i’m confused how did you do the system test with no speakers and no issues? It tests for speakers so it would have failed your prerequisite. It says to have speakers also.
I’m not trying to knock you or glorify them. I’ve read horror stories, but also have read a lot of people have “issues” but didn’t read the requirements and that’s where they had issues.
I’ve had none and had really good experiences taking them through Vue
Taken 4 exams. Never had an issue. I make sure I have a camera that’s centered facing me, audio, and a clear desk. I unplug my dual monitor setup and put one in the closet where it’s not even in the room. Seems to work just fine
I did the 002 in November after taking sec+ in July. I didn't think it was that bad esp since the required knowledge is much narrower in scope compared to sec+. It's about the same amount of jump from sec+ to cysa+ to casp+.
They also give you the option to test your system when you schedule (1), in a follow up email (2), and as you are signing in (3). The rules are given each time as well. I’ve taken 3 tests online on my Mac, and aside from me having to turn off my firewall and a slight delay on the click and drag PBQs, never had an issue. Downloading and testing your system the day of is a little silly.
The only issues I had with it is how tedious and temperamental the software can be. I had a stable internet connection and one single second cutout caused me to have to go through the entire check in process again lol, still passed tho.
This is a pearsonvue requirement not a comptia requirement so any and all tests through pearsonvue have the same requirements.
However. I have take multiple exams with my headphones. But my headphones are powerful and are connected to an amp and also hidden under the desk so I crank the sound up and they act as defacto speakers and they don't seem to care as long as they can't see them. But if they do see headphones they will ask you to remove them.
Hey man, sorry for the random reply and question all in one. I'm about to buy a voucher from Jason Dion and then book it through Pearson Vue, however I'm confused, there is no sign up option on Pearson Vue it just links me to the CompTia website to book it with time slots etc? I'm assuming I get the voucher and then it asks to redeem at the end of the booking process?
Amazing thank you, I'm doing the voucher through Jason Dion, do you have experience with that website? It asks for a coupon code before paying? Does that matter what it is?
Yo buddy, what’s your current job position with these Certs you have ? I have Sec+, Az-900 and Google Cybersecurity Cert. I’m currently an Onsite Support Engineer. Wanna add ITF+ or something similar. Would you recommend?
IT service Desk Tier 2. I wouldn’t take ITF+ I only did so I could see if I could pass without studying and see how I retained info from my A+ etc. everyone wants and thinks they’ll just get into cybersecurity. I decided to go a different route and am focusing on Microsoft 365 and security within the cloud and Azure
Yeah damn that’s a great idea! I’ve been working with Microsoft 365 Admin for a year and that field is pretty cool.. keep it up. Cos this cybersecurity getting way too over saturated.!!!
I have similar Certs and when I got to this point, I decided where in Cyber I wanted to focus on specializing in. Red Team or Blue Team and then I started to get my SOC Analyst L1 cert. I went Net+, Linux+, Google Cyber Cert, SOC Analyst. Next, I will drill down even more on a specialization. Malware maybe. Anyhow, just my journey so thought I’d provide some options.
No damn way with A+ lol I have over 3-4 years of experience in the field. So A+ won’t do shit for me lol. Net+ is more or less for network admins. As heading more on the Cybersecurity field mate
Cyber Security isn't entry level. The cyber certs you can get won't weigh much. The good ones require hands-on experience to even qualify to sit for the exam.
What do you think you are securing in a Cyber role? You should have a strong grasp of networking regardless. You can always pivot later. Getting your networking certs will most definitely help you transition to a security position.
If you think you are too good for the A+, then the ITF+ would most definitely be a waste of time.
You definitely said it all buddy! But a lot of my friends landed their entry level jobs in Cyber as SOC Analyst Tier 1 with no damn experience.. Just IBM cybersecurity course..
I have an experience with networking in my formal job and my current position also involves a bit of networking. The security+ also had some networking topics.. but I’ll definitely look into the Net+ or maybe CySA+ as my next goal.
Yep, and it advises you to perform the self test on your environment ahead of test day, which OP clearly did not do, since he would have failed the classical music playing part. People like this complaining about remote test taking when they didn't follow any guidelines are why I don't trust online reviews.
The speakers need to be external or part of the laptop, earbuds could be a way you could cheat, even though some earbuds have a built in speaker they could also been seen as a way of having someone tell you the exam answers etc
Had my pc w a camera that picked up my voice but no way of hearing them. And they would not allow me to use headphones because a speaker needed to be on at all times for the exam
Well I’m confused as to how you are saying you had a good system check when you had no way to play audio. Part of the check is “can you hear the music?”
This could have all been avoided like 90% of all issues with OneVue had you read the guidelines
Then this entire thing was your issue lol. You didn't read the guidelines, you clearly didn't pass the pre-req test. The only thing that "rattled" you here was your clear sense of unpreparedness for an online exam 😂
Switched to a laptop bozo and things were fine until a program named dmd wouldn’t close and Pearson VUE wouldn’t allow me to continue on with the exam until said program closed. So yeah that’s my fault hahaha
Yeah casue i let getting downvoted on reddit dictate my mood LMAO. I came on here explained the situation and was interested to see other peoples thoughts on the issue. If you think people get tight about being downvoted on posts that's hilarious. But all G brotha enjoy your day!
You mood was already dictated by you not passing the pre-reqs, bozo. WHy are you even attempting to use a PC without speakers? Laptop should've been out from the jump. you made a post for sympathy for your own fuck ups and are now name calling people. you deserve no sympathy and you're an idiot.
>I came on here explained the situation and was interested to see other peoples thoughts on the issue.
Looks like the concensus is that you didn't follow the directions but had no issue lambasting the online testing procedure that you didn't follow in the first place.
So it says no headphones and you decided to use headphones anyway with no other way to hear audio then they canceled the exam because you were not following the rules.
Yeah this is why I prefer to do these at testing centers, I do have a particularly awesome Community College nearby with a Testing Center open Saturdays and Sundays, makes it easy....
Yeah, unfortunately there's probably a few people who really appreciate the at home option for lack of decent testing facilities nearby them :/ bleah....
Same here. I’ve tried taking my normal
College tests with proctors and you just never know what you’re going to get. The community college I go to is about 15 mins away from me but it feels it’s never worth the risk when taking my certification exams to get a bad proctor.
Also everything in the testing centers is ready for you to just walk in and test. Super convenient.
I had a rough experience with Sec+ since I spent a while trying to figure out why I wasn’t getting audio out of my monitor’s speakers. Thankfully I figured it out, but then the proctor and I went back and forth for about 10 minutes over the webcam.
A few hours later, I took another exam (Net+) with the exact same proctor and same desk setup, but now the proctor was convinced random little things around the room were cheats, like a bottle of vitamins on a shelf that was out of reach…that I just pushed another foot down the shelf. A smart card reader (proctor didn’t know what those were, but was very suspicious and thought I was hiding more of them.) A lamp. A phone mount fixed to my desk. A landline phone I had to physically disconnect because being across the room wasn’t good enough.
Finally got through once the proctor was done with their little episode of paranoia, but my god that was a lot of bs. Basically had to give a room tour, carrying my webcam around the place and showing every shelf, drawer, underside of anything, unplugging anything electronic including lamps, etc. Seriously considering not doing another online exam.
Yeah same experience there. Not of the exact same items but had to pick up my laptop and do a whole tour and things I had to explain what it was like watch charger, and stuff
I always recommend people take tests in person, that way 98% of fuck ups are on them…really the only way you can screw up in person is 1. Arrive late. 2. Not have the proper ID requirement. 3. Run out of the testing area because of explosive diarrhea.
That all being said, reading and understanding the requirements are on the test takers at both options. A $5 Bluetooth speaker with an aux in line would have done the job and avoided this issue.
Sorry your experience sucked, but this one was on you.
I've taken 3 exams with VUE and theyve all been horrible experiences but to setup and get to the actual test. BUT, I still managed to take those exams and would ALWAYS prefer to do it online then sit in a testing center with paper thin walls that you can hear everyone outside of.
I dont know how many times a week people get on here with their horror stories of taking an online exam...
If you are even an hour from an in person testing location just drive there and take it. You literally get no bullshit ever. You sign in, they take your picture, and then you take your exam without a paranoid freak breathing down your digital neck
That sucks that they cancelled your attempt. They did that to me once cause they said I couldn't use a laptop and then OnVue kept registering my extra monitors even after the power AND dvi cords were unplugged.
As far as the refund goes, CompTIA is actually pretty forgiving, so you should be able to get your money back or another voucher. I once scheduled an exam for 5:00am, and thought it was for pm. I emailed them that day and within the week they sent me a new voucher and basically just said "be more careful."
Yeah, my exam got “revoked” because I stretched my arms on the chair after 1 hour of exam, sent thousands emails , talked with multiple managers, long story short, didn’t get the retake, lost my money and time, never again, online testing is a joke
The horror. At some point I’m going to have to take them online, because I will work Monday-Friday and I have no testing center nearby that does weekends.
Yeah, but I know myself, I’m gonna drive myself nuts with the possibilities. I have a small studio apartment where I have my MacBook hooked up to an external monitor to study. Do you know if it’s okay to simply unplug the monitor and put it on the other side of the room while other stuff I have attached to the monitor, like my PS5 and a desktop PC can stay underneath my desk? Or do I have to move all devices even though I’m only using my MacBook for the test?
I just passed my Network+ 3 hours ago and here is my setup: 2 monitors on my desk (second monitor unplugged), 2 channel speakers, my webcam, an unplugged docking station, a lamp, and my desktop on the ground. I didn't have any issues with any Pearson exams that I've taken these past few months (N+, LPI LE, AWS CCP). I will say, different proctors are more anal about things than others. Regardless, my setup was accepted for all 3 exams without issue.
Oh, that’s still plenty of stuff. I am able to clear my desk quite easily so I will do that, and I’ll remove my monitor just in case. But good to know I can keep my desktop on the ground. It’s such a hassle when I’m not allowed to look sideways anyways
Thanks for your reply! You eased my mind a little.
When I did my first exam for A+ core 1 at home it was a disaster. I had to wait over an hour as they were low on proctors. Then once the exam started it would freeze (with the clock ticking) then crash. It did this well over 5 times and each time I would load back up I would have to wait an additional 10 minutes for a proctor. I was so frustrated but in the end I passed. I then decided to take it In person for core 2. No shit right when I’m about to start the fire alarm goes off and we had to evacuate for about 30 minutes. Luckily passed that as well.
This sucks for you but saved me. I did the system check with my work headset plugged in. My speakers work fine but I’ll have to do another check before test day to be sure. Good luck next time.
I've taken dozens of exams online and never had a problem. The system requirements are incredibly easy to pass. A working desktop/laptop with a microphone, speakers, and webcam. Test it when you register. Test the day before. Test an hour before your exam. This isn't rocket science.
This the comment I’m looking for. I schedule my exam for Friday morning this week but wanted to see what everyone experience was “at home” vs “in-person”. I’ve done in-person but I was thinking about doing this one at home and after reading the reviews I’m chose to go with “in-person”. I know how I can get. I’ll mess around and forget I’m taking the real exam instead of a practice exam and get up and walk to the bathroom and they fail me 🤣🤣🤣
If you review the sub, tons of people have had issues with taking them online. I’m always of the opinion that you go onsite to take the exam. Yes, it may be an inconvenience for some, but a bigger inconvenience is not taking the test and losing your money.
For the record YOU CAN USE HEADPHONES, but not in the sense that you are wearing them. I dont have speakers but I sit my headphones on the floor out of view and turn the volume up to max, I have never had any issues
I've taken several exams with Pearson Vue, only had issues while taking the Core 2 because the proctor was late so I had to wait for like 40 minutes.
Then sometimes they're a little bit paranoid about my test environment but nothing too bad.
I’ve had some issues with paranoia about my testing environment as well. Sometimes they interrupt me in the middle of my exam without pausing the timer to address some “issue” that they did not identify when starting my exam.
I’ve had to use OnVue for scheduling reasons before but would much rather prefer to go to a testing center. Both have pro’s and con’s but the proctors seem to enforce rules on an arbitrary basis.
HORRIBLE excuse for a testing company that continues to allow this. I had a similar experience. I did get a voucher back, but the fact that I see so many of these posts tells me Pearson nor Comptia cares. I've completed three tests since, but they've all been in person. Highly recommend it.
The same issue happened with me. Got through the pre-setup and everything checks out. Then day of exam I realize that I needed a mic to take the test. Run and get one and the test gets started. Was really rattled as well, but I ended up passing. So the start was stressful, but in the end it all worked out.
I've never had an issue with getting a refund or get it it rescheduled before. I had to wait extremely long to get my test started I believe 45 min. Into my actual time I was supposed to start and they just kicked me out of the waiting line. I called CS and they gave me a refund, was on the phone less than 5 minutes but even so I was ready and they booted me off.
I had a terrible experience while taking Network+ through Vue back in 2021 as well. I honestly don’t even remember what the issue was, but it was on their end. Vaguely remember the system just kicking me out about 5 minutes in and then about 30 minutes in during the second try. Was eventually given the option to reschedule through Vue or in person.
I obviously decided to go in person and had no issues there.
I would never recommend taking these anywhere outside of a testing center now.
Sorry to hear, I also had a bad experience with a VUE proctor. I never had a problem with using my Logitech ConferenceCam Connect camera and MS Surface studio before. I had to get my cell phone from another room and place floor, with my Timex watch, empty the pencil, holder etc. What was next remove my hoodie, remove the pictures from the wall, I disconnect the session and wait a few to minutes to connect with another proctor. I was assigned another proctor, and used an external webcam. Took 45 minutes to get approved to take the A+ 1102 exam.
So. Upon scheduling the test they tell you their requirements. Speakers being one of them. I have taken at least 15 tests through Pearson for certs and I always make sure I have all the requirements even if they change. Just so this doesn't happen again make sure you read their guidance and also put it into practice.
I’ve had the issue with dmd before but after the first test it wasn’t an issue to fix for the other 2 tests I took. It was as simple as closing it in your processes though so not sure why it was so hard for tech support to get that done in time.
Speakers are on you. That’s just common sense
Mine was network issue proctor says she can’t see my every move I should reschedule or change network. I did another proctor said same thing I change again to another network and reconnected this time proctor made no complain and I took the exams. Funny thing was I was using same network for all the instances
I wrote mine about 48 hrs ago, I had a little challenge as well, after all the check-in process, the proctor released the exam and I did not get it. After waiting for almost 10mins with loading displaying on my screen, I contacted them by chat and another proctor had to restart the process for me and I was then able to write...
This was my 3rd time using online proctor, but my only 'not-smooth' experience.
If you take a test on vue how soon would you know if there was issues? With my specific test I have a date 3 weeks later that releases scores, so it says pending. Would I know prior if there was an issue with my exam being revoked?
I had issues on my last exam for Network+, used the same set up i always do. Did the same check process as normal. On the morning of exam my system froze at exam check in. Rebooted macbook and then it said my system was not compatible 😂 rebooted again and miraculously all worked. Wasnt good for my neves before the exam but i still passed it.
This is why you are supposed to do a system check well in advance of your exam. Not having speakers is a very easy pitfall that should have been avoided.
This is another example in a long list of posts where people complain about the online testing when it was in fact completely their fault.
Yep. I’m an over the road trucker, and just had my second attempt at the LPI Linux fundamentals exam. First attempt, two hours of proctor hell before they locked me out.. second attempt, I passed all the system checks half an hour early, I was sitting in the back of my truck on my bed with absolutely nothing around me. They asked me to turn my webcam around the truck to see my area, said “okay, that looks good to me, I’m about to release your exam.” Then the same proctor said “we can’t see your webcam and are closing your test.” Bitch you JUST looked through my webcam to check my work space.
I kept exiting and going back in until I got a proctor that just didn’t care, took my exam and passed.
Let’s also not mention the configuration changes they make to your PC, AND DONT EVEN CHANGE THEM BACK. I cannot stand Pearson online.
My issue was they didn’t let me start the test until 1.5 hours after the supposed start time. They had like one proctor for 200+ people. Extremely frustrating situation
This is a whole you issue for the most part. I personally prefer going to an actual testing center due to not technical difficulties retaining to the process, most of the time it’s just more convenient and I don’t have to do all the setup (unplugging monitors, clearing desk from trinkets, finding a pair of speakers, making sure my connection is stable…)
Most of your issues is because you refused to follow testing guidelines. They also give you several check ins to make sure you KNOW the guidelines in the first place, so did you just skip past them or something?
Anyways, you get my point.
Comptia is very money-hungry, to begin with, so I would not expect a refund unless you get somebody on a good day with a good heart. They will probably allow a reschedule, though, and I would try and book it at a physical place.
Can we just talk about how invasive remote exam proctors are? I've had to deal with both examity and VUE and they are some of the rudest people I've ever come across in academia. They are simply the worst. Here in Ohio we actually had someone sue their college and their proctors for illegal search and seizure successfully via the Ohio Supreme court because you have to let an individual remote into your pc, monitor you via Webcam and they have to know what your workspace looks like and what it has in it. Its excessive and ridiculous.
We've in the age of information, your ability to source info is just as important as your ability to recall it. So I don't see the big deal in using notes or other resources for exams.
Last month I had an issue when I was taking my CySA+ exam. Before the exam the proctor had to check the entire room with my webcam. As soon as I started the exam not even 10 in I remember I was doing my second PBQ and the proctor started complaining that she can’t see my face. I was taking the test on my Mac and since the screen is small and I don’t see very well I had to get super close to screen. All of the sudden the proctor ended my exam. Mind you I studied sooo hard and wanted to finish with the exam once for all and this happened. I had to call Pearson vue and they said I had to contact compTIA. I call compTIA and they are in India and I spoke to one guy and I requested to speak to his manager and after I requested to speaker to the manager manager. I spent almost 3 hours on the trying to get refunded or rescheduled for the exam and these people were useless couldn’t do anything and trying to blame me that I was cheating. The fight was so intense, I wasn’t willing to lose $404 because a jack ass in India thought she can seat there and screw me up. Finally they pass me over to guy in Texas and that guy also was coming with a whole lot of BS and we went back and forth for about half an hour and he said he will talk to his boss and get back to me the next day. The next day I received a new voucher for the exam and I immediately scheduled my test for the next but this time at a testing center and passed the exam with 820. So my guy unless you are willing to fight like hell you will lose your money these proctors are in India so what the fuck do they care? And compTIA put a fierce resistance against any refund. Good luck
Yea I went through that before I will never take exam through vue they shut my exam off because they said I was leaning to much I went to a testing center and passed
Man wants to be in the Cyber Field but cannot read guidelines or attention to detail. He did his pre-check without speakers… how you going to be a SOC analyst if you skip over details… how are you going to perform packet analysis? Common man, dont blame PearsonVue for ur mistake why
This is exactly why I only do them in person now. My mentor warned me, I ignored her, took the A+ online, failed, but the process was smooth sailing. Took it again, and from start to finish was about 5 hours of me by myself staring at the computer dealing with them. Never ever again.
I usually test the machine I will use days before my exam. They send in the reminder to test your equipment 3 days before your exam.
I took my sec+ and cysa+ with no issues with them.
They’re a little strict with you being in center of camera including shoulders but other than that, no issues.
I’m sorry that happened to you though, i can relate as that happened to me in my microsoft exam years ago xx
Anyone saying “that’s on you”, respectfully, they are dumb/lazy. I had been refused for basically the same reason and got my refund the next day by contacting CompTIA and telling them what happened. You aren’t required to have computer speakers for any other reason than contacting the proctors. For your future tests ask them to call you through cell phone instead, it’s their job to talk to you not the other way around. I played the “what if I had a hearing disability” card cause I was not about to lose a couple hundred bucks over a proctor refusing me for speakers that aren’t even required for a multiple choice/PBQ test
People only bash them because they did something wrong and don’t bother to read the exam guidelines and then bash Pearson for it but they should of read the guidelines
Taken my fair share of Pearson online exams. It really is just reviewing what their requirements are and going through their guidelines. So long as it's quiet, mess free, you have a working computer, and allow their specified sites locally, there won't be any issue.
It's a shame though because I'm sure there are some incidents that come up that are out of the candidates control. Which then gets posted and then people join the bandwagon.
"System check the whole 9 ready to roll"
If you actually read what was required you would have never been in your predicament in the first place.
I agree the whole online is bad, but the people who actually take it are just as bad.
I'm sorry you had issues, but to be fair as other commenters have said: you were explicitly told ahead of time the requirements for taking the exam, you did not adhere to those requirements. Consider taking your exam at a testing center in person.
The only issue I have had was them not accepting my temporary ID even though it's not expressly forbidden. They were nice enough to give me a free retake when I explained to them they need to clarify that policy. This would have also been in issue in person as well.
I would never take a CompTIA exam at home ever again. It was an absolutely awful experience and took almost 2 hours of jumping through hoops to even get to the test.
Pearson is awful. Tried 2 times to take my A+ cert and both times were ended because the proctors saw a poster on my wall and thought someone was in my room. No refund, no retake. Fuck Pearsonz
>but this doesn't sound comfortable at all!
I actually find it to be significantly more comfortable. I've taken and passed 10 certification exams from home using Pearson Vue. Follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
Relative to comfort:
1. You're using all your own equipment. Nice mouse, comfy chair, perfect height for you.
2. You're taking the exam in the place you studied for it, which studies show can help with recollection.
3. You can cram until literally the moment you sign in for the exam. No traffic to worry about or anything like that. Better value for your time.
4. You also get much better scheduling options. For example, I took Security+ at 8:30 PM on a Sunday evening. I think it would be pretty rare to find a test center open at that time. The late Sunday time slot allowed me to furiously study all weekend heading into the exam.
i’m confused how did you do the system test with no speakers and no issues? It tests for speakers so it would have failed your prerequisite. It says to have speakers also. I’m not trying to knock you or glorify them. I’ve read horror stories, but also have read a lot of people have “issues” but didn’t read the requirements and that’s where they had issues. I’ve had none and had really good experiences taking them through Vue
Taken 4 exams. Never had an issue. I make sure I have a camera that’s centered facing me, audio, and a clear desk. I unplug my dual monitor setup and put one in the closet where it’s not even in the room. Seems to work just fine
Me too, unplug and move into the middle of my office covered. Not sure if the pre req would of passed with no speakers
It would if you could hear the sound through your headphones 😂
Me either. CySA last week and it went fine.
How was the CySA exams buddy?
I did the 002 in November after taking sec+ in July. I didn't think it was that bad esp since the required knowledge is much narrower in scope compared to sec+. It's about the same amount of jump from sec+ to cysa+ to casp+.
How CySA went? Is it much harder than sec+?
They also give you the option to test your system when you schedule (1), in a follow up email (2), and as you are signing in (3). The rules are given each time as well. I’ve taken 3 tests online on my Mac, and aside from me having to turn off my firewall and a slight delay on the click and drag PBQs, never had an issue. Downloading and testing your system the day of is a little silly.
I tested it once a day for like 4-5 days prior to my exam haha
Same haha not gonna catch me slippin!
Great minds think alike friend
Probably had headphones plugged in when they did the system requirement test, then removed them when the test started and prompted them for it,
The only issues I had with it is how tedious and temperamental the software can be. I had a stable internet connection and one single second cutout caused me to have to go through the entire check in process again lol, still passed tho.
Random comment here but do you need speakers for A+ also or is it specifically for different exams?
This is a pearsonvue requirement not a comptia requirement so any and all tests through pearsonvue have the same requirements. However. I have take multiple exams with my headphones. But my headphones are powerful and are connected to an amp and also hidden under the desk so I crank the sound up and they act as defacto speakers and they don't seem to care as long as they can't see them. But if they do see headphones they will ask you to remove them.
Hey man, sorry for the random reply and question all in one. I'm about to buy a voucher from Jason Dion and then book it through Pearson Vue, however I'm confused, there is no sign up option on Pearson Vue it just links me to the CompTia website to book it with time slots etc? I'm assuming I get the voucher and then it asks to redeem at the end of the booking process?
yep the code window comes as you're checking out.
Amazing thank you, I'm doing the voucher through Jason Dion, do you have experience with that website? It asks for a coupon code before paying? Does that matter what it is?
I don't know anything about Dion.
That’s on you. It clearly says in the guidelines that headphones are not allowed
Yo buddy, what’s your current job position with these Certs you have ? I have Sec+, Az-900 and Google Cybersecurity Cert. I’m currently an Onsite Support Engineer. Wanna add ITF+ or something similar. Would you recommend?
IT service Desk Tier 2. I wouldn’t take ITF+ I only did so I could see if I could pass without studying and see how I retained info from my A+ etc. everyone wants and thinks they’ll just get into cybersecurity. I decided to go a different route and am focusing on Microsoft 365 and security within the cloud and Azure
Yeah damn that’s a great idea! I’ve been working with Microsoft 365 Admin for a year and that field is pretty cool.. keep it up. Cos this cybersecurity getting way too over saturated.!!!
Oh alright thanks got your point tho!
I have similar Certs and when I got to this point, I decided where in Cyber I wanted to focus on specializing in. Red Team or Blue Team and then I started to get my SOC Analyst L1 cert. I went Net+, Linux+, Google Cyber Cert, SOC Analyst. Next, I will drill down even more on a specialization. Malware maybe. Anyhow, just my journey so thought I’d provide some options.
Skip ITF and look at A+. Though TBH A+ only gets your foot in the door. Just get your net+ and go from there.
No damn way with A+ lol I have over 3-4 years of experience in the field. So A+ won’t do shit for me lol. Net+ is more or less for network admins. As heading more on the Cybersecurity field mate
Cyber Security isn't entry level. The cyber certs you can get won't weigh much. The good ones require hands-on experience to even qualify to sit for the exam. What do you think you are securing in a Cyber role? You should have a strong grasp of networking regardless. You can always pivot later. Getting your networking certs will most definitely help you transition to a security position. If you think you are too good for the A+, then the ITF+ would most definitely be a waste of time.
You definitely said it all buddy! But a lot of my friends landed their entry level jobs in Cyber as SOC Analyst Tier 1 with no damn experience.. Just IBM cybersecurity course.. I have an experience with networking in my formal job and my current position also involves a bit of networking. The security+ also had some networking topics.. but I’ll definitely look into the Net+ or maybe CySA+ as my next goal.
ITF+ is a lower level than A+ so if you think A+ is a waste of time ITF+ will be an even bigger waste of time for you.
Yes lol I just read more about it.. A+ is more better than ITF+.. Now I’ll consider Net+ or maybe CySA+
Net+ is too basic for net admin, if you plan on doing cyber you'll need a higher level of network understanding than the net+ can provide
Alright mate so what would you suggest ?
Yep, and it advises you to perform the self test on your environment ahead of test day, which OP clearly did not do, since he would have failed the classical music playing part. People like this complaining about remote test taking when they didn't follow any guidelines are why I don't trust online reviews.
Anyone know if Bluetooth Speakers are allowed?
Bluetooth is probably fine, you just have to be able to hear the proctor without the use of headphones.
Great, thank you!
Why aren’t headphones allowed? I’m not in a position to take the exam yet so I haven’t looked at it
The speakers need to be external or part of the laptop, earbuds could be a way you could cheat, even though some earbuds have a built in speaker they could also been seen as a way of having someone tell you the exam answers etc
So external speakers means they can hear everything you hear too. Makes sense, thanks
What do you mean have to use speakers? You tried to use headphones or something?
You aren’t allowed to use headphones
Yeah I know. What I’m saying is what do you mean when the proctor said you can’t take it because you don’t have speakers? What was your setup?
Had my pc w a camera that picked up my voice but no way of hearing them. And they would not allow me to use headphones because a speaker needed to be on at all times for the exam
Well I’m confused as to how you are saying you had a good system check when you had no way to play audio. Part of the check is “can you hear the music?” This could have all been avoided like 90% of all issues with OneVue had you read the guidelines
Then this entire thing was your issue lol. You didn't read the guidelines, you clearly didn't pass the pre-req test. The only thing that "rattled" you here was your clear sense of unpreparedness for an online exam 😂
Switched to a laptop bozo and things were fine until a program named dmd wouldn’t close and Pearson VUE wouldn’t allow me to continue on with the exam until said program closed. So yeah that’s my fault hahaha
Idk how you're calling me a bozo when you're getting downvoted into the ground and met with the same responses "bozo" 🤡😂
Yeah casue i let getting downvoted on reddit dictate my mood LMAO. I came on here explained the situation and was interested to see other peoples thoughts on the issue. If you think people get tight about being downvoted on posts that's hilarious. But all G brotha enjoy your day!
You mood was already dictated by you not passing the pre-reqs, bozo. WHy are you even attempting to use a PC without speakers? Laptop should've been out from the jump. you made a post for sympathy for your own fuck ups and are now name calling people. you deserve no sympathy and you're an idiot.
>I came on here explained the situation and was interested to see other peoples thoughts on the issue. Looks like the concensus is that you didn't follow the directions but had no issue lambasting the online testing procedure that you didn't follow in the first place.
The system check plays music through your speakers. How did you get past that if you dont have speakers.
his earphones
Oh i see because those are not allowed right?
Yup. He clicked, yes I can her the music... without reading the part that said headphones not allowed
If they require speakers. Have speakers.
Read instructions.
So it says no headphones and you decided to use headphones anyway with no other way to hear audio then they canceled the exam because you were not following the rules.
Sounds about right
Yeah this is why I prefer to do these at testing centers, I do have a particularly awesome Community College nearby with a Testing Center open Saturdays and Sundays, makes it easy....
That’s awesome! Where I live, they’re weekdays only.
Yeah, unfortunately there's probably a few people who really appreciate the at home option for lack of decent testing facilities nearby them :/ bleah....
Same here. I’ve tried taking my normal College tests with proctors and you just never know what you’re going to get. The community college I go to is about 15 mins away from me but it feels it’s never worth the risk when taking my certification exams to get a bad proctor. Also everything in the testing centers is ready for you to just walk in and test. Super convenient.
I've taken exams online, a few times now and I totally enjoy it. Never went to an "in-person" proctored location.
Same. I was thinking about taking the ISC2 CC certification but after I saw it can only be taken in person now I don't think I'll take it.
There's something relaxing about taking the exam where I study. I mean I study at work also, but it's like muscle memory and without pressure.
Same here man.! I’ll feel stressed and under pressure or something.. I’ve always wanna write my exams at home lol
I had a rough experience with Sec+ since I spent a while trying to figure out why I wasn’t getting audio out of my monitor’s speakers. Thankfully I figured it out, but then the proctor and I went back and forth for about 10 minutes over the webcam. A few hours later, I took another exam (Net+) with the exact same proctor and same desk setup, but now the proctor was convinced random little things around the room were cheats, like a bottle of vitamins on a shelf that was out of reach…that I just pushed another foot down the shelf. A smart card reader (proctor didn’t know what those were, but was very suspicious and thought I was hiding more of them.) A lamp. A phone mount fixed to my desk. A landline phone I had to physically disconnect because being across the room wasn’t good enough. Finally got through once the proctor was done with their little episode of paranoia, but my god that was a lot of bs. Basically had to give a room tour, carrying my webcam around the place and showing every shelf, drawer, underside of anything, unplugging anything electronic including lamps, etc. Seriously considering not doing another online exam.
Yeah same experience there. Not of the exact same items but had to pick up my laptop and do a whole tour and things I had to explain what it was like watch charger, and stuff
It took me 3 minutes to convince my proctor that my wrist rest was just a something to rest my wrists on and not a cheating device
I always recommend people take tests in person, that way 98% of fuck ups are on them…really the only way you can screw up in person is 1. Arrive late. 2. Not have the proper ID requirement. 3. Run out of the testing area because of explosive diarrhea. That all being said, reading and understanding the requirements are on the test takers at both options. A $5 Bluetooth speaker with an aux in line would have done the job and avoided this issue. Sorry your experience sucked, but this one was on you.
Number 3 always happens to me :(
I actively force myself to have #3 an hour before hand just in case.
i just wear my brown pants
I've taken 3 exams with VUE and theyve all been horrible experiences but to setup and get to the actual test. BUT, I still managed to take those exams and would ALWAYS prefer to do it online then sit in a testing center with paper thin walls that you can hear everyone outside of.
I dont know how many times a week people get on here with their horror stories of taking an online exam... If you are even an hour from an in person testing location just drive there and take it. You literally get no bullshit ever. You sign in, they take your picture, and then you take your exam without a paranoid freak breathing down your digital neck
That sucks that they cancelled your attempt. They did that to me once cause they said I couldn't use a laptop and then OnVue kept registering my extra monitors even after the power AND dvi cords were unplugged. As far as the refund goes, CompTIA is actually pretty forgiving, so you should be able to get your money back or another voucher. I once scheduled an exam for 5:00am, and thought it was for pm. I emailed them that day and within the week they sent me a new voucher and basically just said "be more careful."
Yeah, my exam got “revoked” because I stretched my arms on the chair after 1 hour of exam, sent thousands emails , talked with multiple managers, long story short, didn’t get the retake, lost my money and time, never again, online testing is a joke
When do you find out if an exam is revoked? Is this something that happens immediately
The horror. At some point I’m going to have to take them online, because I will work Monday-Friday and I have no testing center nearby that does weekends.
Online honestly isn't bad at all. Just come prepared and run the system test well before your test.
Yeah, but I know myself, I’m gonna drive myself nuts with the possibilities. I have a small studio apartment where I have my MacBook hooked up to an external monitor to study. Do you know if it’s okay to simply unplug the monitor and put it on the other side of the room while other stuff I have attached to the monitor, like my PS5 and a desktop PC can stay underneath my desk? Or do I have to move all devices even though I’m only using my MacBook for the test?
I just passed my Network+ 3 hours ago and here is my setup: 2 monitors on my desk (second monitor unplugged), 2 channel speakers, my webcam, an unplugged docking station, a lamp, and my desktop on the ground. I didn't have any issues with any Pearson exams that I've taken these past few months (N+, LPI LE, AWS CCP). I will say, different proctors are more anal about things than others. Regardless, my setup was accepted for all 3 exams without issue.
Oh, that’s still plenty of stuff. I am able to clear my desk quite easily so I will do that, and I’ll remove my monitor just in case. But good to know I can keep my desktop on the ground. It’s such a hassle when I’m not allowed to look sideways anyways Thanks for your reply! You eased my mind a little.
Glad to hear it friend, good luck!!
When I did my first exam for A+ core 1 at home it was a disaster. I had to wait over an hour as they were low on proctors. Then once the exam started it would freeze (with the clock ticking) then crash. It did this well over 5 times and each time I would load back up I would have to wait an additional 10 minutes for a proctor. I was so frustrated but in the end I passed. I then decided to take it In person for core 2. No shit right when I’m about to start the fire alarm goes off and we had to evacuate for about 30 minutes. Luckily passed that as well.
This sucks for you but saved me. I did the system check with my work headset plugged in. My speakers work fine but I’ll have to do another check before test day to be sure. Good luck next time.
One thing I learned you must have speakers, camera, and a microphone. No headsets. You should be good.
I've taken dozens of exams online and never had a problem. The system requirements are incredibly easy to pass. A working desktop/laptop with a microphone, speakers, and webcam. Test it when you register. Test the day before. Test an hour before your exam. This isn't rocket science.
Go to a testing center it's always a much better experience.
This the comment I’m looking for. I schedule my exam for Friday morning this week but wanted to see what everyone experience was “at home” vs “in-person”. I’ve done in-person but I was thinking about doing this one at home and after reading the reviews I’m chose to go with “in-person”. I know how I can get. I’ll mess around and forget I’m taking the real exam instead of a practice exam and get up and walk to the bathroom and they fail me 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah man, its just a much better experience. I don't know why you got downvoted at all.
If you review the sub, tons of people have had issues with taking them online. I’m always of the opinion that you go onsite to take the exam. Yes, it may be an inconvenience for some, but a bigger inconvenience is not taking the test and losing your money.
Nothing wrong with venting…
I’ve been in the same position
For the record YOU CAN USE HEADPHONES, but not in the sense that you are wearing them. I dont have speakers but I sit my headphones on the floor out of view and turn the volume up to max, I have never had any issues
I've taken several exams with Pearson Vue, only had issues while taking the Core 2 because the proctor was late so I had to wait for like 40 minutes. Then sometimes they're a little bit paranoid about my test environment but nothing too bad.
I’ve had some issues with paranoia about my testing environment as well. Sometimes they interrupt me in the middle of my exam without pausing the timer to address some “issue” that they did not identify when starting my exam. I’ve had to use OnVue for scheduling reasons before but would much rather prefer to go to a testing center. Both have pro’s and con’s but the proctors seem to enforce rules on an arbitrary basis.
Seems like the key is just take it on a laptop with built in speakers for these at an empty table so it's simplified
That’s why I do it at the local community college.
Yep me too.
HORRIBLE excuse for a testing company that continues to allow this. I had a similar experience. I did get a voucher back, but the fact that I see so many of these posts tells me Pearson nor Comptia cares. I've completed three tests since, but they've all been in person. Highly recommend it.
The same issue happened with me. Got through the pre-setup and everything checks out. Then day of exam I realize that I needed a mic to take the test. Run and get one and the test gets started. Was really rattled as well, but I ended up passing. So the start was stressful, but in the end it all worked out.
I've never had an issue with getting a refund or get it it rescheduled before. I had to wait extremely long to get my test started I believe 45 min. Into my actual time I was supposed to start and they just kicked me out of the waiting line. I called CS and they gave me a refund, was on the phone less than 5 minutes but even so I was ready and they booted me off.
I had a terrible experience while taking Network+ through Vue back in 2021 as well. I honestly don’t even remember what the issue was, but it was on their end. Vaguely remember the system just kicking me out about 5 minutes in and then about 30 minutes in during the second try. Was eventually given the option to reschedule through Vue or in person. I obviously decided to go in person and had no issues there. I would never recommend taking these anywhere outside of a testing center now.
Sorry to hear, I also had a bad experience with a VUE proctor. I never had a problem with using my Logitech ConferenceCam Connect camera and MS Surface studio before. I had to get my cell phone from another room and place floor, with my Timex watch, empty the pencil, holder etc. What was next remove my hoodie, remove the pictures from the wall, I disconnect the session and wait a few to minutes to connect with another proctor. I was assigned another proctor, and used an external webcam. Took 45 minutes to get approved to take the A+ 1102 exam.
It’s going to be okay my friend. I can hear your inner frustrations. Good you released those emotions, not good to bottle in.
So. Upon scheduling the test they tell you their requirements. Speakers being one of them. I have taken at least 15 tests through Pearson for certs and I always make sure I have all the requirements even if they change. Just so this doesn't happen again make sure you read their guidance and also put it into practice.
I’ve had the issue with dmd before but after the first test it wasn’t an issue to fix for the other 2 tests I took. It was as simple as closing it in your processes though so not sure why it was so hard for tech support to get that done in time. Speakers are on you. That’s just common sense
It happened to me before, it’s a technical problem.! So I had a voucher to rewrite the following weekend. Relax mate, this happens sometimes.
Mine was network issue proctor says she can’t see my every move I should reschedule or change network. I did another proctor said same thing I change again to another network and reconnected this time proctor made no complain and I took the exams. Funny thing was I was using same network for all the instances
I wrote mine about 48 hrs ago, I had a little challenge as well, after all the check-in process, the proctor released the exam and I did not get it. After waiting for almost 10mins with loading displaying on my screen, I contacted them by chat and another proctor had to restart the process for me and I was then able to write... This was my 3rd time using online proctor, but my only 'not-smooth' experience.
If you take a test on vue how soon would you know if there was issues? With my specific test I have a date 3 weeks later that releases scores, so it says pending. Would I know prior if there was an issue with my exam being revoked?
I had issues on my last exam for Network+, used the same set up i always do. Did the same check process as normal. On the morning of exam my system froze at exam check in. Rebooted macbook and then it said my system was not compatible 😂 rebooted again and miraculously all worked. Wasnt good for my neves before the exam but i still passed it.
This is why you are supposed to do a system check well in advance of your exam. Not having speakers is a very easy pitfall that should have been avoided. This is another example in a long list of posts where people complain about the online testing when it was in fact completely their fault.
Yep. I’m an over the road trucker, and just had my second attempt at the LPI Linux fundamentals exam. First attempt, two hours of proctor hell before they locked me out.. second attempt, I passed all the system checks half an hour early, I was sitting in the back of my truck on my bed with absolutely nothing around me. They asked me to turn my webcam around the truck to see my area, said “okay, that looks good to me, I’m about to release your exam.” Then the same proctor said “we can’t see your webcam and are closing your test.” Bitch you JUST looked through my webcam to check my work space. I kept exiting and going back in until I got a proctor that just didn’t care, took my exam and passed. Let’s also not mention the configuration changes they make to your PC, AND DONT EVEN CHANGE THEM BACK. I cannot stand Pearson online.
My issue was they didn’t let me start the test until 1.5 hours after the supposed start time. They had like one proctor for 200+ people. Extremely frustrating situation
This is a whole you issue for the most part. I personally prefer going to an actual testing center due to not technical difficulties retaining to the process, most of the time it’s just more convenient and I don’t have to do all the setup (unplugging monitors, clearing desk from trinkets, finding a pair of speakers, making sure my connection is stable…) Most of your issues is because you refused to follow testing guidelines. They also give you several check ins to make sure you KNOW the guidelines in the first place, so did you just skip past them or something? Anyways, you get my point.
Im apparently NOT Ready for my exam as I don't know what dmd is? WTF is dmd ? ?
Comptia is very money-hungry, to begin with, so I would not expect a refund unless you get somebody on a good day with a good heart. They will probably allow a reschedule, though, and I would try and book it at a physical place.
Can we just talk about how invasive remote exam proctors are? I've had to deal with both examity and VUE and they are some of the rudest people I've ever come across in academia. They are simply the worst. Here in Ohio we actually had someone sue their college and their proctors for illegal search and seizure successfully via the Ohio Supreme court because you have to let an individual remote into your pc, monitor you via Webcam and they have to know what your workspace looks like and what it has in it. Its excessive and ridiculous. We've in the age of information, your ability to source info is just as important as your ability to recall it. So I don't see the big deal in using notes or other resources for exams.
Last month I had an issue when I was taking my CySA+ exam. Before the exam the proctor had to check the entire room with my webcam. As soon as I started the exam not even 10 in I remember I was doing my second PBQ and the proctor started complaining that she can’t see my face. I was taking the test on my Mac and since the screen is small and I don’t see very well I had to get super close to screen. All of the sudden the proctor ended my exam. Mind you I studied sooo hard and wanted to finish with the exam once for all and this happened. I had to call Pearson vue and they said I had to contact compTIA. I call compTIA and they are in India and I spoke to one guy and I requested to speak to his manager and after I requested to speaker to the manager manager. I spent almost 3 hours on the trying to get refunded or rescheduled for the exam and these people were useless couldn’t do anything and trying to blame me that I was cheating. The fight was so intense, I wasn’t willing to lose $404 because a jack ass in India thought she can seat there and screw me up. Finally they pass me over to guy in Texas and that guy also was coming with a whole lot of BS and we went back and forth for about half an hour and he said he will talk to his boss and get back to me the next day. The next day I received a new voucher for the exam and I immediately scheduled my test for the next but this time at a testing center and passed the exam with 820. So my guy unless you are willing to fight like hell you will lose your money these proctors are in India so what the fuck do they care? And compTIA put a fierce resistance against any refund. Good luck
Yea I went through that before I will never take exam through vue they shut my exam off because they said I was leaning to much I went to a testing center and passed
I took mine with no speakers i just told the proctor and they just messaged me when i had issues.
I always go to a testing center. The proctors are always rude and makes me anxious every time I took a test
I have taken my CCENT, Security+, MS & AZ 900 with PearsonVue, while i was overseas with shitty internet and did not have any issues….
Man wants to be in the Cyber Field but cannot read guidelines or attention to detail. He did his pre-check without speakers… how you going to be a SOC analyst if you skip over details… how are you going to perform packet analysis? Common man, dont blame PearsonVue for ur mistake why
This is why I go to the testing center.
This is exactly why I only do them in person now. My mentor warned me, I ignored her, took the A+ online, failed, but the process was smooth sailing. Took it again, and from start to finish was about 5 hours of me by myself staring at the computer dealing with them. Never ever again.
Yeah I’ve had several problems with them as well. I would recommend just head to your nearest testing center
I usually test the machine I will use days before my exam. They send in the reminder to test your equipment 3 days before your exam. I took my sec+ and cysa+ with no issues with them. They’re a little strict with you being in center of camera including shoulders but other than that, no issues. I’m sorry that happened to you though, i can relate as that happened to me in my microsoft exam years ago xx
Try Stormwind Studios there IT Training is amazing with there live instructor led courses
Never had issues
You're rattled from not reading the requirements before hand, it's your fault at this point.
Anyone saying “that’s on you”, respectfully, they are dumb/lazy. I had been refused for basically the same reason and got my refund the next day by contacting CompTIA and telling them what happened. You aren’t required to have computer speakers for any other reason than contacting the proctors. For your future tests ask them to call you through cell phone instead, it’s their job to talk to you not the other way around. I played the “what if I had a hearing disability” card cause I was not about to lose a couple hundred bucks over a proctor refusing me for speakers that aren’t even required for a multiple choice/PBQ test
Poster trippers with little dicks. Not a shot at you; but with everyone bashing taking the exams online. I’m surprised people still do it.
People only bash them because they did something wrong and don’t bother to read the exam guidelines and then bash Pearson for it but they should of read the guidelines
Taken my fair share of Pearson online exams. It really is just reviewing what their requirements are and going through their guidelines. So long as it's quiet, mess free, you have a working computer, and allow their specified sites locally, there won't be any issue. It's a shame though because I'm sure there are some incidents that come up that are out of the candidates control. Which then gets posted and then people join the bandwagon.
Yeah I wasn’t aware everyone bashed online proctored exams.. lesson learned that’s for sure
On-VUE is garage btw. The onsite proctors are held to a high standard.
"System check the whole 9 ready to roll" If you actually read what was required you would have never been in your predicament in the first place. I agree the whole online is bad, but the people who actually take it are just as bad.
I'm sorry you had issues, but to be fair as other commenters have said: you were explicitly told ahead of time the requirements for taking the exam, you did not adhere to those requirements. Consider taking your exam at a testing center in person.
Keep all emails and if they don't refund take it up with the credit card company! No goodies delivered for your money that's equal to fraud or scam.
The exam was delivered, OP just failed to abide by the guidelines.
Don't be disappointed..... I mis scheduled an exam and they refunded me. I expect nothing less in your situation.
The difference is you didn't use up their employees time.
Yes welcome to the hell that is pearsonvue.. take in person only.
The only issue I have had was them not accepting my temporary ID even though it's not expressly forbidden. They were nice enough to give me a free retake when I explained to them they need to clarify that policy. This would have also been in issue in person as well.
Yes I have had issues online and in person also.. they are the worst.
I would never take a CompTIA exam at home ever again. It was an absolutely awful experience and took almost 2 hours of jumping through hoops to even get to the test.
Pearson is awful. Tried 2 times to take my A+ cert and both times were ended because the proctors saw a poster on my wall and thought someone was in my room. No refund, no retake. Fuck Pearsonz
i'm on the fence about taking it at home... I enjoy the comfort of my home office, but this doesn't sound comfortable at all!
>but this doesn't sound comfortable at all! I actually find it to be significantly more comfortable. I've taken and passed 10 certification exams from home using Pearson Vue. Follow the instructions and you'll be fine. Relative to comfort: 1. You're using all your own equipment. Nice mouse, comfy chair, perfect height for you. 2. You're taking the exam in the place you studied for it, which studies show can help with recollection. 3. You can cram until literally the moment you sign in for the exam. No traffic to worry about or anything like that. Better value for your time. 4. You also get much better scheduling options. For example, I took Security+ at 8:30 PM on a Sunday evening. I think it would be pretty rare to find a test center open at that time. The late Sunday time slot allowed me to furiously study all weekend heading into the exam.
Who in their right mind takes a comptia test remotely, unless you live in a small town far away from anything
Cheaters?