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 & 10 (64-bit) - (excluding 'S Mode')
- Mac OS 12 & 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 (including VPN) or has limited administrator rights?  

 

Why it's important:

Using a device under a firewall or which has limited administrator rights can prevent the successful delivery of the exam. The exams cannot be taken using a VPN.

 

How to check:

Turn off any VPNs you use. 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.

Does your tablet have a peripheral keyboard connected?

 

Why it's important:

Remote exams are unable to run on tablets, unless it has a peripheral keyboard.

 

How to check:

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?

 

Why it's important:

The remote exam software may not run correctly using a device with less than 4GB RAM.

How to check:

Check your system properties for the installed memory amount.

Does your display have a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 in 16 bit colour?

 

Why it's important:

For optimal performance we recommend a resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher in 32-bit colour.

 

How to check:

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?

 

Why it's important:

Only the newest versions of these browsers are supported for running the exam software. 

 

How to check:

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?

 

Why it's important:

A reliable and stable connection is required throughout the exam. Tethering to a mobile hotspot is explicitly prohibited.

 

How to check:

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?

 

Why it's important:

This is to ensure adequate visibility for invigilation purposes during the exam.

 

How to check:

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?

 

Why it's important:

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.

 

How to check:

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.  Unfortunately this means you should not enter for a remote session exam until you are able to meet these requirements.  See the minimum technical requirements in full.