How to Set Up Port Forwarding for Pearson VUE

For online tests, Pearson VUE, a top supplier of computer-based testing, you need a steady internet connection. Configuring port forwarding on your router can be quite helpful to guarantee peak performance and prevent possible network problems. 

This guide covers how you can set up port forwarding for Pearson VUE and open ports on routers behind CGNAT.

What is Port Forwarding? 

Port forwarding is a network configuration technique, also known as port mapping, which directs particular incoming traffic to a selected device within your local network. Port forwarding helps keep a stable connection while playing online games with your friends or loved ones and safely access devices from a remote location.  

How to Open Ports for Pearson VUE

While Pearson VUE doesn't usually require port forwarding, a stable and reliable internet connection is crucial. Use these steps to open ports on your router for Pearson VUE:

1. Enter your router's IP address into your web browser to log in.
2. To access the firewall area of your router's configuration, click on Advanced Settings.
3. Enter the protocol (TCP or UDP), the public port number you wish to open, the private IP address, and the private port number of the device you wish to forward traffic to create a new port forwarding rule.
4. To activate the port forwarding rule, click Save or Apply.

Required Ports for Pearson VUE

Following are some of the ports required for a smooth internet connection:

For WAN settings (excluding PearsonVUE Testing Government Centers)

• Port 15000
• TCP/IP: Communicates over Firewall to Hub acting as a gatekeeper for CORBA services.

• Port 443
• TCP/HTTPS: Communicates over Firewall to Hub for web service calls

WAN Settings (PearsonVUE Testing Government Centers)

• Port 80
• TCP/IP: Communicates over Firewall to Hub acting as a gatekeeper for CORBA services.

• Port 443
• TCP/HTTPS: Communicates over Firewall to Hub for web service calls.

LAN Settings 

• Port 443
• TCP/HTTPS: Communicates to the server for web service calls (Administration workstation)

• Port 2488
• TCP/IP: Communicates to the server to monitor software update (Administration workstation).

• Port 443
• TCP/HTTPS: Communicates to the server for web service calls (Proctor).

• Port 443
• TCP/HTTPS: (Exam delivery workstation)

Make sure to allow unrestricted access to the following IP addresses for connecting to Pearson VUE if your test center uses a firewall or web filter.

• http://*.pearsonvue.com
• https://*.pearsonvue.com
• IP range 13.89.111.144/28 (13.89.111.144 - 13.89.111.159) / ports 80 and 443
• IP range 52.177.91.16/28 (52.177.91.16 - 52.177.91.31) / ports 80 and 443

Why Opening Ports behind a CGNAT is an Issue? 

Most ISPs (internet service providers) perform CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) approach to control the amount of IPv4 addresses that are available, which can minimize bandwidth usage and network exhaustion. CGNAT helps ISPs to share a single public IP address among several users rather than giving each customer a unique one. 

On the other hand, the only caveat is you can’t open ports on routers behind CGNAT because you are sharing the same IP as others relying on the same network as you are. Many ISPs block ports and restrict port forwarding from the intranet router, leaving you high and dry in the air.  

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

You can use PureVPNs Port Forwarding add-on with a dedicated IP to port forward routers behind CGNAT. Here's how:

1. Visit PureVPN’s member area and log in.
2. Go to the Subscriptions tab.
3. Click Configure.
4. Enter your desired port settings.
5. Hit the Apply button.

Wrapping up

While port forwarding might not be a direct solution for all Pearson VUE-related issues, optimizing your network settings and using a reliable internet connection is crucial. By following these tips and using the PureVPNs Port Forwarding add-on, you can enhance your Pearson VUE experience