ID instead of on me. It still took a few tries that way, but it did finally work.

[Erin R]

I've been testing this in advance of my test tomorrow and found that it helps to hold a blank piece of paper behind your ID so that the camera can't focus on other things in the room.

Thanks to all for sharing their experiences with the online testing experience.

[RTPD]

No, ID photo cannot be submitted though cellphone or jpeg taken in advance. I tried that route. Must be taken through PSI interface using webcam. 

After purchasing an auto focusing webcam, I had no issues testing. 

[JACKSON BRANDT]

Has anyone done this with a built in mac webcam? I am hoping mine will be sufficient today. 

[Flavio]

can you share the model of camera you bought?

Thank you.

[Breanna Mitchell]

During the April exams PSI offered a new feature for verifying ID which was much easier. There was a QR code that linked to an online submission so that you could take a picture of your ID and submit it rather than trying to get the webcam to focus on it.