You will soon be able to take Microsoft certification tests online through Pearson VUE

Today to become certified in Microsoft’s technologies you must travel to a testing facility and have the exam proctored to you. Soon the same certification can be achieved over the internet. Microsoft is partnering with Pearson VUE to have the tests proctored and to ensure maximum testing integrity.

This online test will not be the average online test most of us are familiar with. Test takers will be required to be in a clean, private room or office with desk space clearly visible from a webcam. Test takers must also provide an ID check in the form of a photo and a signature. During the testing, a proctor will be monitoring activity and can require a sweep of the room with the webcam if there is any suspicion of cheating.

The online test will cost the same amount of money as taking the test at a testing center, because there will be a similar level of oversight during the testing. Microsoft and Pearson VUE believe this testing technique will maintain a high level of testing integrity employers expect from Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exams.

In addition to online testing, Pearson VUE will become Microsoft’s exclusive testing company in January 2015. Some Microsoft Office testing will occur through a Pearson VUE business, but everything else will be run through Pearson VUE. Currently, the online tests are in a beta testing phase available only to US residents. Two new Azure tests will also be available during this beta testing period.