Test day

On test day Items needed Prohibited items Open-book resources

Items needed for your test session

For a remote proctored sitting you must have access to:

Admission ticket (hardcopy or downloaded onto your computer)
Acceptable current and photo-bearing identification document
Erasable whiteboard and marker
Private room with an internet connected desktop computer or laptop (with power cord)
Desk or hard surface to sit at
Webcam and microphone, either built into your device or externally connected
Optional - Clear water bottle with no labels attached

Man in suit working on a laptop and using a calculator

Common questions

Can I answer questions during the reading time?

Responses to questions answered during the reading time are not saved.

How long will it take for me to complete my test?

The exam duration is 3.5 hours, which includes 15 minutes of reading time. However, you should allow about 5 hours in total for pre- and post-exam administration.

Can I use the bathroom during my test?

You may use the bathroom during your test however, you must seek permission from your proctor first and the test timer will not be paused. Additional time will not be provided for bathroom breaks.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and require multiple or extended bathroom breaks during the test, it is recommended that you submit a request for reasonable adjustments for bathroom breaks.

Can I eat during my test?

Test takers are not permitted to eat during the test unless prior approval has been granted through a request for reasonable adjustments.

Can I defer my test booking if I experience technical issues on test day?

A late deferral may be approved if you experience unresolvable technical issues during your test session.

Please email the FA team immediately after you disconnect from your session to request assistance. If your issues cannot be resolved the FA team may approve a deferral to the next cycle.

Why does a proctor need to take control of my computer?

Before the exam starts, a proctor will undertake a technology check to ensure that you are appropriately set up to commence the exam. The proctor will use the chat box to communicate if you require help to finalise the technical setup. The proctor will ask for your permission before they take over the mouse or keyboard.

Can the proctor take over my machine and access data on my computer?

No. The proctors cannot link to your computer without your knowledge. Everything they do will be shown on your screen and they cannot perform ‘hidden’ actions. Access is only granted with your explicit permission and after you have clicked a button to confirm.

By granting permission, the proctor can view your screen and, during set up of the exam, use your mouse and keyboard as if they were sitting next to you. Once the exam starts, the proctor will monitor the computer screen but can no longer use the mouse and keyboard.

During the entire process, a chat box is running on your computer and you can see what permissions the proctor has at any time. The chat session log is saved, including a permanent record of what actions the proctor took while accessing your computer.

What technology is used by the proctor to access my computer?

The proctor uses the ProctorU chat app to access your computer. All communication is through the ProctorU chat box.

Once the ProctorU chat box is closed, ProctorU no longer has remote access to your computer and the download will remove itself automatically.

You can check this by viewing their ‘Downloads’ folder. Each live proctoring session requires a new ProctorU chat app download file. You will need to download the ProctorU chat application for each exam session you attend.

What do I do if I have technical issues or something goes wrong during my test session?

If you have technical issues or something goes wrong during your test the proctor will try and help you. If the issues are related to technology, they will transfer your session to a technical support team member. It is important to remain calm and don’t disconnect from the session.

We understand that remote proctoring can be stressful. It is important to know that if you are having ongoing issues and become distressed, you can stop your session. You can reschedule your session to another time, to provide an opportunity to resolve the technical issues you are facing. This may include finding another computer, changing location or both.

If you need to stop your session and reschedule to another time, it is imperative that you email the FA team immediately as there is a very limited window that resits can be scheduled within.

Prohibited items

There are certain items that are not allowed on your desk or near you during your test session, these are:

Calculators (including computer-based and online)
Dictionaries of any type (including online)
Books, papers, pencil cases, rulers or stationary other than what is approved
All additional items on surface that you are taking your test from (e.g. desk) that are not permanently affixed or approved for the test
Mobile phones/smartphones/smart watches or other communication devices
Watches of any type
Audio or recording devices, with or without earphones
Headphones, earbuds or earplugs
Bags, briefcases or crash helmets
Pets should be in another room or part of the house when testing online - prior approval is required to have support animals present
Food (unless prior consent has been given by ACER)
Smoking, vaping or smokeless tobacco (dipping) during online test sessions, including the start-up process
Music, TV and/or other background noise (unless prior consent has been given by ACER)
Non-religious head coverings that obstruct the eyes and/or ears (including sunglasses)
Additional display monitors
No additional power cables leaving the computer outside of the mouse, keyboard, ethernet and power cables
Test takers must be seated at a hard surface such as a desk. It is not permitted to take the test sitting on beds, couches or the floor
Test takers' backs should be facing the door (if possible)
Rooms where a clear glass wall would allow someone else to view the computer screen are not permitted
No unlicensed software on your computer as ProctorU will not permit you to sit the test

Open book resources

Open-book resources should be available to access in the ACER test app. These are the only materials you are allowed access to during the exam. Hardcopy resources are not permitted.

You are not permitted to open an internet browser and navigate to or search for any other information. If for some reason your computer setup prevents your access to the open book resources, alert your proctor immediately. You should not continue your exam without access to your open book resources. Any access issues need to be resolved at the time of your test. Your test session may need to be rescheduled.

It is not possible to give special consideration to results to account for any perceived disadvantage if you choose to sit your exam without access to the open book resources.

A short introduction to remote proctoring

On test day