EA Exam Remote Proctoring: PSI Guide 2026
EA Exam Remote Proctorin guide
From July 2026, the EA exam is taken via PSI remote online proctoring — you sit the exam from a private room at home or work, monitored in real time by a trained PSI proctor through your webcam. There is no travel, no test centre, and no difference in how your score is calculated or reported. The exam is identical to what was offered at Prometric — the only thing that changes is where you sit it.
⚡ Key Takeaways: EA Exam Remote Proctoring
- 🏠 Sit from any private room at home or office — no travel required
- 🎥 A trained PSI proctor monitors you via webcam + screen share in real time
- 🤖 AI-assisted monitoring flags anomalies; a human proctor reviews all flags
- 💻 You need a Windows or Mac computer with webcam, mic, and stable internet (3 Mbps+)
- 📋 Remote proctoring does NOT affect your exam score — same 100 MCQs, same 105 pass score
- 🔁 Run PSI's free system compatibility check before exam day — not on exam day
- 🚫 Chromebooks, tablets, and phones are not supported
- ⚠️ Technical failures on exam day may forfeit your non-refundable $350 fee — prepare early
Last verified: April 2026 — Sources: PSI System Requirements, PSI Remote Exam Preparation Guide, NAEA.org
What Is Remote Proctoring? (Plain English)

Remote proctoring simply means that a trained human invigilator supervises your exam through your computer — instead of sitting in the same room as you. You open a secure browser on your computer, connect to PSI's platform, and a proctor can see your face via webcam, hear the room via your microphone, and see your screen throughout the exam. Think of it as an exam hall that travels to wherever you are.
For the EA exam, PSI uses a hybrid model: AI-assisted monitoring software runs in the background to flag unusual events (such as a second person entering the room or your eyes looking off-screen for extended periods), while a trained human proctor reviews those flags and can intervene in real time. You are never judged solely by an algorithm.
How Remote Proctoring Compares to a Test Centre
| Experience Element | Prometric Test Centre (Old) | PSI Remote Proctoring (From July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sit | Dedicated exam cubicle at a centre | Private room at home or office |
| Who monitors you | In-person invigilator | PSI proctor via webcam + AI monitoring |
| Check-in process | Palm vein scan + photo at desk | Facial recognition + 360° room scan via webcam |
| Exam questions | Identical 100 MCQs per part | Identical 100 MCQs per part (LOFT format) |
| Passing score | 105 (scaled 40–130) | 105 (unchanged) |
| Result delivery | On-screen immediately after | On-screen immediately after |
| Scratch paper / workings | Erasable noteboard provided | Provided digitally on-screen by PSI |
| Travel required | Yes — to nearest Prometric centre | No |
Remote proctoring is not new or experimental. PSI administers over 28 million tests per year using this technology across 140+ countries for clients including the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and US Customs and Border Protection. The EA exam is being added to a mature, proven platform.
How PSI Remote Proctoring Works: Step by Step
The remote proctoring process has two distinct phases: setup (done before exam day) and exam day (from login to result). Both need to go smoothly for a stress-free experience. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
Phase 1: Before Exam Day (Do This at Least 48 Hours in Advance)
- Book your exam via PSI — scheduling opens May 1, 2026 at test-takers.psigov.us. Choose your date and time. You will pay $350 per part at this step.
- Download PSI Secure Browser — this is a locked-down browser that prevents you accessing any other application or website during the exam. Download it from the PSI portal after booking.
- Run the System Compatibility Check — PSI provides a free tool to verify your operating system, webcam, microphone, and internet speed meet requirements. Run it in the same room and on the same device you will use on exam day. Use Google Chrome (latest version) for the check.
- Take PSI's tutorial test — PSI offers a free practice walkthrough of the proctoring interface. This lets you experience the check-in process, webcam scan, and exam interface before the real thing. Use it — it significantly reduces exam-day anxiety.
- Prepare your exam room — clear your desk completely, identify your private room, test your door lock if possible, and notify household members of your exam time.
Phase 2: Exam Day — Minute by Minute
| Time | What Happens | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| T–30 minutes | Pre-exam window opens | Launch PSI Secure Browser; close all other applications |
| T–20 minutes | Identity verification begins | Facial recognition scan matches your booking photo; have government ID ready |
| T–15 minutes | Room scan | Hold up your webcam to show all four walls, ceiling, and under the desk; show your blank notepad/desk |
| T–10 minutes | Wrist/arm scan (if required) | Roll up sleeves to show no notes written on wrists; remove smartwatch if wearing one |
| T–0 | Exam unlocks | Begin — 100 MCQs, 3.5 hours (4 hours total seat time including check-in) |
| During exam | Proctor monitors via webcam + AI | Keep eyes on screen; no talking; no leaving the camera frame; no phones |
| After last question | Exit survey, then result | Complete the short survey; your pass/fail result appears immediately on screen |
| Post-exam | Session ends | PSI Secure Browser closes; your normal desktop returns |
Technical Requirements for PSI Remote Proctoring
PSI publishes minimum system requirements for their remote proctored exams. Meeting minimum requirements is not the same as having a smooth experience — always aim for the recommended specifications. Run the compatibility check in the exact room and on the exact device you plan to use on exam day.
Device and Operating System
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended | Not Supported ❌ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma (14) | Latest stable version of either | Windows 10 or below, macOS Ventura or below, Linux |
| Device Type | Windows laptop/desktop or MacBook/iMac | Desktop or plugged-in laptop (avoid battery drain) | Chromebook, iPad, tablet, smartphone |
| RAM | 8 GB minimum | 16 GB | Below 8 GB |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 × 768 (16-bit colour) | 1920 × 1080 Full HD | Below 1024 × 768 |
| Webcam | 720p — built-in or external USB | 1080p external webcam | No webcam / virtual camera apps |
| Microphone | Built-in or headset mic (no earphones) | External USB mic or built-in laptop mic | Bluetooth headset with mic |
| Browser | PSI Secure Browser (free download) | Same | Chrome, Safari, Firefox during exam |
Internet Connection
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum speed | 750 Kbps upload and download |
| Recommended speed | 3 Mbps or higher — test at video-diagnostics.twilio.com |
| Connection type | Wired ethernet preferred; stable Wi-Fi acceptable |
| What to avoid | Mobile hotspot, public Wi-Fi, VPN, corporate firewall — these can block PSI's secure connection |
| VPN | Disconnect all VPNs before starting the exam — VPNs block PSI's platform |
Room and Environment Requirements
- Private room with a closed door — no other people present at any time during the exam
- Clear desk — no papers, notebooks, books, sticky notes, or second monitors
- Good lighting — face must be clearly visible to webcam; avoid sitting with a bright window behind you
- No dual monitors — disconnect or cover any second screen
- No phones or smartwatches within reach — place them in a different room
- No headphones — ear canals may need to be shown to proctor on request
- Quiet — background noise can trigger flags; inform household members of your exam window
Pros and Cons of Remote Proctoring for the EA Exam
Remote proctoring is genuinely more convenient for most candidates, especially those in India and countries where the nearest Prometric centre was hours away. But it also introduces new things to manage — your tech setup, your exam environment, and your own focus without the structured atmosphere of a test centre. Here is an honest assessment.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons / Challenges |
|---|---|
| No travel time or cost — sit from anywhere with internet | Technical setup responsibility falls on you — not PSI |
| No commute stress — arrive at your "exam centre" in seconds | Home distractions (family, noise, pets) must be actively managed |
| Greater scheduling flexibility — wider time slots globally | Equipment failure on exam day may forfeit your non-refundable $350 fee |
| Familiar environment — your own chair, desk, and room temperature | Webcam monitoring can feel uncomfortable for first-time remote exam takers |
| No test centre queue or waiting room anxiety | VPN, firewall, or antivirus conflicts can block PSI platform if not resolved beforehand |
| Particularly beneficial for international candidates (India, GCC, SE Asia) | Internet outages during exam — PSI has reconnection protocols but no guarantee |
| Save ₹3,000–₹15,000+ in travel and accommodation (India candidates) | LOFT format — unique exam per session means no shared question intel with other candidates |
| PSI's AI + human hybrid monitoring is mature — 28 million tests/year track record | Stricter environment rules than some test centres — any violation can invalidate the attempt |
Bottom line: Remote proctoring is most advantageous for well-prepared candidates who run a compatibility check in advance and control their exam environment. The main risk is not the technology itself — it is under-preparation for the logistics. A candidate who has practised in PSI's tutorial, tested their internet, and cleared their room has essentially eliminated the unique risks of remote testing.
Does Remote Proctoring Affect Your EA Exam Score?
No — remote proctoring has zero effect on how your exam is scored, reported, or treated by the IRS. The scaled score (40–130, passing at 105), the content tested, the number of questions (100 MCQs per part), and the result reporting process are all identical whether you sit remotely or at a test centre.
What Stays Exactly the Same
- Exam content — identical question domains and difficulty distribution across all delivery methods
- LOFT scoring — PSI's LOFT (Linear on the Fly Testing) assembles a unique exam per candidate, but all versions are statistically equated to the same standard
- Passing threshold — scaled score of 105 (on a 40–130 scale)
- Diagnostic feedback — failing candidates receive a domain-by-domain score breakdown regardless of delivery method
- Score validity — passing scores valid for 3 years from pass date, recorded by the IRS — not PSI
- Score reporting to IRS — PSI reports results directly to the IRS the same way Prometric did
What Happens If the Exam Is Flagged During Remote Proctoring?
PSI's AI monitoring flags events for human review — it does not automatically invalidate an exam. A trained proctor reviews all flags in context. If an issue is determined to be a genuine violation (for example, a second person present, use of prohibited materials, or confirmed identity fraud), PSI submits a report to the IRS, which makes the final determination on any score hold or cancellation. Minor flags — such as a brief glance off-screen or a background noise — are reviewed and cleared routinely without affecting your result.
What Is and Isn't Allowed During the EA Remote Exam
Violating PSI's exam rules — even unintentionally — can result in your session being terminated and your score being withheld. Read the full list of allowed and prohibited items before exam day, not during it.
| ✅ Allowed | 🚫 Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Plain water in a clear, unlabelled bottle | Food or drinks other than water |
| Government-issued photo ID on desk | Notes, textbooks, printed materials of any kind |
| Glasses (if needed) | Smartwatch, earbuds, Bluetooth headset, or wireless devices |
| On-screen scratch pad (provided by PSI in the exam interface) | Physical scratch paper, pens, pencils, or erasable noteboards |
| Standing up briefly during the exam (if you remain visible to camera) | Leaving the camera frame or exiting the room |
| Quietly reading questions aloud to yourself (lips moving) | Speaking aloud, talking to yourself audibly, or communicating with anyone |
| Single computer monitor (your testing device) | Dual monitors — disconnect or physically cover the second screen |
| Single clean desk visible in camera frame | Cluttered desk, papers, notebooks, sticky notes, or reference materials |
PSI's complete candidate rules will be published with the official EA exam candidate handbook when scheduling opens in May 2026. Always read the candidate handbook specific to the IRS EA-SEE — some rules are exam-specific and may differ from PSI's general guidelines.
Managing Anxiety: First-Time Remote Exam Tips
Feeling anxious about a remote proctored exam — especially for the first time — is completely normal. The most effective anxiety-reduction strategy is straightforward: familiarity. Candidates who have run a practice walkthrough, tested their equipment, and prepared their room feel dramatically less anxious on exam day. The unknown is the main source of pre-exam nerves, and almost all of it is removable through preparation.
The 5 Biggest Remote Exam Anxieties — and How to Address Each
😟 Anxiety 1: "What if my technology fails?"
Fix: Run PSI's system compatibility check on the same device in the same room at least 48 hours before exam day. If anything fails the check, you have time to resolve it or borrow a device. Do not leave the compatibility check to the morning of your exam.
😟 Anxiety 2: "What if someone interrupts me?"
Fix: Inform everyone in your home of your exact exam window. Put a "Exam in Progress — Do Not Enter" sign on your door. Lock the door if possible. Schedule your exam during a time when your home is typically quietest.
😟 Anxiety 3: "I'll feel watched and freeze up."
Fix: Take PSI's free tutorial test to experience being monitored. After 5–10 minutes of actual exam questions, most candidates forget the proctor is present entirely — focus absorbs self-consciousness. The proctor is not evaluating your exam performance, only your environment compliance.
😟 Anxiety 4: "What if my internet drops mid-exam?"
Fix: Use a wired ethernet connection where possible. Test your speed with Twilio's diagnostics tool. PSI has reconnection protocols for brief outages; a proctor can guide you through reconnecting without losing your exam state.
😟 Anxiety 5: "What if I get flagged unfairly?"
Fix: All AI flags are reviewed by a human proctor before any action is taken. Natural exam behaviours — thinking with eyes closed, re-reading a question, coughing, adjusting your chair — do not result in flags. Clear the prohibited items from your room and desk before check-in, and there is almost nothing left to flag.
Mindset on Exam Day
- Log in 30 minutes early — remove all time pressure from check-in
- Take 3 slow deep breaths before clicking "Start Exam" after check-in completes
- If you feel overwhelmed during the exam, pause, look at the screen, and take one deliberate breath — you have 3.5 hours; there is time
- Flag difficult questions and return to them — this is the same strategy used in any MCQ exam
- Remember: the proctor's job is to protect your result, not to catch you out
Your Complete EA Remote Exam Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist across three timeframes — one week before, day before, and exam morning. Print it or save it to your phone. A structured pre-exam routine is one of the most effective ways to convert preparation into performance.
📅 One Week Before Exam Day
- ☐ Confirm your PSI appointment date, time, and login credentials
- ☐ Run PSI system compatibility check on your exam device in your exam room
- ☐ Download and install PSI Secure Browser — confirm it opens without errors
- ☐ Complete PSI's free tutorial/practice walkthrough of the proctoring process
- ☐ Test your webcam — face should be clearly lit and centred
- ☐ Test your microphone — record 10 seconds and confirm it captures your voice
- ☐ Test your internet speed using video-diagnostics.twilio.com — aim for 3 Mbps+
- ☐ Disconnect any VPN software and confirm you can still access the internet
- ☐ Inform household members of your exact exam window
- ☐ Identify and photograph your government-issued photo ID
- ☐ Do a final full-length timed practice exam under exam conditions
📅 Day Before Exam
- ☐ Clear your desk — remove all papers, books, second monitors, and personal items
- ☐ Check your exam room lighting — sit in front of your webcam and confirm your face is well lit
- ☐ Place government-issued photo ID on your desk ready for check-in
- ☐ Charge your laptop to 100% and keep it plugged in on exam day
- ☐ Plug in ethernet cable if using wired connection
- ☐ Put your phone and smartwatch in a different room — not silenced on your desk
- ☐ Put a "Do Not Disturb — Exam in Progress" note on your door
- ☐ Do light content review only — no new topics, no 6-hour study sessions
- ☐ Sleep at least 7–8 hours
☀️ Exam Morning (30 Minutes Before Start Time)
- ☐ Sit at your prepared exam desk in your exam room
- ☐ Launch PSI Secure Browser — do this 30 minutes before your scheduled time
- ☐ Log in to PSI and click "Start Check-In" — do not wait for your exact start time
- ☐ Have photo ID in hand for facial recognition check-in
- ☐ Follow proctor instructions for room scan — slow, steady 360° pan covering all walls
- ☐ Roll sleeves up to wrists when directed
- ☐ Once check-in is complete and exam unlocks — take one breath, then begin
Frequently Asked Questions: PSI Remote Proctoring for the EA Exam
Can I use a Chromebook or tablet to take the EA remote exam?
No. PSI Secure Browser does not officially support Chromebooks or tablets (including iPads) for the EA exam. You need a Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma (or newer) laptop or desktop computer. PSI notes that using unsupported devices may cause compatibility issues and cannot be resolved by PSI support during your session, potentially forfeiting your exam and fee.
What happens if my internet disconnects during the EA exam?
PSI has reconnection protocols for brief internet outages. If disconnected, your exam state is preserved and a proctor will guide you through reconnecting. However, PSI cannot guarantee your session will be fully restored for extended outages. To minimise risk: use a wired ethernet connection, test your speed at your exam time of day using video-diagnostics.twilio.com, and avoid scheduling during peak internet hours in your area.
Is there scratch paper for working out calculations during the remote EA exam?
Physical scratch paper and pens are not allowed during the PSI remote EA exam. PSI provides an on-screen digital scratch pad within the exam interface for working notes. Practise using an on-screen notepad during your preparation — particularly for tax calculation questions in Part 1 and Part 2 — so you are comfortable with the digital tool on exam day.
Can I take a bathroom break during the remote EA exam?
PSI's specific bathroom break policy for the EA-SEE will be published in the official candidate handbook when scheduling opens May 1, 2026. Generally, for remote proctored exams, leaving the camera frame triggers an AI flag and requires proctor intervention. Plan to use the bathroom immediately before check-in. The exam is 3.5 hours — most candidates complete without needing a break.
Will I know my EA exam result immediately after the remote exam?
Yes. EA exam results are displayed on-screen immediately after completing the exam — the same as at Prometric. Passing candidates see only "Pass." Failing candidates receive their scaled score and a domain-by-domain diagnostic breakdown to guide retake preparation. PSI reports results directly to the IRS. You do not need to wait for a separate notification.
What if a proctor flags me for something I didn't do wrong?
PSI's AI flags are reviewed by a trained human proctor before any action is taken. A flag does not automatically invalidate your exam. If a proctor incorrectly terminates your session, you have the right to contact PSI and the IRS Office of Enrollment to dispute the decision. Detailed logs of your session (webcam recording, screen recording, AI flag timestamps) are retained and form the basis of any dispute review.
Does sitting the exam remotely look different to the IRS than sitting it in a test centre?
No. Your EA credential, score record, and IRS enrollment status are identical regardless of whether you sat the exam at a PSI test centre or via remote proctoring. The IRS records only your pass status and date — not the delivery method. Employers and clients cannot see and will never know how you chose to sit the exam.
Next Steps: How to Register and Prepare
- Understand the full transition: Read our EA Exam Moving to PSI in 2026 guide for the full transition timeline, fee changes, and score carryover details.
- Know the costs: The exam costs $350 per part ($1,050 total). See our EA exam fees guide for the full cost table in USD and INR.
- Start preparing with the right materials: The Surgent EA course via Eduyush (from ₹12,168) includes all 3 parts, 2,500+ practice questions, and ReadySCORE™ — an AI tool that tells you exactly when you're ready to sit.
- Register with PSI from May 1, 2026: Book early — July slots will fill fast. Visit test-takers.psigov.us on May 1 and book your first part immediately.
- Understand the full EA journey: From eligibility to Form 23 enrollment, our How to Become an Enrolled Agent guide covers every step.
Have questions about whether remote proctoring will work for your setup? Contact our faculty team — we help candidates across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia navigate the EA exam process from start to credential.
Written by Vicky Sarin, CA — Founder, Eduyush & Authorised Surgent Partner
Vicky is a Chartered Accountant with 25+ years in professional accounting education and an INSEAD alumnus. As authorised Surgent partner and Eduyush founder, he has guided thousands of EA, CPA, CMA, and ACCA candidates across India and the Middle East — including hundreds who have navigated the shift to remote exam delivery for the first time.
Connect on LinkedIn | Last verified: May 2026 | Next review: October 2026
Official PSI Exam Day Rules (Updated 2026)
Below are the 11 official PSI Web Delivery rules every EA candidate must follow on exam day. These are issued directly by PSI and govern remote-proctored exam conduct. Violations can result in disqualification, forfeited fees, and reporting to the IRS (your sponsor).
📜 PSI Web Delivery — Remote Proctoring Rules
- Web Delivery eligibility: If your sponsor (IRS) allows Web Delivery, you can schedule and launch your exam from your home computer. You'll need a webcam, speakers, microphone, and stable broadband connection. Run PSI's compatibility check on the scheduling website before exam day.
- Need help during the exam? Use the in-exam chat tool to message the online test administrator. Do not call or use any other channel.
- No talking once the exam is released: Conversing or any form of communication is prohibited the moment your exam begins.
- No reproducing test content: You may not reproduce, communicate, or transmit any exam content in any form. Violations are a breach of PSI security policy and may lead to disqualified results, legal action, and a report to the IRS.
- No electronic devices: Apart from your testing machine, no cell phones, pagers, cameras, or recording devices are permitted in the testing environment.
- Room scan required: Before launch, you'll be asked to scan your room. Notes, drinks, tissue boxes, or any unapproved items on your desk must be removed before the exam is released.
- Valid ID required: Bring valid, unexpired, acceptable ID. Check IRS/sponsor rules for specifics. Military IDs are not accepted.
- Professional conduct: Abusive behavior toward proctors or others (via chat or otherwise) will be reported to the IRS and may lead to criminal prosecution.
- Early connection window: You can connect with your remote proctor up to 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, provided your exam is ready to launch.
- Stay on camera: You may not exit camera view, use a cell phone, or use any other electronic device during the exam.
- Hands visible, no mouthing words: Your hands must remain visible to the camera at all times. Talking or mouthing words is prohibited.
Note: IRS (your sponsor) policies may supersede any of these PSI regulations where they conflict.
🎥 PSI Web Delivery Experience — Official Walkthrough
Watch PSI's brief official video on what the Web Delivery experience looks like end-to-end (room scan, proctor connection, exam launch): PSI Web Delivery Experience video.
💻 Updated PSI System Requirements (2026)
PSI's Secure Browser & Chrome Extension requirements govern what hardware and software you must have. Key points for EA candidates:
- Operating system: Windows or macOS (current supported versions). Chromebooks, Linux, tablets, and phones are not supported.
- Browser: Latest Chrome with PSI's Secure Browser extension installed (or PSI Secure Browser app, depending on the delivery option).
- Internet: Stable broadband, minimum 3 Mbps up/down; wired connection strongly recommended.
- Hardware: Working webcam, microphone, and speakers (headphones/earbuds are not allowed).
- Permissions: Admin rights to install the secure browser/extension; disable VPNs, virtual machines, and screen-sharing apps before launch.
- Compatibility check: Always run PSI's compatibility test from the scheduling site before exam day — not on exam day.
Accuracy note: PSI system requirements and remote proctoring protocols are updated periodically. This page was last verified in May 2026 against PSI's official system requirements page and PSI's remote exam preparation guide. Confirm the latest requirements on the PSI portal when scheduling your exam.
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