Exam Registration and Scheduling

You must carefully read and follow all instructions provided on this page. Failure to do so WILL affect your ability to successfully take the exam. It is highly recommended that you take the SHORT GENERIC PROCTORED PRACTICE EXAM to get acquainted with the online exam environment and to minimize the chances of any issues during your exam session.

Please note: The entire registration and exam scheduling process can take 5–10 business days. You will not be able to take the exam immediately after registering. Once registered, you have six (6) months to complete your exam before your registration expires. Refer to the details below for a full overview of the registration and scheduling process. AAERT’s online exam registration process differs depending on the exam component (Knowledge or Practical) you are taking. Please review the information below carefully.

Exam Registration and Scheduling Instructions

How to Register for Knowledge Exams (CER, CDR, CET Knowledge)

  1. Registration and Payment - Initial registration through AAERT's website.
  2. AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform - Login & Scheduling - Within five (5) business days after registering through the AAERT website, you will receive an email titled "Your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform Login Details" testingsupport@meazurelearning.com. This email includes your login credentials, instructions for accessing the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform and steps to schedule your proctored practice exam and official exam.
  3. Scheduling with a Proctor and Launching Your Exam - Once you schedule your Knowledge Exam in the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform, you will receive a confirmation email titled “AAERT Online Proctored Exam Confirmation.” Please carefully review and complete the setup instructions provided in that email prior to your exam date. Doing so will help ensure your system is properly configured and reduce the likelihood of technical issues on exam day.
    On exam day: Launch the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser. Detailed download and setup instructions are provided in the box below and in your AAERT Online Proctored Exam Confirmation email. Log into the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform, click "Launch Exam." You will be redirected to ProctorU and connected with a live proctor.
Information on the Guardian Browser
> Guardian Download Link - https://guardian.meazurelearning.com/ 
> Updated Guardian Help Articles - https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/sections/9979847689229-Guardian-Proctoring-Browser-Resources 

How to Register for Practical Exams (CET)

  1. Registration and Payment - All CET Practical Exam registration and fees are included with your initial exam registration. When a candidate registers for the CET Exam on the AAERT website for the first time, both the Knowledge and Practical Exams are included. No additional registration is required to proceed with the Practical Exam.
  2. Realtime Coach Platform - Login & Scheduling -Within five (5) business days after registering through the AAERT website, you would have received an “AAERT Access Confirmation” email from noreply@myrealtimecoach.com. This email will be sent at the time of your initial registration, around the same time as your Knowledge Exam confirmation emails.
  3. PROCTORU - Within five (5) business days after following the email instructions from Realtime Coach you will receive a "Reservation Confirmation" from noreply@proctoru.com with further instructions on how to prepare for your exam session.

TAKING A KNOWLEDGE EXAM

Do a Proctored Practice Exam and Test your Equipment

As soon as you receive your username and password for the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform, we strongly recommend that you test your equipment by selecting the “Test It Out” button on the platform. This quick check helps ensure your device, internet connection, and system settings meet all technical requirements before exam day.

You will also see an option to take a proctored practice exam, which is available to you at any time. We highly encourage all candidates to complete this practice session before scheduling their official exam. Doing so will help you become familiar with the testing environment, minimize the risk of technical issues, and ensure a smoother process when connecting with a live proctor on your actual exam date.

How to take Knowledge Exams

  • How to schedule a "Proctored Practice" knowledge exam:
    1.  Log into your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform account
    2. Click the Exams menu option located on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
    3. Under the Exams and Courses section click the blue Book button next to the Practice Knowledge Exam box.
    4. The following steps guided on the screen will walk you through selecting the date and time of your Practice Knowledge Exam.
    5. After completing your booking, you will receive a confirmation email titled “AAERT Online Proctored Exam Confirmation.” This email will include your scheduled appointment details, a link to access your practice knowledge exam, and instructions on how to launch your exam on the day of testing.
  • How to take a “Proctored Practice” knowledge exam:
    1. Log into your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform account
    2. Click the ‘Launch Exam’ button at your exam time.
    3. You will be redirected to the ProctorU platform.
    4. You will be connected to a proctor within 15 minutes.
    5.  Your proctor will walk you through a series of steps outlined in this video.
  • How to schedule a knowledge exam:
    1.  Log into your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform account.
    2.  Click the Exams menu option located on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
    3. Under the Exams and Courses section click the blue Book button next to the knowledge exam you are looking to schedule.
    4. The following steps will walk you through selecting the date and time of your Knowledge Exam.
    5. After completing your booking, you will receive a confirmation email titled “AAERT Online Proctored Exam Confirmation.” This email will include your scheduled appointment details, a link to access your practice knowledge exam, and instructions on how to launch your exam on the day of testing.
  • How to take a knowledge exam:
    1. Log into your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform account
    2. Click the ‘Launch Exam’ button at your exam time. 
    3. You will be redirected to the ProctorU platform. 
    4. You will be connected to a proctor within 15 minutes
    5. Your proctor will walk you through a series of steps outlined in this video.

TAKING A PRACTICAL EXAM

Do a Proctored Practiced Exam and Test your Equipment

The proctored practice 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 exam used for the proctored practice is a short, generic exam not related to any AAERT exam materials.

We STRONGLY recommend that you take your proctored practice exam using the same computer and equipment, in the same location with the same internet connection, and if possible, at the same time of day that you will take your live exam. Mirroring the live exam setting as closely as possible will give you the best possible chance to identify and correct any technical issues before your live exam.

If any technical issues arise during your proctored practice exam, make sure they are resolved and that you complete another proctored practice without any problems before you attempt the live exam.

How to take Practical Exams

  • How to schedule a "Proctored Practice" practical exam:
    1.  Log into your Realtime Coach™ account.*
    2. Click the Test menu, and choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
    3. In the box labeled “1. Prepare” at the top of the page, click [Schedule/Take a Proctored Practice].
    4. After you are redirected to the ProctorU website, click [Schedule New Session].
    5. Under “Select a Term,” choose “Proctored Practice.”
    6. Select your exam, and follow the prompts to choose and confirm a date and time for your proctored practice session.

*Use the link and login details provided to you via email upon confirmation of your registration.

  • How to take a "Proctored Practice" practical exam:
    1.  Log into your Realtime Coach™ account.
    2. Click the Test menu, and choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
    3. In the box labeled “1. Prepare” at the top of the page, click [Schedule/Take a Proctored Practice].
    4. After you are redirected to the ProctorU website, locate your reservation, and click [Connect].
    5. Follow the prompts to complete identity verification and connect to your proctor.
    6. Follow any instructions from the proctor to secure the exam environment.
    7. When ready, click to launch the appropriate practice exam.*
    8. Follow the prompts to complete the practice exam.
    9. Once complete, notify your proctor, and follow their post-exam instructions to complete the session.

*The practice exam does not require a password to launch. If you receive a password prompt, you have accidentally clicked a real exam! Close the prompt, and click to launch the appropriate practice exam.

  • How to schedule a practical exam:
    1. Log into your Realtime Coach™ account.*
    2. Click the Test menu, and choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
    3. In the box labeled “2. Test” at the top of the page, check the box to confirm you have read the exam instructions.
    4. Click [Schedule my Test].
    5. After you are redirected to the ProctorU website, click [Schedule New Session].
    6. Under “Select a Term,” choose “Proctored Exams.”
    7. Select your exam, and follow the prompts to choose and confirm a date and time for your real exam session.

*Use the link and login details provided to you via email upon confirmation of your registration.

  • How to take a practical exam:
    1. On the day and time of your exam, log into your Realtime Coach™ account.
    2. Click the Test menu, and choose AAERT Certification Test Center.
    3. In the box labeled “2. Test” at the top of the page, check the box to confirm you have read the exam instructions.
    4. Click [Connect to a Proctor for my test].
    5. After you are redirected to the ProctorU website, locate your reservation, and click [Connect].
    6. Follow the prompts to complete identity verification and connect to your proctor.
    7. Follow any instructions from the proctor to secure the exam environment.
    8. When ready, click to launch your real exam.
    9. When prompted, confirm that you understand that this is a real exam and wish to proceed.
    10. The proctor will enter the exam password and click to open the exam.
    11. Follow the prompts to complete your exam.*
    12. Once complete, notify your proctor, and follow their post-exam instructions to complete the session.

*Remember that the proctor’s role is for verifying your identity and securing the exam environment. Proctors do not have exam-specific information, so be sure you’re familiar with the exam process in advance.

CET Practical Exam Overview

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.

Step-by-step Instructions:

  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 "hamburger menu" button in the upper left (it looks like three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other) 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. Please be sure not to include your first and last name in the file title. Using your initials only is fine. Example file name: A.O_CET Practical Exam _01.03.2026
  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.

Equipment and Materials

  • Knowledge Exam (CER, CDR, & CET Written)
    • Government-Issued Photo ID
    • Computer*
    • Internet Connection†
    • Webcam
    • Google Chrome
    • Wired Headphones**
  • Practical Exam (CET)
    • 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

POLICIES AND AGREEMENTS


Exam Registration, Validity, and Cancelation Policies

Registration Validity

Exam registrations are valid for up to six (6) months from the date of purchase. After this period, the registration will expire, and no refund or credit will be issued.

Cancelling Your Exam Registration

Cancellation & Refunds: Registrations may be canceled for a refund within 30 days of purchase, provided that the exam has not been launched. All approved cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee.

Canceling a Scheduled Proctored Exam Session

If you need to cancel a proctored practical exam 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.

Candidates may stop and reschedule their exam at any point before officially launching it, without penalty. However, once the exam has been accessed or started, it is considered active and the registration is fulfilled, meaning it can no longer be canceled, refunded, or rescheduled, regardless of how much time has passed. As outlined in the Exam Instructions, candidates are strongly encouraged to use the proctored practice exams beforehand to identify and resolve any potential technical issues.

AAERT Certification Candidate Agreement

The AAERT Certification Candidate Agreement is a contract between AAERT and you as a certification examination 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 or taking this examination for someone else).
  4. You have read, understood, and will follow the exam instructions and all proctor instructions and will make no attempts to utilize programs or software outside of those required to launch and complete the examination.
  5. You understand and agree that the nature of online testing requires you, as the candidate, to be responsible for your own internet connection, computer, and testing environment, and for ensuring that all of these factors comply with the Exam Instructions and Guidelines at all times, including both prior to and during the exam. If any of these factors cause the exam to be disrupted or ended, you waive the right to a refund or complimentary additional exam registration.
  6. 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. You understand and consent that AAERT reserves the right to cancel or withhold examination results when, in the sole judgment of AAERT, a testing irregularity occurs or is suspected to have occurred.
  7. All AAERT examination content is highly confidential. You agree not to disclose, copy, photograph, or share in any manner any AAERT Certification Program examination questions or answers in whole or in part. You further agree not capture any examination content (whether via technology or memory), except as required for the purpose of the examination, and you will ensure that all captured examination content is deleted at the conclusion of the examination.
  8. You will comply with the AAERT Code of Professional Ethics at all times before, during, and after the examination process. You will treat proctors, AAERT staff and volunteers, and all others involved in the examination 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.
  9. 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 examination. You further consent to be observed at all times during the examination.
  10. You agree that any violation of this agreement, or any other violation of AAERT exam instructions, guidelines, rules, or proctor instructions will result in penalties including, but not limited to invalidation of examination 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 examination fees, preparation courses, the purchase of any study aids, or any other examination-related expenses. You agree that if you witness any such violations you will report them to AAERT immediately.

AAERT Testing Accessibility Policy

AAERT seeks to support all individuals seeking certification and is committed to providing necessary testing accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities, consistent with the requirements of the law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

AAERT will make reasonable efforts to provide the requested accommodations to candidates provided the disability has been demonstrated through adequate documentation, and that the accommodations do not fundamentally alter the measurement of the skills or knowledge the examination is intended to test, do not jeopardize examination integrity and security, are compatible with the nature and purpose of the examination, and do not result in an undue burden to AAERT or its testing partners.

Accommodations must be requested by the candidate in a timely manner and are provided on an individual basis at no additional cost to the candidate. Accommodations cannot be made to the actual content of the examination. Accommodation requests must be submitted in writing to aaert@aaert.org and accompanied by a letter or statement from a valid medical practitioner supporting the need for the accommodation. Please note that letters/statements are not required to disclose any medical condition or diagnosis. 

All requests are handled on a case-by-case basis, but common accommodations may include:

Additional testing time.

Permission to have and use diabetic supplies.

Permission to have water in a spill-proof bottle and/or a small snack.

Permission to have access to prescribed medication (other than pills).

Use of a screen magnifier.

Use of personal external medical devices.

Accommodations not commonly approved due to test integrity include:

Use of notes or study materials during exams.

Use of multiple computer monitors.

Use of a virtual machine or additional software not mentioned above.

Use of Bluetooth devices, mobile hotspots or tethering during testing.

Use of cell phones during testing.

Talking or reading aloud during testing.

Use of speakers in lieu of headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare for my exam?

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

What happens after I pass an exam?

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 notice 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.
    • NOTE: Your certificate WILL BE EMAILED to you.

For CET Knowledge Exam:

  • When you submit the exam, you will be immediately shown your preliminary result. Exam sessions are reviewed, and your official notice 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.
  • 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.

What happens if I do not pass my knowledge exam?

When we email your official exam results, the message will include a breakdown of your performance by each Knowledge Domain to help guide your preparation for a retake. You may register for a retake exam through AAERT’s website. The registration process is only complete once you receive a new email registration confirmation from the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform containing your exam login details. Even if your previous login information still works, you must wait for this new email before scheduling your retake. You cannot schedule your exam retake directly through ProctorU. After you register and pay for the retake through AAERT’s website, and once you receive the new AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform email, you must schedule your exam through your AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform account , which will then connect you to ProctorU for proctoring. If you attempt to schedule your retake before receiving the new email, or if you try to schedule directly through ProctorU, you will not have access to your exam. Please wait for the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform confirmation email and then schedule your new exam date through Realtime Coach.

What happens if I do not pass my CET Practical exam?

You may appeal your score within five (5) business days after receiving your score report.After you receive your 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 for a retake through the AAERT website, you will not be able to take the exam.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It's not unusual for candidates to require several attempts to pass certification exams. If you do not pass an exam attempt, we strongly recommend that you pause and take the opportunity to revisit your preparation so that you attempt the exam again from a position of greater strength and confidence. Exam content is not unlimited, and if a large number of failed exam attempts over a short period of time may result in a warning that you are in danger of exhausting all available exam content. Further failed test attempts beyond that point may result in the exam being unavailable to you for an indefinite amount of time until new exam content becomes available.

How do I appeal my CET Practical exam score?

AAERT provides 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 AAERT within 5 business days after receiving the score report.

Candidates who have received their official CET Practical Exam results may request a formal regrade. Regrade requests must be received within the 5 business day deadline in order to be considered. If approved, the exam will be evaluated by a different AAERT grader. A $50 regrade fee applies and must be paid through your AAERT Dashboard. While a change in score is unlikely, if your score does change as a result of the regrade, you will receive a new official results email reflecting the updated grade, and the regrade fee will be refunded. Please allow 10–15 business days for processing. To submit a Practical Exam Regrade request, please pay the request fee here and submit the request form to aaert@aaert.org.

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

What are the technical requirements and restrictions for taking the exam?

Before your exam, you must test your computer and equipment using ProctorU’s system check: https://go.proctoru.com/students/system-metrics/new

It’s recommended to use a personal computer, as company devices may have firewall restrictions. If you plan to use a work computer, you should have your IT team review ProctorU’s allow list and port requirements in advance. For the practical exam, Google Chrome must be used as your web browser.

In addition to ProctorU’s terms and conditions, the following rules apply:

  • Only one monitor is allowed.
  • No books, notes, or reference materials may be used.
  • Virtual machines are not permitted.
  • VPNs must be disabled.
  • All non-essential programs must be closed.
  • All Bluetooth devices must be disconnected.
  • Mobile hotspots or tethering are not allowed.
  • You should test your internet speed at the same location and time of day you plan to take the exam.
  • Cell phones and smartwatches must be shown to the proctor and then placed in another room.
  • You must remain seated for the entire exam (no bathroom breaks).
  • Talking or reading aloud is not permitted.
  • Audio must be played through headphones, not speakers.
  • You must be alone in the room, and the proctor will require a 360-degree view of your space before the exam begins.

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