Workspace & Environmental Requirements

Estimated Read time: 2 minutes

New section

New section

The AAMC PREview exam is administered through a secure online testing environment. This online environment offers the convenience of testing at a location of your choice (such as your home or a private space at your local library, provided your workspace meets the environmental requirements) while maintaining a high level of security with live, remote human proctoring.

Recommended/Permitted Not Recommended/Not Permitted
  • You must test from 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 (windows must be fully covered). 
  • 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.   
  • You must test from a desk or table and chair. These are the only acceptable surfaces upon which your computer and you may sit and are required to minimize movement that may hinder the proctor’s ability to properly monitor your exam. 
  • The following are not permitted:  
    • 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 or a lap-desk.     
  • Clear your workspace. 
  • Cover anything you cannot remove with a sheet or blanket. All windows within the room must also be fully covered.  
  • 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.   
  • You will need to show the proctor the space around your monitor so they can ensure your space is free of prohibited items. You may use a portable mirror or 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 books, notes, or writing around the monitor or desk area. 
  • 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.      

New section

Engage with Your Peers
Contact the AAMC PREview® Program

Monday—Friday

9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET

Closed Wednesday

3–5 p.m. ET

202-540-5457
2026 AAMC PREview Essentials

Read the PREview Essentials for Testing Year 2026.

Read Now
AAMC PREview® Accommodations

The AAMC is committed to providing all individuals with an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency on the AAMC PREview® exam. This includes ensuring access to persons with disabilities in accordance with relevant law.

Learn More
6 Things to Know About the AAMC PREview® Exam

There’s a lot of information to take in about the AAMC PREview® Exam. To get you started, here are 6 important things you need to know.

Learn More