Create a quiet, distraction-free space before your exam day

Your exam room needs to be silent, well-lit, and free from interruptions for the full length of your test — typically two to four hours depending on the license type. The proctor (the person administering your exam) will inspect the space before you start, so you cannot improvise once the clock begins. Setting up correctly the day before means you will not scramble on exam morning or lose points to avoidable distractions.

The testing company or your state insurance department will send you specific rules about what the room must contain and what it cannot. Read those rules in full before exam day. Most states require a desk or table, a chair, a computer with a webcam and microphone, and a clear wall or background behind you. Many prohibit a second monitor, a phone within arm's reach, or a window where someone outside could see your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Your exam room must be silent and private, with a desk, chair, and computer that has a working webcam and microphone.
  • The proctor will inspect your room on camera before the exam starts, so arrange it correctly the night before rather than the morning of.
  • Remove or silence phones, close doors to block household noise, and position your desk so the proctor can see your face and hands clearly.
  • Test your internet connection, camera angle, and microphone volume at least one hour before your scheduled exam time.
  • Keep only your ID and a blank notepad at your desk; everything else must be out of reach or removed from the room entirely.

Choose a room with a door you can close and lock

A bedroom or home office works better than a kitchen or living room because you can close the door and control who enters. Tell everyone in your household that you are taking an exam and cannot be interrupted — set a specific time window so they know when you will be unavailable. If you live with roommates or family, ask them to stay in another part of the house and keep noise to a minimum.

If you live in an apartment or shared space where you cannot may provide quiet, consider testing at a library, a quiet coffee shop with private seating, or a friend's home. Some testing centers also offer in-person exam rooms for a fee. Whatever space you choose, confirm with the testing company that it meets their requirements — some prohibit public spaces or require you to be alone in the room at all times.

Set up your desk and position your camera correctly

Place your computer on a stable desk or table at eye level so the camera captures your face and shoulders. The proctor needs to see your eyes, your hands, and the space around you. If your laptop screen is too low, use books or a stand to raise it. Position the camera so it points slightly downward at your face — not up your nose or down at the top of your head.

Sit in a chair that keeps your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. The proctor will ask you to show your hands and the area under your desk, so make sure nothing is hidden and nothing is within arm's reach except your ID and a blank notepad. Clear the desk of pens, papers, calculators, phones, and anything else not explicitly permitted by your testing company.

Test your internet, camera, and microphone one hour before the exam

Log into the testing platform at least 60 minutes early and run the system check tool. This tool tests your internet speed, camera focus, microphone volume, and speaker quality. If the test fails, you have time to troubleshoot — move closer to your router, restart your computer, or switch to a wired connection if your Wi-Fi is weak.

Speak into your microphone at normal volume and listen to the playback. The proctor must hear you clearly when you read questions aloud or answer their questions. If your microphone is too quiet or picks up background noise, adjust the input level in your computer settings or move to a quieter location. Test your camera by taking a screenshot or recording a short video to confirm the angle and lighting are correct.

Remove or silence all phones and close all other programs

Put your phone in another room or in a drawer you cannot reach during the exam. If your phone rings or buzzes, the proctor will stop the exam and may not let you resume. Close all browser tabs, email, messaging apps, and other programs on your computer before the exam begins. The proctor can see your screen and will flag any open windows as a violation.

If you use a smartwatch or fitness tracker, remove it and place it out of sight. The same applies to headphones, earbuds, or any device that could receive notifications. Your desk should have only your computer, your ID, and a blank notepad when the proctor joins the call.

Arrange lighting so your face is clearly visible

Position a light source in front of you or to the side so your face is evenly lit and the camera can see your eyes clearly. Avoid sitting with a window or bright light behind you — this creates a silhouette and makes it hard for the proctor to see your face. If your room is too dark, turn on an overhead light or use a desk lamp.

Test the lighting during your system check. Look at the camera preview and confirm that your face is bright enough to see clearly but not washed out or glowing. Adjust the lamp position or brightness until the image looks natural and your eyes are visible.

Know what documents you need and where to keep them

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The proctor will ask you to hold it up to the camera to verify your identity. Keep your ID on your desk within easy reach but not in your hand until the proctor asks for it.

You may also be permitted to have a blank notepad and pen for scratch work, depending on your state and exam type. Confirm this with your testing company before the exam. Do not bring study notes, textbooks, or any reference materials into the room — the proctor will see them and stop the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the exam in a room with other people present?

No. Most testing companies require you to be alone in the room for the entire exam. The proctor will ask you to show the space on camera before starting, and if someone else is present or enters during the exam, it will be stopped and marked as a violation.

What if my internet cuts out during the exam?

Reconnect as quickly as possible. Most testing platforms will pause your exam and allow you to resume, but you may lose some time. This is why testing your connection beforehand is critical — if your internet is unreliable, consider taking the exam at a library or testing center with a wired connection instead.

Do I need a second monitor or a printer in the room?

No. Most testing companies prohibit a second monitor because it could be used to display study materials or answers. A printer is also not allowed. Confirm the exact rules with your testing company, but assume that only your primary computer should be in the room.

Can I have water or snacks at my desk during the exam?

Most companies allow a clear glass of water, but check your specific testing rules. Food and drinks other than water are typically prohibited because they can spill on your computer or create noise. Keep water in a glass without a lid so the proctor can see it clearly.

What happens if the proctor finds something not allowed in my room?

The proctor will stop the exam and ask you to remove the item or end the session. If you remove it, the exam resumes, but time lost is not added back. If you refuse or the violation is serious, your exam will be terminated and you may have to reschedule and pay the fee again.