Virtual Exam Proctoring (CPCU® | ARM™ | AINS™)

As of Q1 2025, all virtual exams administered by The Institutes will be “virtually proctored” to ensure the test taker is not using notes or cheating in any visible way (previously, all virtual exams were non-proctored).

This applies to every exam, including the CPCU®, ARM™, and AINS™.

Overview of Proctored Exams (CPCU® | ARM™ | AINS™)

Moving forward, every virtual exam that is administered by The Institutes will be proctored. This is being implemented to ensure that test-takers are not using notes or cheating in any visible way.

Proctoring will be conducted through a new “virtual exam proctoring” process, which means your exam session will be recorded through a program called Talview. This is an AI software that tracks your on-screen and off-screen movements, along with your audio, and will “flag” your exam if cheating is suspected. If needed, your exam recording will be manually reviewed by a member of The Institute’s team.

How does this work?

An AI program called Talview will be implemented to conduct virtual exam proctoring. This is an AI technology that utilizes face and voice software to provide virtual exam proctoring. It will “flag” if a test taker is suspected of cheating; if flagged, a member of The Institutes will manually review the recording to make the appropriate decisions.

This program will record the following as you take your exam:

Your computer screen
You (through your webcam)
Sound (through your microphone)

Will I be watched by a live person?

No, you will not be watched or proctored by a live person. Your exam session will be recorded by an AI software from the company Talview. Talview is the program conducting the virtual exam proctoring. If needed, the recording of your exam may be reviewed by a member of The Institute’s team.

What software will I need?

You will not need any special software; the Talview proctoring is built into the Institute’s virtual exam, but you will need the following to take your exam:

A laptop or desktop computer (mobile devices not supported).
A webcam (the one built into your laptop is adequate).
A microphone (the one built into your computer is adequate).
Operating system of Windows 10 or 11, or the latest two releases of MacOS.
You must run the exam on the latest versions of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.

Will I fail or be penalized if I move around too much?

No, even if you are flagged by the AI software, there will always be a live person who reviews the recording. So, as long as you are not cheating, you will not get penalized!

The good news, from what we’ve been told, is that the review is not too strict (and not too invasive). This means that even if you are flagged by the AI program for looking away from the computer too many times, a real person will review the video to see if any action needs to be taken.

Summary

This is a big change; it feels odd being virtually “watched,” and it definitely adds to the test-taking anxiety. But the good news is, the virtual exam proctoring is relatively non-invasive. Other than approving the program and testing your computer when you start the exam, you won’t even notice it’s there.

If you are worried about the AI Technology incorrectly flagging or failing your exam, don’t be. Any exam flagged by the program will be manually reviewed by an employee of The Institutes. We have always found The Institute’s customer service to be top-notch, reasonable, and understanding. They will take the best care to ensure exams are reviewed honestly and accurately, and they would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding your exam.

Additionally, as long as you are not cheating, you have nothing to worry about! The exams have always been closed-book and note-free, so as long as you keep with your normal studying and test-taking habits, this change should have minimal effect on your test-taking process.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact us at contact@associatepi.com.

Free Practice Exam

Ready to get started studying? We’re here to help (for free). Download our free practice exams to get a feel for the type of questions you will see on the exam.

Download: Free Practice Exam (CPCU® | ARM™ | AINS™ | API™)

More Information

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Disclaimer

AssociatePI is not affiliated with The Institutes. This blog is intended for informational purposes only, to inform students about upcoming changes to the CPCU® and the ARM™ To CPCU® path. This information is not the choice, nor does it involve the input, of AssociatePI. This information is sourced from industry publications detailing the upcoming changes to the CPCU^® and ARM™.

CPCU® exams are administered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (“The Institutes”). AssociatePI does not administer the actual exams, we are an independent resource of free content, advice, and study material for professional insurance education. This blog is intended for informational purposes only, to inform prospective students of the benefit of the CPCU^® designation.

CPCU^® and ARM^™ are trademarks of the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (“The Institutes”). AssociatePI LLC is not affiliated with, associated with, endorsed by or otherwise supported or recognized by The Institutes in any way. AssociatePI LLC is not authorized by The Institutes to offer courses, practice examinations, or any other resources related to the Institutes’ designations or other programs.

For further information regarding AssociatePI and changes to the CPCU^® exam study material, please email contact@associatepi.com.

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