My Experience with the CKA Exam and PSI Browser Issues

andregca

Yesterday, I faced significant technical issues during the CKA exam that severely impacted my ability to complete the test. Here's what happened:

The Problem

• The PSI Bridge Secure Browser launched successfully, and I completed the check-in process without issues.
• However, during the exam, the browser froze. After a few moments, a popup appeared stating that my camera was inaccessible, and the browser subsequently crashed.
• I contacted PSI technical support and was advised to restart the browser. I followed their instructions, completed the screening process again, and resumed the exam.
• Unfortunately, the exam timer continued running during this troubleshooting process. When the browser first froze, I had 65 minutes remaining. By the time I resumed, I only had 35 minutes left.
• I requested the proctor to credit the lost time but was advised to call PSI support. PSI support then told me to contact the Linux Foundation through a support ticket on the web site.

This sequence of events resulted in a significant loss of exam time and caused a lot of stress.

Feedback for Linux Foundation

To improve the remote exam experience, I suggest the following:

1. Leverage Killercoda's Expertise
   The training platform Killercoda is excellent. Replicating its user experience in a secure exam environment could significantly improve candidate satisfaction.

2. Partner with Local Exam Centers
   Partnering with testing centers, like Pearson Vue did, can provide a hassle-free, in-person testing experience. Many candidates prefer the reliability of in-person exams.

3. Enhance Remote Exam Infrastructure

   • Develop a more robust PSI browser. During my exam, the browser appeared to consume excessive CPU resources, as indicated by my laptop’s fans running at full speed.
   • Improve the pre-exam system check application to better identify potential issues. For example, flagging high CPU usage or any underlying problems with the secure browser.

My System and Pre-Exam Checks

I used a personal laptop with the following specifications:

• CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8550U @ 1.80GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 1 TB SSD (891 GB free)
• OS: Windows 11 Home (24H2 - Build 26100.2605, 64-bit)
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additionally, I ensured the following:

• Internet Connection: 500 Mbps download / 64 Mbps upload
• Twilio Tests: Passed all checks except RTT (469/734 score, likely due to my location - Brazil).
• Firewall: No blocked connections as per PSI's requirements.

Despite passing these checks, and getting a "System Check Passed" result from https://syscheck.bridge.psiexams.com/, the browser froze multiple times, making it impossible to complete the exam as intended.

I hope this feedback helps improve the exam experience for future candidates. I look forward to a resolution for my case and hope Linux Foundation and PSI can enhance the reliability of their systems.

fcioanca

Hi @andregca

We apologize for the inconvenience this issue has caused. If you have not done so already, please open a ticket with the Linux Foundation Customer Support team at trainingsupport.linuxfoundation.org and they will assist you in rescheduling your exam.

Regards,
Flavia
Linux Foundation Education Team

andregca

The ticket was created yesterday (TCCS-124523).
I am trying to understand what can be done to avoid facing the same issue and also to provide constructive and open feedback to Linux Foundation.

Thanks