Red Hat Remote Exams - What a *TERRIBLE* Experience!

[bschonec]

Wow, what a terrible experience I just had trying to take an exam.

It started off just fine.  My two year old computer passed the pre-tests just fine.  I got started and noticed a bit of lag in dragging windows around but it wasn't terrible so I worked with it.

After about twenty minutes I began noticing increasingly longer lag times and difficulty typing.  I had at least twenty 'network resets' in 45 minutes time.  The proctor insisted that the problem was on my end even though I'm the only one on the Internet at the time and I swiched from my home Internet to a faster connection through my wireless phone.

The test was completely un-takable.  All I got was a ten minute credit on my time.  I couldn't have taken the test if I had two extra hours.

Now I'm stuck with a exam considered 'used/taken'.  This is the only remote exam that's offered that interests me *and* applies towards a RHCA (architect).  

Considering I've had two on-site exams cancelled and there are no testing sites within 600 miles of me (the other site was just 30 miles) I'm sure you'll understand how upset I am at all this.

To top it off, I don't even get the "Covid credit" for extra time on my RHLS.  It's been at least three months ago that RH cancelled my first exam.  I should get at least that much time extra *after* the testing site near me re-opens.

Now to top it off, I can't take the remote exam until after February 1st.  What a complete debacle and waste of money.

[charith1994]

May I ask what kind of connection ur using? Avg upload and download speed?

[Amel · Accepted solution]

I hate to say it, but if your idea of a "faster connection" is from your wireless phone, it sounds like it's most likely an issue with your network.  This may not just be the speed, but also the stability of your network.

[Rob-L]

I had same issue when sitting the exam.  I used the IBM guest network at the site I was sitting the exam, so the network should be reasonable,  but the redhat remote exam iso was terribly laggy to use .. the mouse was very difficult to use, especially with any accuracy, and really slowed me down taking the exam  ... 

[Marek_Czernek]

Hi @bschonec,

I'm sorry about your experience. Have you created a ticket with Red Hat support? You might be able to come to a resolution, e.g. a retake. I have personally taken a RH remote exam and the experience was completely fine, so this is not a normal behavior.

However, the remote exam does require a constant stream of data, so you might be better off taking the exam somewhere with a more stable internet connection; generally speaking, I would be surprised if mobile data would be completely sufficient (not impossible, but it'd have to be stable the whole 2 hours, which is rare in my experience).