AAMC PREview® Test Day Requirements

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The AAMC PREview exam is administered through a secure online testing environment. Review the technical and security requirements you must meet in order to complete the exam.

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Workspace & Computer Requirements   

You will take the exam on a desktop or laptop of your choice and you are responsible for ensuring it meets the technical requirements. If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements stated on ProctorU’s website, you may experience technical difficulties that could prevent you from completing your exam or your exam being scored. If this occurs you will not be eligible for a reschedule and you will forfeit any fees paid.  

You must: 

You may not take your exam on a phone or tablet. A list of non-permissible devices can be found at the bottom of this page.

If you intend to take the exam using any equipment or network other than your own, you must ensure that you are able to share your screen through their secure browser and access other security features. Universities and employers often have firewalls or software that may block access to the required security features, which will prevent you from taking the exam.  

Devices

Non-Permitted Devices 

Non-Permitted Operating Systems

  • Google Chromebook 

  • Cell Phones 

  • Tablets 

  • Microsoft Surface 

  • Linux 

  • Windows 10 or 11 in S Mode 

  • Inactive versions of Windows 

  • Windows Test Builds/Test Mode 

  • Virtual Machines 

  • Microsoft Edge browser 

  • Apple Boot Camp 

  • Remote Access Software 

 

Remote Proctoring Requirements

Before the proctor can allow you to access your exam, you must:  

  • Provide access to your device’s camera and microphone.  

  • Share your screen.  

  • Share your photo ID on camera. The proctor will use your ID in conjunction with biometric facial- recognition software to authenticate your identity.  

The proctor must perform systems checks to ensure your computer is working optimally for the exam platform and may ask to take control of your computer. You will be able to observe all actions the proctor takes, which may include changing some of your computer settings and closing software and applications that are not permissible during your exam.  

As you take your exam, the proctor will continue to monitor your screen, camera, and microphone. The purpose of this live monitoring is to assist should you experience a technical problem during your exam, and to ensure you are following the terms stated in the Examinee Agreement.  

At the end of your exam, prior to closing your session, you may ask the proctor to assist you in adjusting your computer to its original settings.  

Identification (ID) Requirements

If you do not provide an accepted ID that exactly matches your registered first and last names to the online proctor, you will not be allowed to test. If you are not allowed to test due to not providing an accepted ID you will not receive a refund.   

  1. The ID was issued by a government agency.  

  2. The ID is original physical — not a photocopy or digital copy of the original. Digital IDs are not accepted.  

  3. The ID expiration date is printed on the ID and — not extended by a sticker or similar mechanism. (Does not apply to Arizona driver’s licenses.)  

  4. The ID expiration date is after your test date.  

    1. If your ID will expire before your scheduled test day, you are responsible for obtaining a renewed ID prior to your exam.   

  5. The ID contains a photo that can be used to positively identify you.  

  6. The ID is tangible and whole, with no evidence of tampering (clipped corners, holes, etc.).  

  7. The ID is in English.   

The most common forms of accepted ID are state driver’s license and passport. For a list of IDs that are not accepted, please refer to the PREview Essentials.   

Environmental Requirements 

Recommended/Permitted

Not Recommended/Not Permitted

  • Identify a private, well-lit room.    

  • If the room is in a public building , make sure you reserve the room in advance.   

  • A minimum of two to three hours is recommended. 

  • Ensure the space will be quiet and distraction free.    

  • “Glassed in” rooms in public spaces such as a library. One window in a room is acceptable; rooms that are fully windowed are not permitted.   

  • Locations that may be accessed by family, friends, or other individuals. If a person enters your exam space, the exam will be stopped and the room must be resecured. Your exam time does not stop during this time. 

  • Any public space; a private room is required.  

  • A car or other vehicle.  

  • A bathroom.  

  • Outdoors; you may not test outside, even in your own backyard.  

  • A desk or table and a chair are the only acceptable surfaces upon which your computer and you may sit to minimize movement that may hinder the proctor’s ability to properly monitor your exam.

  • Sitting on the floor, soft surface, pillows, beanbag, couch, pouf, etc.    

  • Sitting your laptop on the floor or a soft surface.    

  • Balancing your laptop on your lap.    

  • Clear your workspace.

  • Cover anything you cannot remove with a sheet or blanket.    

  • Clutter, including books, notes, notebooks, or other materials that might prevent the proctor from confirming your workspace is free of prohibited materials during their scan of the room.   

  • Accessing anything during your exam that you could not clear from your workspace.  

  • Close all third-party programs.   

  • Remove or cover any extra monitors and computer equipment.   

  • Cover TV screens, mounted monitors, etc. These can be used as computer monitors and are therefore prohibited.    

  • Accessing  other software, web browsers, applications, another monitor or any additional electronic equipment, virtual machines, etc., is strictly prohibited.    

  • Make sure you have a working camera and microphone. Webcams and microphones that are integrated into your computer are preferred.  

  • External equipment is acceptable if connected by a cable (e.g., USB or aux), and does not include prohibited equipment, such as headphones.    

  • Microphones that include headphones/earphones of any kind are not permitted.   

  • Bluetooth enabled, external equipment, which may require software that will be shut down for your exam.    

  • You will be required to visibly store your phone after check-in so that you cannot access it during your exam.    

  • Accessing your cell phone or any other unauthorized equipment after you have completed the check-in process – this is strictly prohibited.  

  • Please turn off notifications, alarms, or anything that may be a distraction.     

 

Additional Requirements During Check-In & While Taking the Exam  

How to Plan

What to Avoid

  • Make sure your ID meets requirements.   

  • Have it ready to scan for check-in.    

  • Expired ID.    

  • ID with name not matching your registration.  

  • Have a portable mirror available to show the proctor your monitor. This can include a cell phone with a front-facing camera or an external USB camera.  

  • This ensures there are no notes or writing attached to the monitor. 

  • Any notes or writing around the monitor or desk area.

  • Remove watches, headphones/earphones, sunglasses.

  • If you choose to wear earplugs during your exam you must present them to the proctor during the check in process.  

  • If you require hearing aids, please refer to Resources Not Requiring Prior Approval.

  • Remove non-religious head coverings.

  • Hats, hoodies, any type of head covering that is not for religious purposes. 

  • Remain seated at your computer for the duration of your exam unless preapproved for a specific accommodation.    

  • Standing.    

  • Excessive movement.   

  • Moving out of camera view – the proctor must see your entire face throughout your session.  

  • Taking a break and leaving the room, even to go to the bathroom. Your exam will be terminated, and you will not receive a refund.   

  • Remain silent during the exam unless preapproved for a specific accommodation.    

  • Reading questions aloud.    

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