Instructions for Taking a Test Online

 

When you take a test online using the Surpass test delivery platform, you are monitored by our online invigilators/proctors. This monitoring may be conducted live by one of our staff or recorded and reviewed later.

Take a look at this video to see how the test setup works.

Read the steps below to guide you through the setup process for your test.

Tip: During your system check and on exam day, if you encounter any technical difficulties, you will be able to access online chat support. You will find this in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.

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Decide where to sit your test

An important first step is to find somewhere suitable to sit your test. You need:

  • A reliable internet connection
  • A quiet location where you won’t be disturbed

We do not recommend that you sit your assessment at work as often an organisation’s firewalls cause problems.

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Check you have the correct equipment

You also need to source appropriate equipment for your test, including a mobile device and a laptop or PC.

Mobile device

You will need a mobile device or tablet so that you can download the ProctorExam app. You will not be sitting the test on your mobile device. Instructions for downloading the app will be provided during the system check process, but firstly you need to make sure your device meets the right requirements.

Mobile specifications:

  • Android 4.1 or higher
  • iOS (Apple) 8.0 or higher
  • Video resolution must be minimum 800 x 600 px
  • Ensure your mobile device can be plugged in for the duration of your test
  • You might want to connect to WiFi so you don’t use up your data

Laptop/PC

You will need a laptop or PC to sit your test. Your default browser must be set to the latest version of Google Chrome.

Tip: Where possible, do not use a work laptop as certain admin permissions may block the use of the test software.

Laptop/PC requirements:

  • Processor: 2.33GHz CPU
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Bandwidth – minimum 1mbps or higher upload speed, recommended 1.5mbps + upload speed, 10mbps download speed and ping under 25 ms’
  • Tethering to the internet is not supported
  • Operating System: Windows 8 or higher, Mac OS X or higher
  • Web browser – latest version of Google Chrome
  • Webcam required – maximum resolution of 1280 x 720
  • Microphone required
  • Audio required
  • If possible, turn off any updates on devices
  • Do NOT use a separate headset or earphones
  • Dual monitors are NOT permitted.

We do not allow computers running virtual machines. If you are running a virtual machine, you will be asked to close your virtual machine and boot into your operating system to take your test.

We do not support development previews, beta builds, or release candidates of any operating system unless specified.

Microphone and camera:

We recommend you test your microphone and camera. Select the link below to check your equipment.

Start the test by clicking the Start button at the top of the screen.

Please ensure that the camera and microphone check pass (signified by a green bar and a check mark).

If you do find that your webcam or microphone does not work, please see the below links that will assist in fixing this:

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System Check

Your system check email will contain instructions on how to perform a system check to ensure your PC is set up and ready to go. It is essential you complete this test as it will ensure you have minimal issues on the day. Live chat technical support is available to help with any issues.

  1. Ensure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome. To check if you have the latest version of Google Chrome:
    1. On your computer, open Chrome
    2. Select the Customise and control Chrome menu on the toolbar (three dots)
    3. Select Help
    4. Select About Google Chrome to see the version number
  2. To update Google Chrome:
    1. Select the Customise and control Chrome menu on the toolbar (three dots)
    2. Select Update Google Chrome. If you don’t see this button, you’re on the latest version
    3. Select Relaunch
  3. Allow pop-ups for ProctorExam:
    1. Type chrome://settings/content in to the address bar and press Enter
    2. Select Pop-ups from the Content Settings screen
    3. In Allow, select Add and enter https://surpass.proctorexam.com
    4. Close the Content Settings screen and refresh your browser to enable pop-ups
  4. Install ProctorExam extension/plug-in within Chrome to allow screen sharing:
    1. Click on the following link https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions
    2. Search for ProctorExam
    3. Select Add to Chrome
    4. Select Add extension

Please ensure you run your system check as soon as possible to avoid any unwanted problems just before your exam. Once you click on the system check link, you’ll see instructions on how to complete the check

Tip: It might sound obvious, but make sure that you perform the system setup on the same computer on which you will take the exam!

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Taking the test

You will receive an email containing the link to your test before your exam date.

Important: Please check your junk email folder. If you do not receive your exam email at least 48 hours before your test, please contact your awarding organisation.

Note: Make sure you have your photo ID ready to show before you take the test. Failure to produce ID may result in disqualification by your awarding organisation

At the time you are due to take your exam:

  1. Click on the exam link in your email
  2. Follow the ID check and environment instructions, including setting up your mobile phone
  3. Read in full the Instructions for Candidates
  4. Launch your exam.

Note: You may need to enable Flash in your Chrome browser. If so, you will be presented with the message This page requires Flash, select here to enable Flash content. Select this link and then select Allow.

Once you’ve completed the exam, make sure you select the Finish button in your exam and then select Finish Exam in ProctorExam.

Pre-test tips

Small things can make a big difference to your state of mind on assessment day, so we recommend the following:

  • Work through the steps above in advance – don’t leave it until the last minute. If you’re having any problems with your devices or system set up, you may find these ProctorExam FAQ pages helpful.
  • Make sure you go to the toilet before your exam
  • Get a good night’s sleep before your assessment
  • Have a light meal before your assessment, enough so that you don’t feel hungry during, but not so much that it makes you too full and sleepy
  • Make sure you are comfortably dressed (but be aware that you are being recorded)
  • Have a bottle or a glass of water with you on the day in case you get thirsty, but make sure any labels are removed
  • Let those close to you or your work colleagues know when you’re sitting your exam, so that you will not be disturbed
  • Try and minimise other users on the Wi-fi connection to ensure internet stability throughout your exam

Best of luck with your final revision and your assessment on the day!