Writing an Ontario Real Estate Exam: In-Person vs Online
If you’re preparing to write a RECO (Meazure) real estate exam in Ontario, you’ve probably noticed that you have two options: writing in person at a test centre, or writing online with remote proctoring.
All Ontario real estate exams follow the same rules and standards.
What differs is the environment in which you write — and that distinction matters.
Over the past year, more learners have started sharing stories about online exams being interrupted, flagged or placed under review, even when they believed they were following all the rules. These situations are understandably stressful, especially when an exam attempt and your program timeline may be affected.
This post breaks down the key differences between in-person and online-proctored Ontario real estate exams, explains why these issues are happening more frequently and helps you decide which option is right for you.
In-Person Exams: A Controlled, Lower-Stress Environment
When writing your exam at a Meazure test centre, almost all exam security requirements are handled for you.
What This Looks Like in Practice
- You use Meazure-provided computers, not your own
- The testing room is already configured to meet RECO’s security requirements
- No screen-sharing, background apps or system checks on your personal device
- If a technical issue occurs, the proctor resolves it on site
- Internet interruptions, device conflicts and background software are largely eliminated
Why Many Learners Prefer In-Person
Learners consistently report feeling:
- More focused
- Less anxious about “doing something wrong” unintentionally
- More confident that an issue won’t escalate into an investigation
If something unusual happens during an in-person exam, it’s generally documented and addressed immediately, without the same level of post-exam review.
Online-Proctored Exams: Convenience With Added Responsibility
Online exams offer flexibility — but they also shift a significant amount of responsibility onto the learner. When you write remotely, you are responsible for your environment, your equipment and everything running on your computer.
What the Online Proctoring System Actively Monitors
During a remote exam, Meazure’s system is continuously checking for:
- Screen-sharing or remote-access software
- Virtual machines
- Secondary monitors
- Suspicious background processes
- Eye movement and camera visibility
- Noise, movement or people entering the room
Even inactive software (such as remote support tools installed for work, IT management software or screen-sharing apps that launch at startup) can trigger alerts. Here’s a direct Meazure quote about unauthorized equipment and software:
Our system continuously checks for unauthorized equipment and software throughout the exam session. For instance:
- Multiple Monitors: If a secondary monitor is detected, the system prompts the test-taker to disconnect it before proceeding.
- Suspicious System Setups: Our proprietary secure browser, the Guardian Browser, captures a host of telemetry data that can be used to identify suspicious setups and prevent the use of unauthorized tools and configurations.
- Remote Connections and Virtual Machines: Our proctoring system scans for over 400 applications to detect virtual machines and remote access tools. It also uses other methods to identify virtual security threats during an exam session.
Why Online Exams Are Being Flagged More Often
In prior years, remote proctoring was linked to large-scale exam breaches across multiple industries, including Ontario real estate exams. As a result, RECO’s current system is intentionally strict, with a low tolerance for anything that might indicate risk.
That means:
- False positives do happen
- Proctors may stop an exam without explaining the full reason
- Reviews can occur after the exam ends
- Learners may have to wait while recordings and system data are reviewed
From RECO’s perspective, this protects exam integrity.
From a learner’s perspective, it can feel confusing and overwhelming.
What Happens If an Exam Is Interrupted or Flagged for Review?
Based on both official policy and real learner experiences, outcomes can vary.
Common Scenarios
- Technical issue on Meazure’s side
→ Often results in a reset or reinstated attempt. - System or software flagged on the learner’s device
→ May trigger a review or investigation. Typically flagged at exam start or during the exam. - Suspected rule violation (even unintentional)
→ Exam may be paused, terminated or results placed on hold pending review.
RECO reserves the right to nullify exam results for any circumstance that compromises exam integrity, including issues discovered after the exam has ended. This includes testing irregularities, exam misconduct or rule/policy violations. A nullified attempt may or may not count toward your allowed exam attempts, depending on the reason. The exam review process will take at least 3–5 business days, so learners should understand that an interruption or nullified result may delay their progress and require them to mentally reset and prepare again before attempting the exam a second time.
Note: Online exams are considered a privilege, not a right. Under RECO’s exam misconduct policy, learners can lose access to remote exams entirely and be required to write all future exams in person, even if no intentional wrongdoing is found.
Tips for a Smooth Online Exam Experience
If online is your best option, these steps are recommended:
- Use a dedicated device (not a work computer)
- Remove or disable:
- Remote access and screen sharing tools (e.g., Windows or Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, VNC)
- Virtual machines/emulators (e.g., VMWare, Parallels, Docker)
- Screen-capturing apps (Camtasia, ShadowPlay, Bandicam, Snagit)
- Communication Apps (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Discord, Skype)
- Create a separate user account on your computer used only for exams
- Run Meazure’s onboarding tool days in advance
- Avoid extra wireless connections if possible
- Disconnect second monitors
- Disable any startup items
- Close all apps except Meazure’s Guardian browser
- Write in a quiet, private room with zero interruptions
- Carefully review the RECO Learner Exam Handbook for exam policies and procedures
So… Which Option Is Better?
There’s no universal answer — but for many learners, in-person exams mean fewer variables, lower stress and less risk of unexpected interruptions.
Online exams offer flexibility, but they require additional setup, greater technical confidence, and a clean, controlled environment.
If you’ve already had a stressful online experience, many learners choose in-person testing for future exams simply for peace of mind.
Preparing for the Ontario real estate exams is demanding enough. Understanding how you’re being monitored shouldn’t add unnecessary stress. Being informed allows you to choose the format that best supports your focus, confidence and long-term progress toward registration.
If you’re unsure, cautious or simply want the least amount of uncertainty on exam day, in-person testing remains the stress-free choice for many learners.
Your exam format is a big decision — your prep shouldn’t add stress.
For more than 15 years, Passit has helped aspiring salespeople prepare for Ontario real estate exams with clear explanations, realistic practice questions and tools that support genuine understanding. Whether you’re writing in person or online, solid preparation gives you one less thing to worry about!
Have you experienced an interrupted or reviewed exam? Every learner’s experience is different. If you’ve had an exam interrupted or reviewed, what happened — and what would you advise others to know? Sharing your experience and how it was resolved will help other learners know what to expect — please leave a comment below.