Proctoring and Rules

Proctoring online

If you experience issues with exam set up, launch, or during your exam, contact Kryterion Support immediately:

• Live Chat for URGENT Assistance: Go to Online Proctoring Support, then select the "Need Help" button in the lower-right corner of the page to start a chat. You may need to exit the exam page and access the link in a new window. Please wait for a Kryterion technician for assistance.
• Webform: Go to Support, complete the form, include a detailed description, and submit. Webform responses may take up to 48 hours.

Candidates may experience long wait times for support during times of high volume. If your exam times out while you are waiting for support, Kryterion should reschedule you at no charge.

Proctoring Onsite Kryterion Test Centers

Individuals planning to take the certification examination at a proctoring center can utilize the tool to Locate a Kryterion Testing Center. Candidates can view appointment availability and schedule the exam via the Registration Process. Test centers cannot schedule your exam.

The exam will be available both in person and online throughout the US and in US Territories where there are proctoring centers, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. The exam will be available online only in the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, as there are no proctoring centers in these areas.

For any additional questions relating to Kryterion Testing Centers, please visit the Kryterion FAQ page (Kryterion Support) and select Onsite Proctoring, or start a chat there with the "Need Help" button.

Acceptance and Rules

Launching the exam symbolizes your signature and acceptance of the following terms:

Each candidate deserves a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate his or her knowledge in the examination process. Therefore, exam security measures have been developed to prevent any candidate from gaining an unfair advantage.

All exam materials are the property of HUD. Unauthorized removal of any material is prohibited. Any attempt to reproduce or memorize all or part of the exam is prohibited. Any unauthorized disclosure, publication, copying, reproduction, transmission, distribution, or possession of exam content or materials in any form without the prior express written permission of HUD may result in your disqualification from the HUD housing counselor certification program. The prohibition against "unauthorized disclosure" means you may not discuss the contents of the exam with anyone except those who developed or delivered the exam.

A proctor may dismiss a candidate, halt an examination progress, or report a candidate for any unauthorized behavior, such as any of the following: attempting to gain unauthorized admission to an exam site; attempting to take the exam for someone else; creating a disturbance; giving, receiving, or attempting to give or receive help from unauthorized sources; removing, or attempting to remove, exam materials; having in his or her possession any item prohibited from the exam taking area as specified above; exhibiting behavior consistent with memorization or copying of exam items.

Note: Exam sessions may be recorded.

Additional Exam Help

Advice for a Successful Online Exam

• Download Sentinel Secure from the Exam Status Center, create your Biometrics Profile, and test your equipment at least one day before your exam.
• Some candidates may require assistance from their IT Department to install Sentinel Secure and troubleshoot any network or equipment issues.
• Exams should be launched at least 10 minutes before the appointment time, but may be launched up to 20 minutes after.
• Upon launching, you will be queued up for the next available proctor and alerted when a proctor becomes available.
• The proctor will communicate with you through a chat feature on the computer. Be prepared for possible interruptions by proctor requests during the exam.
• Prepare to work with the proctor before beginning the exam to ensure the testing environment and camera placement are in compliance.
• Use a camera stand to allow for quick adjustments to camera placement. Make sure the camera view includes your eyes, hands, keyboard, and mouse. (Beginning August 6, 2020 an external webcam is no longer required. HUD will accept any camera).
• If you wear glasses, the proctor will ask you to remove them and present them for inspection through the camera.
• Make sure the testing room is well lit, quiet, and free from distraction.
• Ensure your testing surface is clutter-free and contains only one computer, one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse (online proctored exams).

Advice for a Successful Test Center Exam

• Print your Assessment Confirmation Email and bring it with you to your exam.
• Verify both Primary Photo ID and Secondary ID are valid (not expired) and will be valid on test date.
• Arrive up to 15 minutes early for your exam.
• Be prepared for test center staff to secure all of your personal items in a locker during your exam.
• Be prepared to remove your glasses briefly for examination by test center staff.
• Request assistance from test center staff immediately if you encounter any technical issues during the exam.

Additional Guidance About the Exam

• Do not read the exam aloud.
• Do not interact with another individual during your test session.
• Do not leave your workstation or take a break for any reason. If you leave the workstation during the exam, Kryterion is obligated to inform your test sponsor and may suspend your exam.
• Candidates are not allowed access to or use of books, paper, reference material, or writing utensils during the exam. (Candidates will have access to an online calculator during the exam).
• Electronic devices, including telephones, cameras, signaling devices, pagers, alarms, and recording/playback devices of any kind are not permitted.
• Remove all items from your neck and wrist. Watches, bracelets, and necklaces are not permitted during testing.
• No questions concerning the content of the exam may be asked during the examination period. Listen carefully to the directions and carefully read the directions shown on the computer monitor.
• No examination materials, documents, or memoranda of any type may leave the testing room.

Limited Language & Accommodations

Limited English Proficiency

Please contact Support to submit your Limited Language Proficiency Accommodation request for additional exam time due to Limited English Proficiency. Additional time is limited to one additional hour for a total of 3 hours.

Please call 1-800-954-1044 if you require assistance.