What are the system and testing requirements for the exam?
Please review the Candidate Requirements section of the Candidate Handbook to understand system and testing location requirements.
For Certifications exams - https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-handbook2
For SkillCred exams - https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-handbook1
Note: Candidate ID requirements can be found in the Candidate Identification & Authentication of each handbook.
For exams taken via PSI, a Remote Testing Tutorial provided by PSI allows candidates to learn how to:
Download and install the Secure Browser
Identify and deactivate/uninstall prohibited programs and processes
Understand how PSI's mobile ID upload process works
Navigate the Secure Browser interface
Successfully close out and exit your test
The tutorial, which is only available once a candidate has scheduled a reservation, takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed up until 150 minutes before the scheduled start of a reservation. Candidates should use the same computer and network for the tutorial as they plan to use for the exam.
If you have scheduled a reservation, check your reservation confirmation for a link to this tutorial. (If you have any issues with accessing PSI's Secure Browser tutorial after having scheduled your reservation, you may contact their team at https://helpdesk.psionline.com/hc/en-gb/articles/21193275611028-Live-Chat-Support-Link.) We encourage candidates to go through the tutorial.
Where can I find available testing centers for the exam?
Our exams are not available at test center facilities. All our exams are delivered as Remote Proctored Online Exams, which allows Candidates to take exams from anywhere and anytime, provided they meet all listed requirements.
Review the Candidate Handbook to understand the requirements, including system and testing location requirements, candidate ID requirements, etc.:
Certification Exams taken with PSI - https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-handbook2
SkillCred Exams - https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-handbook1
Where am I allowed to test?
Your home, school, or office — anywhere you can be in a quiet, walled, private room, alone, without interruption.
What does my testing space need to look like?
Desk/work surface clear of paper, writing tools, electronic devices, or anything not needed for the exam (above and below the surface).
Walls clear of notes or printed material (décor/artwork is fine, but you may be asked to remove non-décor items).
Well-lit, with your face, hands, and workspace clearly visible — no bright lights or windows behind you.
Quiet and private — no coffee shops, retail spaces, or open offices.
Door closed, if your room has one.
Can anyone else be in the room with me?
No. No other persons - including family members or roommates - or pets may be present during the exam, except in following cases:
Service dog as defined under the ADA
Parent/Guardian required to be present during check-in for a minor.*
*NOTE: Review the Candidate Handbook for information on testing eligibility and requirements for minors:
Can I test in a public space?
No — coffee shops, stores, and similar public spaces are not allowed.
Can I use an external monitor for an exam?
Yes, but only one display can be active during your exam.
Note the following key requirements for exams taken with PSI:
The PSI Secure Browser will block your exam if it detects more than one active display.
To use an external monitor, you must fully deactivate your laptop screen (typically by closing the laptop lid).
If your laptop needs to be closed, you will need an external webcam.
Set up your monitor before starting the exam. Changing display settings mid-exam will result in an immediate exit.
Troubleshooting:
If multiple screens are detected during check-in, you must select only one to remain active.
If you cannot fully deactivate your laptop screen, you must unplug the external monitor and take the exam directly on your laptop.
Can I use headphones or earbuds for my microphone and speaker for an exam?
Candidates are not allowed to wear any electronic device in their ears, on their face or on their body. Due to the exam rules, you cannot use a headset to satisfy the microphone requirement for the exam. Please also note that you do not need working speakers, only working microphone. You will be communicating with the proctor via chat, meaning it will all be written communication. You need a microphone so that the proctor can hear you, but you do not need speakers as the proctor will not be speaking to you.
My OS has been updated to a newer version; will it be supported for the exam?
Per the info on PSI's System Requirements page, there is generally a 30-day-to-support cycle for new releases for a supported OS (https://helpdesk.psionline.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4409608794260-PSI-Bridge-Platform-System-Requirements).
Can I take the exam on a virtual machine?
No. This is not allowed for Certification exams, even if a compatibility check doesn't flag a problem.
What resources can I use during an exam?
Review the resource policy specified for the exam you're taking to understand what resources you are allowed to use / access during the exam: https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/certification-resources-allowed
Can I use my notes during an exam?
Use of personal notes is NOT permitted. The Candidate Handbook outlines the resource policy for each exam in the Exam Rules and Policies section https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/certification-resources-allowed. Please be sure to review the policy specified for the exam you're taking to understand what resources you are allowed to use / access during the exam.