Assessment programs today face a fundamental tension: how to deliver a seamless, accessible candidate experience while maintaining the rigorous security controls required to protect score validity and organizational reputation. Every additional layer of security – from identity verification to proctoring, and device restrictions to post-test forensics – can introduce friction into the test taker journey. At the same time, reducing or removing these controls can increase vulnerability to fraud, content exposure, and invalid results. The challenge is no longer choosing between experience and security but intentionally designing for both. In this session, experienced assessment professionals will present a series of real-world scenarios illustrating how to navigate this balance across diverse contexts, including high-stakes certification, licensure, and remote delivery environments. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for reducing unnecessary friction while preserving security.