FINOS Certified FDC3 Practitioner Exam Instructions
Notes
This exam is proctored. This means someone will be observing you (via webcam) take the exam. For this reason, scheduling the exam is slightly complex. These instructions will take you through the process.
Warning: Some people find the proctoring process quite intrusive, howerver, we believe preparation is key: you will need to clear your desk, and install software on your machine (see below).
Please contact FINOS Help if you have a bad experience and want to feedback about this.
As evidenced by the length of these instructions, the process for taking the exam is quite involved.
As a beta tester, we would like you to take notes on the process so we can improve it.
Please click here to Email FINOS to provide feedback on the examination process.
We are very interested in knowing if you have problems with the process and are interested in improving it for test takers after the beta period.
If you complete the exam, you'll receive some FINOS swag (a t-shirt) and if you pass, the FCFP Qualification to share on socials.
To Schedule The Exam
Click on this link to access the page shown on the left.
Click on “Enroll Now”, followed by “Secure Checkout”
At this point, you'll have to log into the Linux Foundation training portal.
You should be able to create an account if you don't have one, or use one of your existing social logins for this.
Next use the coupon code from the email in the box to reduce the price to zero.
Don't have a coupon? Click here to drop us a mail to get one.
Click on Enter Payment Information (don't worry - it's now free so you won't have to provide any).
Check the T&Cs checkbox and click "Place Your Order"
Once the order is complete, the exam will appear in your Linux Foundation Training Portal. Click the button to schedule your exam.
Next up is a form where you have to agree to the conditions of the exam, verify your name and choose the schedule.
On the first row, click the button to the right of Agree to Global Candidate Agreement
Next, make sure the plaform has your correct name, as Maurizio is doing here.
Next, you should see a greyed-out schedule box. The exam is run by another firm, PSI, and it can take up to 30 minutes to get the details of the candidate over to them. So the button to schedule remains greyed out for usually a few minutes.
This is the perfect opportunity to make a cup of tea or coffee and have a short break in what I'm sure is quite a busy working day.
When you return with the beverage of your choice, you should see a newly-revitalised schedule button, which will accept your click. If not - try refreshing the page.
This will send you over to the PSI website, where you can click schedule again to arrange the exam.
Choose the location you are in. There should be timeslots available in every location.
As mentioned above, try to schedule the exam for a time when you'll be on your home equipment as it may not work inside a firewall.
Note: The beta for FCFP ends on 20th November 2023, so you must schedule by 19th November to have your answers included in the beta.
If all goes well, you should be granted a proctor at the time you choose. You'll get an email confirming the details.
This screen means you've confirmed the exam. You can reschedule if you need to, up to 24 hours before the exam starts.
Remember, someone will be waiting to watch you take the exam when you do it, so set an alarm to make sure you make your appointment.
Suggestion: Set your alarm 30 minutes early so you can complete the pre-checks before the exam starts.
.Preparation And Awareness
This is a proper exam, taken under controlled conditions. Please Review this video to see how you will be required to take the exam.
Please review The Linux Foundation Handbook on taking certifications which explains the software that will be used.
Specifically, review the Rules and Policies around having a clear desk, where to look, talking, drinks etc.
Taking The Exam
You will have received an email containing your exam details, but in case you've mislaid that, Click Here to access the Linux Foundation Training Portal where you can find your exam.
Click the button highlighted to access the exam page.
Note: The Linux Foundation's documentation around taking the exam is really thorough. Please consult that if you encounter something not covered in this guide.
Next, you'll need to complete the pre-checks, including testing your system compatibility and reading the instructions.
The Take Exam button will become active 30 minutes before the exam and will remain active until 30 minutes after the scheduled exam time.
More instructions on completing this can be found here.
The Linux Foundation page then hands over to the examination provider, PSI Exams.
Click the Launch button to get started.
To cut down on the chance of third parties trying to steal the exam questions, PSI uses it's own browser for the exam process. You'll need to install this.
If you have popups blocked, you might need to enable them for the installation process.
Install the PSI Browser on your machine (you can delete it after the exam).
To prevent cheating, the exam proctor will be able to view your screen while you take the exam. So, you'll need to allow the PSI Browser to screen-record, much like Zoom does.
Although you are above reproach, there is a cottage industry around cheating on exams, so as a further anti-cheating method, PSI will require you to shut down other programs running on your machine. The next part is therefore a step to make sure this happens.
Next comes the exam admission process. Follow the proctor's instructions and be ready to show the proctor around your room. You'll need to demonstrate that your environment is set up correctly, as described above.
You can then take the exam.
Tip: preserve 30 minutes of your time for reviewing your answers at the end.
Feedback & Swag!
After completing the exam, someone from FINOS will be in touch to organise mailing out your FREE T-Shirt and ask some questions about your background.
Please click here to Email FINOS to provide feedback on the examination process.