Remote exams
Check your system can run a remote exam
Use our checklist to ensure your device and connectivity meet the minimum technical requirements to successfully run the remote session exams. View our minimum technical requirements in full
Does your device use a genuine/official version of one of the following? - Windows 11 and 10 (64-bit) - (excluding 'S Mode') - macOS 13 and above – (excluding beta versions)
Why it's important:
The remote exam software will not work if the operating system is not genuine or other than those described.
How to check: Find your operating system version and whether it's activated in your system settings.
Is your device operating under a firewall or does it have limited administrator rights?
Using a device under a firewall or which has limited administrator rights can prevent the successful delivery of the exam.
How to check:
We recommend using your own device - devices issued by employers often use a corporate firewall or have limited administrator access as part of their network security. If you are using a corporate laptop please direct your network administrator to our minimum technical requirements document.
We strongly advice not to use a firewall, as this could negatively impact remote session exam delivery.
Are you using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection?
It is against our exam rules and regulations to use a VPN to connect to our remote session exams. You are therefore not permitted to take the exam using a VPN connection.
Access your network settings to see what type of connection you are using. As devices issued by employers sometimes use a VPN connection as part of their network security, we advise anyone using a corporate laptop to speak to their network administrator in advance of the exam.
Which device do you intend to use for your exam?
Does your tablet have a peripheral keyboard connected?
Remote exams are unable to run on tablets, unless it has a peripheral keyboard.
If you're hoping to use a tablet, it must have a connection point for a physical keyboard to be used.
Does your device have at least 4GB of RAM?
The remote exam software may not run correctly using a device with less than 4GB RAM.
Check your system properties for the installed memory amount.
Does your display have a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 in 16 bit colour?
For optimal performance we recommend a resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher in 32-bit colour.
Check the resolutions available in your display settings. If using an external monitor, you must close your laptop and use an external keyboard, mouse, and webcam. Using multiple monitors is forbidden.
Are you running the most up to date version of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome or Firefox and have cookies enabled?
Only the newest versions of these browsers are supported for running the exam software.
Check your browser menu for version information, check for available updates and ensure cookies are enabled.
Is your internet connection stable and a speed of at least 6 Mbps download and 3 Mpbs upload?
A reliable and stable connection is required throughout the exam. Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited.
The system test will check your internet speed but the stability of your connection over time can vary. To minimise the risk of connectivity issues impacting your exam we recommend using a wired network connection (not a wireless network) and asking others in your household to avoid using the internet during your exam.
Does your webcam have a minumum resolution of 640x480 @ 10 fps?
This is to ensure adequate visibility for invigilation purposes during the exam.
Find your webcam information in your settings, check and adjust the resolution if possible. Note: Mobile phones are strictly prohibited as a webcam for exam delivery. Note: Mac OS users may need to allow OnVUE within their System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy settings for camera.
Does your device have an integrated microphone?
You cannot use additional microphone and speaker peripherals to that of your device or webcam. Headphones and headsets (wired or Bluetooth) are strictly not allowed.
Check you can have a conversation via Zoom or similar, without the need for a peripheral headset or microphone. Verify the sound and audio are not muted in your settings.
You do not meet the minimum technical requirements to run the exam successfully. You should not enter for a remote session exam until you can meet the requirements. See the minimum technical requirements in full