Overview
IAPDA Certified Debt Specialist exams corresponding to new certification may be required to be proctored (taken in person) by some States to comply with State accreditation rules.
Proctored Certification Exam Format
One exam format —All IAPDA proctored certification attempts will be comprised of a single proctored exam that will cover all the certification objectives.
Open book policy — IAPDA certification exams are open book format, but not open internet or open computer. Candidates will be allowed to bring one back pack or briefcase of course books, reference material, printed notes, printed spreadsheets, etc., but no electronic devices such as extra computers, CD-ROM or USB flash drives. Candidates will not be able to access anything stored electronically during the exam. We recommend that you print any study guide materials and bring them as hard, paper copies. Proctored exam locations do have some space limitations, requiring the need to limit the volume of reference material allowed to a reasonable level.
Proctor Responsibilities
- The proctor will abide by the IAPDA code of ethics.
- The proctor will verify two valid forms of identification (at least one with a photo) for every candidate.
- The proctor will ensure the candidate does not use a cell phone, telephone, calculator, camera, or any electronic devices as reference material during the exam.
- The proctor will ensure that the computer used to administer the online exam is only used to access the IAPDA certification exam.
- The proctor will verify that the candidate has only one web browser open during the exam, and that browser is exclusively pointed at the IAPDA certification exam.
- The proctor will verify that the candidate does not perform prohibited activities during the exam including: tabbed browsing, internet searches, copying exam questions to a local computer, instant messaging, and no use of other electronic reference materials (including pdfs).
- The proctor will allow the candidate to use no more than one standard size book bag of reference books during the exam. These references can include IAPDA course material, personal notes (including courseware indexes), other books and magazines.
- The proctor will report any attempt by the candidate to circumvent these guidelines to IAPDA immediately.
IAPDA Proctored Exams through American Association of Community Colleges AACC Test Sites
When you are ready to take the proctored exam, complete the Request Proctored Exam Form. Testing materials are sent to the testing site you indicate. Proctoring services are required. These are easily arranged through local community colleges, universities, or libraries. Proctoring fees may vary.
To locate an AACC exam site near you, click here.
The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that relate directly to the content presented in the online study modules. Candidates must receive a minimum score of 80% to pass.
(Please allow 7-10 business days for proctor to receive testing materials.)
Non AACC Proctor Registration
If you select an alternative to standard proctoring with AACC institutions, you must understand that it is ultimately your responsibility to locate a suitable proctor and ensure they have filled out the necessary paperwork and have been approved by IAPDA as an official proctor, well in advance of your exam. The IAPDA is not responsible for arrangements made between an independent proctor and yourself. If your proctor has not received official confirmation from IAPDA that they are approved as an IAPDA proctor, that means they are not. The first step is for your desired proctor to request and complete the IAPDA Proctor Code of Ethics and Agreement form.
Alternative Options
Please note that each of these options have conditions that may apply, which may render them unsuitable for your specific purposes. IAPDA reserves the right to reject any individual or organization as a proctor at its own discretion. Additionally, IAPDA cannot be responsible for any additional costs you may incur if you take a proctored IAPDA exam outside of a AACC testing center. IAPDA is unable to provide compensation for alternative proctors.
Also, please keep in mind that any alternative proctor option will need to take conflict of interest into account. IAPDA cannot approve a proctor that has something to gain from you passing the certification exam. Proctors cannot be someone in your direct reporting chain. This means you cannot proctor your direct employees and your direct supervisor cannot act as a proctor for you.
Note that for all alternative proctored options it is the candidate's responsibility to identify a potential proctor and location for taking the exam. IAPDA will then work with the candidate identified potential proctor to get them added to the system.
Steps for establishing an alternative proctor:
- The candidate is responsible to make contact with a local individual that agrees to act as a IAPDA proctor and is aware of the outlined IAPDA proctor responsibilities.
- The candidate is responsible to deliver the IAPDA proctor form to the potential proctor.
- The potential proctor must completely fill out the form provided and have it verified by a third party that has been authorized by their government to witness and authenticate documents (these individuals are called Notary Publics in the United States). Many local and regional government websites maintain a list of people authorized to act in this capacity. Additionally, this service can also be offered by some postal services. The potential proctor then emails or faxes the completed form to IAPDA.
- When the form is approved by IAPDA, IAPDA will contact the proctor, help set up a proctor account.
- The proctor will create a IAPDA proctor password that will be used to unlock the candidate's exam.
- The proctor will then be able to administer the exam.
Setting up a new proctor in the IAPDA system must be initiated at least 5 business days in advance of when you plan to take your exam.
