ACCA DipIFR Remote Exam: Requirement, Set-up & Tips

 

In our previous blog, we discussed ACCA DipIFR exam utility interface & answer writing tips which will help students to get comfortable with CBE interface and to be familiar with the examination pattern and face it with confidence.

This blog is especially for the students who chose Remote examination session i.e., who would appear from home or office instead of centre-based examination. This blog will guide you about technical requirements of the allowed devices and necessary care to be taken before and during the remote examination session.

System Requirements:

Operating System	• Windows 11 and 10 (64-bit) – (excluding ‘S Mode’) • macOS 13 and above – (excluding beta versions)
Note:  • Mac OS, starting with Mojave, now requires permission from the user to allow any hardware access     to an application, which includes OnVUE (proctorapp). Candidates should be prompted to allow this         application • Windows Operating Systems must pass Genuine Windows Validation.
Unsupported operating systems	• Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Vista • Linux/Unix and Chrome based Operating Systems
Firewall	• Corporate firewalls should be avoided as they often cause this delivery    method to fail. • VPNs and proxies should not be used. • We recommend testing on a personal computer. Work computers generally     have more restrictions that may prevent successful delivery.
RAM Required	Recommended Minimum RAM of 4 GB or more
Display	Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit col Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or higher in 32-bit color • If using an external monitor, you must close your laptop and use an external    keyboard, mouse, and webcam. • Multiple monitors are forbidden. • Touch screens are strictly forbidden.
Webcam	• The webcam may be internal or external. It must be forward-facing and at eye       level to ensure your head and shoulders are visible within the webcam. • The webcam must remain in front of you and cannot be placed at an angle. • Webcam filters are not allowed (for example, Apple’s ‘Reactions’). • Webcam must have a minimum resolution of 640x480 @ 10 fps.
Note: • Mobile phones are strictly prohibited as a webcam for exam delivery. • Mac OS users may need to allow OnVUE within their System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy    settings for camera & microphone.
Speakers and microphone	Speakers:     • Speakers must be built-in or wired.     • Bluetooth speakers or the use of headphones* as speakers are not allowed. Headphones: • Headphones and headsets are not allowed unless explicitly approved by your    test sponsor. • If allowed, headphones must be wired – Bluetooth are not allowed.

Browser settings	Internet Cookies must be enabled.
Device	All tablets are strictly prohibited, unless they have a physical keyboard and meet the operating system requirements mentioned earlier.
Power	Make sure you are connected to a power source before starting your exam to avoid draining your battery during the exam.
Internet Browser	The newest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, for web registrations or downloading the secure browser.
Internet Connection	• For better performance, a reliable and stable connection speed of 12 Mbps    download and 3 Mbps upload required. • We recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network. • If testing from home, ask others within the household to avoid internet use    during your exam session.

We strongly recommend using equipment that meets or exceeds the Recommended Specifications. The minimum requirements will change periodically based on the needs of exam sponsors.

Mobile phone:
You may have the option to use your mobile phone to complete the check-in process. The mobile must meet the following requirements:

• Android (11+, Chrome) or IOS (15+, Safari) operating systems • A functioning camera with a stable internet connection

A mobile phone is used only for completing admission steps and must not be used during the exam. After completing the check-in steps, please place the mobile phone where it is not accessible to you during the exam. As a reminder, phones are a prohibited item and should not be within your reach or visible to you while sitting in front of your computer.

Pre-exam requirements

Passing the Mandatory system test	• You MUST pass mandatory system test prior to your check-in for exam. • When taking the test, use same device and the same location you we’ll use on    exam day. • Make sure your last test run is a pass, so that you are eligible for all post-exam    options. • Go to Exam Planner & hit the Run System Test button.
Practice using the scratch pad	Remember, you cannot use scratch paper for remote exam session. So, it’s important to get used to using the scratch pad on the Practice Platform before your live exam.

Exam set-up

Your room setup

You will be under exam conditions and monitored by an invigilator throughout. Make sure below conditions are being followed: • A private and quite room with solid walls and doors. • No other person can be visible or heard for full duration of exam. • Use curtains or blinds to cover windows if anyone can be seen through them. • Switch all other unnecessary electrical equipment off. • Refer below images to have an idea about ideal exam environment.

                                  Prohibited                                                                               Permitted

Your desk setup

Your desk must be setup in a way that meets the rules and regulations of the exam: • No scrap paper • Only one monitor • A glass/bottle of water with label removed permitted • No headphones / earbuds / earphones • No watches

The check-in process

• Check in to your exam by going the exam planner and click launch exam button. • You can launch your exam 30 minutes prior your scheduled time. • If you are more than 15 minutes late you will miss your exam attempt and be marked as Absent.

Using your mobile phone: • You may use your mobile phone during the check-in process – On-screen instruction will guide you. • You’ll be asked to take and upload photos of your exam environment, yourself and your ID. • Once completed this process place your mobile phone on silent and out of arm’s reach. • Do not use your mobile phone for any other purpose during exam (exception if invigilator calls you) • Taking photos of your screen or making calls during the exam is strictly prohibited.

Under exam conditions:

In addition to the desk/room requirements you should be aware that the following is also prohibited:     

• Talking aloud during your exam. • People being audible outside your room. • Leaving the exam early – DO NOT end your exam early, you must stay supervised for the full-time    duration.

 

Contacting the invigilator	• To start a chat with your invigilator, select the chat button. • Your invigilator will be with you as soon as they are available. • Unlikely they can assist you, but you should inform your invigilator if you are    experiencing any technical difficulties. • You must inform your invigilator if you wish to use your permitted bathroom    break.
Bathroom breaks	You can take one bathroom break during your exam of up to 5 minutes: • Notify your invigilator when you are leaving and returning from bathroom    break. • You do not have to wait for the invigilator to give you their permission before    taking your bathroom break. • The exam timing will continue to run – if you exceed 5 minutes your exam may    be terminated.

Post-exam options:
In the event of technical issue disrupting your exam, you may wish to use post-exam options which can be accessed on exam planner or under Contact Us on ACCA’s website.

Minimise the risk of the technical issue by: • Performing your equipment and connectivity test. • Accessing troubleshooting resources.

 

Using post exam options	To use rebook or withdrawal option you must have: • attempted to check-in your exam • experienced a technical issue impacting your ability to complete exam.
Additional withdrawal eligibility criteria	• The mandatory system test must be taken ahead of each exam session. • Student must have passed the mandatory system test in their last attempt    prior to checking in for your exam.

Make sure that your device / other equipment’s are compatible as per the provided requirements and you are availed with the environment requisite for the exam purpose. Everyone should make sure to follow fair practices during exam to avoid any disqualification or disciplinary action.

We hope, this blog about ACCA DipIFR Remote Exam Requirement, Set-up & Tips shall assist in making the necessary arrangements.

Further, please watch video related to the remote examination on the below link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRYOefFr48S0apGK6f0kw0sX7fC6uSzsx&feature=shared

Best wishes from Team FinPro!