Online examinations: what to expect
Candidates can now sit an online training course and gain their qualification without leaving their home.
To make this possible, we have worked with leading training providers and exam experts to provide a platform that is accessible and easy to use, allowing candidates to focus on passing their exams.
The examinations are taken via APM’s qualification platform, Surpass and the remote invigilation is conducted by ProctorExam.
How to prepare for an APM online examination
Check list: what you'll need
You will need:
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a computer/laptop (with webcam and microphone),
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smartphone or tablet with camera,
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ID verification documents (either a passport or driving licence)
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strong internet connection. Prior to taking the examination, you will need to check that your internet and PING speed meet the recommended minimum requirements.
Please read through this check-list and the infographic, which provides a visual overview of what you can expect when taking the exam, including when you will be emailed the link to check your system and the link to take your exam. You may need to whitelist the e-assessment@apm.org.uk email address, to avoid the emails being classed as junk/spam due to some organisation’s/ISP providers security settings for bulk emails.
Please ensure that you run your system check as soon as possible to avoid any unwanted problems just before your examination.
Please note that your exam will be recorded and reviewed at a later date by an invigilator.
Operating System, Browser, Webcam and microphone
- Laptop/desktop (please note that you cannot use a tablet or smartphone to sit the exam as you need a full operating system).
- Check your operating system to ensure you are using Windows 8 (or higher) or MAC OS X and higher, ChromeOS and most Linux distributions.
- In order to take the examination, you will need to use the latest version of Google Chrome. Chrome should be set up as your default internet browser. Check your browser
- Ensure the microphone and camera are allowed in Chrome. A webcam is required (maximum resolution of 1280 x 720), along with a microphone and audio.
- Check your microphone works.
- Check your webcam works.
- You must test the same devices that you will be using for the examination.
Smartphone or tablet with camera
- Android 5.1+ and iOS 10.0+ smart devices – smartphone or tablet – with a camera are supported.
- Your smartphone will be used for dual-camera monitoring. This will be able to show the test taking environment from multiple angles, as well as recording what’s happening on-screen. This offers an enhanced level of security to ensure the integrity of APM examinations.
- To enable the dual camera monitoring you will be required to download the ProctorExam app to your mobile phone. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for iOS (Apple) devices by searching for ProctorExam. Please do this in advance of your exam to ensure that your phone is compatible with the app and that you are using the latest version of the app.
- When you go to launch your examination, you will be required to scan a QR code to enable the dual camera monitoring and to complete the environment checks.
Please note: The Google Pixel series, Huawei P30 series, Huawei Y9S, Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016), OnePlus and Alcatel 1 phones are not compatible with our app.
Internet speed
- A reliable internet connection is required, as it will be needed for mobile streaming.
- We recommend you use an ethernet cable to ensure a more stable connection or to position yourself as close to the router as possible.
- In addition to this switch off/disconnect any other equipment that uses the same network e.g. games consoles, video streaming.
- Check your internet speed - we recommend a minimum of 1.5Mbit/s upload, 10Mbit/s download, ping under 25 ms.
- Tethering to the internet via a mobile phone is not supported.
Please remember that internet and bandwidth speeds can fluctuate.
IT Setup
- Ensure that you have the latest version of Google Chrome set up as your default internet browser.
- Setup the ProctorExam screen sharing extension. If you are using a Mac please see the instructions on how to share your screen.
- Allow ProctorExam pop-ups
- Disable software updates (e.g. windows update, software update, etc.). Also make sure that you do not have any updates scheduled to occur during your exam.
- Due to additional security settings on work laptops/equipment we recommend that you use a personal device.
- If you do have to use a work device, check firewalls or security policies with your I.T. Team that might block the exam loading on the day. They may need to whitelist the following sites:
- https://surpass.proctorexam.com
- https://apm.surpass.com/secureassess/htmldelivery
- Remote examinations can be disrupted by proxy servers, VPN's, network packet inspection/filtering, or strict network security configurations.
- APM is not responsible for your IT equipment or internet provision
