Exam Day Administration
Check your email for the exam confirmation from testingsupport@getyardstick.com.
Prepare for Exam Day:
Be early. Arrive at the exam site at least 30 minutes early.
Bring a few things with you: A valid, government issued photo ID that must match the name on the exam reservation, a beverage, a dry erase board and marker, and earplugs are allowed.
Leave a few things behind: do not wear a watch, no electronic devices are allowed, and be prepared to secure your belongings
Exam features: You will have access to an online notepad during the exam. You will have access to an online calculator during the exam. If you require technical assistance, raise your hand and ask your proctor.
NOTE: If your exam contains the new Digital Codes for Exams feature, you will access the digital codes by clicking on the blue information icon.
- Late arrivals: Be sure you are on time for your appointment. You may be denied access to your exam and forfeit your exam fee if you are late. If you are absent from an examination that you were scheduled to attend, and you did not reschedule or cancel according to the policy, you will forfeit the exam and in-person scheduling fees for that missed examination.
- Missed Appointment: If you are absent from an examination that you were scheduled to attend, and you did not reschedule or cancel according to the policy, you will forfeit the exam and in-person scheduling fees for that missed examination.
- Cancelling and rescheduling: you may navigate to the My PRONTO Exams page and click the ‘Reschedule’ button. The deadline to modify your appointment is 48 hours prior to your appointment time. All reschedules will be subject to a $20 change fee. Late reschedules are not permitted.
Click here for a video on connecting with a remote proctor.
Technical Support: You'll have multiple ways to get technical support with our proctoring service for PRONTO called ProctorU 24/7, 365 days a year.
Phone: 1-855-772-8678, Option 1
Text Support Prior to connection time: send a ticket for support
Text Support During connection time: You will have Live Chat support available
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Review the following requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, and microphones.
- Download the Guardian Browser - Click here
- Internet Connection/Bandwidth
- Camera Troubleshooting
- Microphone Troubleshooting
- Multiple Monitors/Displays
• Utilizing an External Monitor/Docking Station
• Disconnecting Multiple Monitors - Windows Setting Adjustments
- MAC Setting Adjustments
- What Operating Systems/Devices Are Supported?
- Speakers
Examinees must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID with signature, issued by a governmental agency, like a Driver's License or passport.
The exam reservation name must match the name on the ID provided. If it does not, you will not be allowed to test, and will forfeit the exam fee.
For open book exams, you may bring the following items into the exam administration:
- Print Reference material(s) - please make sure the reference(s):
• Are bound (either original bound book, three-ring binder, or stapled). Photocopies of copyrighted materials are not allowed.
• Have notes written in ink or highlighted
• Have permanently attached tabs (tabs that can’t be removed without destroying the page)
Note: To identify if your exam is open book and which references materials, if any, are approved to take to the test center, access your examination in the Exam Catalog.
- Magnifying glass
- Eyeglasses, if necessary
- Architects’ scale or ruler
- Foreign language/English translation dictionaries
- Basic, battery-operated, four-function calculator that is:
• limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentages
• non-programmable
• not capable of storing examination information
• not capable of printing; ribbon-free
Examinees may not bring the following items to the examination:
- No food or drink (unless approved through testing accommodations)
- Any kind of ink (ballpoint, felt-tip, gel, etc.) pens, colored pencils, highlighters, writing paper, or briefcases
- Personal items such as purses, wallets, or watches
- Calculators with print capability and/or that store formulas (i.e, adding machines, construction calculators)
- Copying, recording, or photo devices
- Cell phones, beepers, radios, MP3 players, and/or PDAs
Download Browser: Download the Guardian Browser.
When testing through the ProctorU Platform, you will need a computer that fulfills the following system requirements:
Internet: Test your connection speed using one of the following sites: http://speedtest.googlefiber.net/ http://beta.speedtest.net/ https://fast.com
Room - The room should be enclosed (no clear glass walls) in a quiet place with a door that can be shut, preferably with your back to the door. To ensure exam integrity, the test taker should test from a desk, or desk-type surface. Examinations cannot be taken from a soft surface such as a couch or bed without prior approval/accommodation. Only one person can be in the room at a time. Make sure you are comfortable and fully prepared to remain in full view of the web cam for the entirety of the exam.
Computer - If using a docking station, see Equipment Requirements >>Multiple Monitors/Displays. Ensure the laptop is plugged in and the wireless keyboard/mouse is fully charged.
Peripherals: Ensure your webcam, speakers, and microphones are installed and turned on. Make sure you are comfortable and fully prepared to remain in full view of the web cam for the duration of your exam.
Optimize the Zoom Function: Some questions will require you to examine an exhibit, or image(s) that are attached to the question. If you need to enlarge an image, you can click on the image. You can then move your mouse over the image to bring up a magnifying glass that will take a closer look at a specific spot in that image. Complete the Tutorial before the exam to learn more.
Flash: No flash requirements
Perform all Pre-Checks:
Photos & Authentication: You'll take a photo of yourself as well as your government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver’s license, passport).
The identification must:
• have the same legal first name and last name that matches your exam record
• be original (no photo copies)
• not be expired
• have a signature
Proctor Connection and Confirmations: Once your proctor greets you and confirms that you've passed your identity verification steps, you will review the exam rules with your proctor. The proctor will ask to see any permitted resources.
Remote System Check: Your proctor will ask to take remote control of your mouse and keyboard via the LogMeIn Rescue applet in order to make sure no unpermitted programs are running. You will be able to see everything that your proctor is doing during this step, and it is impossible for them to access any files without your knowledge.
Camera Pan: Your proctor will ask you to show the 4 walls of your room as well are your desk space via your webcam. You will also be asked to show your computer monitor using your cellphone camera.
NOTE: You may not communicate, verbally or nonverbally, with anyone other than your proctor, during your examination.
• You are only allowed to have one monitor connected to your computer during the assessment.
• If you use more than one monitor, disconnect it and make sure that it is facing away from you.
• Your workstation is clear of any non-approved materials.
• With exception to the examination website, all other programs and applications are closed.
Bathroom Breaks: You may take a 5-minute bathroom break at any time during the exam. The time clock will continue to run during the break. Upon return, an additional desk scan will be required before continuing the exam.
PLEASE NOTE: If a break exceeds the 5-minute mark, the Proctor will terminate the exam.
Taking Notes: While you will not be allowed to write or mark in your reference materials during the exam, you can utilize the virtual notepad on the PRONTO platform to type notes and perform calculations during your exam. The global notepad will stay visible on the screen so you can reference your notes and calculations throughout your PRONTO exam.
Time Clock: For electronically administered examinations, there is an optional clock on the computer that counts down to display the time remaining. (Information on turning on the clock is available in the tutorial prior to the exam.) When the time limit is up for the examination, the computer will end the test.
Finishing your exam: At end of exam, you will click the “Submit Exam” button in order to complete your exam. You will then receive immediate feedback on the pass/fail result of the exam.
The proctor will make sure the submission was successful. Once verified, the proctor will give you an opportunity to verify your results. The proctor will then give you instructions on how to close out the exam. You will receive a survey afterwards from ProctorU.
PLEASE NOTE: Your examination administration is NOT over until the proctor disconnects from your computer. If you choose to leave the examination administration before the proctor has disconnected from your computer, your examination results may be invalidated by ICC.
If you pass our examination, you cannot retake the examination you passed except as necessary for recertification.
If you do not pass your examination and wish to comment on your experience, please visit our Candidate Services page.
Use the links below to reset your computer settings after your PRONTO exam.
Pearson VUE
What to expect in a Pearson VUE test center.
The examination proctor will check your identification, have you sign in, and may assign you a seat. The examination proctor will explain the procedures for taking the examination; answer questions related to taking the exam and provide notification to begin the examination.
- Metal detectors may be randomly used to search examinees entering and/or leaving the exam room.
- You will be asked to empty all of your pockets and place personal items in a locker.
- Proctors may inspect all materials an examinee carries into and from the exam room.
- NOTE: If your reference materials do not meet test site regulations (relating to tabs, pencil notes, etc.), you will not be allowed to take these references into the exam room. You will still be allowed to test, but without these materials.
Code Council testing procedures are designed to minimize negative conditions at the examination site such as bad lighting, excessive noise, or uncomfortable temperature conditions. In unlikely cases where such conditions may occur, the required passing score will not be changed. Should you feel your exam experience or conditions at the test site to be unfavorable, notify the proctor. If you would like to file a complaint, you must ensure that an Incident Report (IR) is created by the test personnel, and then follow up using the appeals process. In order for the Code Council to investigate and respond to your complaint, an IR must be filed before you leave the test site. Once the investigation is completed, you will receive a letter of determination from the Code Council.
General comments regarding the exam experience are encouraged. Please forward your comments to appeals@iccsafe.org. Please note all comments will be read; however, you will not receive a written response.
What should I bring to the test site?
For electronic examinations, examinees must provide their testing confirmation number (that was provided by the Pearson VUE representative at the time of exam registration) at the testing site on the exam day in order to be admitted to take the exam.
Examinees must possess and present a valid (unexpired) photo ID with signature, issued by a governmental agency, e.g., a driver’s license, passport, etc.
The name on the exam reservation must match the name on the ID provided. If it does not, you will not be allowed to test, and will forfeit your exam fee. Neither ICC nor Pearson VUE can make an exception to this policy. If you are unable to present identification as required by the ICC and Pearson VUE, or have questions about what will be allowed, you must call Pearson VUE prior to your scheduled exam to make other arrangements.
Examinees may bring the following items to the examination:
Reference material(s) - please make sure the reference(s):
• Are bound (either original bound book, three-ring binder, or stapled). Photocopies of copyrighted materials are not allowed.
• Have notes written in ink or highlighted
• Have permanently attached tabs (tabs that can’t be removed without destroying the page)
Magnifying glass
Eyeglasses, if necessary
Architects’ scale or ruler
Foreign language/English translation dictionaries
Basic, battery-operated, four-function calculator that is:
• limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentages
• non-programmable
• not capable of storing examination information
• not capable of printing; ribbon-free
Examinees may not bring the following items to the examination:
No food or drink (unless approved through testing accommodations)
Any kind of ink (ballpoint, felt-tip, gel, etc.) pens, colored pencils, highlighters, writing paper, or briefcases
Personal items such as purses, wallets, or watches
Calculators with print capability and/or that store formulas (i.e, adding machines, construction calculators)
Copying, recording, or photo devices
Cell phones, beepers, radios, MP3 players, and/or PDAs
Examinees are responsible for arriving at the exam site on the proper date, at the proper time, and with proper identification. You should determine in advance the exact location of the test site, how to get there, and how much time it will take you to get to the site. Arrive at the exam site at least 30 minutes before the examination is scheduled to begin. Remember, it is your responsibility to already be familiar with the regulations governing Code Council examinations. Examinations will be given only on the date and time scheduled.
Please note: The Pearson VUE confirmation letter automatically adds 30 minutes to the actual exam time for you to complete the tutorial and exit surveys. Please arrive at the test site with required reference(s), if desired, for use during the exam. Required examination references are listed with the examination outlines found in this bulletin. References for examinations are not supplied by the Code Council or the testing center.
The Examination Site Proctor will check your identification, have you sign in, and may assign you a seat.
The name on the exam reservation must match the name on the ID provided. If it does not, you will not be allowed to test, and will forfeit your exam fee. Neither the Code Council nor Pearson VUE can make an exception to this policy. If you are unable to present identification as required by the Code Council and Pearson VUE, or have questions about what will be allowed, you must call Pearson VUE prior to your scheduled exam to make other arrangements.
You must have your government-issued photo identification ready to show the proctor. Examples include a driver’s license or a passport.
The identification must:
•have the same legal first name and last name that matches your exam record
•be original (no photo copies)
•not be expired
•have a signature
The examination proctor will explain the procedures for taking the examination; answer questions related to taking the exam and provide notification to begin the examination. Metal detectors may be randomly used to search examinees entering and/or leaving the exam room. You will be asked to empty all of your pockets and place personal items in a locker. Proctors may inspect all materials an examinee carries into and from the exam room. If your reference materials do not meet test site regulations (relating to tabs, pencil notes, etc.), you will not be allowed to take these references into the exam room. You will still be allowed to test, but without these materials.
NOTE: You are not allowed to communicate, verbally or nonverbally, with other candidates during the examination, and you may not share references.
The Site Proctor has two main jobs: to give the examinations and make sure the exam materials at the test site are protected. Proctors are well-trained and treat candidates with respect, and in turn, expect the same level of respect from candidates. Threatening a proctor or interfering with the administration of an examination at any time may be considered a criminal offense and punishable by law. In addition, proctors cannot discuss contents of the exam or reference materials with a candidate.
Proctors have the right to remove a candidate’s test and ask the individual to leave the building if the candidate:
Gives or receives help during the examination
Attempts to remove exam materials or notes from the room
Creates a disturbance
Copies or attempts to copy examination questions or answers
Is found to have prohibited materials (cell phone, recorder, etc.) during the exam
If a candidate is asked to leave the test site for any reason, the candidate will not receive a refund, may jeopardize their right to take a Code Council examination in the future, and may face possible prosecution.
NOTE: The Code Council randomly videotapes examination sessions. You are not allowed to write or mark in or on your reference books during the examination. The proctor will give you a whiteboard and markers for use during the exam. While the examination is being administered, you are not allowed to leave the building and return to the exam room. If you wish to leave the exam room for any reason, you must receive permission from the proctor and turn in all of your examination materials and references to the proctor. Only one examinee at a time is allowed outside the exam room, and you are not allowed additional test time for time spent outside the exam room. The exam countdown clock will not stop during any absence from your seat.
It is highly recommended that if you are taking a computer-based exam, especially for the first time, you complete the tutorial available to you at the beginning of your exam. The time spent on the tutorial does not count against your exam time. You will receive important information about how to keep track of your time remaining, how to mark items for review, where to find the number of the question you are on, and more.
After submitting the exam, the candidate will receive a printed score report from the Test Administrator.
If you pass your examination, you cannot retake the examination you passed except as necessary for recertification.
If you do not pass your examination and wish to comment on your experience, please visit our Candidate Services page.