---
title: Candidate Preflight & System Requirements
url: https://clevid.com/docs/candidates/preflight
description: Operating system, camera, display, and network requirements for taking a Clevid assessment.
category: candidates
categoryLabel: Candidates
subcategoryLabel: Candidate guides
updatedAt: May 2026
order: 8
---

Before your assessment timer starts, the **Clevid Desktop Client** runs a quick **Preflight Check** so you can verify your camera, microphone, display setup, and internet connection with zero time pressure.

<Note>
Your exam timer **never** starts during download, installation, or preflight setup. The countdown begins only after all checks pass and you click **Start Assessment**.
</Note>

## Supported operating systems & hardware

| Requirement | Windows | macOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Operating System** | Windows 10 (21H2+) or Windows 11 (64-bit) | macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 14 Sonoma, or macOS 15 Sequoia |
| **Processor & RAM** | 64-bit processor, minimum `4 GB` RAM (`8 GB` recommended) | Apple Silicon (M-series) or Intel processor, minimum `8 GB` RAM |
| **Free Disk Space** | `350 MB` temporary space for video buffering | `350 MB` temporary space for video buffering |
| **Camera & Audio** | Working webcam and microphone | Working built-in or USB webcam and microphone |
| **Internet Connection** | `1.5 Mbps` upload / `2.0 Mbps` download (handles brief drops automatically) | `1.5 Mbps` upload / `2.0 Mbps` download (handles brief drops automatically) |

## Pre-exam checklist

To pass preflight smoothly on the first try:

1. **Unplug extra monitors**: If your assessment requires a single screen, disconnect secondary HDMI, DisplayPort, Sidecar, or AirPlay monitors before starting.
2. **Close screen-sharing & overlay apps**: Quit applications that place floating overlays or record the screen (such as Discord Overlay, game overlays, or remote desktop tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer).
3. **Allow camera & microphone permissions**:
   - On **macOS**: Open **System Settings → Privacy & Security** and enable **Camera**, **Microphone**, and **Screen Recording** for `Clevid Client`.
   - On **Windows**: Make sure **Settings → Privacy & security → Camera / Microphone** allows desktop apps to use your camera and mic.

<Warning>
Virtual machines (Parallels, VMware, VirtualBox) and cloud desktops are not supported for proctored assessments. Please run the Clevid client directly on your laptop or desktop computer.
</Warning>