Illinois pesticide applicators and operators, if you have previously taken an Illinois Department of Agriculture online exam, you may already be familiar with ProctorU. All pesticide online exams are proctored by ProctorU (also known as Meazure Learning). You would have created a login and spoken with a live proctor at test time. ProctorU updated its minimum equipment requirements in April 2024 to better prepare test-takers for their exam sessions and to allow for a better quality test taking experience. See what has changed below so that you will be prepared for your next exam. The three updates include the following:
- increased the required CPU Core count from 2 to 4
- increased RAM capacity from 4 GB to 8 GB
- increased Internet bandwidth speed from 1 Mbps to 3 Mbps
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that acts as the “brain”, while Random-Access Memory (RAM) helps the computer quickly access the information it's working on. If your device has high CPU or RAM utilization, you may have trouble connecting to your proctor and experience video issues with an overall slow computer. Slow or unstable internet connection will cause you to experience technical issues or possibly disconnect you from the exam session. Therefore, a strong CPU and RAM, along with a stable internet connection are required to take the online exam.
If you are using a work computer as opposed to your own personal computer, please note that you will not be permitted to take the exam if remote control software is actively running on your device. This includes applications such as TeamViewer, GoToMyPC, AnyDesk, SplashTop, VNC Server, and others. Please check with your IT department to uninstall or disconnect these applications ahead of time before starting the exam.
What hasn’t changed is the required computer system. But note that only devices running Windows 10 or later, or Mac OS 11.0 or later, are compatible with the online exam. Also, downloading the Guardian Browser is still required. Chromebooks, tablets, and mobile phones are still not supported for the online exam. Additional requirements can be found on the Equipment Requirements page.
Some test-takers may have successfully taken their online exams as much as three years ago; however, these new requirements now mean that newer equipment is needed to ensure compatibility when taking future exams. If you are planning to test again soon, please check your equipment now to confirm it meets the current requirements for the online exam. Testing your equipment ahead of time will help reduce your stress and alone the very act of taking a test can certainly be stressful. If you would like to test your equipment through ProctorU, please watch this helpful How to Test Your Equipment video for more instructions.
During the equipment test, if you encounter issues such as high CPU or RAM usage, unstable internet connection, or other technical problems, you can view the Common Test-Taker Challenges or contact ProctorU customer support for assistance.
While the online exam option has served many, it may not always be the best fit for everyone. Fortunately, the traditional pencil and paper version is always an option. If you experience difficulties or issues with your equipment that you are unable to resolve, the in-person exam might be a better option. In-person exams are free, available throughout the year, and you don’t have to worry about any technical issues on your end. Please note preregistration is required for in-person exams. To sign up, please visit the In-Person Pesticide Exams page.
Good luck with your exam!
Photo credit: Pressmaster - AdobeStock
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Steven Zhu - As an instructional designer at the Pesticide Safety Education Program, Steven collaborates with subject matter experts to design online courses on pesticide safety training. He is interested in course development and instructional technology. He also maintains online exams and assists learners with inquiries. Additionally, he manages online registration for in-person training clinics and more.