New AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform

Launching March 26, 2026

AAERT is excited to announce the launch of our new Knowledge Exam Platform, designed to enhance your certification exam experience and support upcoming improvements.

Starting Thursday, March 26, 2026, all CER, CDR, and CET Knowledge Exams will move from RealTime Coach to the new platform. Exams scheduled before March 26 will remain on RealTime Coach, while exams scheduled on or after March 26 will take place on the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform.

No action is required if you already have an exam scheduled. Additional guidance will be shared to ensure a smooth transition and a seamless testing experience.

Frequent Asked Questions

Why is AAERT introducing this new platform? 

We know that certification exams are stressful by nature, and technical issues (while uncommon) can make that worse.

This new platform is designed to refine the process of taking a knowledge exam by minimizing disruptions and reducing the chance of technical problems. It also introduces the option for many candidates to choose between online and in person testing.

This change will lead to a more streamlined candidate experience while still maintaining the high standards we have set for exam validity and rigor.

To which exams does this change apply?

The new platform will host all AAERT knowledge exams going forward. Currently, that means the CER Knowledge Exam, CDR Knowledge Exam, and CET Knowledge Exam. 

Please note that the CET Practical Exam will remain on the Realtime Coach Platform. 

What is different between the previous platform and the new one?

There are two main changes:

  1. To reduce the number of points where technical errors could potentially arise, knowledge exams will no longer be delivered via the Realtime Coach platform, but instead via the new AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform. 
  2. The new platform will no longer require you to maintain a live connection with the proctor for the entire duration of the exam, which has been a common source of technical issues. After the proctor completes the pre-exam steps and launches your exam, the session will be recorded and reviewed later. Your webcam and microphone must remain on throughout the entire exam, as the session is still recorded.

Is anything else changing? Will this make the exams easier or harder to pass?

None of the following elements of AAERT knowledge exams will be affected by this change in delivery platforms:

  • The exam content, including the number of questions and the exam blueprint which determines the makeup and proportions of exam questions
  • The exam difficulty, scoring process, and the score required to pass the exam
  • The registration process 
  • The pre-exam steps for validating ID and securing the exam
  • The validity of the exams and the AAERT Certification Program as designed to comply with best practices established by:
    • The Institute for Credentialing Excellence
    • The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
    • The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and ISO/IEC 17024, the international standard for personnel certification 
    • Learn more at https://aaert.org/about-aaert-certifications/

If the exam is recorded rather than having a proctor at all times, what will happen if something goes wrong?

Exam irregularities are very rare, but they can occur. On the new platform, instead of a live proctor interrupting the exam, any irregularities will be identified during post-exam review. 

In most cases, a further review of the video by AAERT staff is enough to determine that no violation of the exam guidelines has occurred. If additional information is needed, AAERT staff will contact the candidate directly. 

Does not having a live proctor mean that there will be no technical support?

AAERT is committed to providing reliable technical support throughout your testing experience. Technical support is available at all times, including during the exam itself. This support is provided by dedicated technical staff, not by exam proctors.

Proctors are responsible for exam security and identity verification, but they are not trained to diagnose or resolve technical issues. For that reason, having a live proctor present does not affect your access to technical support.

Is in-person testing an option? 

Yes, for the first time, we are happy to offer candidates the option to take AAERT knowledge exams in person at more than 300 test center locations nationwide. This can be a great option for those who aren’t as comfortable with online testing or prefer to have the test center provide the computer and internet connection. 

What’s the closest in-person testing opportunity to me? 

Of the top 100 U.S. cities by population, 98% of candidates are within 15 miles of a Meazure Learning testing center. To find a list of covered cities, you can visit our testing partner, Meazure Learning at https://www.meazurelearning.com/candidate-services and click on “Test Site Cities.” Please note that only US locations are available and specific test center addresses will be provided during the scheduling process. 

When will the change happen?

The new AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform will launch on Thursday, March 26, 2026. After this date, knowledge exams will no longer be available on the current RealTime Coach platform. Any knowledge exams taken before March 26, 2026, will be completed on the current platform, while exams taken on or after that date will take place on the new platform.

If you prefer to take a knowledge exam on the current system, please make sure to allow yourself enough time to register (if not already registered), to schedule and take your practice exam, and to schedule and take your live exam. You will need to complete all of these steps by Thursday, March 26, 2026. Please keep in mind that during busy periods, scheduling availability may be limited. 

If you have already registered for a knowledge exam, but you prefer to wait to take it until the new system is implemented, you may simply wait until Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at which point you will receive an email with information on how to schedule and take your knowledge exam on the new platform.

How will I know how to access and navigate the new platform?

The Exam Instructions page at https://aaert.org/become-certified/exam-instructions/ will be updated with step-by-step guidance for registering and navigating the new AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the day the new platform launches. This ensures candidates will have the most current instructions available at the same time the new system goes live.

Are there other benefits to this change?

Yes! Other benefits include:

  • A new intuitive and user-friendly interface with easy navigation for candidates, including tools like an in-platform notepad, the ability to flag questions, and timers.
  • Faster turnaround times between when you register and when you receive access to your exam. 
  • Candidates will now be able to clearly see the date their exam registration expires directly within the platform.
  • Improved handling of ADA accommodation requests.
  • Better administrative tools for AAERT staff and our partners to help you navigate the testing process.

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