Test Center vs. Remote Proctoring

Understand Your Options for Taking the Exam

You can take the exam at a PSI test center or via live remote proctoring.

Option 1: PSI Test Center Experience

Watch this video to learn about the preparation and processes for test day in one of our test centers, from the documents you will need to the testing experience itself.

Option 2: PSI Online Proctoring Experience

If you choose to take a live remote proctored exam, please ensure that you meet the technical requirements. Watch this video to learn more. Read the PSI guide for more information.

Minimum Requirements for Your Computer

You may not use a school- or work-issued computer for your live, remote proctored exam.
A personal computer using Microsoft Windows 10 or higher, an Apple computer using macOS 12 or higher, or a computer running Ubuntu 20 or higher. Beginning October 14, 2025, PSI will no longer support Windows 10 or macOS Ventura for any online testing.
A microphone connected to or built into your computer.
Speakers connected to or built into your computer. Connected headsets or earbuds are not allowed.
A video camera connected to or built into your computer.
Internet connection speed 3 Mbps and higher.

Check the System Requirements

Check the current system requirements to ensure you are eligible for live remote proctoring.
Perform the system check. The system check looks to see that your device meets the minimum hardware requirements, but to indicate whether the software is compatible with your device, perform the final system check.

Requirements for Your Testing Environment

Your chosen exam setting must be in a private space, not an open, public area.
Workspace must be well-lit, free of clutter, and clear of any items unrelated to your test. Read the PSI Tips for Environment Lighting guide.
No people or pets are allowed in your testing area; otherwise, the assigned proctor will terminate your exam.

Pre-Approved Items

Read the PSI Pre-Approved Comfort Aids guide for details.

Exam Breaks Protocol
Candidates are allowed three optional breaks between each exam segment, totaling 20 minutes.

The first break, after segment one, will be 5 minutes.
The second break, after segment two, will be 10 minutes.
The third break, after segment three, will be 5 minutes.

You must message your proctor via the chat if you plan to step out of the room during any break. Failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of your exam.

Final System Check
Run the exam tutorial, which provides a more robust system check. The link to the exam tutorial is provided to you in your confirmation email, which is sent to you after you schedule your exam. This will take you through the experience of trying to launch an exam and further check your system and connectivity for compatibility. This can be completed up to 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. You will have 3 attempts per exam appointment to pass this check. If you do not pass in the 3 attempts, you should reschedule to a test center.

Full details of the requirements are located on the PSI Online Proctoring Guide site.

Frequently Asked Questions

For PSI Testing Center candidate services and technical support call 855/340-0092.

General Questions

Am I eligible for the exam?

You are eligible if you have applied for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam and were approved for testing by the AAMA.

Where do I take the exam?

If you plan to take the exam in person, find a PSI testing center near you when scheduling the exam.

If you are taking a live remote proctored exam, complete the exam in a calm, quiet area of your home or school where you can avoid distractions and excess noise for an extended period of time. No one else is permitted in the testing area while you test, and you will be required to do a room scan before testing and after each break to confirm this. Avoid public places like libraries and coffee shops because they may have firewalls prohibiting online testing.

You may schedule live remote proctored exams for most days or times, pending proctor availability and varying schedules on U.S. holidays.

How do I schedule an exam appointment?

Schedule your exam online or on the phone.

Online

You will receive an eligibility email from PSI. Select the link embedded in the email or the following URL: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/aama.

Select “Tests” to create an account.

Select “CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.” You are ready to create an account.

Select “LOGIN/REGISTER.”

You will be prompted to create an account with PSI.

Your AAMA ID number, first name, last name, and email address must exactly match what is in your AAMA record in order to create an account with PSI. You may access your AAMA ID number by logging into the AAMA website and selecting “My Account.” Your ID will be found under the “Profile” section.

The first and last name must match exactly with your current, valid, government-issued ID. If the first or last names do not exactly match, immediately contact the Certification Department to update your name.

Select your test format: “Live Remote Proctoring” or “Test Center.”

If you are scheduling an in-person exam, enter the city or ZIP code and select “FIND.”

Select a date and time to book an appointment.

You will receive a message confirming the booked date and time. Please review the booking before selecting “CONFIRM.” Once your booking is confirmed, select “DONE.”

Telephone

If you would like to call to schedule your exam with PSI directly or require further assistance, contact PSI at 855/340-0092. Call center hours are Monday–Friday (7:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. ET) or Saturday–Sunday (9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET).

What if my name changes before my exam?

Contact the AAMA Certification Department immediately at 800/228-2262 or CMAExam@aama-ntl.org if the name on AAMA and/or PSI emails differs from how your name appears on your government-issued photo ID. Allow five business days for any corrections to be made. Name changes or corrections cannot be made fewer than five business days prior to your scheduled test appointment.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my exam?

Test Center Exams

Tests must be canceled or rebooked at least 24 hours prior to your booked testing time. Failure to cancel or rebook within this time will result in forfeiting your right to defer to future test windows.

You may cancel or rebook your appointment online or call PSI at 855/340-0092.

By not starting your test within 15 minutes after your booked test time, you automatically forfeit your test fee. Test fees are nonrefundable.

If you missed your scheduled appointment or did not test during your 90-day testing window, contact the AAMA office for options on transferring to a new testing window.

Note: A voicemail or email message is not an acceptable form of cancellation. Please use the PSI website or call PSI and speak directly to a customer service representative.

Live Remote Proctored Exams

Live remote proctored exams may be rescheduled as many times as needed if you are (1) within your 90-day exam authorization window and (2) cancelling or rescheduling at least 24 hours prior to your currently scheduled exam. To reschedule, log in to your account and follow the same steps you went through to schedule initially. Once you are redirected to PSI you will be able to reschedule to a different date and time.

Please note that by not starting your test within 15 minutes after your booked test time, you automatically forfeit your test fee. Test fees are nonrefundable.

Should you experience any technical issues, you must reach out to technical support so that a case can be created and investigated.

What if I need a special accommodation for the exam?

Submit a request or contact PSI Candidate Services for Special Accommodations. Note that candidates requiring a reader must test at a test center.

Phone: 800/367-1565 x6750

Email: examaccommodations@psionline.com

When will I receive my score?

You will receive your score when you complete your exam. A Pass or Fail screen will be displayed at the end of the exam.

If you do not receive a score report, contact PSI Candidate Services Support by calling 855/340-0092.

Live Remote Proctored (LRP) Exam Questions

Am I eligible for LRP?

If you (1) have been approved for testing by the AAMA and (2) meet the technology requirements, you may take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam through LRP.

You must meet technological requirements to test with LRP to ensure your test is uninterrupted. This includes having operating Wi-Fi and a PC or desktop computer, meeting hardware requirements, and performing the exam in a quiet and private environment. Run a compatibility check via the PSI website. You must also run the exam tutorial that is provided to you in your confirmation email. This will take you through the experience of trying to launch an exam and further check your system and connectivity for compatibility. You will have 3 attempts to pass the tutorial.

How do I prepare for my LRP exam?

Make sure to perform your compatibility check and run the exam tutorial (provided in your confirmation email) 72 hours before your exam. You will receive a reminder email three days prior to your scheduled exam time with additional instructions and steps for online check-in. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the instructions.

Before the exam, ensure that your testing space is prepared. Get adequate rest, eat well, and plan time to relax after you complete the exam.

On the day of the exam, check in 15 to 30 minutes before your exam time. During check-in, you will be asked to show your government-issued photo ID and perform a 360-degree room scan before you can begin the exam.

We recommend you gather the items you need for the exam, including your government-issued photo ID that matches the name used when you registered. Clear the testing area of office items such as reference books and materials, binders, cell phones and chargers, sticky notes, or food.

Note: If you wear a religious head covering, you must notify PSI before scheduling your exam and request accommodation to wear it throughout the test.

It is recommended to review the PSI Online Proctoring Guide for Test Takers.

How do I start the LRP exam?

Log in to your exam at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam to make sure you have adequate time to complete the required sign-in procedures. The exam cannot begin until 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and until the proctor logs on. If your proctor is late, please wait five to 15 minutes before contacting PSI.

Before the proctor can launch your exam, you must do the following.

Download the secure browser.

Complete a system check of your computer microphone and webcam.

Complete the 360-degree scan of your testing environment and work area. You may need to lift your laptop or PC if your webcam is not detachable.

Submit a valid, correct form of ID.

Have your photograph taken.

Can I take a LRP exam on my work or school issued computer?

No, candidates may not use work or school issued computers to take an LRP exam. There are often administrator permissions and security firewalls that are installed that will prevent a test taker from successfully taking the exam.

Can I switch to a LRP exam from a scheduled in-person exam?

If you are currently scheduled for an in-person exam and want to switch to an live remote proctored exam, log in to your PSI account and follow the same steps you initially went through to schedule the exam. Once you are redirected to PSI you can reschedule your exam to live remote proctoring.

What happens if an infraction occurs during an LRP exam?

The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is heavily monitored, with restrictions in place to ensure the integrity of the exam is upheld to that of a testing center experience. The proctor will monitor you remotely to ensure no violations occur during the exam. For example, your face must always be in view of the camera while you take the exam, and you may not look around the room.

If a violation occurs, the proctor will issue a warning. If three minor violations or one major violation occur, the proctor will end your exam. No refunds will be issued as a result of exam infractions.

Can I take a break during an LRP exam?

The exam will be administered in four 40-minute segments. You will have three scheduled breaks: a five-minute break between segments 1 and 2, a 10-minute break between segments 2 and 3, and a five-minute break between segments 3 and 4. All breaks are optional. Upon your return from a break, you must perform another 360-degree room scan and show your ID.

What technical requirements do I need to meet for the LRP exam?

You must meet several technical requirements to take an live remote proctored exam. Full details of the requirements are located on the PSI Online Proctoring Guide site. Check the current system requirements from PSI.

When should I test my equipment for the LRP exam?

Test your laptop and Wi-Fi before scheduling your CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam and then again 72 hours before your exam. Perform your compatibility check here. You must also run the exam tutorial provided in your confirmation email prior to your exam.

What if I fail the compatibility check for the LRP exam?

Contact PSI Technical Support if you or your information technology (IT) department have questions about your compatibility test results at 855/340-0092. Please note that iPads, Chromebooks, and other tablet devices will not support PSI’s exam proctoring system. Work and school issued computers are not advised.

If your computer cannot support taking the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam through live remote proctoring, you must take the exam at a physical PSI location. Exams must be rescheduled 24 hours before the scheduled date.

What if technical difficulties arise during the LRP exam?

Technical difficulties are unlikely if you complete a successful compatibility check, but they could happen. If you encounter an issue, inform your proctor via live chat. If you cannot connect with them, contact PSI Customer Service (855/340-0092). Their staff will investigate your issue. Any technical issues experienced by the candidate will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.