No, you cannot wear headphones or any personal audio devices during the AAMC PREview® exam. This strict prohibition is a key component of the exam’s standardized testing protocol to ensure security and fairness. All audio for the exam is delivered directly through your testing computer’s speakers.
Primary Reasons for the Headphone Ban
The rule against using headphones during the PREview exam exists for several critical reasons:
- Security and Integrity: Personal headphones could potentially be used to receive external information or assistance, compromising the exam’s security.
- Audio Consistency: The exam includes synchronized audio and video segments for its situational judgment test (SJT) scenarios. All candidates must experience this audio under identical conditions to ensure a fair testing environment.
- Proctoring Compliance: The remote proctoring software must be able to monitor your testing environment for unauthorized sounds. Headphones would block this monitoring.
Permitted Audio Setup and Accessibility
To successfully take the PREview exam, you must arrange an alternative audio setup.
- Use your computer’s built-in speakers or external desktop speakers connected to your computer.
- Ensure your audio is functioning correctly during the mandatory pre-exam system check.
- Select a quiet, private testing location where you can listen to the exam audio without distractions and without disturbing others.
The only exception to this rule is for test-takers with an approved accommodation for a hearing impairment. If you have an official accommodation from the AAMC, you may use specifically permitted devices.
Final Preparation Strategy
Your preparation for the PREview exam should include setting up your testing station. Before exam day, confirm that your computer’s speakers work clearly and practice with the official AAMC PREview practice exam using them. This fashions you to the audio quality and format you will experience without headphones during the PREview exam.
In summary, planning to use your computer’s speakers is an essential, non-negotiable step in your PREview exam logistics. Confirming this setup in advance helps avoid last-minute technical issues and ensures you can focus entirely on the exam’s professional reasoning scenarios.