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Remote invigilation: Professional and Advanced Level exams

Remote invigilation is an exam delivery method available for all Professional and Advanced Level exams.

Remote invigilation guidance

This guide features key information relating to Professional and Advanced Level remotely invigilated exams. You should ensure that you review full guidance including the FAQs, the remote invigilation checklist below, the instructions to candidates, access arrangements and exam disruption appeal guidance.

The exam centre and remote invigilation exams are the same and are run on the same exam software. None of the rules regarding permitted text or open books have changed.

Points to check

If you are planning on using the remote invigilation exam option, please follow the checklist below before booking:

1. Check you have the four key requirements for remote invigilation:

  • A reliable computer or laptop with a strong internet connection, a webcam and microphone which meets minimum technical and system requirements.
  • A quiet room with a closed door (no one else is permitted in the room while you are sitting your exam)
  • A clear workspace, with only any permitted texts and/or equipment allowed
  • A mobile phone with WIFI connection and camera to assist in the check-in process and monitoring your exam

You should also read the instructions to candidates for further information on what is and isn't allowed in the exam, and what is considered acceptable behaviour.

2. Check that your computer meets the minimum technical and system requirements

There are a number of technical and system requirements that must be met to use the remote invigilation system. You must check that your computer is compatible with these before booking your exam. This is so you have enough time to resolve any issues and to see if remote invigilation is an option for you.

We recommend that you use a personal computer or laptop that doesn’t have restricted access and admin rights installed. If you only have an employer provided laptop, please speak with your employer before booking your exam to ensure that it meets the technical and system requirements.

Check that your computer's time zone and time is set correctly. Switch off any VPNs as these could affect the start time of your exam.

Do not book a remote invigilation exam if your computer does not meet the technical and system requirements.

3. Familiarise yourself with how the remote invigilation exam will work

4. Decide where you will be sitting your exam

If you are in a training agreement, you may wish to check with your employer before booking any exams, in case they have particular policies and approaches already in place.

Do not book a remote invigilation exam if your computer does not meet the technical and system requirements.

5. Schedule your exam

You will be able to book your exam centre or remote invigilation exams at my.icaew.com/examsonline

When booking a remote invigilation exam you will be asked to enter the location where you wish to sit your exam. You will then be presented with a list of time zones. You must select the most appropriate time zone, eg, if you have chosen London you should select GBR or UK time zone. This will automatically provide you with an exam time based on your relevant time zone. Most time zones have been accounted for as they are based on the exam centre exams.

The remote invigilation exams should support any access arrangements that have been agreed for your exam.

6. Run a system check

Once you have booked your exam you will receive a system check email two weeks before your exam. This will contain instructions on how to perform a system check to ensure your equipment is set up and ready to go. You must carry out the system check in advance of your exam to make sure it works correctly and so you have time to fix any issues.

The system test will check that your internet bandwidth is sufficient, you have a working webcam and your device has audio and volume control. It does not confirm that your computer meets the minimum technical and system requirements.

Please carry out the system check on the same network and computer you will use on the exam day. We recommend using a personal computer and checking your computer meets the technical and system requirements before booking the exam. If you only have an employer provided laptop or device please make sure you speak to your employer to ensure it meets the technical and system requirements, and passes the system check.

If you encounter any technical difficulties during your system check you will be able to access the online chat support for help. The “Proctor Exam Support” online chat support can be found in the Proctor Exam tab within the system check. You are permitted to swap tabs if you require technical help.

Please note: This email will be sent to the email address on your training file two weeks before your exam. Please double check your junk email folder if nothing appears in your inbox.

View this video to see a demonstration of the system checks and onboarding process.

7. Check you have received your exam link

Your exam link will be sent in the same email as your system check (two weeks prior to your exam). Ensure you have this email prior to your exam.

Please note: This email will be sent to the email address on your training file two weeks before your exam. Please double check your junk email folder if nothing appears in your inbox

8. Before your exam day, follow this advice:

Hints and tips

  • Take a deep breath and try to stay calm if you do have technical issues. Try not to let it affect your overall exam performance and please use the online chat support to help if there are any issues
  • Relax and allow plenty of time to prepare your workspace for your exam
  • Inform others in your household where and when you are doing the exam so they don’t disturb you
  • Turn off or disconnect devices and items that could make noises or distract you during the exam

Exam start time

You can view your exam start time within your exam application summary. Your exam start time on exams online is displayed in your local time

Any exams that start more than 30 minutes late will not be marked, so it is essential that you contact Proctor Exam support or the ICAEW Student Support team within the first 30 minutes of the scheduled exam start time should you experience technical difficulties or need further guidance. This will enable us to provide assistance to help you to get started.

You will be provided a unique user ID and password, which is only valid for this exam. Use these credentials, not your ICAEW username and password, to begin the exam and ensure you are not already logged into ICAEW.com. Please note your exam time will not start until you have completed the on-boarding process.

9. Results

You and employer (if applicable) will be provided your results in the same way as if you sat the exam in an exam centre.