Pearson VUE OnVUE is the remote delivery system behind CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, PMP, and many other major certifications. Getting the setup wrong — even slightly — can result in a failed check-in, a flagged session, or an exam termination. This guide covers everything you need to know.
System Requirements (2025)
Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+. Chrome OS and Linux are NOT supported.
Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended). 2GHz+ dual-core processor.
Built-in or external webcam required. Minimum 640×480 resolution. Must show your face clearly.
Minimum 1Mbps up/down. 3Mbps+ strongly recommended. Wired connection preferred over Wi-Fi.
Required for check-in communication with the proctor. Built-in mic is fine.
Single monitor only. Minimum 1024×768 resolution. Dual monitors must be physically disconnected.
Room Setup Rules
Pearson VUE's proctor will visually inspect your room via your webcam before starting the exam. Violations result in immediate disqualification.
- Desk surface: Must be completely clear — no papers, books, phones, or food.
- Walls: No notes, whiteboards, or printed material visible in camera view.
- Room isolation: You must be completely alone. No other people, no pets that could create noise.
- Phone: Must be out of reach and face-down, or in another room entirely.
- Earphones/headsets: Not allowed. Built-in speakers or silence only.
- Smart watches: Must be removed before check-in begins.
- Second monitors: Physically disconnect and move out of view. Disabling in software is not sufficient.
ID Verification Process
Pearson VUE requires two forms of ID check. Know what's coming so you're not caught off-guard at check-in:
- Primary ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's licence, national ID). Name must exactly match your Pearson VUE account.
- Live photo capture: The OnVUE software will take a live photo of your face via webcam. Must match your ID photo.
- ID photo: You'll photograph your ID card using your webcam — make sure your ID photo is clear, unglared, and fully visible.
- Room scan: You'll be asked to do a 360° pan of your room using your webcam so the proctor can inspect the environment.
What Happens If Your Session Gets Interrupted
Internet drops mid-exam: Reconnect immediately and re-launch the OnVUE software. Your exam responses are saved. The proctor will resume your session — do not refresh the browser or restart the computer.
Software crash: Restart OnVUE and log back in. Contact Pearson VUE support immediately at the number displayed on the login screen.
Proctor terminates session: This usually follows a rules violation. You'll receive an email from Pearson VUE explaining the outcome. In many cases you can reschedule — but violations are reviewed by the certification body, not Pearson VUE.
Common Technical Issues and Fixes
- "Camera not detected": Go to Windows Camera Privacy Settings and ensure OnVUE has camera access. Restart the software.
- "System check failed": Run as Administrator on Windows. Disable any VPN before launching OnVUE.
- Screen share blocked by OS: On macOS, grant Screen Recording permission in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.
- Antivirus blocking OnVUE: Add OnVUE to your antivirus exceptions list before exam day.
- High CPU causing lag: Close all background apps, browser tabs, and disable automatic updates before launching.
💡 Pro Tip: Run the System Check 48 Hours Early
Pearson VUE provides a free system readiness check at home.pearsonvue.com/rwd. Run it 48 hours before your exam — not 5 minutes before. This gives you time to troubleshoot any hardware or software issues before they become exam-day disasters.
