This article explores the rise of online high-stakes English for Academic Purposes (EAP) exams, focusing on IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Online, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT Home Edition, and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. It compares and contrasts these exams across various aspects, including format, assessed skills, scoring mechanisms, technical requirements, and security measures. Key findings reveal that while all three exams assess the four primary language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and offer similar benefits, such as convenience and accessibility, they also exhibit notable differences. These include task types, scoring approaches (human vs Al), and speaking assessment methods (human interaction vs. recorded responses).The article acknowledges the ongoing debate regarding the reliability of Al scoring in productive skills (speaking and writing). While some studies emphasise Al's objectivity and consistency, others highlight the lack of transparent validation evidence. Additionally, the article examines security measures employed in online exams to ensure test integrity, such as remote invigilation, candidate authentication, data encryption, and software restrictions to prevent unauthorised access and cheating. In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of three leading online EAP certification exams, highlighting their similarities, differences, and ongoing discussions surrounding Al scoring and exam security.