Pro Tips for a Smooth Candidate Exam Experience- a blog from Cirrus

Preparing the Physical and Digital Space

One of the most overlooked aspects of preparing for an e-assessment is helping candidates set up their physical and digital spaces. Encourage candidates to create environments that support focus and minimise distractions. Whether they are taking the exam from home or in a quiet room at work, setting up the right environment can make a significant difference in their performance.

Tips for Proctored Exams

Proctored exams require candidates to prepare not only their environment but also their behaviour during exams. Proctoring adds an extra layer of scrutiny so educators can help candidates understand what to expect and how to avoid any unnecessary issues.

Advise candidates to organise their room appropriately

Proctors, whether human or AI, will scan the area visible through the candidate’s webcam. They’ll look for anything suspicious that could indicate cheating, such as extra monitors, unauthorised devices, or notes. Recommend that candidates remove any clutter from their workspace, especially on the desk and surrounding area. Additionally, the room should be well-lit so that the proctor can clearly see the candidate’s face and hands.

Be familiar with what proctors consider dishonesty

In order to properly prepare your students, keep in mind these top 10 behaviours that proctors are more likely to flag during an exam:

1. Looking away from the screen

Proctors or AI systems may flag candidates who frequently look away from the screen or seem to be focusing on something off-camera.

2. Leaving the room or moving out of frame

If candidates leave their seat or move out of the webcam’s view during the exam, this can be flagged as an attempt to access help or materials outside of the proctor’s view.

3. Use of unauthorised devices

Using a phone, tablet, or any other electronic device not permitted during the exam is a major red flag. Even having these devices visible can lead to suspicion.

4. Unusual hand movements or gestures

If a candidate is frequently moving their hands off-screen, it can be flagged as suspicious, as it might suggest they are interacting with unauthorised materials.

5. Background Noise or Voices

Hearing other voices or noises in the background may suggest that someone is assisting the candidate.

6. Using unauthorised materials

Any visible books, papers, or notes not allowed by the exam guidelines will be flagged, especially if candidates appear to reference them during the test.

7. Frequent switching between tabs

If the exam platform detects that a candidate is frequently navigating away from the exam screen, this is flagged as potential cheating, as they may be looking up answers online.

8. Suspicious eye movements

Repeatedly looking down, to the side, or in any direction other than the screen can suggest that the candidate is consulting something off-camera, like notes or a second monitor.

9. Unstable internet connection

If a candidate frequently disconnects or experiences significant lag, it might raise suspicion that they are intentionally interrupting the exam to access external help.

10. Unusual Behaviour

General nervousness, fidgeting, or acting in a manner that seems unnatural or erratic can raise suspicion, especially if the candidate appears overly concerned with the proctoring system rather than the exam itself.

ID verification can be another stumbling block

Many proctoring systems require candidates to show a valid, government-issued ID before they begin. Encourage candidates to have their ID ready in advance, making sure it’s clearly legible.

Help candidates prepare for possible technical issues

Even with preparation, tech issues can occur—whether it’s a frozen webcam, a muted microphone, or a glitch in the platform. Equip candidates with troubleshooting tips, such as refreshing their browser, restarting their computer, or switching to another device if necessary.

Cirrus Top Tips

💡 Encourage them to pre-arrange a no-interruption policy: Candidates should inform others around them about the exam time and set boundaries for that period.

💡 Recommend using a sticky note to remind candidates to stay focused on the camera: This subtle reminder can help candidates avoid unnecessary proctor alerts due to shifting attention.

💡 If possible, arrange a proctor simulation: Some platforms offer a mock proctored test, allowing candidates to get comfortable with what will be monitored.

Get to Know the Accessibility Features

E-assessment platforms should offer accessibility features to accommodate candidates with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. As an educator, you can help ensure candidates know how to use these features effectively, which could significantly improve their exam performance.

Encourage candidates to explore the platform’s settings

Many platforms offer features like text resizing, colour contrast adjustments, or screen readers. Candidates struggling with reading small text or focusing on bright screens can adjust these settings to make the experience more comfortable.

Request accommodations well in advance

Many exam providers offer support like extended time, extra breaks, or alternate formats for questions. However, these accommodations often require pre-approval, so it’s important to encourage candidates to start this process early.

Test accessibility features before the actual exam day

If they’ve requested accommodations or plan to use tools like a screen reader, it’s crucial to check that everything works properly.

Cirrus Top Tips

💡 Ensure candidates have their accommodation documentation on hand: This can be useful if any issues arise during the exam.

💡 Suggest blue light filters or glasses: These can reduce eye strain for neurodivergent candidates who may be sensitive to screen glare.

💡 Recommend setting up custom keyboard shortcuts: If the platform allows, candidates can create shortcuts for navigating the exam, which can save time and reduce stress.

💡 Encourage early testing of assistive technology: Candidates using screen readers or other tools should test their compatibility with the platform at least a week before the exam.

💡 Encourage candidates to test different browsers. Installing a backup browser can save them if their primary browser slows down or crashes.

💡 Advise candidates to time themselves with practice exams. This helps build pacing strategies for the real test and ensures they manage their time effectively.

💡 Suggest checking for last-minute software updates. Sometimes updates are released unexpectedly, and candidates should ensure their system is current before starting the exam.

💡 Promote creating an exam-day checklist. Include tasks like logging in early, checking tech, and ensuring the exam space is ready.