Compass for Windows User Guide

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Compass for Windows user guide

Certiport exam delivery system (Windows only)

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar to

navigate through the document.

Overview

Compass overview

Download & Install Compass

Download & install Compass application

Configuration &

Administration

Configure Compass & manage system

Launch Exam / Exam

Pathway

Candidate flow

Appendix A: Support

Contact support, troubleshooting

Appendix B: Program Info

Program specific information

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Home Overview

Download/install

Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Compass® is Certiport’s exclusive exam delivery

system that provides a state-of-the-art experience

to Test Candidates through a secure browser.

The Compass for Windows software delivers a simple

and easy way to launch a Certiport certification exam in

multiple languages using local software licenses.

Compass’s lightweight technology reduces the size and

number of downloads and provides a simple, user-

friendly interface, while continuing to access the same

Certiport tools and services currently available in the

Certiport Portal. Compass for Windows is intended to

be used in-person at a Certiport Authorized Testing

Center (CATC) with the Proctor and the Test Candidate in the same room.

This document explains how Administrators download and install Compass onto

candidate workstations prior to a testing event. It also explains how Test Candidates sign

up for exams and select the payment type. Proctors then authorize the exams to start,

and Test Candidates begin and complete their exams.

Overview

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and

at the bottom of the page to

navigate through the document.

Tip

If you do not have the means to deliver our Live-in-the-Application (LITA)

exams, please check out our Compass Cloud delivery model.

Overview

Roles

Symbols

Technical requirements

Administrator rights

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Home Overview

Download/install

Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Roles

Symbols in this document

Additional notes for users

Warnings for users

Tips for users

Actions performed by the IT administrator

Actions performed by the Certiport Organization Administrator

Actions performed by the Proctor

Actions performed by the Test Candidate

Overview

Roles

Symbols

Technical requirements

Microsoft Office Shared

License

Administrator rights

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Home Overview

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Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Technical requirements

The Exam delivery workstation must meet the minimum requirements to deliver

an exam. See the Compass for Windows Technical Requirements on the Certiport

website for details.

Microsoft Office shared license

If your Certiport Authorized Testing Center (CATC) employs a shared license

model for the Microsoft Office software (required to be locally installed on the

testing workstation when administering MOS Live-in-the-Application/LITA exams), please

see the section in this document under the exam launch pathway.

Administrator rights

Local Windows Administrator rights are required to install Compass, configure

the settings, and administer local exams. For even more detail on why local Admin

rights are required, see the Admin Rights guide.

Overview

Roles

Symbols

Technical requirements

Microsoft Office Shared

License

Administrator rights

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This section of the document describes how to download the installer from the Certiport

website and how to install the Compass application on the exam delivery workstations.

Download & Install Compass

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and

at the bottom of the page to

navigate through the document.

Download & Install

Compass

Download the installer

Install Compass

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Download the installer

The Organization Administrator or Organization Member (associated to

an authorized testing center) must download the Compass installer.

1. Open a web browser and navigate to www.certiport.com and log in as

an Organization Administrator (or Organization Member).

Note

A Certiport Org Admin or Org Member can download the installer, but

a local Windows Administrator is required to install it.

2. Select the Exam Delivery tab and then select Compass.

3. Click the Download Compass (for Windows) button.

4. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the Downloads directory.

5. Select the Compass_Setup.exe installer and Move it to the workstation’s desktop.

Download & Install

Compass

Download the installer

Install Compass

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Install Compass

The Certiport Authorized Test Center IT Administrator installs the Compass

application on each exam delivery workstation (local Admin rights required).

Note

This section of the document describes how to install Compass

on individual exam delivery workstations, one at a time. IT Administrators

have various options for mass deploying Compass to multiple

workstations. See the Compass Mass Deployment for Windows document

for details (for advanced users only).

1. Locate the Compass_Setup.exe file on the desktop and hit the Enter key on

the keyboard or double-click it to launch the executable.

2. Click Yes in the User Account Control dialog box.

3. Select the desired Language from the drop-down list and click Next.

Download & Install

Compass

Download the installer

Install Compass

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4. Ensure the install path is C:\Certiport\Compass. Click Next.

5. Click the Finish button once the installation is complete.

A shortcut to launch Compass is placed on the desktop.

Download & Install

Compass

Download the installer

Install Compass

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

This section describes all the processes that must be performed by the IT Administrator or

the Organization Administrator. These procedures include:

 Configuring the test center settings, including:

• Setting the server type

• Selecting the testing center

• Selecting the user interface language

• Setting the Windows administration credentials in advance preventing the Test

Candidate from exploiting the credentials

• Configuring the LAN settings for test center updates

• Configuring the test center update frequency

• Configuring the proxy settings for how Compass will connect through a proxy

server

 Performing system checks

 Managing exams to be delivered at the test center

 Managing the inventory at the test center

 Running test system updates

 Exporting and importing updates at the test center

 Logging out of the system

Configuration & Administration

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and at

the bottom of the page to navigate

through the document.

Configuration &

Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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Configure test center settings

The IT Administrator configures all the desired test center settings. Follow

the instructions in this section to configure the server, testing center, user

interface language, admin credentials, LAN settings, update frequency, and

proxy server. The IT Admin must also be a Certiport Organization Administrator.

1. Select the Compass short-cut and hit Enter on the keyboard, or double-click

the short-cut with the mouse to launch Compass.

The login page opens.

An Org Admin

associated to a CATC

must populate the

settings upon initial log

in, including selection of

a Certiport Authorized

Testing Center (CATC).

(See Select the testing

center for details.)

2. Enter your Organization Administrator Username and Password, and click the Login

button, and the Settings are displayed.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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3. The Settings menu is displayed.

Note

Changing anything in the Settings menu will require a restart of the

Compass application. LAN settings could take increased time to restart

while they establish, test connections, and/or look for updates.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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Set the server type

The IT Administrator selects which server the test center is connecting to.

The Default should be Production Server unless otherwise instructed by

Certiport.

Ensure the Production Server option (default) is selected in the Server section.

Select the testing center

The IT Administrator must select their test center to associate the software with

your CATC.

1. Scroll down to the Testing Center section.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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2. Select the Certiport ID drop-down list and select your test center in the list.

Select the user interface language

The IT Administrator must select the language in which they want the user

interface of Compass to appear. This will also set the exam language (if the

exam has been translated in that same language – see release calendar).

1. Scroll down to the Language section.

2. Select the desired Language from the drop-down list.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

TEST Account (00000000)

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Set admin credentials

The IT Administrator can choose to store the Windows Admin credentials (a.k.a.

impersonation). Instead of having Test Candidates use a Windows Admin login

on their workstation, this setting allows you to populate the admin credentials

in advance and only applies them to the Compass software, which allows the Test

Candidate to remain on a limited Windows user account.

1. Scroll down to the Admin Credentials section.

2. Enter the Windows Domain name (optional).

3. Enter the Windows Admin Username.

Enter the Windows Admin Password.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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Configure LAN settings (optional)

The IT Administrator can configure the LAN settings if they wish to employ this

feature. LAN Mode allows updates to be distributed with your institution’s local

network, making it easier for CATCs with limited bandwidth to stay up to date.

CATCs with very large testing labs also save time since updates are distributed

automatically whenever new updates are released. A single computer at your institution is

designated as the “Compass Server”, to which both system and applicable exam content

updates are downloaded via the internet. All exam delivery workstations are then

designated as “Compass Clients”, which connect to the Compass Server locally, and

automatically checks and obtains any new updates whenever the Compass software

is launched.

1. Scroll down to the LAN Settings section.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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2. Select one of the three configuration options:

• Stand Alone: This is the default option. Use this configuration if you do not

want to employ the features of the LAN Solution feature.

• Compass Server: Select this option for the sole computer designated to receive

all updates via the internet, then distribute them via the LAN. (The workstation

designated as the Server cannot administer exams.)

• Compass Client: Select this option for all remaining exam delivery workstations.

They only look to the Compass Server when any new updates are detected, they

do not connect online.

3. Set the Compass Server settings.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

 You can see what mode you are in with the System

Check feature or by identifying the icons shown

above in the footer of the Compass application.

Stand Alone

Server

Client

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a. You may specify an IP Address, NetBIOS name, or FQDN you wish to use as

the Server Address. (When using a name: If you are on a domain network,

use the Fully Qualified Domain Name. If not, then you must use the Machine

Name.)

b. Specify a Server Port number within the private range (49152 – 65535).

4. After designating a Compass Server, set the Compass Client settings.

a. Type in the IP Address or Name specified in the Compass Server settings.

b. Type in the Server Port number specified in the Compass Server settings.

c. Click the Test Connection button to verify communication.

5. Repeat the Compass Client settings on all lab workstations.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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If the Client cannot find a path to the Server, you will get a connection error.

Configure update frequency

The IT Administrator can configure the auto update interval. You may determine

how often you want to check for exam content updates.

1. Scroll down to the Updates section.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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2. Select how frequently you want to run Updates: Daily, Weekly, or Manual.

3. Identify the time of day you want to run the updates. Use the following 24-hour

format: HH:MM

• Daily: Every 24 hours at the specified update time

• Weekly: Every 7 days at the specified update time

• Manual: Notifies the Admin that updates are available and indicates the nature

of any pending updates via the Updates menu. CATCs employing a manual

frequency must manage updates on an individual basis for all workstations

in the lab.

Note

The time displayed in the updates section defaults to the time that

Compass was installed. When employing LAN Mode, the server updates at

the frequency specified in the settings, while the clients check for updates

present on the server whenever the software is launched.

Note

All exam content downloaded to the Compass Server will be pushed to

each Compass Client machine, even if those machines do not have the

required software installed.

Note

Restoration software such as “Deep Freeze” will undo the ongoing

application of updates. If your CATC uses restoring software, a thaw space

must be created for Compass. See our FAQs for more information.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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In Pathway updates

Should an update be available during exam selection, it is downloaded automatically.

Since an “In Pathway” update only occurs when a Test Candidate is attempting to launch

an exam, this type of update can be performed at that exact time without switching to

an Organization Administrator. The exam cannot launch until the update has finished

downloading and installing.

Note

Updates that may be pending to the Compass software (system updates)

do not prevent an exam from being launched, but we recommend you

perform them for the best testing experience.

Note

In pathway updates rarely occur in LAN mode, since the workstation

automatically checks, downloads, and installs any pending updates when

the software is launched. If an update does occur in LAN mode, it will

download and install as described above.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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Configure proxy settings

The IT Administrator can configure how Compass connects if your institution

employs the use of a proxy server.

1. Scroll down to the Proxy section.

Note

When a proxy server is used, it may be set up in Windows to allow certain

sites, but also must be set up to allow traffic to www.certiport.com.

The proxy settings in both Compass and Windows must be configured.

Encountering a white screen is indicative of traffic being blocked.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

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2. If you will use a proxy server, select the Use a Proxy Server check box.

3. Type in the IP Address for the proxy server in the Server Address field.

4. Type in the Server Port number for the proxy server.

5. Enter the Username, Password, and Confirm Password for the account on the proxy

server (optional – you could have a proxy server but not require authentication).

Finalize settings

1. Click the Save button to apply all settings entered. Compass

automatically restarts.

2. Log in again and continue to the Manage exams section.

CertiportNow service

At the bottom of most screens is the CertiportNow button, which

manually launches the Windows service if needed.

This service allows all updates (both System and Exam Content) to

run in the background if Compass is installed, the computer is

turned on, and has an active internet connection with all Certiport

whitelist IPs accessible.

In most cases, the service only fails to launch if Compass was not

installed as a local Windows Admin. If you have issues with the

service launching, please use the Admin credential store.

Other icons: The first icon links to our support page, and the middle icon shows which

LAN mode you are in: Stand-Alone (pictured), Compass Server, or Compass Client.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

Set server type

Select testing center

Select UI language

Set admin credentials

Configure LAN settings

Configure update frequency

In Pathway updates

Configure proxy settings

Finalize settings

CertiportNow button

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

Service Running

Service

Stopped

Service

Restarting

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System check

The IT Administrator can use the System Check feature to ensure that a number

of key exam administration elements are in place and ready prior to launching

an exam for the first time. The recommended best practice is to use the System Check

every time an exam is launched in case anything has changed on the exam delivery

workstation. Each section can be expanded to check for any issues. In most sections, valid

items will appear in green text, items that may interrupt testing will appear in orange

text, while outstanding items that will prevent testing appear in red text.

Note

The technical requirements of Live-in-the-Application delivery may exceed

those of the Compass for Windows software. Please see our Technical

Requirements page for additional information.

Note

For detailed information on MOS Live-in-the-Application (LITA) delivery,

please refer to the companion guide. For Adobe LITA, see its program

support page. For Autodesk LITA, see its program support page.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Certiport Authorized Testing Center (CATC) Check

This section of the system check connects to your account to ensure that your CATC is

active and there are no outstanding issues with your center’s status. It also checks to

ensure that you have at least one associated Proctor.

If you do not have any associated Proctors,

your status will show as Incomplete, and a

link will appear allowing you to connect to

the Certiport website and assign one.

Note

If your CATC is in a status you cannot resolve, please contact Customer

Service. For more info on associating Proctors, please see our Managing

Associations page.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Program Information Check

This section of the system check connects to your account and lists your CATC’s current

status for our exam programs. All Certiport programs will be listed, whether you are

administering exams in that program or not. You must have an Active status to

administer exams in that program.

Note

If a program is in a status that prevents you from administering exams,

please contact Customer Service.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Product Information Check

This section of the system check connects to your account to see if your CATC has any

active Site Licenses or Inventory.

Site Licenses and Inventory are program specific. If, for example, you wish to administer

IC3, but only have a license for CSB, the text will show green, but you will be unable to test

until you have active IC3 product. To see your payment methods in detail, click the

Inventory menu. For more information see the Inventory section within this guide.

Note

Vouchers, even those purchased by your CATC and assigned to Test

Candidates, will not show up in the System Check area but can still be

used to take an exam even if you have no active licenses or inventory.

Voucher info will appear in the Inventory menu. More info on vouchers.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Device Readiness

This section of the system check connects to your computer’s system info to display some

common hardware elements, Windows Admin permissions, and your LAN status. The View

Full Technical Requirements link will take you to our website.

Note

Your support technician may ask you for a screenshot of this info when

diagnosing a suspected hardware performance issue.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Office Compatibility Check

This section of the system check looks at your locally installed Microsoft Office software to

see if it is a supported version that is compatible with MOS LITA exam delivery. To see

which exact version suites of our MOS exams are compatible with your locally installed

version, please view our Technical Requirements page.

Note

The Get Office Metrics button is a Certiport Technical Support tool. When

pressed, it will display additional detail at the bottom of the screen. You

may be asked to provide this information if you are troubleshooting an

issue with a technician.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Configuration Exams

This section of the system check gives you another path to run any applicable configuration

exams. (Configuration exams can also be launched from the Manage Exams menu.) For

detailed information see the configuration exams section within this guide.

Note

Configuration exams in this list will only show up if they have been

downloaded through the Manage Exams menu.

Note

It is possible to have configuration exams downloaded that are not

compatible with your version of the locally installed Office software and

may fail if launched.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Understanding Online vs Local exams

The Organization Administrator and IT Administrator should be familiar with

online exams, local exams, and local LITA (Live-in-the-Application) exams.

• Online: The exam content does not need to be downloaded through the exam

management menu; the data is retrieved via the internet as the exam is being

administered. This option relies more heavily on bandwidth.

• Local: The exam content is downloaded through the exam management menu

prior to taking an exam and is stored locally on the machine. This option is less

dependent on bandwidth.

• Online LITA: The exam content does not need to be downloaded but some local

files are downloaded through the exam management menu. These exams

require the corresponding software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop) to be installed on

the local machine. An internet connection is still required.

• Local LITA: The exam content is also downloaded through the exam

management menu and stored locally. These exams also require

the corresponding software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) to be installed on the local

machine. An internet connection is still required.

Note

Not all exams or localizations are available in every format. The default

management of exams is local mode.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs.

Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Manage exams

The Organization Administrator must download any required exam files before

any candidates can be seated for an exam (recommended for all programs).

1. Select the Manage Exams menu.

Note

This process must be repeated on every exam delivery workstation unless

LAN Mode or the Import/Export Update Utility are being employed.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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2. Click the Download Additional Exams button.

3. Click the drop-down arrow at the top of the page to view the type of exams you wish

to choose from: Exams with Licenses or All Available Exams.

Note

Downloading exam content prior to launching an exam for the first time

can provide a better exam experience for those with limited bandwidth.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

Some online exams will show up for the Test

Candidate in the Exam Selection pathway

whether they have been downloaded here or

not, but the best practice is to download all

exam content prior to launching any exam

for the first time.

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4. To view the available exams for a client program, click the down pointing arrow to

the right of the program name. The list of exams expands.

5. To select all the exams in the program, select the check box next to the program name.

6. To select individual exams, expand the program and select the individual exam check

boxes.

7. Once you have selected all desired exams, scroll down and click Download Exams.

A progress bar identifies which exams are downloading. Upon completion, a message

will state: Downloads Completed and Installed.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Configuration exams

The Organization Administrator can run a configuration exam as a best practice

when administering the MOS Live-in-the-Application exams. Configuration (or

Config) exams are a way of ensuring that Compass is properly shaking hands

with the locally installed software prior to launching an actual exam.

1. Select the manage exams menu.

2. Ensure that your MOS exam has been downloaded. (Downloading a MOS exam will

also place a separate line-item for the config exam.)

3. Click the Launch Config Exam button.

4. The tutorial will launch. Click next through the tutorial.

5. A live version of the exam will appear for 60 seconds. Wait for the end and click ok.

6. The Leave Feedback section will appear. Click end to return to the Compass menu.

Note

At this time, config exams are only available for the MOS Live-in-the-

Application exams. Config exams are only one facet to successful exam

delivery; please ensure that all Technical Requirements have been met.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Inventory

The Org Admin can view their current exam payment methods via the Inventory

menu. The menu lists the test center’s exam inventory, vouchers, and site

licenses. You must visit the Certiport website if you need to make a purchase.

1. Select the Inventory menu (screen may take a minute to load contents).

Note

An error can occur if you are

signed into our website in a

separate browser window but

have an expired session. Log

out of any browser tabs you

may have open, then log out

and log back into Compass.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

Property of Pearson VUE 36

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Run system updates

The Organization Administrator must download any available system updates

for testing. Certiport does not create a new installer file (exe) every time we

release an update, so there could be updates pending even after a fresh install.

1. Select the Updates menu.

2. Select the check boxes for any of the available updates and click the Download

Selected Updates button.

Once finished, an Updates Completed message is displayed.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Reviewing System Updates

There is a bullhorn icon in the top right-hand corner of Compass (even when not

logged in) that will take you to our System & Technology updates page on our

website. Here you can see the release notes for a particular update of Compass,

as well as our other systems.

Note

The System & Technology updates page does not contain information

about our exam releases and content. See our Exam Releases page and

our Exam Content Updates page for detailed info on exams.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Import/export update utility (optional)

The Organization Administrator can export exam content updates from the

export server and then import the updates on the import client exam delivery

workstations. This feature does not distribute system updates.

This feature is a partial alternative to the LAN Solution (LAN Settings) for transferring

downloaded exam content to other exam delivery workstations, as opposed to

downloading exam content individually via the internet. This feature allows you to

“export” the exam content onto another exam delivery workstation via external media.

Export update files

1. On the Export Server, select the Import / Export menu.

2. Specify the location to export the files to. This may be on the local hard drive,

an external hard drive, or a USB thumb drive. (Network locations are not supported.)

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

Export update files

Import update files

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

3. Click OK.

Compass creates a folder called “SoftwareUpdate” in the specified location. This

folder contains all applicable export files. Upon completion, a message notifies you

the updates exported successfully.

Note

You will not receive an error if the target location lacks adequate room for

all the export files. The software simply copies as many files as there is

room for.

Note

Reading/writing the export file (or even seeing if external media is present),

may be a Windows group policy or local access privilege above and beyond

your current configuration established for the standard use of Compass.

Please consult your IT Administrator if you experience issues.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

Export update files

Import update files

Property of Pearson VUE 40

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Note

The language of the generated export files matches the currently selected

language of the Compass software on the Export Server that created the

file. When importing (next section), the language of the software on the

Export Server must match that of the import Client(s).

Tip

Depending on the final size of the generated export files, you can also burn

the folder to a CD or DVD-ROM to use for distribution to the Import Clients.

Import update files

1. On the Import Client log in to Compass as an Organization Administrator and select

the Import / Export menu.

2. Click the Import Updates button.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export update utility

Export update files

Import update files

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

3. Select the root location where the export files are located and click OK. Do not select

the SoftwareUpdate folder as the target location to import the files from.

4. Compass imports the files and installs the applicable updates.

5. Upon completion, a message notifies you the updates imported successfully.

No additional steps are required, the software is ready to be used.

6. Repeat the process on the remaining Import Clients.

Config & Administration

Configure test center settings

System check

Understand Online vs. Local

Manage exams

Configuration exams

Inventory

Run system updates

Import/export Update utility

Export update files

Import update files

Property of Pearson VUE 42

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

This section of the document walks users through the entire exam delivery process, also

called the exam launch pathway. These actions are performed by the Test Candidate, then

verified and unlocked by the Proctor, and finally returned to the Test Candidate to take

the actual exam.

Note

Use the links in the sidebar and at the bottom of the page

to navigate through the document.

Launch an exam / exam pathway

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Select user interface language

The candidate can select the user interface (UI) language.

1. Select the Compass short-cut and hit Enter on the keyboard, or double-click

the short-cut with the mouse to launch Compass.

The login page opens.

2. Select the desired Language from the drop-down list.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Candidate enters Username, Password, and clicks the Login button.

If the candidate does not have a user account, click the Create an account now

link and complete the process to launch an exam.

Select exam group & voucher

Candidate selects if they are part of an Exam Group or using a Voucher. Move

either or both slider switches to Yes and input the Exam Group and/or Voucher

name or select them from the dropdown lists.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Exam group details

Candidate determines if they want to associate the exam with an exam group.

Select Yes to associate the exam with an exam group, or leave the switch set to No

and proceed to the next section. Use of exam groups is optional.

An exam group is a unique identifier that can be set up to track a Test Candidate’s exam

results, connect a teacher with a classroom, and opens additional reporting features by

grouping a select set of candidates together.

For details regarding exam group setup, see the Exam Groups Quick Reference Guide.

1. When using exam groups, select it from the drop-down list.

– or –

2. Type the exam group name in the text field. This is supplied by the proctor.

3. Select the Next button if you are not using a Voucher or see next section.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Voucher details

In the Voucher payment section, the candidate must enable the slider switch to Yes

if they will be using a Voucher, or leave it set to No for Inventory/Site Licenses.

1. If a Voucher is selected the voucher entry fields are displayed.

a. Candidate selects a voucher from the drop-down list (only if pre-assigned). The

drop-down list contains valid vouchers or user licenses that are pre-assigned to

the current user, and that are valid for the selected exam.

– or –

b. Candidate manually types a valid voucher or user license into the text field if

they have no pre-assigned voucher or user license. (Vouchers and user licenses

are alpha-numeric codes, case sensitive, and must include the dashes. User

licenses are not available in all geographical areas.)

2. When the Exam Group and Voucher selections are completed, the candidate clicks the

Next button.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Exam launch requirements

(Optional feature) - An Organization Administrator can require that a Test

Candidate belong to an exam group and/or have a Student ID before being

eligible to launch any Certiport certification exam using Compass. For detailed

instructions see the QRG – Exam Launch Requirements document.

NDA/Terms of Use

The candidate must read the

Non-Disclosure Agreement /

End-User License Agreement /

the Yes, I accept option, and click

the Next button.

Note

The NDA/EULA/ToU screen appears once for all programs except

Microsoft (MOS, MCE, and Microsoft Certified Fundamentals), which

appears every time an exam is launched.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Registration

If this is the first time the candidate is taking a Microsoft or Autodesk exam and

they did not previously register, the candidate must complete the registration

information and click the Next button before proceeding.

Note

The Registration screen does not appear if the Test Candidate performed

the program registration during their Certiport profile creation.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Select exam

Candidate selects the desired exam from the list. All exams downloaded to the

local machine (and certain online exams) will appear in the list. Use the search field

to narrow your selection and click the blue link to select your exam. You may also use the

filter exams dropdown list to narrow your results.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

Property of Pearson VUE 50

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Office detection & messaging

If a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam is selected, Compass will warn a Test

Candidate and provide them with options should they attempt to launch a MOS

exam that is different or incompatible than the currently installed version of Office.

Use the System check settings under the Compass configuration section in this

document for more information on validating an Office version that is supported for

MOS exam delivery.

Note

For detailed information on MOS Live-in-the-Application LITA) delivery,

please refer to the companion guide. For Adobe LITA, see its program

support page. For Autodesk LITA, see its program support page.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Verify information

Candidate verifies that the Candidate, Exam, and Language Information are

correct. The payment type is listed in the Payment type column.

2. If the wrong exam was selected, the candidate selects the Change exam link in

the Exam details column and then follows the flow to enter a voucher.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Select exam language

The exam language defaults to the same language that was selected for the

Compass user interface, but only if the exam is available in that language, and only

for Online exams. If the candidate wants to take an online exam in a different language

than currently selected in the user interface, they can click Change Language and select

the language. Exam localizations will vary, please see our Exam Releases page for

availability.

If you do not see the Change language button, you are taking an exam that does not

allow you to change the language at this point in the exam launch pathway.

1. If all the information is correct, the candidate notifies the proctor that they are ready

to begin the exam.

Note

Local Live-in-the-App (LITA) exams require the Windows regional settings,

the locally installed software, Compass, and the exam to all be set to the

same language. Click here for detailed info.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

Property of Pearson VUE 53

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Proctor validates & authorizes exam

Proctors must validate all candidate selected information and then enter valid

Certiport user credentials to authorize the exam to start. Candidates then launch and

complete the exam.

Proctor enters their Username and Password and clicks the Unlock Exam button.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

Property of Pearson VUE 54

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Office shared license model

CATCs using a shared license model of the locally installed Microsoft Office

software required for Live-in-the-Application testing will be prompted for action

when administering MOS exams. These actions may include activating the software (if

opened for the first time), or signing into the application. Compass opens the software and

addresses any one-time or other prompts from the application prior to the exam to avoid

anything that may cause an interference during actual testing.

1. Read through the steps outlined in the prompt.

2. Click the Open Application button to proceed.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

3. Address any prompts you may receive and then

close the application by clicking the “X” in the top

right-hand corner of the software.

4. You will be returned to the Verify Microsoft Office

screen. Click Next to continue.

Note

The thumbnails in the outline give you examples of what you can expect

during this process. All the thumbnails can be clicked to see larger

versions.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Candidate begins tutorial & exam

Compass determines if all the required hardware and software is up-to-date.

If the exam can be launched successfully, the Candidate selects the Next button.

1. After moving through the introductory information, the Begin Exam button is available

to the candidate. Candidate clicks Begin Exam.

2. Candidate completes the exam.

Note

When the candidate clicks the Next button, the exam starts at the tutorial.

The clock does not begin until the candidate has moved past the tutorial.

The candidate must be ready to begin the exam when they select Next.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

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Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Candidate views score report

Candidate views the score report once the exam is complete.

5. Candidate clicks Done.

6. At the end of the exam, the candidate returns to the exam delivery desktop.

7. If the candidate wishes to print their score report, they can open it on

www.certiport.com and print it.

Launch exam/exam pathway

Select user interface language

Exam groups & vouchers

Exam launch requirements

NDA

Registration

Select exam

Office detection

Verify information

Select exam language

Proctor validate & authorize

Office shared license model

Begin exam

View score report

Property of Pearson VUE 58

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

This section of the document identifies the contact information should users need

to contact Certiport for support and lists troubleshooting suggestions if you run into any

issues in delivering exams. This section is directed toward IT Administrators and

Organization Administrators or Organization Members.

Appendix A: Support

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and

at the bottom of the page to

navigate through the document.

Appendix A: Support

Contact support

Find answers online

Troubleshooting

Property of Pearson VUE 59

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Contact support

Test Candidates: 888.999.9830, Opt. 2

(M–F: 6 am to 5 pm MT)

Customerservices@certiport.com

CATC Customer Service: 888.999.9830, Opt. 3

(M–F: 7 am to 5 pm MT)

CATC Technical Support: 888.999.9830, Opt. 1

(M–F: 6 am to 5 pm MT)

Find answers online

3. For frequently asked questions see our FAQ page.

4. For additional quick reference guides see our QRG page.

5. For training sessions see our Webinars page.

6. Top 10 checklist before you test.

Appendix A: Support

Contact support

Find answers online

Troubleshooting

Property of Pearson VUE 60

Home Overview Download/install Config & Admin Launch exam Support Program Info

Troubleshooting Compass

If you are having testing issues, check the system configuration tips below.

You must apply these settings to any proxy, firewall, content filter, or other

security device that is set up on your local machines or local network. If your institution

is part of a larger network, such as a district, county, or other parent institution, you must

provide this information to your network administrators. Also see our full technical

requirements list for Compass for Windows.

 Ensure that HTTPS Inspection is turned OFF. This can be very resource intensive,

as it decrypts and encrypts each packet, and it is typically turned on by default

with most firewalls, so it is important to check before testing.

 Check for any cap limitations on your HTTP and HTTPS communications. If either or

both are capped at a certain MB limit, the limitation could affect testing.

 Ensure the HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), and TCP (56774) ports are fully opened and can

communicate freely.

 Check that the following IP addresses (not a full list, see our Tech Requirements

page) are set as approved/unblocked and given the highest priority:

• 159.182.30.18 | www.certiport.com

• 159.182.31.253 | nuget.certiport.com

• 93.191.169.139 | Additional Security IP

• 159.182.30.17 | downloads.certiport.com

• 159.182.30.17 | verify.certiport.com

• 206.188.17.0/24

Appendix A: Support

Contact support

Find answers online

Troubleshooting

Property of Pearson VUE 61

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 Whitelist the domain “*.certiport.com”.

 The following domains may need to be approved and given unrestricted

communication:

• http://*.pearson.com & https://*.pearson.com

• http://*.pearsonvue.com & https://*.pearsonvue.com

• http://*.starttest.com & https://*.starttest.com

• http://*.starttest2.com & https://*.starttest2.com

• http://*.startpractice.com & https://*.startpractice.com

• http://*.programworkshop.com & https://*.programworkshop.com

• http://vueapbrowser.starttest.com/?program=CertiportSB

• http://*.gettesting.com & https://*.gettesting.com

Note

As a consequence of Certiport's data center transition in September 2023,

it became impossible to provide a list of IP addresses that must be

accessible for an uninterrupted exam experience. Therefore, we are now

requiring *.certiport.com to be whitelisted.

Note

Sometimes it works better on certain systems if you add them in one of

these fashions:

(1) http://starttest.com, (2) http://starttest2.com, (3) *.starttest.com,

(4) *.starttest2.com, (5) *.programworkshop.com, (6) *.gettesting.com.

Appendix A: Support

Contact support

Find answers online

Troubleshooting

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 Ensure that your DHCP Lease Time is set to a minimum of 1 day. If it is set to renew

its lease sooner than this, it may add unnecessary network traffic. We recommend

you use 1 day, as opposed to the 24-hour option.

 Check that any anti-virus and security programs or other scans are not set to scan

daily during testing times. It is not necessary to completely disable auto-scanning

for these programs, but it is recommended to set scan times that will not occur

during testing.

 If the options above do not fix the issue, you may also need to apply these settings

to the Windows Firewall or any anti-virus program on each local computer;

however, you should try it on one machine first.

Note

Anti-virus and security programs include products such as Norton,

MacAfee, AVG, F-Secure, and more. Adjusting the settings for each will vary,

but in general, you will want to add the domains or IP addresses above

to that program’s list of safe sites or safe zone.

Appendix A: Support

Contact support

Find answers online

Troubleshooting

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This section contains content specific to various programs.

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and

at the bottom of the page to

navigate through the document.

Appendix B: program specific content

Appendix B: program

specific content

Adobe install info

Microsoft install info

Autodesk error info

Property of Pearson VUE 64

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Adobe program installation info

The Adobe LITA exams have a dedicated support area and accompanying guides for

exams that are delivered via locally installed Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Live-in-

the-App). Please see the Adobe program support page for details.

Microsoft program installation info

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) LITA exams have a separate companion guide for

exams that are delivered through the Office 2016, Office 2019, or 365 Apps application

(Live-in-the-App). Please see the QRG – Office 365 Companion Guide for details.

Autodesk program troubleshooting info

The Autodesk LITA exams have a dedicated support area for exams that are delivered via

locally installed Autodesk applications (Live-in-the-App). Please see the Autodesk

program support page for details.

Note:

Use the links in this sidebar and

at the bottom of the page to

navigate through the document.

Appendix B: program

specific content

Adobe install info

Microsoft install info

Autodesk error info

Property of Pearson VUE 65

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Trademark

Confidential, Trade Secret, and Unpublished Copyright Materials of Pearson Education,

license. For further information, contact Pearson VUE™ or visit Pearsonvue.com.

Pearson, Certiport, Compass, the Pearson VUE and Compass logos, and VUE are

trademarks, in the U.S. and/or other countries of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s).

All other products, services, or company names mentioned herein are claimed as

trademarks and trade names by their respective companies.