• Knowledge Exam
  • Government-Issued Photo ID
  • Computer*
  • Internet Connection†
  • Webcam
  • Google Chrome
  • Wired Headphones**
• Practical Exam
  • Government-Issued Photo ID
  • Computer*
  • Internet Connection†
  • Webcam
  • Google Chrome
  • Wired Headphones**
  • USB Foot Pedal (VEC Infinity 3 Recommended)
  • Microsoft Word™, WordPerfect, CAT Software, Steno Machine and/or Voice Writer (NOTE: If you use MaxScribe, you CANNOT use the Speech Recognition)
  • Be prepared with the federal format template, see Exam Resources page

* Windows 10, or newer
**Headphones only needed for the CET Knowledge and Practical Exam
† 8mpbs, or faster

Before all exams, test your computer and equipment here on ProctorU. https://go.proctoru.com/students/system-metrics/new

It is recommended that you use a personal computer to avoid company firewalls. If using a company computer, here is a list you can send to IT to check if there will be any issues with firewalls. Guardian Port/Protocol and Allow List Information

For practical exam, you will use Chrome as your web browser.

In addition to terms and conditions provided by ProctorU linked here, please be aware of the following:

• You may use only one computer monitor.
• NO books, reference materials, notes, etc. are allowed to be used during your exam.
• You may not use a virtual machine.
• DO NOT have Virtual Private Network (VPN) enabled.
• All programs not required for your exam must be closed.
• Any and all Bluetooth devices must be disconnected from your computer.
• Mobile hotspots or tethering are not permitted for internet connection.
• Test your internet speed where you will be taking the exam and at the time of day you plan to take the exam.
• Cell phones (and smart watches) must be shown to proctor and then placed in another room.
• You must stay in your seat throughout the exam. Bathroom breaks are not permitted.
• You must not talk or read aloud.
• You must listen to audio through headphones, not on speakers.
• You must be alone when taking this online exam. The proctor will ask for a 360-degree view of your room.

• Test Your Equipment
  • After logging into the ProctorU website (https://www.proctoru.com/) click on the "Test Your Equipment" button.
• Take a "Proctored Practice" exam.
  • After testing your equipment click on the "Schedule New Session" button and select "Proctored Practice"
  • This allows you to experience the exam process so you can become familiar with how to navigate and submit the exam, along with any attached files, if applicable.
  • The "Proctored Practice" is a short generic exam not related to any AAERT exam materials.
• Take your certification exam.
  • When you are ready, log into the ProctorU website (https://www.proctoru.com/) click on the "Schedule New Session" button.
  • Select "Proctored Exams"
  • Select your exam: CDR Knowledge Exam, CER Knowledge Exam, CET Knowledge Exam, or CET Practical Exam.
  • This is a proctored experience, just like the proctored practice, but you will take and submit your real exam.
  • Candidates may choose to stop and reschedule their exam at any time before the exam is officially launched, without penalty. Once the exam has launched, the attempt is considered active and cannot be rescheduled.
  • Please note: There is a 72-hour lead time required to schedule an exam session with a proctor. If you choose to schedule your exam within 72 hours of the desired time, ProctorU will charge an additional fee.

If you need to cancel a proctored session, it should be done at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel a session by doing the following:

1. Log into your account at www.myrealtimecoach.com.
2. From the Test tab, choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
3. Check the box in Step 2, then click [Schedule my Test].
4. From the ProctorU home page, click [Cancel] for the session to be canceled.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation.
6. Candidates may choose to stop and reschedule their exam at any time before the exam is officially launched, without penalty. Once the exam has started, the attempt is considered active and cannot be rescheduled.

The AAERT Certification Candidate Agreement is a contract between AAERT and you as a certification exam candidate.

By taking an AAERT certification exam, you agree that:

1. The answers you provide on this examination are the result of your own legitimately acquired skills and knowledge.
2. You have not and will not provide or accept any improper assistance before, during or after this examination attempt.
3. You are the person registered for this examination attempt (that is, you are not allowing someone to take this examination for you).
4. You will follow all login and exam launch instructions and make no attempts to utilize programs or software outside of those required to launch and complete the exam.
5. You will comply with all rules and regulations applicable to registration, administration, scoring and reporting of the examination as set forth by AAERT and its testing partners and proctors, including, without limitation, fully and truthfully cooperating with any investigation into testing irregularities.
6. You will not disclose, copy, photograph, or share in any manner any AAERT Certification Program exam questions or answers in whole or in part. You will not capture any exam content, except as required for the purpose of the exam, and you will ensure that all captured exam content is deleted at the conclusion of the exam.
7. You will comply with the AAERT Code of Professional Ethics at all times before, during, and after the exam process. You will treat proctors, AAERT staff and volunteers, and all others involved in the exam process with respect and professionalism at all times. You will refrain from using or claiming any AAERT certification designations (e.g., CER, CET) until you receive your official notification from AAERT that you have satisfied all requirements and are certified.
8. You consent to AAERT sharing your personal information with its certification vendors to the extent necessary to provide and fulfill services associated with this certification exam.
9. You agree that any violation of this agreement, or any other violation of AAERT exam instructions, guidelines, or rules will result in penalties including, but not limited to invalidation of exam scores, loss of AAERT membership, and/or being prohibited from holding AAERT membership and certifications in the future. You acknowledge that in the case of any such violations, you will not be entitled to a refund of any exam fees, preparation courses, the purchase of any study aids, or any other exam-related expenses.

Knowledge exams are multiple-choice and may include images and audio to provide context for a question. To take and submit a knowledge exam:

1. Log into your account at www.myrealtimecoach.com. Have your username/password ready for Realtime Coach.
2. From the Test tab, choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
   If taking a proctored exam: Check the box in Step 2, then click the button to connect to a proctor. You’ll be taken to your ProctorU account with a prompt to connect to your scheduled session. Once you’ve connected with your proctor and completed the identification and verification process, you’ll return to the AAERT Certification Test Center page to continue below.
3. Click the appropriate icon* to launch the exam.
4. When the exam loads, and you’re ready to begin, click [Start Exam].
5. Answer each question, navigating with [Next] and [Back] buttons.
6. Use the Menu button on the right to jump to specific questions.
7. When all questions have been answered, navigate to the last question, then click [Next].
8. Click [Submit Exam]. You may then close the exam window.
9. For knowledge exams, your PRELIMINARY pass/fail results will be posted immediately on the screen. Exam sessions are reviewed and your OFFICIAL score will be sent to you within 2-3 weeks of taking the exam.
10. CET Knowledge Exam Validity: Once you pass the CET Knowledge Exam, your passing score remains valid for one (1) year. You must successfully complete the CET Practical Exam within that timeframe.

*When launching the REAL exam, a prompt will appear for the proctor to enter the exam password.
NOTE: You will have 120 minutes to complete your real exam. Remaining time is displayed in the upper-left corner of the exam window.

For the practical exam, you will be presented with a 4-channel audio file played with TheRecordXchange player (no download necessary). Volume can be adjusted for each channel, as desired. Media playback can be controlled via USB foot pedal (Google Chrome required).

From the recording, you will produce a pdf transcript in federal format and it must include title page, index page, and certificate. For federal format templates, click here. Case Information will be linked within Realtime Coach and Log Annotations are linked under the TheRecordXchange player.

To take a practical exam:

1. Plug in your USB foot pedal and headphones. Open your template in your word processor. Launch your Chrome web browser.
2. Log into your account at www.myrealtimecoach.com. Have your username/password ready.
3. From the Test tab, choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
   If taking a proctored exam: Check the box in Step 2, then click the button to connect to a proctor. You’ll be taken to your ProctorU account with a prompt to connect to your scheduled session. Once you’ve connected with your proctor and completed the identification and verification process, you’ll return to the AAERT Certification Test Center page to continue below.
4. Click the appropriate icon* to launch the exam.
5. Open Case Information Sheet.
6. Click the Menu button in the upper left and choose Connect Foot Pedal. Select the detected foot pedal and click [Open] to continue. Click the Menu button again and choose Foot Pedal Options. Select your desired foot pedal options and click [Save].
7. Dropdown the Log Annotations under the audio player.
8. Use your foot pedal to control playback as you type in your word processor (do not type in My Transcript box).
9. When finished, save your transcript file (including title page, index page, and certificate) as a PDF.
10. From the exam, click [Attach Transcript]. Browse to and select the file. Click [Open].
11. Select and copy the body text of your final transcript, and paste it into the My Transcript box.
    IMPORTANT NOTE: Copy and paste the body of the transcript ONLY. DO NOT copy and paste the title, index, or certificate. These should be included in the pdf transcript ONLY. The copied and pasted text is reviewed closely during grading, so it's important that it is done correctly. A proper copy and paste should not include line numbers. Please take the time to carefully review your copied text before submission to ensure it meets these guidelines.
12. Click [Submit Exam]. After reviewing the confirmation† message, close the exam.
    If taking a proctored exam: Notify your proctor that you have completed the exam and follow the proctor’s instructions to complete post-exam actions.
13. Your proctor will walk you through the process of deleting your transcript and any other exam-related files.
    IMPORTANT: You must comply with proctor instructions to delete the transcript and all exam files. Failing to show the proctor that you are doing this could invalidate your exam and/or certifications, or even bar you from future exam attempts.
14. AAERT will email you once the transcript has been scored.

* When launching the REAL exam, a prompt will appear for the proctor to enter the exam password.
† For practice exams, the confirmation screen will summarize the steps you completed successfully.

NOTE: You will have 180 minutes from the time the exam launches to complete and submit your transcript. The remaining time is displayed within the [Attach Transcript] button in the lower-right corner of the exam window.

To help you have a positive testing experience, we recommend the following:

• Read and follow all of the provided exam instructions. This is critically important to a successful exam process!
• Test equipment through ProctorU website before proctored exam. You don’t want to discover equipment issues on exam day!
• Do the proctored practice exam to learn the proctored exam experience.
• Give yourself plenty of time before and after your exam session so you are not rushed.
• Study Materials:
  • AAERT Best Practices Guide
  • AAERT-approved Training Programs
  • Exam Resources page. You can find many federal formatting examples, templates, as well as a practice sample transcript with answer key.
  • CET Practical Transcript: You must use federal formatting and your pdf transcript must include a title page, index page, and certificate. CET Practical Exam Overview recorded presentation
  • Review the exam blueprint linked on the Certification page.

For CER and CDR Knowledge Exams:

• When you submit the exam, you will be immediately shown your preliminary result. Exam sessions are reviewed and your official score will be sent to you within two (2) week of your exam.
• If you PASS
  • And are already a Professional member, AAERT will email you within two (2) weeks of your exam with your certification number and expiration date.
  • If you pass and ARE NOT an AAERT Professional member, you must become a Professional member within 30 days of passing the exam. Once you become a Professional member, you must email aaert@aaert.org to notify AAERT you need your certificate number.
  • NOTE: Your certificate WILL BE EMAILED to you.
• If you DO NOT pass:
  • Your official score will be sent to you typically within five (5) days once your session has been reviewed and validated. The CDR and CER Knowledge exams will also provide a breakdown of your performance by each Knowledge Domain to assist you in preparing for your exam retake.
  • You may appeal your score within five (5) business days after receiving your official score report.
  • You may register for a Retake exam through AAERT's website. If you try to schedule another proctor session before you successfully register with AAERT, you will not be able to take the exam.

For CET Knowledge Exam:

• When you submit the exam, you will be immediately shown your preliminary result. Exam sessions are reviewed, and your official score will be sent to you within one (1) week of your exam.
• If you pass, you will be registered for the CET Practical exam within one week. Do not try to schedule your CET Practical until you receive an email from Realtime Coach.
• If you do not pass:
  • You may appeal your score within five (5) business days after receiving your official score report.
  • You may register for a Retake exam through AAERT's website. If you try to schedule another proctor session before you successfully register with AAERT, you will not be able to take the exam.
• CET Knowledge Exam Validity: Once you pass the CET Knowledge Exam, your passing score remains valid for one (1) year. You must successfully complete the CET Practical Exam within that timeframe.

For CET Practical Exam:

• Practical transcripts are graded within two to three (2-3) weeks.
• If you pass and are already a Professional member, AAERT will email you your certification number and expiration date.
• If you pass and are not yet a Professional member, you must become a Professional member within 30 days of passing the exam. Once you become a Professional member, you must email aaert@aaert.org to notify them you need your certificate number.
• NOTE: Your certificate WILL NOT BE MAILED to you. You will be able to download a copy of your certificate from your AAERT account.
• If you do not pass:
  • You may appeal your score within five (5) business days after receiving your official score report.
  • After you receive your official score, if you want to RETAKE your exam, email aaert@aaert.org and request a retake registration. If you try to schedule another proctor session before you successfully register with AAERT, you will not be able to take the exam.

AAERT shall provide candidates with an opportunity to provide feedback on its examination content and procedures regarding:

· The technical accuracy of the examination.

· Fairness in the administration of the examination.

A candidate who has a concern about administrative procedures at a testing site or who has observed a breach of security or other improper conduct during a test should submit a report in writing to the AAERT Certification Director within 5 business days after receiving the official score report. Candidates may also report such concerns by completing the electronic comment form which is available at the end of the examination.

A candidate who has a question or a concern about the reliability, validity, and/or fairness of the test may submit the question or concern in writing to the AAERT Certifications Director no later than 5 business days after receiving your official score report. Candidates may also report such concerns by entering comments in the space provided after each item on the test, or by completing the electronic comment form which is available at the end of the examination.

AAERT will not consider reports about improper test administration procedures or test content which are not submitted within the 5-day deadline.