Remote Proctor Now System
Policy for Home-Based Exams

Objective:

This policy outlines proctoring and examination security expectations for students when NISM Certification Exams are taken from home.
 

Standards:

Examinations are important mechanisms for evaluation of student learning.  The National Institute for Social Media programs are built to adhere to standards of academic integrity as articulated by National Commission for Certifying Agencies and as described in the Candidate Handbook.  Cheating on examinations is contrary to both academic integrity standards and to ethical standards as articulated in the NISM Code of Ethics.
 
Examinations in this program are proctored. Examinations are proctored using the Remote Proctor Now System.  Students taking online examinations are required to use this system. Online examinations will not be available to students unless the Remote Proctor Now system is used.
 

Process:

The Remote Proctor Now system will be used with online examinations as instructed below:
 

• Students are required to establish identity following the procedures outlined in the Remote Proctor Now instructions.

• Students are responsible for self-testing the functionality of the system well in advance of all Remote Proctored exams in their courses, so that any troubleshooting that is required can be accomplished.  Check with your Exam Sponsor/Faculty member for available Practice Exams.

 

Test Environment Requirements:

The online testing environment should mimic the ‘live’ proctored testing environment, and must conform to the following:

• A quiet, secure, fully lighted room for the examination:
  • No other people in the room.
  • No communicating with anyone; with the exception of contact with a faculty member or support in an emergency. This includes the prohibition of cell phone use for any purpose.
  • No leaving the room
  • Nothing except computer and external cameras on the desktop or tabletop – removal of all books, papers, notebooks, or other materials, unless specifically permitted in written guidelines for a particular examination.
  • External cameras, when possible, should be placed on the lid of the laptop or where it will have a constant, uninterrupted view of the test taker.
  • No writing visible on desk or on walls
  • No music playing
  • No other computers running in the exam room
  • No headphones or ear buds allowed

• Have the web-cam correctly situated:
  • Web-cam must be focused on individual taking exam at all times.
  • Nothing covering the lens of the camera at any time during the exam.
  • Lighting must be “daylight” quality and overhead is preferred if at all possible. If overhead is not possible, the source should not be behind the student.

 
Remote Proctor Now works with a web-camera and microphone either built-in or attached to the computer. These devices identify the student and capture video and audio throughout the exam and upload it to SSI’s secure servers. This video will be used for the purpose of establishing if any suspicious activity occurred during the test.
 

Exam Recording & Proctor Review:

Everything possible should be done to mimic a traditional proctored exam environment. All exam videos will be reviewed by proctoring representatives of software secure. Those exams that are suspect will be flagged and sent to NISM representatives for confirmation.  If cheating is confirmed, the student will automatically fail, and will not be allowed to re-take the exam again for a period not less than one year.
 

Technical Difficulties:

Technical difficulties, such as loss of internet connection, or loss of video connection during the exam will not be subject to automatic failure. Candidates who experience technical difficulties will have the opportunity to re-take the exam one additional time at no-cost.
 
In general, students are encouraged to treat their personal exam location as if it was at an approved testing site.
 
Contact information for Software Secure Technical Support:

• For Remote Proctor Now Support (only)-
  Monday-Friday, 8AM – 5PM ET, 1-866-963-8933, Option 4