SkillCred Exams: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ for SkillCred Exams Only

What is a SkillCred ?

SkillCreds offer a new exam experience combining a variety of item types including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank, open format, terminal input, and more.

These skill-based credentials allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in very specific technical areas (i.e. Vim, Bash, Git, etc.).

A certificate of completion for your specific SkillCred credential will be provided once you pass the exam.

How is the exam proctored?

The LF proctoring service involves automated identity verification, and sessions are monitored and recorded.

LF reserves the right to invalidate the exam score and certification result, and a written notice of the violation(s) and sanction will be sent to the test taker, if exam misconduct is detected.

https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/tc-docs/certification/lf-cert-agreement#id-7-exam-misconduct

What are the system requirements to take a SkillCred exam?

• Please review the LF Proctoring System Requirements to ensure your machine can support our online exams.

• Webcam

  • If you will be testing from an employer-provide ISP or will use an employer provided machine, please ensure that streaming will be allowed using WebRTC.

  • Candidates are not allowed to have other applications or browser windows running except the one on which the Exam is being shown.

• Microphone

  • Please check to make sure it is working before you start your exam session.

• One active monitor (either built in or external) (NOTE: Dual Monitors are NOT supported). The Linux Foundation recommends a screen size of 15” or higher to support the ExamUI

• Reliable internet access

  • Ensure others on the same internet connection are not performing activities that use excessive bandwidth (i.e. holding conference calls, streaming content, gaming, etc.)

  • A wired connection is often more stable and robust than a wireless connection

  • Turn off bandwidth-intensive services (e.g. file sync, dropbox, BitTorrent)

What are the Testing Environment requirements to take the exam?

Below are the expectations for an acceptable testing environment:

• Clutter-free work area

  • No objects such as paper, writing implements, electronic devices, or other objects on top of surface

  • No objects such as paper, trash bins, or other objects below the testing surface

• Clear walls

  • No paper/print outs hanging on walls

  • Paintings and other wall décor is acceptable

• Lighting

  • Space must be well lit so that your face, hands, and surrounding work area are clearly visible

  • No bright lights or windows behind the examinee

• Other

  • Candidate must remain within the camera frame during the examination

  • Space must be private where there is no excessive noise. Public spaces such as coffee shops, stores, open office environments, etc. are not allowed.

What are the ID requirements to take the exam?

Candidates need to provide identification (ID) that meets the requirements outlined below:

• All IDs must be a valid (unexpired) Government-issued original, physical document (not photocopied or electronic)

• IDs must include the candidate's name, photo, and signature*

  • *Government-issued biometric IDs that do not contain signature will be accepted

• The first and last name on the ID must exactly match the verified name entered on your exam checklist

• Acceptable forms of ID:

  • International travel passport

  • Government-issued driver’s license/permit

  • Government-Issued local language ID (with photo and signature)

  • National identity card State or province-issued identity card

  • Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa)

  • 住民基本台帳 (Basic Resident Register with photo) or マイナンバーカード(My Number Card)

• Minors, between the age of 16-18, are permitted to take an online proctored exam, provided they complete the following requirements:

  • A Parent/Guardian must complete the Parental Release for Testing of Minors form, and submit it to trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org, at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the exam

  • At check in, the minor candidate must present a valid student ID as a form of identification

Exams may be administered to citizens of a sanctioned country listed below PROVIDED the citizens are tested OUTSIDE the sanctioned country and their exam registration and current ID show an address OUTSIDE the sanctioned country.

• Cuba

• Iran

• Syria

• North Korea

• Crimea Region of Ukraine

Exam Duration & Score

For SkillCred exams, a score of 70% or above must be earned to pass.

Candidates are allowed 45 minutes to complete each SkillCred exam.

How is my exam scored?

Upon completion, exams are scored automatically and barring any exceptions or technical difficulties, a score report will be sent to the candidate via email within 24 hours from the time that the exam was completed.

What language(s) is the exam offered In?

The Exams are available in English.

How long is my credential valid for?

The SkillCred credentials do not have an expiration date.

How do I get additional exam-related questions answered?

If you need additional help, please login with your LF Account to https://trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org and use the search bar to find an answer to your question, or select your request type from the categories provided.