Advice for a Successful Online Exam

Preparation & Launch

  • Read Kryterion's Exam Launch and Setup article on the Kryterion Online Exam Support page
  • Download Sentinel Secure from the Exam Status Center, create your Biometrics Profile, and test your equipment at least one day before your exam. 
  • Some candidates may require assistance from their IT Department to install Sentinel Secure and troubleshoot any network or equipment issues.
  • Exams should be launched at least 10 minutes before the appointment time, but may be launched up to 20 minutes after.
  • Upon launching, you will be queued up for the next available proctor and alerted when a proctor becomes available.
  • Keystroke analytics has been eliminated from the Biometrics requirements for the online HUD Housing Counseling Certification Exam.
  • Candidates taking the exam online must now produce valid, government issued photo ID to the proctor upon request. The name on your identification must match exactly with your name as specified in your test-taker profile on HUDHousingCounselors.com. Additionally, all identification must be current. Expired identification will not be accepted.

Communicating with the Proctor

  • The proctor will communicate with you through a chat feature on the computer. Be prepared for possible interruptions by proctor requests during the exam.
  • Prepare to work with the proctor before beginning the exam to ensure the testing environment and camera placement are in compliance.
  • Use a camera stand to allow for quick adjustments to camera placement. Make sure the camera view includes your eyes, hands, keyboard, and mouse. 
  • NOTE: Beginning August 6, 2020, HUD will accept any camera for the online exam. An external camera will no longer be required until further notice.
  • If you wear glasses, the proctor will ask you to remove them and present them for inspection through the camera.