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Vancouver +1(604) 628-5783
September 30, 2019
Although it may seem that distance learning is a more relaxed way of studying in a college or a university, online students are still required to write exams to assess their knowledge. Students need to find a proctor or book testing services at a proctored exam centre to make sure the tests are conducted professionally. This will guarantee that the test results are accepted by the respective educational institutions. Read this blog to learn how to book a proctored exam.
A proctor is a neutral person who is supposed to verify the test-taker's identity, administer the exam and ensure that the student follows proper procedures. To protect the integrity of the exam, the proctor is also required to monitor the student for the entire duration of the test. If the test-taker is caught cheating or using any unsanctioned electronic devices during the exam, it is the proctor’s responsibility to report this to the education institution.
To find a proctor, you’ll need to know first who cannot be accepted for this role. Since the proctor is required to be impartial, your relative, spouse, coworker, friend, supervisor or a peer can’t be one. The exam cannot be taken anywhere except at an approved test centre. Nor can it be administered on the test taker's personal computer or laptop. Currently, it’s becoming more and more popular to use online proctoring services. However, it’s important to remember that the results of online proctored exams are not accepted by all the universities and colleges.
The safest and easiest solution is finding an accredited proctored exam centre. Test centres are well-equipped with modern computers, webcameras and microphones, noise-cancelling headphones and anything else you may need for your exam. Moreover, they are aware of all the security protocols and exam-related requirements.
Once you schedule the exam at the test centre, professional proctors will request the materials from your institution and will set up the exam. Once you’re at the centre, they will guide you through the entire process, answer any questions you might have before the exam and help you if there are any technical difficulties during the exam. They will also submit your answers for evaluation on your behalf.
If you’re inclined towards using the services of a professional proctored exam centre here are some of the ways you can find a proctor.
1. Check with your educational institution
Large universities and colleges offering online programs partner with designated proctored exam centres to facilitate the examination process. Check if there is a list of accredited test centres on your university’s website and find out how to book your exam with them.
2. Refer to the National College Testing Association
Go to the National College Testing Association website to find proctored exam centres anywhere in Canada. Test centres certified by NCTA guarantee high-quality services and ensure the required procedures are correctly followed.
3. Look for a test centre by location
If you are interested in a specific location, you can also browse the Internet to look for a proctoring service in your area. Proctored exam centres, operated by Ashton Testing Services, are conveniently located in downtown Vancouver and central Abbotsford, BC. They are easily accessible by public transit and have ample street parking.
Although it’s a proctor’s responsibility to ensure that the examination process runs smoothly, you still need to do your due diligence to come to the test centre prepared. Here is a list of everything you need to keep in mind once you book your exam at the test centre:
• Show up at the test centre early. You will need to check in for your exam, and this can take some time given the possibility that there might be other test-takers at the centre at the same time.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This is necessary to verify your identity. You won’t be allowed to write an exam without a document.
• Don’t bring anything extra. To ensure test integrity, proctored exam centres don’t allow test-takers to use books, electronic devices and cellphones during the exam. Candidates are not allowed to carry even their own pen and paper.
• Don’t try to cheat. If you’re caught, you won’t be allowed to continue the exam, and your results will be nullified. Your fee won’t be refunded the fee, and you will have to retake the exam.
If you have further questions regarding the proctored exam services, please contact Ashton Testing Services at testcentre@ashtontesting.ca, and we will be glad to help. Good luck!