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 in Dublin.
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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.
How do I book a ProctorU test session?
Step 1 - Log into your ACER account
To schedule your ProctorU test session, log into your ACER account https://registration.acer.edu.au and click on the Log in to ProctorU tab on the homepage under the heading Schedule, Update or Sit your test session.
You must schedule/reschedule your test session by the registration deadlines provided on page 5 and the test session booking is subject to the availability listed on ProctorU’s booking site during the test window period. You will be prompted to complete the EU citizen/resident information and agree to the Terms and conditions outlined.
Step 2 - Schedule a new session through ProctorU
Click on the Schedule New Session icon on the homepage:
Step 3 - Select your Institution and exam through ProctorU
Select HPAT - Ireland ACER as your institution and 2024 as the term, then select HPAT - Ireland Sections 1, 2 and 3 as the exam. Then click on the find sessions tab. Please note: test takers who are applying to the University of Limerick for the MSc Occupational Therapy and/or the MSc Speech and Language Therapy must follow this step again to find HPAT - Ireland (Limerick) Written English test sessions.
Step 4 - Select the time and date of the session and schedule
Choose the date and time you’d like to take the exam, click Select, and then Schedule to confirm your choice.
When scheduling your test, pay attention to the time you are choosing. If you select 12AM you are scheduling for Midnight (AM = Morning, PM = Afternoon). Please account for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete the start-up procedures in addition to the time you’ll spend in your test. This is the time it takes to verify your identity, secure your environment, and get you into your HPAT - Ireland test. The start-up process does not take any time away from the time you’re allowed in your test. Your test time does not start until you’re actually in your HPAT - Ireland test and click the START button to begin.
Once I have made my ProctorU booking can I reschedule my session if I need to?
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. To reschedule ensure that you log in to your ACER account to reschedule your test session(s) if needed. Click on the Log in to ProctorU tab.
Once you are logged in to your ProctorU account, please click on the Reschedule button and select a new date and time.
Please note: If you do need to change your session date/time, you may find that the time you want is already booked out, so any changes should only be made if absolutely necessary. At times ProctorU will experience high testing volumes, generally between 9am and 3pm. If you wish to avoid delays, we suggest you schedule your test outside of these peak times. Importantly, if you have a scheduled test session, keeping it is the best way to ensure you will be able to take your test. If you Cancel or are a No-show for your test, there may be delays in being able to schedule you quickly, or you may miss the test window altogether.
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.
| Requirement type | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Internet connection | Wi-Fi connection | Wired connection |
| PC users | Windows 8 (Windows 10 S mode is not supported) The Guardian browser requires 64-bit Windows 10 |
Windows 10 (Windows 10 S mode is not supported) |
| Mac users | MacOS 10.13 (Oldest Still Maintained Version) |
MacOS 10.15 |
| 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 95% RAM usage) |
16GB (less than 90% RAM usage) |
| Connectivity ports | 1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP |
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| Screen resolution | 1266 x 768 | 1920 x 1080 or higher |
| Web browser | Guardian browser (downloadDownload the Guardian browser) |
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| * Chromebooks are not supported | ||
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. To ensure you have the most up-to-date version, the link for your device is listed in the HPAT-Ireland Test Taker Information Booklet.
You are neither required nor able to log in to the ACER Test App until your scheduled test session.
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.