Does the screen turn off after 5 minutes, from the time the computer is started by the proctor, if the first question is not answered?

Yes. The first question is a legal agreement that says you will treat everything you see on the exam with the utmost and absolute confidentiality. You will have 5 minutes to review the agreement and select “I agree” to begin your exam. To ensure you are prepared for this step, please read the full text of the Non-Disclosure Agreement and Full Terms of Use for the NCCAOM Exam below.

If you do not accept this agreement presented on-screen within the allotted 5 minutes, your exam will terminate and you will be locked out of the computer. In addition, you will not be allowed to continue with your exam and your fees for that exam will not be refunded. According to Pearson VUE rules, you may not begin writing on your note board until your test has been started. Therefore, candidates should not use their note boards until after they have agreed to the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). If your exam terminates because you were writing on your note board during the NDA, Pearson VUE will not be able to start your exam again, you will forfeit all the fees paid for the exam, and you will have to reregister and pay full fees for the exam if you wish to take it again.

Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use for NCCAOM Exams

“I have read and understand the Examination Instructions. I have agreed to abide by the NCCAOM ® Grounds for Professional Discipline and acknowledge that if I am caught cheating on this examination, including the sharing of information after the examination is complete; I will be subject to review by the Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of NCCAOM. If I am found to have violated the Grounds for Professional Discipline, I understand that my scores will be cancelled and I may not have the opportunity to test again.

Additionally, I understand that this exam is confidential and is protected by trade secret law. It is made available solely for the purpose of becoming certified by NCCAOM. I am expressly prohibited from disclosing, publishing, reproducing, or transmitting this exam, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose.

I am the candidate whose name appears on the initial screen and as an affirmation to the Statement of Acknowledgement I signed when submitting my application. I acknowledge that I am prohibited from transmitting information about NCCAOM examination questions or content in any form to any person or entity. I also acknowledge that if I suspect a violation on the part of others, it is my responsibility to report these actions to the NCCAOM.”