# How to Launch an Online Proctored (OLP) Exam

> Learn to launch your OLP exam through Webassessor — biometric auth, system checks & pre-check walkthrough covered. Start now →

Source: https://support.kryterion.com/en_us/how-to-launch-an-online-proctored-olp-exam-Byr5BLJi1e

Last updated: 2026-08-06T22:28:26.123Z

To begin your online proctored exam, log in to your **Webassessor account** and launch the exam from there. Opening the secure browser application directly will not work — your exam session must be initiated through Webassessor.

Go to the **My Assessments** tab to locate your scheduled exam. The **Launch** button becomes available **10 minutes before** your scheduled start time and stays active for **20 minutes**, or until you click it to begin.

**_Note:_** All test candidates are recorded throughout the entire exam session.

## Exam Readiness Check

If your test sponsor has enabled this option, a **Start Readiness Exam** button will appear under **My Assessments**. This mock walkthrough lets you experience the full launch sequence and confirm your equipment is working correctly before exam day.

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/4497214ccd16299460e4353ca48cac2b.png)

The readiness check includes:

*   Pre-exam preparation steps to familiarize you with the launch process
*   System and environment setup requirements (see steps below)

Completing this step ahead of your scheduled exam is strongly recommended to ensure your system and testing environment are properly configured.

## Launching the Lockdown Browser

At your scheduled registration time, launching the exam displays the following screen:

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/27db560c7f682b216184d05c80366640.png)  

**If the launch is successful:** You will proceed to the Terms of Service. Depending on your test sponsor's configuration, you may then be directed to Biometric Authentication or the System Precheck.

**If the launch is unsuccessful:** The page will remain unchanged and display a link to contact live chat support.

## Biometric Authentication

Once your exam launches, a biometric verification process begins — similar to what you completed during enrollment. Follow the steps for whichever method your exam requires.

### Facial Recognition

*   Sit directly in front of your webcam. If you wear glasses, remove them. Avoid strong backlighting behind you.
*   Click the **Start** button.
*   If the targeting display appears red, adjust your position or webcam angle until it turns green. A new screen will appear to continue.

### Keystroke Verification

*   Use the same keyboard you used during enrollment to replicate your keystroke rhythm accurately.
*   Type your name in the text box and press **Enter** as many times as needed to match the rhythm established at enrollment. A new screen will appear once complete.

## System Check: Camera, Microphone & Connection

Following biometric authentication, Webassessor guides you through a System Check. This process verifies that your equipment and internet connection meet all exam requirements before you begin.

### Internet Connection

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/6cfed48ded0a84a92943320a96da3a99.jpg)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/100170a900a2639e4de266da013fd149.jpg)

*   A speed test runs automatically to confirm your connection is stable and sufficient for the exam.

### Microphone Setup

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/8992124e2af853ae49c00f93a6d2af55.png)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/5359a45e1be549e7e0f90fd605b4c4f0.png)

*   Select the correct audio input device from the list.
*   Record a short audio clip to verify your microphone is functioning properly.

### Camera Setup & Positioning

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/4960fc05c5eacbf22fddbec55f2c8911.png)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/dc7190571276e465aafa5b1ac054dad7.png)

*   Select the correct camera device from the list.
*   Use the live video display to adjust your webcam's position as needed.
*   If your exam requires an external (stand-alone) webcam, position it so the proctor can clearly see all required items. For full camera guidance, see: [What are the camera requirements?](https://kryterion.kustomer.help/en_us/what-cameras-and-camera-settings-are-required-for-an-online-proctored-(olp)-exam-S1lArIJo1e)
*   If test aids are permitted, place them within the camera's view. They must remain visible for the entire duration of the exam.

### Eye Tracking Calibration

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/e8ead8d02c5b1091327e69f09edd34dd.jpg)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/b8068b1218686d60fe264623ee714cec.jpg)

If your exam requires eye tracking, complete the calibration step before proceeding.

*   Click **"Spike" the Cactus** on your screen to initiate calibration.

![Eye tracking calibration — click Spike the Cactus](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/522542450df721fff4b272f0775682ee.jpg)

### Secondary Camera Setup

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/c095e48862736aef91961c06487b7e7e.jpg)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/1208b1e7acceb6afb24b56c0948fab53.jpg)  
   
   
   
  
  
**Mobile Device**

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/ab5dc5b05850d762def62b5126e48ee8.jpg)**External Webcam**

If a secondary camera is required for your exam, follow the steps for your device type:

**Mobile Phone or Tablet:**

*   **Option 1:** Scan the QR code with your phone's camera. The check-in URL and code will populate automatically — click **I'm Ready** once setup is complete.
*   **Option 2:** Manually navigate to the provided website link and enter the displayed code when prompted. Click **I'm Ready** once setup is complete.

**External Webcam:**

*   Select the correct video device from the list.
*   Record a short video clip to confirm the secondary camera is functioning properly.

For full details on the dual camera setup, visit: [Online Proctored Dual Camera Requirement](https://kryterion.kustomer.help/en_us/online-proctored-dual-camera-requirement-rJJnB8Jo1l).

## Starting Your Exam

### Without a Pre-check

If no pre-check is required by your test sponsor, exam instructions appear immediately after you complete the system setup steps. Your exam questions follow on the next pages.

For best practices on avoiding interruptions during your exam, review: [Online Proctored Exams and Behaviors to Consider](https://kryterion.kustomer.help/en_us/online-proctored-exams-and-behaviors-to-consider-BJ7nBU1j1e).

### With a Pre-check

Your test sponsor may require security checks before your exam begins. The pre-check typically involves an ID confirmation and a 360-degree room scan of your testing environment.

**Some exams use AI for ID and room verification during the pre-check. Watch the short instructional video below to prepare:**

  

**_Note:_**

*   Only government-issued IDs are accepted.
*   If you are using an external webcam, do not disconnect it at any point. If your video feed is lost and cannot be restored, you will need to exit and relaunch your exam.

**Check-In Process:**

1.  After launching the exam, Webassessor displays a splash page. Begin the check-in on your mobile device using one of two options:
    *   **Option A — QR Code:** Scan the QR code with your phone's camera. This automatically opens the check-in URL and prefills the code so you can begin capturing photos immediately.
    *   **Option B — Manual Entry:** Navigate to the check-in URL shown on the splash page and enter the provided code when prompted.
2.  Agree to the cookie policy before continuing.
3.  Follow the on-screen instructions to capture a selfie photo. Retakes are available if needed.
4.  Capture a photo of your government-issued photo ID. Retakes are available if needed.
5.  Once both photos are successfully submitted, a **success** message will appear. Put your mobile device away and continue on your desktop.

**Example Screens:**

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/ec13512c5f929f49653bd16dde3bc07b.png)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/60aca8438b9f92e3c496f4e5fa9cbb45.jpg)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/5dc962955d7fafc0d1ef95d0a9852784.jpg)

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/67995a4f39b1628aae5f25cd/0dc915849e3ebca9db3e72bdd22f7c72.jpg)

To learn more about preparing for an online proctored exam pre-check, [click here](https://kryterion.kustomer.help/en_us/how-to-launch-an-online-proctored-(olp)-exam-Byr5BLJi1e).

## Testing Environment Requirements

Before your exam begins, confirm your environment meets all of the following standards:

*   Your room is well-lit, quiet, and free of distractions.
*   Your immediate workspace is tidy — only one active computer, one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse are present.
*   Only approved test aids are in your testing area. Contact your test sponsor with any questions about permitted aids before the exam. Approved test aid icons appear on the right side of your exam screen.
*   You are not wearing a lanyard, badge, hat, watch, or jewelry. Remove all such items before your exam begins.
*   You may not interact with anyone during the exam, except online support staff.
*   Dual monitors are not permitted.
*   Breaks are only allowed if pre-approved by your test sponsor. Any unauthorized break will be reported to your sponsor.
*   Stay within camera view at all times. A proctor must be able to see you throughout the session.
*   Cell phones are not permitted in the testing area.
*   Reading exam questions aloud is prohibited.

**_Note:_** If your testing environment or system setup does not meet requirements, you will receive on-screen instructions to correct the issue. Once Kryterion approves the adjustments, your exam will resume. Failure to comply with these requirements or follow proctor instructions may result in exam suspension and forfeiture of your exam fee. Your test sponsor will be notified. This outcome is uncommon but enforced.

## Online Exam System Requirements

For technical requirements related to your online proctored exam, [click here](https://kryterion.kustomer.help/en_us/online-testing-requirements:-what-you-need-to-know-ry42HLJsJl).