This year, IABC’s Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) launched remote proctoring for the Strategic Communication Management Professional® (SCMP) and Communication Management Professional® (CMP) certification programs. Remote proctoring allows certification candidates to take their exam remotely and proctored virtually. To celebrate this exciting new offering from IABC, Catalyst connected with GCCC Chair Mark Evans, SCMP, to learn more about this opportunity and how it advances the communication profession.

Tell us how GCCC approached the concept of remote proctoring for its certification exams.

Mark Evans, SCMP (ME): This started under our former chairs, Sia Papageorgiou, FRSA, SCMP, and Brad Whitford, SCMP, IABC Fellow. Once the SCMP received ISO recognition, we knew we wanted to explore ways to make certification exams more accessible to people. Many people around the world do not have easy access to exam locations. Others simply do not have the time to travel to the nearest exam site. By making the exam available anywhere, any time, through remote proctoring, we hope to make it even easier for people to earn their certification.

Walk us through an example of remote proctoring. How will it work? What can a potential certificant expect when choosing to test under remote proctoring?

ME: Once a candidate has met the eligibility requirements and is approved for testing, an “Authorization to Test” notification is sent out explaining how to schedule their exam appointment. There is a one-year window for the candidate to test from the time of approval. Exam appointments are not available for same-day testing, but candidates can schedule an appointment for the following day. With remote proctoring, candidates should test in a location that is quiet and free of distractions. It needs to be in a location, such as an office, bedroom or private room, that no other individual may potentially interrupt the administration. What a candidate would typically experience at a traditional brick-and-mortar testing center will be replicated from their own location. Candidates will be required to confirm their identity with the proctor by showing their government-issued photo ID, and a 360-degree scan of the room will be conducted. 

Find more information about what to expect, along with the application process, on the GCCC website.

Describe a few benefits of remote proctoring.

ME: The biggest benefit to remote proctoring is the access it provides for people wanting to earn their certification. Applicants can take the exam on their schedules wherever they choose — even their own homes. Convenience is another benefit of remote proctoring. We know people are busy and may not have the time to travel to an exam site. Remote proctoring allows people to take the exam any time, any day, in the location of their choosing — as long as they have reliable internet service. The system we have in place also maintains the integrity of the exam. The GCCC went through a thorough review process with ANAB-ANSI to obtain approval for remote proctoring.

How does the introduction of remote proctoring help GCCC advance the communication profession?

ME: I think remote proctoring supports our existing goal for certification, which is to help people elevate their careers by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise. People who earn their certifications are communication experts delivering business success. Remote proctoring supports these efforts. It also goes a long way to helping the GCCC make certification accessible to as many people as possible, no matter where they live in the world. We want to be that program that supports communicators growing their careers and succeeding in the industry.

Ready to take your communication career to the next level? Start your certification journey, and learn more about remote proctoring on the GCCC website.

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