Overview
Getting ready for an exam can be a daunting task, especially when it's remote. Don't worry, we're here to make it as stress-free as possible! This guide will walk you through each step to prepare for your upcoming remote exam with confidence.
Preparing for Your Exam
One Week Before the Exam:
Familiarize Yourself with Remote Invigilation:
Review the NCFE Learner Guide to Remote Invigilation.
Watch the Video Guide on Setting Up for Your Exam.
Understand ‘Disqualification Reasons’ as outlined in the section below.
Confirm Your Setup Meets Exam Requirements:
Install any additional software required for the exam.
Check that your system adheres to the technical specifications listed below.
Gather Necessary Resources:
Ensure you have all the additional resources mentioned below.
Email and Laptop Preparation:
If your work email or laptop has strict security settings that might block exam software, consider having exam communications sent to a personal email address.
48 Hours Before the Exam:
Exam Link Confirmation:
Ensure you have received an email with links to join your exam.
If the email has not been received, contact the support team as soon as possible.
System Check:
Perform the system check as detailed in the exam email.
Completing a System Check
48 hours before your exam, you will receive important emails from Surpass to prepare:
Look for an email titled 'Please check that your computer is ready for your online proctored exam' from [email protected]. Check your spam folder if necessary.
Click on the provided link in the email to complete your systems check.
If you experience issues, consult Troubleshooting Guidance.
System and Technical Requirements
System | Requirements |
Operating System (Microsoft) | Windows 8 or higher |
Operating System (Apple) | MAC OS X (latest and previous releases) |
Web browser Download and install Google Chrome | You need to Install the latest version of Google Chrome |
Google Proctar Screen Sharing Extension Download and install Google Proctar Extension.
| The Proctor Exam browser extension restricts the apprentice’s ability to access other applications or websites during the exam. The browser extension also includes features such as screen recording, audio recording, and keystroke monitoring to monitor the apprentice’s behaviour during the exam to ensure fairness.
|
Internet connection | Please connect via Wi-Fi connection or ethernet cable. Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported. Test your speed here. |
Download/Upload speed Check your speed here | Minimum 1Mbit/s upload speed - recommended upload speed is 1.5Mbit/s - Minimum 10Mbit/s download speed. |
Web Camera | You will need a working webcam to record the assessment. Maximum resolution of 1280 x 720. Camera must be enabled within Google Chrome and on the device settings. The assessment will ask permission for access during the system check. |
Microphone
| You will need a working microphone to pick up any audio during the recording. Camera must be enabled within google chrome and on the device settings. The assessment will ask permission for access during the system check. |
Screen Resolution
| 1280 x 768 pixels: Screens should be scaled to 100% for administration and test delivery. You may be required to zoom out to see navigational buttons. |
Smart Phone/Tablet
| Android 5.1 or higher / iOS (Apple) 10.0 or higher, Video resolution must be minimum 800 x 600 px. Ensure you can connect to Wi-Fi. Note: Huawei P30, Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) and Google Pixel series of phones are currently not supported due to issues with blurring within the ProctorExam app.
|
Desktop/Laptop | You will need a desktop computer or laptop to sit the assessment. Note: Chromebooks cannot be used and you cannot sit the assessment on a phone/tablet. |
Additional Items Required for Exams
Pen and Paper: Note-taking is permitted, but all notes must be destroyed on camera at the end of your exam.
Photo Identification: Must be presented in all exams for verification purposes.
Calculators (Specific for Maths Exams):
Only during specific sections as instructed.
Dictionaries: (Only permitted for the Reading exam, not Writing).
Bilingual and online dictionaries are not allowed.
Reasons for Disqualification
Please familiarize yourself with what could disqualify you during the exams to avoid any hiccups. Your focus should be on proving your knowledge without any hindrances.
Disqualification from the Mathematics, Reading, and Writing Exams:
AI Add-Ons Not Disabled: Usage of AI tools such as Grammarly during the exam is prohibited.
Predictive Text Features Not Turned Off: Ensure these settings are disabled by:
Accessing your computer’s settings menu and search for ‘predictive text’.
Disabling all typing and spelling assistance features.
Prohibited Dictionary Use: The use of bilingual dictionaries is not allowed. English dictionaries are permitted only during the Reading exam, and not the Writing exam.
Wristwatches and Smartwatches: Wearing any type of watch is forbidden.
External Assistance: Using the internet, or any other unauthorized resources, either digital or physical, is not allowed.
Photo Identification Not Provided: You must show a valid photo ID before the exam begins.
Non-Destruction of Exam Notes: Any notes taken during the exam must be visibly destroyed on camera upon completion.
Headphone Usage: Wearing headphones during the exam is not allowed.
Additional Screens: Having extra monitors connected to your examination computer is prohibited.
Improper Camera Setup: The secondary camera must be configured correctly as per the provided guidelines.
Mobile Phone Issues: Ensure your mobile phone is stable, charged, and maintains a strong Wi-Fi connection to continuously record the exam.
Stopping Screen Sharing: Ensure the proctor exam screen share remains active throughout your exam on both your device and phone.
Unauthorized Calculator Use: Calculators should not be used or be within reach during non-calculator sections of the exam.
Disturbances: Interruptions from family members or colleagues during the exam are not allowed.
Disqualification from the Speaking and Listening Exams:
Camera and Microphone Malfunction: Your camera and microphone should function correctly, and you must be visible and audible throughout the entire examination.
Inappropriate Background Settings: Using a blurred or virtual background is prohibited.
Absence from Screen: You are required to stay within the camera’s view from start to finish of the exam.
Unstable Internet Connection: A consistent and stable Wi-Fi connection is required throughout the exam.
Incorrect Display Name: Your full name must be set as your display name during the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a photo ID for the purpose of validating functional skills exams?
Passport, Photocard Driving Licence, EEA Photocard Driving Licence, National Identity Card, with photo, Residence Permit issued by the Home Office, Citizen Card, Post Office PASS card, MY ID Card, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) Card.
What should I do if I experience technical difficulties during the exam?
Reading, Writing or Maths exams: During the system check and/or the assessment, if you encounter any technical difficulties, you’ll be able to access Surpass online chat support. This can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If this does not help, end the exam and contact the Multiverse Support Team to let us know what happened.
Speaking and Listening exams: Please reach out to the Multiverse Support Team.
If I had technical issues during the exam, would this count as an attempt?
If you reached out to support to inform us of issues out of your control, it will not count as an attempt.
Need further support? Our Support Team are happy to help. You can contact the Support Team using the widget in the bottom right-hand corner of this page.