GARP SCR Exam Online Proctoring: Complete OnVUE Setup Guide for October 2025
- Kateryna Myrko
- Oct 21
- 7 min read
For the first time in October 2025, GARP has introduced online proctoring for the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Exam through Pearson VUE's OnVUE system. This significant change provides candidates with unprecedented flexibility to take their exam from home or any private location, eliminating the need to travel to physical test centers. However, success with online proctoring requires careful preparation and understanding of strict technical and environmental requirements.
Understanding OnVUE Online Proctoring
The OnVUE system represents a sophisticated remote testing platform that maintains the same rigorous security standards as traditional test centers. A live proctor monitors your exam session through your webcam and microphone, ensuring exam integrity while allowing you the convenience of testing from your chosen location. This option is particularly valuable for candidates in remote areas, those with mobility constraints, or professionals seeking to minimize disruption to their work schedules.
The decision to add online proctoring reflects GARP's commitment to accessibility and flexibility, but it's crucial to understand that this convenience comes with strict compliance requirements. Any failure to meet technical specifications or testing protocols can result in immediate exam termination and forfeiture of your exam fee without refund.
Technical Requirements: Your Computer Setup
Your computer must meet specific baseline requirements to run the OnVUE software successfully. The system requires Windows 10 or macOS 13 (or higher versions) as your operating system. Virtual machines and beta operating systems are strictly prohibited, as they can cause software conflicts that prevent proper exam delivery.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), corporate firewalls, and employer-issued computers represent the two most common causes of technical failures during OnVUE exams. Corporate networks often have security settings that block the OnVUE software from functioning correctly. If possible, always use a personal computer with a direct home internet connection rather than a work device.
Your display setup must consist of exactly one monitor. Any secondary displays must be physically disconnected from your computer before the exam begins. Touch screens are not permitted, as they can trigger security alerts. Your screen resolution should be at least 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color to ensure proper display of exam content.
Internet Connection: The Foundation of Success
A stable, reliable internet connection is arguably the most critical component of successful online proctoring. The minimum bandwidth requirement is 6 Mbps download speed and 2 Mbps upload speed. However, meeting the minimum is not enough—you need consistency and stability throughout your four-hour exam session.
A hard-wired Ethernet connection directly to your router is strongly recommended over Wi-Fi. Ethernet connections provide greater stability and are less susceptible to interference. If you must use Wi-Fi, position yourself in a location with strong signal strength and test your connection extensively beforehand.
Bandwidth consumption in your household must be carefully managed on exam day. Encourage other household members to avoid streaming videos, online gaming, or large file downloads during your exam window. These activities can suddenly degrade your connection quality, potentially causing your exam to freeze or disconnect.
Webcam, Microphone, and Audio Requirements
Your webcam can be either internal (built into your laptop) or external (USB connected), but it must be forward-facing and positioned at eye level. The webcam needs to capture your head and shoulders clearly throughout the exam, so positioning is critical. The minimum resolution requirement is 640 x 480 at 10 frames per second.
Mobile phones are strictly prohibited as webcam substitutes under any circumstances. Webcam filters, including Apple's Reactions feature and similar beautification software, must be disabled as they can interfere with proctor monitoring.
For audio, you must use built-in or wired speakers—Bluetooth speakers are not allowed. Similarly, headphones, headsets, earbuds, and any wearable audio devices are strictly forbidden during the exam. Mac users should note that you may need to grant OnVUE specific permissions in System Preferences under Security & Privacy settings for camera, microphone, automation, and input monitoring.
Preparing Your Testing Environment
Your testing environment must meet strict privacy and cleanliness standards. You need a completely private space where you can remain alone and undisturbed for the entire four-hour exam duration. Public spaces such as offices, libraries, coffee shops, and shared workspaces are not permitted. Testing in bathrooms is also prohibited.
Your desk or table must be completely clear of all materials except your computer. Remove all books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and any writing instruments. Additional computers and monitors must be unplugged and turned off. Whiteboards or any wall-mounted items with writing will be inspected during the check-in process.
The space must be well-lit so the proctor can clearly see you throughout the exam. Avoid backlighting from windows, which can create shadows that obscure your face. Ensure no one can view your exam through windows, doorways, or partitions. You must remain within webcam view at all times—leaving the camera view without explicit proctor permission will result in exam termination.
The Critical System Test GARP SCR Exam October 2025, Online Proctoring, OnVUE
Running the OnVUE system test before your exam is technically optional but practically essential. This test verifies that your computer, internet connection, webcam, microphone, and speakers all meet the technical requirements. The system test takes only a few minutes but can save you from discovering problems on exam day.
Conduct the system test using the exact computer and internet connection you plan to use for the actual exam. Perform the test in the same physical location where you'll take your exam. If the system test reveals any issues, you'll have time to resolve them before your scheduled exam appointment.
Importantly, if you skip the system test and encounter technical issues during check-in on exam day, you will not qualify for a refund, credit, or free deferral. This policy underscores the importance of thorough preparation.
The Check-In Process: What to Expect
You can begin the check-in process up to 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Attempting to check in more than 15 minutes late will result in denied access and forfeiture of your exam fee. The check-in sequence follows a specific protocol that you should understand in advance.
First, you'll conduct equipment checks of your microphone, speakers, and webcam to verify they're functioning properly. Next, the system performs a network connectivity check to ensure your internet connection meets requirements. You'll then need to enter a mobile phone number and use your phone to take several photos: one of yourself, one of your government-issued photo identification, and multiple images of your testing workspace from different angles.
The identification verification process requires careful attention. Your ID must be government-issued with your photo, name, and signature. Most commonly accepted documents include passports, driver's licenses, and national identity cards. The photo you take must clearly show all four edges of your ID with no information obscured.
After photo submission, you'll review and agree to exam rules before closing all applications except OnVUE. At this point, you'll be placed in a queue and connected with the next available proctor. Wait times typically range from a few minutes to 15 minutes, though occasionally delays can be longer during peak testing periods.
Prohibited Items and Acceptable Allowances
The list of prohibited items during your OnVUE exam is extensive and strictly enforced. No personal items are allowed in your testing environment, including hand-held computers, tablets, electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, bags, coats, jackets, eyeglass cases, pens, pencils, or scratch paper.
You cannot wear watches, fitness trackers, or any wearable technology. Jewelry should be minimized or removed. Hair accessories are restricted to small barrettes or hair clips no larger than one-quarter inch wide. Headbands and hairbands cannot exceed one-half inch wide.
However, some allowances are provided for comfort. You can have a drink available during the exam, though food is generally not permitted. You must remain fully clothed throughout the exam in appropriate attire. If you have specific medical needs or disability accommodations, these should be arranged through Pearson VUE's accommodation request process well before exam day.
What Happens During Your Exam
Once your proctor launches the exam, you'll have four hours to complete 80 multiple-choice questions. A digital calculator is provided within the exam interface—you cannot use a physical calculator. The proctor monitors you continuously through your webcam and microphone throughout the session.
You must remain quiet unless your exam or proctor instructs otherwise. You cannot access your phone or any other device without explicit proctor permission. Leaving the webcam view for any reason requires proctor authorization. Your exam session is recorded for security, quality assurance, and training purposes.
Proctors have limited authority to assist you. They can answer questions about test procedures and verify your identity, but they cannot pause your exam, add time, or troubleshoot technical issues with your computer or network. If technical problems arise during the exam, your remedies are limited, which further emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation.
Scheduling and Rescheduling Guidelines
After registering for the SCR exam, you must schedule your OnVUE appointment through the Pearson VUE scheduling website. Scheduling must occur at least 48 hours before your desired exam start time. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the exam window.
If you need to reschedule, you can change your appointment through the Pearson VUE website, but changes must be made at least 48 hours before your originally scheduled time. Last-minute rescheduling is not available. Candidates who fail to schedule their exam before the deadline or who miss their appointment forfeit their exam fee.
Making the Right Choice for You
Online proctoring through OnVUE offers tremendous convenience and flexibility for SCR candidates, but it's not the right choice for everyone. If you have concerns about your home internet reliability, if you cannot secure a completely private testing space, if you're using an employer-issued computer, or if you're uncomfortable with strict technical requirements, scheduling at a physical Pearson VUE test center may be the more appropriate option.
The test center option eliminates technical uncertainty by providing professionally managed equipment and environment. However, for candidates with reliable home setups who value the convenience of avoiding travel, online proctoring represents an excellent new option that maintains the same level of exam security and integrity as traditional testing.
Your success with OnVUE online proctoring ultimately depends on thorough preparation, strict adherence to requirements, and honest assessment of whether your home environment can meet the demanding standards. Taking the time to understand and prepare for these requirements will help ensure your October 2025 SCR exam experience is smooth, secure, and successful.
Unlock your potential with our comprehensive GARP SCR practice exams and study packages!
Comments