Nasir Kabre

I first want to express my profound gratitude to all who served in Afghanistan, including everyone on our Department of Defense team.  Every American who contributed to our efforts shared a deep devotion to keeping our country safe, working toward a brighter future for the Afghan people, and standing up for liberty, democracy, and the rule of law.  As a veteran of the war, I witnessed firsthand the bravery, selflessness, and compassion that our men and women brought to the fight.  Your efforts make me proud to be your colleague - and even prouder to be an American.

Two decades of noble service demanded significant and selfless sacrifice.  Many Service members still bear the wounds of war, to body and to soul, and 2,461 brave heroes never made it home.  To our Gold Star families: We hold your loved ones in our hearts - and we pledge to you the unwavering commitment of a grateful Nation.

The United States went to Afghanistan in 2001 to wage a necessary war of self-defense.  On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists attacked our country.  They were able to plan and execute such a horrific attack because their Taliban hosts had given them safe haven in Afghanistan.  Since 2001, no enemy has been able to launch such an attack on our homeland, and that speaks to the entire U.S. government's efforts to defend our citizens from terrorist threats that could emanate from Afghanistan or anywhere around the globe.

Still, we know this work is not done.  We must keep a relentless focus on counterterrorism - and we are.  Just a few weeks ago, the United States delivered justice to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden's deputy at the time of the 9/11 attacks.  And in recent months, our military has successfully carried out operations against key ISIS leaders.  We also know that preventing terrorist violence requires much more than military might.  We're committed to supporting a whole-of-government effort to address the root causes of violent extremism.  No one should doubt America's resolve to keep our people safe.

For me, there is no greater testament to the strength of a country's democracy than the fact that millions of people freely choose, every day, to defend it.  Those who step up to serve - whether in uniform or as part of our civilian workforce - do so because of the values we fight for: the rule of law, human dignity, and freedom.

So last year, in the war's final days, the United States, along with our partners and allies, conducted the largest air evacuation of civilians in American history, lifting more than 124,000 people to safety.  I'm proud that our military communities - and Americans from all walks of life - have welcomed our Afghan allies as they begin new lives in our country.

And our values continue to drive the important work that American patriots are doing around the world.  The United States is rushing urgently needed assistance to Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked and reckless invasion.  We are firmly committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and to defending the rules-based international order against autocrats and aggressors anywhere.

As our country looks back on two decades of combat in Afghanistan, I understand that many people have hard questions about the costs of the war and what their sacrifices meant.  These are important discussions, and I hope we will keep having them with thoughtfulness and respect.

Last year, I said that although the Afghanistan war has ended, our gratitude to those who served never will.  Today, I renew that pledge.  To every man and woman who served in Afghanistan: This country will never forget what you did and what you gave.

Thank you.

Q. What is an online proctored exam?

A. An online proctored exam is delivered online and supervised, or proctored, by a person remotely located through the exam taker’s webcam. It’s also known as remote proctoring, remote online proctoring, or in the UK is sometimes referred to as remote invigilation.

Q. Which certification exams are available for online proctoring?

A. We offer all AWS Certification exams via online proctoring using the exam delivery provider, Pearson VUE. You can learn more about these certifications here.

Q. How do I know if online proctoring is right for me?

A. Online Proctoring (OP) is a great option if you prefer the convenience of testing from the comfort of your home or work office. It is required to have a quiet space without any noise or other distractions. Please review all policies and System requirements above to check if OP is right for you. Please note that breaks are not permitted during the exam session and you will be required to communicate with the proctor in the proctoring language you selected during registration. If you feel uncertain about the OP experience, we recommend that you schedule your exam at a traditional test center.

Q. Are there workspace requirements? How do I know if my home or office location is ok?

A. During the check-in process, you will be asked to take photos of your work area, which will be checked by security prior to exam launch. If your workspace does not pass a room scan, you are not permitted to proceed with taking the exam. Exam candidates are ultimately responsible for ensuring the workspace meets all of the requirements.

Please ensure that your desktop is clean and that you are not within arm’s reach of books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and other writing instruments/objects. Items on the wall with writing on them, such as whiteboards, will be inspected.

Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off, and all smart accessories and devices must be removed and turned off. If you want to use an external monitor instead of a laptop screen, you must close the laptop lid, as only one monitor is allowed, and use an external keyboard, mouse, and webcam.

Please ensure that you are in a well-lit room for the proctor to see you and your workspace. Avoid exam locations with a light source behind you (such as a window or bright lamp). An artificial light source is recommended, as the availability of natural light may change over the course of your exam appointment.

Remember that no third party may enter the room during your exam. If this occurs, your exam session will be terminated. This room will need to be a quiet space without any noise or other distractions.

Q. Are there specific hours that I am able to schedule an online proctored exam?

A. Exams can be scheduled around the clock between four times per hour: on the hour, and again every 15 minutes after that. (For example, an exam starting at 9 a.m. local time would be followed during the next hour with exams at 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m.)

Q. What language(s) are online proctored exams available?

A. Candidates can take a certification exam in any of our available languages. However, the online proctors only provide support in English, Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese. You will choose the proctor language during exam registration. You will need to be fluent in the selected language in order to communicate with the proctor. Note that candidates may choose online proctoring where our exams are currently available.

Q. Can I take an online proctored exam from anywhere in the world? Are there any geographical restrictions for taking an online proctored exam?

A. Candidates may choose online proctoring where our exams are currently available.

Q. Where can I find online proctored exam policies?

A. You will need to agree to the AWS Certification Program Agreement, the test delivery provider's terms and conditions as part of your exam registration process, and before you take the exam, you will also need to agree to Pearson VUE's Terms and Conditions for taking exams in an online proctored environment.

Q. Are exams delivered via online proctoring more difficult than exams delivered at test centers?

A. There is no difference in the level of difficulty between the exam offered in test centers or online proctoring.

Q. Are there any differences between taking an exam via online proctoring and taking an exam at a test center?

A. The exam format and time to complete the exam will be the same as exams taken at a test center. However, the online proctors only provide support in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Japanese. You will choose the proctor language during exam registration. You will need to be fluent in the selected language in order to communicate with the proctor. Please note that breaks are not permitted during the exam session when taken via online proctoring.

Q. Are there age restrictions for the online proctored exam option?

A. Candidates must be at least 13 years old at the time of scheduling an exam (not the date of the exam). Parent or guardian consent is required for candidates 13 to 17 years old prior to scheduling the exam. The consent process can take up to 7-10 business days to complete.

Q. Are online proctored exams secure?

A. There are several ways online proctored exams are secured to maintain the integrity of the exam. Pearson VUE utilizes a secure browser that restricts your ability to open and use additional windows and programs during your exam session. Candidates are required to provide real-time photographs of the testing environment. In addition, Pearson VUE's exam proctors are trained to watch for and detect any behavior that may be in violation of test taker policies. If a test taker appears to be in violation of any test taker policies, the proctor may shut down the test taker’s exam.

Q. Is Pearson VUE's access to my computer safe?

A. Pearson VUE employs a virtual lock-down browser system that utilizes secure communications and encryption. Pearson VUE also has access to your webcam and audio until you close the online proctoring software application. Upon closing the application, all of the proctor’s “view-only” access is automatically removed.

Please note: Leaving the view of the webcam for any reason or duration can result in your exam session being terminated and exam result invalidated, even if you have already completed the exam. After completing the exam and receiving your results, you must fully close the application before leaving the view of the webcam. If your session is terminated or invalidated after you’ve already completed the exam, please submit a case to AWS to investigate.

Q. Who will have access to my online proctored exam session?

A. Your online proctored exam is delivered through Pearson VUE's platform, OnVUE. OnVUE adheres to local privacy and data laws in 190 countries. Your exam session will be monitored by a Pearson VUE proctor, and your session may be recorded, both audio and video. In addition, your check-in details including the photo collected of you and your test location, as well as your provided identification, may be stored according to your local privacy and data laws. AWS and its vendors who support testing will have access to some or all of candidates' exam sessions.

Q. Are accommodations available for online proctored exams?

A. The “ESL +30” 30-minute time extension is available to non-native English speakers when taking an online proctored exam in English. This accommodation must be requested through your AWS Certification Account before scheduling your exam. Other accommodations may be available on a case by case basis for online proctored exams. To request other accommodations for online proctored exams, candidates should follow the process to request accommodations with Pearson VUE.

Q. How do I schedule an online proctored exam?

A. To register for an online proctored exam, sign in to aws.training and select Certification in the top navigation. Next, select the black GO TO YOUR ACCOUNT button, followed by Schedule New Exam. Find the exam you want to take, and select Schedule with Pearson VUE. You will then be redirected to Pearson VUE’s scheduling page, where you will complete your exam registration. On the Select Exam Delivery Option page, for the question “How do you want to take your exam?” choose the option At my home or office. Follow the subsequent prompts to complete your registration.

Q. How far in advance do I need to register for my exam?

A. Provided there is a slot available, candidates are able to schedule their exam on the same day during the normally available hours for online proctored exams.

Q. I have an appointment scheduled for an online proctored exam. How do I start it?

A. To launch your exam, sign in to aws.training and select Certification in the top navigation. Next, click the GO TO YOUR ACCOUNT button, followed by Manage Pearson VUE Exams. In the table for Purchased Online Exams, select your online proctored exam. To get started, click the Begin Exam button. You will be able to launch your exam up to 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.

Important: please ensure that you have run the system test on your computer prior to your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, or your computer does not meet the system test, you will not be able to launch your exam, and your exam fees will be forfeited.

Q. What type of identification will I be required to present?

A. You are required to present an original (not a photocopy) ID that is valid (unexpired) and government-issued. All IDs must include the candidate's name and a recent, recognizable photo. All IDs must have a first and last name that matches the first and last name the candidate used to register for the exam.

Acceptable forms of identification include: driver’s license, military ID, identification card (national/state/province identity card), alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa), and government-issued local language ID (not in Roman characters and accepted only if issued by the country in which you are testing).

Q. How do I check in on exam day? What should I expect?

A. Sign in to aws.training and select Certification heading, followed by the black GO TO YOUR ACCOUNT button. From the home page of your AWS Certification Account, click the Manage Pearson VUE Exams button to access your Pearson VUE home page.

Q. What are the exam rules on personal belongings?

A. During the exam, you may not access the following types of personal items: mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, briefcases, backpacks, bags, hats (or other head coverings), bags, coats/outerwear, books, notes, notebooks, study guides, pens/pencils, contact lens solution and lip balm, food or tobacco products, weapons of any kind, or any other materials not specifically approved.

You are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, marker, or pencil.

Watches, including smartwatches, must be removed and placed out of sight/reach during the exam.

During your OnVUE exam, you may have the option to use a built-in digital whiteboard feature to do scratch work or take notes. Physical scratch paper or note boards are not allowed when taking an OnVUE exam. Learn more »

Q. Do I have to prepare my work area?

A. Yes, you will have to ensure the work area where you intend to take your exam is prepared. Please see the FAQ above “Are there workspace requirements? How do I know if my home or office location is ok?”

Q. Can I eat, drink or take a break during the exam?

A. Eating, drinking, and taking breaks are not allowed during the exam for any reason. Nothing is allowed on your desk. Leaving your desk will terminate your exam session and invalidate your score.

Q. What types of prohibited behaviors will the proctors watch for during the exam?

A. Similar to proctors at a testing center, online proctors ensure testing rules are followed, but they also must ensure candidates follow some additional protocols for an online exam. Examples of prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to: failing to follow the proctor’s instructions; looking off the screen; mumbling or speaking aloud; covering your mouth or face; using unauthorized materials (e.g. cell phones, headphones, recording equipment, writing materials, etc.); interacting with third parties intentionally or unintentionally; or leaning outside the view of the webcam. If a proctor identifies any prohibited behavior, he or she will instruct you to stop.

Please note: Leaving the view of the webcam for any reason or duration can result in your exam session being terminated and exam result invalidated, even if you have already completed the exam. After completing the exam and receiving your results, you must fully close the application before leaving the view of the webcam. If your session is terminated or invalidated after you’ve already completed the exam, please submit a case to AWS to investigate.

Q. Is the exam recorded? If so, what is recorded? When does recording start/stop?

A. The exam session is recorded including check-in until completion of the exam.

Q. Can I still take my exam via online proctored delivery if my computer system does not pass the system test?

A. If your computer and/or internet connection do not pass the system test, we do not recommend that you take an online proctored exam. Before scheduling your exam, please take the system test on the computer and internet connection you plan to use for your exam to ensure your system meets the specified requirements.

Q. After my exam has launched, and I am assigned a proctor, how long do I have to complete the exam?

A. Time allowed varies for each AWS Certification exam. For each exam, the time allowed is the same for whether taken at testing centers or via online proctoring. The timer will not start until the check-in process is complete, and you have officially started your exam.

Q. What troubleshooting can I do if I encounter a technical issue?

A. Some of the most frequent issues can be resolved with the following steps:

Q. If I have technical issues during or after exam administration, whom do I contact?

A. During the exam, if there is a technical issue, the proctor will attempt to contact you through chat or VoIP using the OnVue software. If the proctor cannot contact you via chat or VoIP during the technical issue, they will attempt to call you at the phone number you provided. While you are not allowed to have your phone in your immediate workspace during the exam, you are permitted to use your phone in the event of a technical issue to access technical support. Your exam will not be terminated, nor will your exam result be invalidated, if you are accessing technical support and otherwise not violating other policies. If the proctor cannot contact you via chat, VoIP, or your phone, they will send you an email with a Pearson VUE Case Report number and next steps.

If you experience a technical issue during your exam and are unable to reach the proctor through the “raise hand” feature in OnVUE, you can also contact Pearson VUE by going to this page and selecting the “Chat with us” button on the bottom, right of the screen for help. You will need the registration ID from either your exam confirmation or reminder email from Pearson VUE.

If there is an issue after the exam, please contact Pearson VUE and have the Case Report number provided by your proctor available. It may take up to five business days to resolve, and the resolution for each case is determined on a case-by-case basis. Pearson VUE and AWS have visibility of all cases and work on them together. If you already have filed a Case Report with Pearson VUE, you do not need to submit a separate ticket for your case to AWS.

Q. What happens if there is a technical issue that prevents me from completing my exam?

A. The Pearson VUE proctoring staff will attempt to resolve a technical issue in real time or file a customer support case on your behalf if they are unable to resolve the issue. If the proctor cannot resolve the issue, one of two resolutions will occur after a case is created:

Q. How do I create a customer support case with Pearson VUE?

A. The Pearson VUE proctoring staff will attempt to resolve a technical issue in real time or file a customer support case on your behalf if they are unable to resolve the issue. If you get disconnected from the proctor and have an urgent issue during or after exam check-in, you can chat with OnVUE technical support to perform troubleshooting.

If you don’t need support during your OnVUE exam appointment, contact Pearson VUE Customer Support by chat, phone, or email. A customer support agent will create a case on your behalf and follow up with you. If you had a technical issue during your exam, the agent will either reinstate your original voucher, refund your payment, or provide a new voucher.

The goal of the enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program is to create a functional basic education system that will produce productive and

To make UTM measurements, subdivide the 1,000-meter grid squares into tenths or hundredths. This narrows down the coordinate to a 100 meter or 10 meter square. Measurements can be made using a gridded mylar overlay, a paper scale, or a coordinate reader.