Remote proctoring involves sitting the test under live supervision using your own computer in a suitable location with internet connectivity.
There are several tasks you are required to complete prior to your HPAT-Ireland Test and completing each one is essential to a successful test day experience.
A short introduction to remote proctoring
Common questions
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If you do not have access to a suitable computer, and cannot borrow one, then you should email the HPAT-Ireland office for support. Depending on your circumstances you may be offered a seat at our test centre.
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HPAT-Ireland is a 2.5 hour test. When sitting by remote proctoring you should allow an additional 30 minutes for ID verification and pre-test checks. If you are sitting the one hour Written English component as well, you will need to book a separate proctoring session. It will add an additional hour to your overall testing time, and will require a repeat of pre test checks.
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Yes. You can use the bathroom during your test. The test timer will not be paused for bathroom breaks, and you must notify your proctor before you leave the room. A room scan will be completed upon your return.
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No you cannot eat during your test session. If you have diabetes or another health concern that requires you to consume food you should apply for Reasonable Adjustments and receive approval from the HPAT-Ireland office.
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If you have technical issues or something goes wrong during your test, the proctor will try to 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, you may eat, and use the bathroom while this is happening. If you do leave your computer while technical issues are being resolved, it is a good idea to have someone watch your computer in case you are required to action something from your side. We understand that remote proctoring can be stressful. It is important to know that if you are having ongoing issues and become distressed that you can stop if you need to. You can reschedule your session to another day and 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 are unable to resolve the issues you are facing, please notify the HPAT-Ireland Office by email for advice regarding next steps.
Creating a Proctor U account
Step 1 - Visit the Proctor U site
Your Proctor U account is separate to your ACER account.
Go to the ProctorU website to create a ProctorU account. If you have an existing ProctorU account and previously selected an institution other than ACER, you can log into your account and add ‘HPAT – Ireland – ACER’ to the enrolment in your account setting.
Step 2 - Enter your details
Please ensure that HPAT has been selected as your institution under ‘Enrolments’ when you create your ProctorU account.
Scheduling your session
- Log in to your ProctorU account and select ‘Schedule New Session’.
- Select ‘HPAT – Ireland – ACER’ for the institution
- Select the test window you want in the ‘Select a term’ field
- Select your exam – HPAT-Ireland
- Click the ‘Find Sessions’ button to show available sessions
Caption: Screen showing the initial steps of the scheduling process. - Choose the date and time you’d like to take the exam and click ‘Schedule’
Caption: Screen showing available sessions.
Common questions
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ProctorU reservations can be changed. The window for bookings and any changes will close 3 days out from the start of the test window after this time no changes will be permitted. Please follow the steps below to reschedule:
- Log into your ProctorU account.
- Select your Term and the Exam you’re taking.
- Choose the date and time you’d like to take the exam and click Schedule.
If you do need to change your session time/day, you may find that the time you want is already booked out, so any changes should only be made if absolutely necessary.
Technical Requirements
Review the list of requirements below to ensure you have the best opportunity for a smooth remote proctoring experience.
If your equipment does not pass the technical readiness checks and the issues cannot be resolved by ProctorU’s live technicians, you should source another test location and/or equipment and complete the technical readiness checks again
We would recommend you use an external mouse as trackpads will be difficult in test conditions. If you use a laptop, for best results it is recommended it be a 15” screen or larger. However, a 13” screen will be acceptable, but it will simply mean that you will have to scroll more in order to see the information in the questions.
Common questions
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No, it is not necessary to purchase a brand new computer, as long as your computer meets the minimum requirements you should be able to complete your test. If you do not have a computer, consider borrowing one from a friend, relative or even school.
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If you are not able to access a computer please contact the HPAT-Ireland Office for advice ACER will operate a small test centre in Dublin on Saturday 25 February. This centre is for candidates that do not have access to a computer, or a suitable location to sit HPAT-Ireland by remote proctoring. Please contact the HPAT-Ireland team if you require a test centre booking.
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Log into your ProctorU account and click the button that says "Test Your Equipment"
Please note: The automated equipment check does not guarantee your equipment's functionality on exam day.
| Requirement type | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Internet connection | Wi-Fi connection | Wired connection |
| PC users | Windows 8 (Windows 10 S mode is not supported) |
Windows 10 (Windows 10 S mode is not supported) |
| CPU | 2 core CPU (less than 85% CPU usage) |
4 core or higher CPU (less than 50% CPU usage) |
| Webcam | 640x480 resolution | 1280x720 resolution |
| Internet download speed | 1 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
| Internet upload speed | 1 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| RAM | 4GB (less than 90% RAM usage) |
16GB (less than 70% RAM usage) |
| Connectivity ports | 1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP |
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| Screen/monitor size | 13” | 15” |
| Screen resolution | 1280 x 1024 | 1920 x 1080 or higher |
| Web browser | Guardian browser (downloadDownload the Guardian browser) |
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| Microphone | Functioning microphone (Headphone, webcam or desktop) |
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Internet Connection/Bandwidth
Testing with ProctorU requires a strong and stable internet connection to support screen sharing and remote proctoring software. Issues with stability or speed may prevent you from testing or may cause issues during your exam. Try some of the tips on the ProctorU website if you are experiencing issues with your internet.
Troubleshooting your microphone
A Microphone is required for your exam so that the proctor can hear you. If your microphone is not working, try some of the microphone troubleshooting steps found on the ProctorU website.
Troubleshooting your webcam/camera
A camera is required for your HPAT – Ireland sitting so that the proctor is able to monitor your testing environment. If your camera is not working, try some of the camera troubleshooting steps found on the ProctorU website.
Supported Browsers
The only browser that is supported is the Guardian Browserthe Guardian browser . Download the Guardian BrowserDownload the Guardian browser .
Unsupported items
- Microsoft Edge browser
- Google Chromebooks (for Live Proctoring only)
- Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
- Smartphones
- Linux operating systems
- Windows 10 in S mode or Surface RT
- Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
- Apple Boot Camp
- Remote Access Software
- Inactive Version of Windows and Test Builds/Test Mode
Troubleshooting
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. You may eat, and use the bathroom while this is happening. If you do leave your computer while technical issues are being resolved, it is a good idea to have someone watch your computer for you in case you are required to action something on your side.
We understand that remote proctoring can be stressful. It is important to know that if you are having ongoing issues and become distressed that you can stop if you need to. You can reschedule your session to another day and time, to provide an opportunity to resolve the technical issues you are facing. This may include finding another computer, changing location or both.
ACER Test app
The test itself will be housed in the ACER Test App. You will need to download this onto the computer you intend to sit the test with before the test window. In order to ensure you have the most up to date version, a download link will be emailed to all test takers a few weeks out from the start of the test window.
You are neither required nor able to log in to the ACER Test App until your scheduled test session.
Common questions
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The ACER Test App link will be emailed to all candidates before the test window.
To download the app click on the link provided in the email. Once the file has been downloaded double click on the file to run the installer.
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To check that the installation was successful, launch the HPAT-Ireland Test application.
You should see the HPAT-Ireland test log in page. Please note you will NOT be able to log in to the ACER online test application until your scheduled test session(s).
Remote proctoring for HPAT-Ireland is currently provided by ProctorU. ProctorU is based in the United States and by selecting to sit the test by remote proctoring you will be required to provide your Personal Information to an overseas entity. If you choose to sit the test by remote proctoring you will need to provide your Personal Information to a third party, ProctorU (ACER’s current provider of remote proctoring). The Personal Information you provide to ProctorU will be stored outside of Australia, the UK and the EU. You should read ProctorU’s privacy policy.