Online or In Person: 3 Steps to Help You Decide ICF Exam Format
When signing up to take an exam for an ICF credential, choosing which format is right for you is like deciding how you want to work out. Taking an in-person exam is similar to going to the gym — it’s focused, structured, and tends to have fewer distractions. A fitness center also likely has the latest and fully functional equipment. But it requires effort to get there and time away from your home or office.
An online exam is like a home workout — it’s convenient and flexible, but your equipment might be limited, and it might be easier to get distracted or interrupted.
Both formats have advantages and drawbacks. Making the right choice for you depends on many factors. These three steps can help you decide between sitting for an in-person exam or signing up for an online ICF credential or certification exam.
Step 1: Know What Exam Environment Works for You
Let’s be honest. High-stakes exams can be stressful. Before booking an exam, think about where you will feel most comfortable so that you can perform at your best on the test.
Do you thrive in a structured environment with minimal distractions? If so, a testing center may be a better choice for you. However, before choosing an in-person exam, find out where the closest testing center is located.
To administer its exams, ICF partners with Pearson VUE, one of the largest test administration providers in the world, with more than 5,000 testing locations in 180 countries. That provides a lot of choices. But that doesn’t necessarily mean one is in a convenient location for you. Factor travel distance and time into your decision-making process, as well as the hours the testing center is open.
If you prefer to be in the familiar environment of your home, live, remote-proctored testing through OnVue may be the best option. However, it’s important to consider if your home offers the private, enclosed space required for distraction-free testing.
Ask yourself, “Can I take this exam without interruptions from kids, roommates, or pets?” Also, consider if you can remove prohibited items from the area where you’ll be taking the exam. If neither of these are possible, a testing center may be the better choice.
Step 2: Evaluate Equipment Capabilities
At the gym, you have access to the latest equipment and likely a technician should something break down. An in-person testing center offers the same benefits — high-quality computers, monitors, and a stable internet connection to reduce the risk of frustrating technical issues. Highly trained on-site exam administrators are available to provide support with any technical or procedural issues that may occur during an exam appointment.
Just because you might not have the newest computer at home doesn’t rule out taking the exam remotely. Set yourself up for success by running a system test (or two) to ensure your computer and internet connection meet the minimum technical requirements for the OnVUE system.
Run the test on the computer and internet connection you plan to use on exam day. Unstable internet connections, applications running in the background, VPN connections, firewalls, or inadequate hardware can prevent a successful exam delivery or disrupt the exam. You’ll likely do better in a test center if you cannot update hardware or have a spotty internet connection.
You’ll also want to be sure your webcam and microphone are operating correctly. Proctors are available via chat during an exam but cannot offer the level of technical support online that test administrators can provide in person.
It may sound like a lot to ensure your computer system can meet the technical requirements, but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Over 90% of ICF exams delivered online via OnVUE have been successfully administered.
Step 3: Consider Your Comfort Level With the Exam Rules
Regardless of the testing method you choose, security checks and protocols upon check-in and during exam delivery protect the integrity of ICF exams. Both testing methods require a government-issued photo ID, a digital signature, and a headshot of yourself.
Entering an in-person testing center can feel like going through airport security before a flight. The exam proctor will ask you to store personal items in a locker, empty your pockets before entering the testing room, and potentially allow a visual inspection of your glasses.
Taking an online exam has equally stringent rules. You are required to be on camera and share your screen, not just input your answers. Proctors also monitor your behavior — such as hand placement and eye movement. This can be stressful if it interferes with your natural test-taking habits. Inadvertently violating security rules may result in the termination of your exam. You must remain on camera until scheduled breaks occur, and you may not read the questions aloud. Make sure you review all rules before making your decision.
The strict protocols might seem excessive, but they are designed to ensure fairness and protect the value of the ICF credential you have worked so hard to earn.
Get Comfortable With Computer-Based Testing
Taking a computer-based exam for the first time is similar to learning the functions and features of a new treadmill, elliptical machine, or weight-lifting machine. While the menus are mostly intuitive, practicing how to navigate each section can boost your confidence on exam day.
Spending time getting to know how the exam works can set you up for success. Consider using these strategies as part of your preparation process:
- Familiarize yourself with the question types included in your ICF exam.
- using the interactive the ICF exam tutorials, which offer a simulation of the testing platform.
- Learn about exam features in advance. For example, you can flag questions you want to return to and review before hitting submit.
- Practice taking tests within a time limit to gain experience managing your time effectively.
A big advantage to computer-based testing is knowing how you scored on the exam immediately. After completion, you’ll receive a pass/fail message, so you don’t have to wait weeks to learn the results. Copies of your score report are available anytime online in your Pearson VUE account or your ICF Profile dashboard under “My Applications.”
Embrace Personal Preference
Earning an ICF credential is a significant milestone in your coaching journey. Online and in-person exam-taking environments are designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics while protecting the integrity of ICF credentials, which are considered the coaching industry’s gold standard.
The exam format you choose can influence your success. Choosing between online and in-person testing largely depends on what you consider an ideal exam experience. In-person testing offers peace of mind that the technology is compatible and operational and provides a distraction-free environment.
However, traveling to an in-person testing center may not be feasible, or you may feel that taking the exam in a familiar environment, such as your home , is more comfortable, making online testing the right option for you.
Carrie Abner, MA, CAE (USA)
Carrie Abner is an experienced association executive who has advanced professional associations at the local, state, national and international levels. She currently serves as vice president of ICF Credentials and Standards, where she works to strengthen and grow the certification of coach practitioners around the world and ensure the highest standards for professional and ethical practice in coaching.
The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.
Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.
