Taking the Assessment: Security and Logistics
Taking the Assessment: Security and Logistics
COMPASS maintains security on test development processes and test item storage, as well as ongoing checks on the reliability, validity and credibility of the assessment instrument. The experience of the test-taker has also been carefully checked.
The following preparations undergo continuous quality assurance processes across the country:
- Secure online, bilingual application to write the assessment
- Optional self-assessment that replicates the Registration Examination style and format
- Optional case study workbook to familiarize the candidate with professional competency-based processes
- Test-taker guidebook to familiarize the candidate with the process and the testing platform
- Proctor guide and reporting system
- Accessibility and reasonable accommodations for persons requiring additional time to write due to disability or medical condition
Test security is essential to defensibility. Security features (among others) for the Registration Examination include:
- Computer lock-down to prevent theft of test information
- Secure remote proctoring services using proctors experienced in high-stakes assessments only
- Individual passcodes for use of testing platform
- Two pieces of photo-ID government-issued identification plus official confirmation to write the assessment to obtain access to the examination platform.
The Registration Examination is designed to be available two times per year. This is consistent with most other high-stakes assessments. By restricting the testing times to specific time slots, the opportunity for various forms of testing fraud, cheating or collusion are reduced and any unforeseen testing platform errors can be corrected without negatively affecting the scores of the test-takers.
Remote Proctoring Environment:
Technical requirements and testing for online exams
The security and integrity of the remotely proctored Registration Examination will be administered through a partnership with MonitorEDU. Both firms follow industry best practices in compliance with standards defined by international accrediting bodies.
Remotely proctored Registration Examinations will be available through a secure, browser-based platform that locks down your computer. This means the computer cannot be used for any other purpose, or to access any other material.
The examination will be remotely proctored using a process of livestreaming using the candidate’s computer webcam and smartphone video technology. That means a proctor will verify your identification and monitor you as you write the exam.
TESTING ENVIRONMENT
Each candidate is responsible for providing a secure and uncluttered location or room, equipped with internet connectivity, to take the remotely proctored Registration Examination. This can be in a family home, but it should be an area where you will not be interrupted. If you do not have access to a location with these basic specifications, we recommend you contact a local library, university, or other institution to determine if one is available.
Candidates’ hardware requirements and Internet bandwidth must be pre-checked through MonitorEDU. To do that, using the computer and browser you will be using for your remotely proctored Registration Examination, please go to monitoredu.com/faq NO LATER THAN 6:00 PM (Eastern Canada) 5 days prior to the day of your exam.
In order to support successful completion of the remotely proctored Registration Examination, candidates are required to set up in a private, enclosed room. The testing environment should be, and remain comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions for the duration of the exam.
This means:
- access to a cleared desk or tabletop and comfortable chair. The areas beneath the desk and chair must be clear. (The proctor will check this.)
- There can be only limited noise from outside of the examination room (e.g., TV, conversation, music) so it does not interfere with the candidate’s ability to write the examination or the ability of the proctor to monitor the exam.
- The computer and phone must remain plugged in for the duration of the examination.
- Landlines, non-required electronics, and any security or recording devices in the room must be turned off.
- No one can enter the examination room while the exam is in progress.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Some of these requirements allow the online proctor to monitor you during the exam using audio and two cameras: your computer webcam and the camera in your mobile device. If that device is a smart phone, only the camera must be functioning. All other features and applications of the phone must be disabled during the examination.
COMPUTER: Laptop or desktop computer and monitor equipped with a webcam, with an operating system of Windows 7 or higher, or Mac OSX 10.15.x or higher. The webcam is to allow the proctor to monitor your room during the exam.
COMPUTER SCREEN: You are allowed the use of one (1) computer screen that must be connected without Bluetooth technology to the one computer locked down for use for the remotely proctored CRPO Registration Examination.
BROWSER: You must have an up-to-date version of Google Chrome (50+). Google Chrome will be loaded during pre-exam configuration if it is not detected on your computer. Ensure you have any required permissions for downloading Google Chrome (50+) if it is not currently on your computer.
MOBILE DEVICE: Either a smart phone or tablet with an Android 4.1 or higher, or (Apple) iOS 6.0 equipped with a camera. This is to allow the proctor to do a location check.
INTERNET CONNECTION: A reliable internet connection is required with a minimum upload speed of 1MB/second. Wi-fi connectivity will be required for the mobile device. Remote proctoring and the examination content cannot be effectively delivered without a reliable internet connection with this minimum upload speed.
ELECTRICAL EXTENSION CORD: minimum 6 feet or 2 meters long, available in case the proctor determines your work station should be re-arranged.