1. At the scheduled time, you and your certifier will meet in the pre-arranged virtual meeting room (Zoom, Webex, etc)
   
2. Certify in the same physical room using the same equipment that you typically use for remote presentations
   
3. Dress like it's the real thing: the final part of the certification is to record a short video clip that becomes your "virtual proof"
   
4. Prepare for your 60-second virtual proof video. It will become a part of your public certification record and will also be added to your eSpeakers profile if you're an eSpeakers member.
   

What should you say in your 60-second virtual proof video? We recommend you imagine you are talking directly to a potential customer. Don't focus on you and your skills, t alk about the benefits of hiring you as a presenter.  Target 30-45 seconds because the recording will hard cut at 60 seconds.

Required

1. No technical problems
   There were no audio, video, or other technical glitches that persisted past the first 60 seconds of the call.
   
   
2. Video background
   What we see behind you looks professional and is free from distractions.
   
   Certification is done with your real physical background; no virtual backgrounds are allowed during the test unless you have a physical green screen with compositing that happens outside of the meeting tool.
   
   You will be able to use a virtual background for your virtual proof video if you prefer.
   
   
3. Video composition
   In the video, your head/torso is centered, take up most of the frame, and is not cut off in an unintentional way. Your camera should be at eye level, so that it is not tilted up or down to look at your face.
   
   
4. Lighting
   The lighting on your face makes it easy to see your expressions. No harsh shadows, dim lighting, etc.
   
   This is one of the most common reasons a presenter does not certify. Correct lighting almost always requires more than the room's normal overhead lighting; you need light that is near eye-level pointing at your face from somewhere behind the camera.
   
   
5. Clear Audio
   It's easy to hear your voice and understand what you're saying.
   
   
6. No background noise
   If at any time during the test we hear unexpected sounds (dogs, babies, construction, etc.) we will be unable to certify you.
   
   
7. Recovery
   Your tester will ask you to simulate a technical problem by completely quitting out of the meeting application, and then re-launching and re-joining the meeting. You will need to be able to do this in under 60 seconds.
   
   

If the certifier has to mark "fail" on any of the required items, the certification will end immediately. Don't worry though! A second attempt is included in your certification fee. Just use the scheduling link to schedule another test. There is no public record of a failed attempt.

Why is the certifier so picky? When you display the Certified Virtual Presenter badge, it tells the world that they can expect a high-quality remote experience with you, free from technical issues and with an easy-to-see and easy-to-hear presenter. If we're not picky, that standard becomes lower and dilutes the value of the certification for everyone. 

Measured

1. Upload bandwidth
   Your certifier will measure and record your upload bandwidth. It must be at least 1.5Mbps to pass.
   
   
2. Network latency
   Your certifier will measure and record your network latency. It must be less than 100ms to pass.
   
   
3. Backup phone call
   It's important that event organizers have a secondary way to communicate with you if the meeting app has problems. You will provide a phone number to your certifier, who will call you on it during the test and verify that they can easily communicate with you.
   
   
4. Type of Internet connection
   Does your computer use a wireless or a wired Internet connection? Wired is preferred, but either is acceptable.

Optional

1. Visual Aids
   Do you regularly use images or videos during your presentations?
   
   
2. Improved Mic
   Are you using the computer's built-in microphone, or a better one? What style and brand?
   
   
3. Daylight
   Was your test during daylight or night conditions?
   
   
4. Audience Q&A or chat
   Do you regularly use audience Questions and Answers or chat during your presentations?
   
   
5. Polls and Questions
   Do you regularly poll the audience during your presentations?
   
   
6. Breakout Rooms
   Do you regularly use breakout rooms during your presentations?
   
   
7. Multi-camera shoot
   Do you use more than one camera with a switcher during your presentations?
   
   
8. Backup Internet access
   If your main Internet access were to go out, do you have a backup means of connection (phone hotspot, etc.)