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Compass for Windows

Compass for Windows is our flagship delivery system, and it's what we recommend for the ideal testing experience whether you are administering LITA or SR exams. It can deliver all of our exam programs in all currently available languages. This system can only be used in-person at a CATC with the Exam Administrator (Proctor) and Test Candidate in the same room.

As its name implies, it is only supported in a Windows environment and requires local Windows Administrator rights at all times in order to run (those Admin credentials can be stored in Compass and only applied when the software is running). It is also mass deployable and can be configured in client/server mode, which not only makes distributing the software easier, but the exam content and future updates to the system and content as well. It is less reliant on bandwidth because most of the exam content can be downloaded prior to exam delivery, which is then fed to the Test Candidate locally during the exam. 

The setup and continual use of Compass for Windows is more involved, but the software is also built with powerful tools to provide information about your account status and device readiness. We also have web pages, detailed guides, and a support team to help you if you need it. All this and more makes Compass for Windows our most successful delivery system.

Is Compass for Windows a fit for our CATC?

You should select this system if you...

• Have low or intermittent bandwidth
• Have a large number of testing workstations
• Have dedicated IT staff
• Teach courses on the exams you offer and already own some or all of the software required for LITA delivery
• Operate out of a controlled environment such as a correctional facility

Compass for Mac

Compass for Mac was created to support labs using workstations with Mac-only operating systems. It works similar to Compass for Windows with a local program file and setup, but only certain programs allow you to download the exam content, which increases its reliance on your bandwidth if you are not delivering those exams. It can deliver all of our exam programs in all currently available languages except for our Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Autodesk Certified User (ACU) programs. 

It is only supported in a Mac environment, and does require Mac admin rights to use. This system can only be used in-person at a CATC with the Exam Administrator (Proctor) and Test Candidate in the same room.

Is Compass for Mac a fit for our CATC?

You should select this system if you...

• Have only Mac workstations at your CATC
• Have medium-range bandwidth
• Teach courses on the exams you offer and already own the Adobe Creative Cloud software

Compass Cloud

Compass Cloud is our latest delivery system, and had it's official launch in April 2024. Compass Cloud trades the more involved local install, setup, and maintenance for exam delivery occuring in the cloud. This trade off results in higher and more consistent bandwidth requirements, which can be difficult to predict and control in academic environments. It can deliver most of our exam programs, but limited to only 13 languages. It can only be used in-person at a CATC with the Exam Administrator (Proctor) and Test Candidate in the same room.

While continual maintenance is eliminated with Compass Cloud (we take care of all your license version compatibility), it still requires the Compass Cloud desktop application to be installed on all testing workstations (the initial deploy of the installer file can be mass deployed if you are using a Windows network). It also removes the burden of specific supported environments by being compatible on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook devices.

Is Compass Cloud a fit for our CATC?

You should select this system if you...

• Have high and consistent bandwidth
• Have little to no IT support
• Have a large number of testing workstations in a Windows environment
• Do not own the software required for LITA delivery

Exams from Home

Exams from Home (EFH) was created as a remote proctored delivery modality. There is no desktop application to install in a Windows or Mac environment, just a program file that will be executed from the browser during the exam session (employing EFH on Chromebooks does require a locally installed application obtained from the Google Play Store).

Like Compass Cloud, EFH trades the more involved local install, setup, and maintenance for exam delivery occuring in the cloud. This trade off results in higher and more consistent bandwidth requirements, which can be difficult to predict and control in academic environments. It does not require Admin rights, but you will need to be able to launch a temporary program file from the browser (Windows & Mac) and the ability to install a desktop app from the Google Play Store (Chromebooks).

It uses Compass for Windows running on virtual machines to serve up most programs, but is limited to only 15 languages. With EFH, the Exam Administrator (Proctor) and Test Candidate do not have to be in the same room, but a webcam is required to check the Test Candidates identity and environment for validity and compliance prior to testing. A special dashboard that Exam Administrators (Proctors) use lets them see the Test Candidate's desktop, and they can communicate any questions through a chat window.

Is Exams from Home a fit for our CATC?

The only reason you should select this system is if you...

• Need to proctor a Test Candidate who cannot be onsite at your center