QSE Remote Proctoring vs PSI Test Center: Rules and Choice
You can take the QSE at a PSI test center or at home by live remote proctoring (LRP). The exam, the 220-minute seat time and the fee are the same either way. What changes is the risk: at a test center you depend on getting there on time, while at home you depend on your computer, your internet connection and a room that stays empty and quiet for nearly four hours. This guide sets out the AAVSB's rules for each so you can choose.
For the exam content and dates, see our QSE 2027 format and registration guide. Rules below are as of October 2026.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PSI test center | Live remote proctoring |
|---|---|---|
| Where | A PSI center; check availability on PSI's website | Your own computer in a private, quiet room |
| Arrival or log-in | Arrive 30 minutes early | Log in up to 30 minutes early |
| Late cut-off | More than 15 minutes late: no exam, fee forfeited | More than 15 minutes late: no exam, fee forfeited |
| ID | Unexpired government photo ID with signature, matching your application name | Same, shown front and back to the camera; military IDs not accepted |
| Scratch work | PSI-issued scratch paper and pencil | Mini whiteboard, dry-erase marker and eraser only; no paper |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator in the exam platform | Handheld calculators and opening a calculator app are major violations |
| Breaks | Allowed; the clock keeps running | Request through chat; the clock keeps running |
| Monitoring | Audio and video surveillance at the center | A dedicated live proctor; audio, video and chat recorded |
| Noise | Other candidates may be typing or moving; earplugs provided, your own not allowed | You control the room, but any person or pet appearing can end the exam |
| Main risk | Travel, traffic, finding a nearby center | Technology failure, interruptions, room-scan problems |
Taking the QSE at a PSI Test Center
Before exam day
- Check centers early. The AAVSB handbook suggests looking at test center availability on PSI's website before you even finish your QSE application. Availability differs a lot by country, so this can decide the question for you.
- Check your ID. It must be unexpired, government-issued, with photo and signature, in the official language of the country where the center is, and the first and last name must match your PAVE application. An international passport needs an English translation on it. Temporary and digital IDs are not accepted. PSI's website lets you validate your ID when you schedule.
- Medical items. If you need medication, an external appliance or an electronic medical device in the testing room, note it on your QSE application. Exceptions must be approved by the AAVSB before the application deadline.
On the day
- Arrive 30 minutes early. More than 15 minutes late means you cannot test and you forfeit the fee.
- Expect to store everything in a locker. You may be asked to turn out your pockets before every entry to the testing room and may be scanned with a metal detector. Phones, watches, food, drinks, tissues and pens all stay outside.
- You get scratch paper and a pencil, collected at the end.
- Breaks are allowed, but the exam clock keeps running and you may not leave the building.
The test center suits candidates who have a reliable center nearby, who worry about home internet or interruptions, or who simply prefer paper for working through problems.
You've been studying hard
Create a free account to keep reading
Free accounts get 5 articles/day + daily practice questionJoin vet students already studying with NavleExam.
No credit card needed — free account takes 30 seconds.
Create Free Account — Keep Reading Already have an account? Log inNo spam. One question per day. Unsubscribe anytime.