Since we have been receiving a lot of messages asking why the MSL-BC® is proctored remotely, we thought we’d address it in a blog post to share with you the reasoning behind this unconventional, but necessary decision.
Global Accessibility
If you have been following the MSL Society for a while now, you should know that our mission is to be the global resource for all MSL professionals.
As you can see in the screenshot above, we have website visitors from 115 different countries across the globe in the past 30 days! This includes countries like Palestine, Yemen and Kenya.
Traditionally certification exams are taken at Computer-Based Testing Centers. However, the MSL Society has members around the world and in many of countries, there are very few Computer-Based Testing Centers, or in some countries none at all. Because we wanted the MSL-BC® available to all MSLs globally and the fact that in many countries there are no Computer Based Testing Centers, it was decided that the MSL-BC® should be administered virtually and proctored live.
Testing Regulations and Procedures for the MSL-BC® Exam
As a result, the MSL-BC® exam is not available globally their are several important procedures to be aware of. Below, you’ll find a list of all these regulations and procedures (these are taken directly from the MSL-BC® Candidate Handbook):
- All candidates must have a valid, government-issued photo ID to be admitted to the exam;
- Candidates are admitted only to their assigned exam;
- Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled exam time will not be admitted;
- No guests are permitted in the room or immediate surrounding area during the examination process;
- No reference material, books, papers, or personal items (purses, briefcases, coats, etc.) are allowed in the examination room or displayed on the walls;
- The exam is only administered in English. No translation materials will be permitted during the exam;
- No electronic devices are permitted in the examination room, including telephones, signaling devices such as pagers and alarms, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other handheld computers;
- Food and beverages are not permitted unless for documented medical purposes. Tobacco products and gum may not be used during the examination;
- No test materials, documents, notes, images, photos or memoranda of any kind are to be taken from the examination;
- Candidates may not communicate with other parties during the examination;
- Proctors are authorized to maintain secure and proper test administration procedures, including cancelling examinations if testing protocols are violated by the candidate;
- Breaks are not scheduled during the exam. Candidates are permitted breaks on an individual basis, but no additional time is given to candidates who take breaks;
- Candidates who must leave the examination room will have their examinations scores cancelled making them ineligible to take the examination. If a candidate leaves the room during the exam, they will be denied re-admittance to the examination, forfeit all fees, and will not have their exam scored.
Conclusion
In order for the MSL Society and the MSL-BC® to be easily accessible and relevant across the globe, a virtual exam with live remote proctoring was the only logical route.
The MSL-BC® demonstrates the knowledge and skill set that is essential for every MSL in any therapeutic area, country or company type!
Visit the Medical Science Liaison-Board Certification® webpage to learn more about the MSL-BC®.
