Course Testing
Responding to the U.S. Department of Education directive, the Academy’s accrediting agency (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) has mandated that students who take online tests must do so with appropriate identification and supervision.
In response to these regulations, and to provide our students with the most cost-effective, convenient way to take exams, the Academy has elected to require all degree-seeking students to purchase a Securexam Remote Proctor Device (RPD). This computer hardware, which offers a biometric device to ascertain the identity of the user through the use of a fingerprint, will be required to take all course mid-terms and final exams. This will afford students the opportunity to take their tests in the comfort of their own homes at their own computers without incurring the costs of paying for a proctor. RPD devices are automatically sent during the registration process but may be purchased through the Academy Bookstore. Additional questions may be directed to testing@ussa.edu.
System Requirements for Remote Proctor Device
Running a system requirement check is the first step in choosing the compatible testing software for your computer. It is highly recommended that you run a systems check to ensure that a smooth transition takes place when you begin using the Remote Proctor Device (RPD) for course exams.
The following link will take you to a systems check for the computer you plan to take course exams on: http://www.remoteproctoradmin.com/install/.
If you have any questions about the systems check contact the Testing Coordinator at testing@ussa.edu.
Important details:
- The cost of the hardware, to include all software and licensing, will be a one-time charge. The device will be yours to keep. The charge for the Remote Proctor Device will be billed to your student account. Students who are on financial aid will be able to use financial aid funds to pay for the device.
- The device will be shipped to you upon completion of your first registration and will contain the necessary software to operate on the computer you plan to take the exams. You will receive your unit within 14-21 days following your course registration. The course registration process usually takes 7-10 business days. For students utilizing financial aid, the process usually takes up to 21 business days.
- The unit simply plugs into a USB port on your computer.
- While the installation and usage of the device should be easy, the Help Desk will be available to answer questions, M-F, 8-5 CST, at 251-626-3303, or by email at cmshelpdesk@ussa.edu.
- After hours support will be provided by responding to messages left on voicemail or by email at cmshelpdesk@ussa.edu. We will follow-up the next day to include re-setting exams, etc.
Non-Degree Test Requirements
Non-degree seeking students are not required to purchase the RPD, but must complete any exam requirements with a human proctor. To streamline the testing experience, non-degree seeking students should contact the Testing Coordinator at testing@ussa.edu for information early in their course to ensure that a proctor can be approved for their exams. Non-degree seeking students who wish to purchase the RPD should visit the Academy Bookstore web site.
Please Note: Students who are automatically approved to use a physical human proctor in lieu of the Remote Proctor Device are non-degree seeking students and students who have less than three (3) courses left to complete their degree requirements. Students with specific testing requirement issues must contact the Department of Student Services at studentservices@ussa.edu in regard to RPD exemptions.
