So you’ve brewed your favorite coffee (or tea), have your comfy socks on, and you’re all set to crush your WGU assessment. But then—bam! The WGU Assessment Center refuses to load. Or worse, it crashes mid-test. Don’t worry! You’re not alone.
TLDR: WGU Assessment Center not working?
If the WGU Assessment Center is giving you problems, the fix might be simple. Clear your cache, restart your browser, double-check system requirements, or even try a backup device. Sometimes, it’s their system—not yours. Keep reading for easy fixes you can try today.
First, Take a Breather
Before you flip your desk, take a deep breath. Technical problems happen to the best of us. The good news? Most issues with the WGU Assessment Center can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. Let’s walk through the most common steps together like buddies on a digital quest.
1. Check System Requirements
This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Your computer must meet certain requirements to run the WGU Assessment Center smoothly. Here’s what to check:
- Browser: Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Safari and Edge can be moody.
- Operating System: Windows 10 or newer, or macOS 10.14 or later.
- Internet Speed: At least 3 Mbps download and upload speed.
- Webcam and Mic: Yep, both need to work for proctored exams.
If you’re unsure whether your setup passes the test, try running WGU’s system check or their Student Portal diagnostics.
2. The Magical Reboot
Hold on, don’t roll your eyes just yet. Restarting your computer and browser clears out all kinds of digital cobwebs. Try this:
- Close all tabs and programs.
- Restart your device.
- Open only what you need—preferably just your browser and the Assessment Center.
Still acting up? Okay, on to the next step.
3. Clear That Cache!
Your browser stores bits of info to load websites faster, but sometimes those bits go rogue. Clear them out like last year’s leftovers.
In Chrome:
- Click the three dots in the top-right.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cookies and Cached Images, then click Clear Data.
Relaunch the browser and try again.
4. Try a Different Browser or Device
Sometimes it’s not you—it’s the browser. If you’re using Chrome and it’s misbehaving, give Firefox a spin. Or vice versa.
And if you’re on a laptop, try switching to a desktop. Even better, ask a friend if you can borrow theirs during the test (but don’t make them do your exam for you!).
5. Disable Browser Extensions
Add-ons that block ads, track passwords, or darken your screen might be interfering with the Assessment Center.
Quick disable tip for Chrome:
- Click the three-dot menu, go to More Tools > Extensions.
- Toggle off anything that looks suspicious or unnecessary.
Reload the page and see if that helps.
6. Is It the Firewall?
If you’re on a work or school network, strict firewalls or filters may be blocking the test page.
Try switching to:
- Your home Wi-Fi
- A mobile hotspot (make sure your connection is stable!)
Better yet, temporarily disable any strict antivirus software or firewalls—just for the test—and see if the Assessment Center loads better.
7. Test From a Fresh Profile
If you’ve got cluttered settings, a fresh browser profile can help.
- Create a new Chrome profile by clicking your profile icon at the top-right → Add.
- Choose “Browse as Guest” or “Create new profile”.
- Sign into WGU and open the Assessment Center from there.
Fewer extensions = fewer problems.
8. Hardware Glitches? Try the basics.
Sometimes, it’s your webcam or mic acting up. And yes, the proctors need both to work.
- Unplug and replug your webcam or microphone.
- Test them with a video recording tool before launching the Assessment Center.
- Ensure browser permissions allow camera and mic use.
If you’ve recently updated your OS, some settings may have reset. Double-check your privacy settings.
9. Check the Server Status
It might not be your system at all. Sometimes WGU has technical issues on their end.
Check:
- WGU forums on Reddit or Facebook groups
- Your WGU email account—they usually send alerts if there’s an issue
- Contact tech support via the WGU Help Center
10. Contact WGU Support
When all else fails, don’t go down with the ship. Call for backup!
- Phone: 1-877-435-7948 (WGU tech support hotline)
- Live chat: Available on the WGU portal
- Email: support@wgu.edu
They’re kind, they’re magic, and they’ve seen it all. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Assessment
- Start early: Don’t wait till five minutes before your time slot.
- Charge up: Your device and your brain (snacks are important).
- Restart everything: Just before your test, do a reboot to clear memory.
- Use a wired connection: If possible, Ethernet beats Wi-Fi on stability.
Let’s Recap
If your WGU Assessment Center isn’t working, here’s your troubleshooting checklist:
- Check system requirements
- Restart your computer and browser
- Clear your browser cache
- Try a different browser or device
- Disable browser extensions
- Check your firewall or network
- Try a new browser profile
- Check your webcam and mic
- Check WGU server status
- Contact support if all else fails
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
Technical hiccups can be super frustrating—especially right before a big test. But with the tips above, you can tackle most WGU Assessment Center problems like a pro. Keep calm, stay caffeinated, and knock that assessment out of the park!
And remember: If the Assessment Center ever acts up again, you now know exactly what to do. Happy testing!