Frequently Asked Questions

 

Scheduling, Rescheduling and Deferrals

1. When can I schedule my exam?
Virtually proctored exam sittings are offered 24/7, however spots can fill up based on proctor availability. In-person exams are offered on select exam dates, starting in the morning or the early afternoon. To check availability for both formats, please check the exam booking calendar in the IIC Exam Portal. You should book early to ensure you get your preferred date and time.

2. I can't remember my username or password. What should I do?
Call Member Services immediately at 1-866-362-8585 for assistance. A $100 rescheduling fee is applicable if you are unable to retrieve your login details before your exam begins.

3. Will I receive confirmation of the date/time I select for my exam appointment?
Yes, an automated exam confirmation email is sent after you submit your booking. You can also view your exam details at any time in the IIC Exam Portal. You will also be sent a reminder email approximately a week before the exam session starts.

4. I have a documented disability or other need based on a protected ground. Can I request accommodation for my exam?
Yes. For more information, please visit the 'Accommodations' page.

5. Can I reschedule my exam booking?
Yes, you can reschedule your exam booking up to 24 hours before your scheduled exam start time by logging in to the IIC Exam Portal. Click on ‘Exam Details’, then ‘Reschedule my booking’.

6. Is there a fee to reschedule my exam less than 24 hours before my scheduled exam start time?
Yes, a $100 rescheduling fee will apply. Availability of sittings may be limited. If there is no availability to reschedule, the Examinations Rescheduling and Deferrals policy applies. Call Member Services at 1-866-362-8585 for assistance.

7. Can I change my exam format?
Yes, you can change your exam format from in-person to virtually proctored or vice versa up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam start time at no cost by logging in to the IIC Exam Portal. Click on “Exam Details”, then “Change my exam format”.

8. Is there a fee to change my exam format less than 24 hours before my scheduled exam start time?
Yes, a $100 rescheduling fee will apply. Availability of sittings will be limited for in-person exams. The original booking is immediately cancelled when you click “Change my exam format”. If there is no availability to reschedule, the Examinations Rescheduling and Deferrals policy applies. Call Member Services at 1-866-362-8585 for assistance.

9. What happens if I miss my exam?
If you fail to show up for your exam, you will be marked as absent and will be required to retake the course (tuition and exam). Note that the course and exam fees are non-refundable. Examinations can only be deferred for circumstances beyond your control with supporting documentation provided. Please review our Examinations Rescheduling and Deferrals policy.

Before the Exam

1. What information and documents do I need on exam day?

Your IIC Member ID and password to log in to the IIC Exam Portal

The name of the exam you are writing

Original, valid (not expired) government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver's licence, health card or Canadian Permanent Resident Card are accepted. The name on your ID must be the same as the name on your IIC member account. Students are responsible for ensuring that their names match in advance of any IIC examination.

2. How early do I need to arrive at the exam center for my in-person exam?
For in-person exams, please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled exam start time. Students who arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled exam start time will not be permitted to write their exam and will be marked as absent.

3. What should I expect at the exam center for my in-person exam?
You will go through the check-in process, including identify verification, security and personal belongings checks. Proctors are responsible for the room set-up and technology functionality.

Exam centres will provide you with keyboards, monitors and a secure computer set-up, such as screen protection and locked down browser software. Ear plugs are available if you need them.

4. What do I need to do before exam day for my virtually proctored exam?
You must download and install the Guardian Browser and open it to test that it installed correctly. Read the printable PDF IIC Guardian Browser Student Guide for step-by-step instructions to download the Guardian Browser before exam day and how to use it on exam day. Downloading the Guardian Browser takes 1-2 minutes. The Guardian Browser replaces the previous ProctorU extension. IIC also recommends that you prepare the room where you will take your exam. Watch the Candidate Experience Video for more information.

You must also do a system check to test your equipment before deciding to take your virtually proctored exam and again within 4 hours of your scheduled exam start time. To do the system check, log in to the IIC Exam Portal and click the “Test It Out” button.

5. How early do I need to log in to the IIC Exam Portal for my virtually proctored exam?
Log in to the IIC Exam Portal 10 minutes before your scheduled exam start time. Next to your scheduled exam, you will see a countdown timer telling you how much time remains before you can start your exam. When the countdown timer reaches 0:00:00, click “Launch exam”. The Guardian Browser that you previously downloaded and installed will open so you can access your exam. You will also be required to install a small chat application to complete your connection to your proctor.

6. What happens if I log in late for my virtually proctored exam?
If you log in more than 30 minutes after the scheduled exam start time, you will not be able to launch the exam. You will be marked absent and will need to retake the course. Review our Examinations Rescheduling and Deferrals policy.

During the Exam

1. How long does it take to connect with a proctor for my virtually proctored exam?
It is normal to wait up to 20 minutes for the proctor to join you, but you could wait up to 45 minutes during peak periods (regular business hours). Please be patient. To reduce waiting times, book your exam:
•  during less busy periods, such as earlier in the week, before 9 AM (09:00) or after 5 PM (17:00)
•  book your exam at times not on the hour such as 07:10, 15:20, 18:40, etc.

2. What happens once I connect with the proctor for my virtually proctored exam?
Once you connect to the proctor, they will walk you through the system setup steps, check your ID and complete security checks. They will ask you to use a mirror or cellphone with a camera to show your computer/laptop screen and the webcam to show around your test room. Your exam timer will not start until you have connected to a proctor, completed all the necessary steps and you have started the exam.

Remember, you will not lose exam time during the setup process.

3. Am I allowed to ask the proctor questions?
Yes, proctors are available to answer technical questions and assist with technical issues, though they are not allowed to answer questions or provide clarification about the content of your exam. For in-person exams, raise your hand when you need assistance. For virtually proctored exams, the proctor is available throughout the exam by speaking aloud or via the live chat.

4. Can I stop the exam after the proctor has released it to me and the timer has started?
No, the exam timer cannot be paused once started. You are not permitted to leave your computer or the room once you begin writing your exam unless you need to take a break. You are allowed one short break per exam sitting. The timer will not stop during that time.

5. Can I go back through my exam to review and change an answer(s) if necessary, before I submit my exam?
Yes, you can review your answers as long as you have not submitted your exam and there is time remaining.

6. Are my answers saved automatically as I move through the questions?
Yes, answers are saved automatically by the system. If you experience a disconnection, your answers to questions already completed are saved.

7. What steps do I take when I finish answering all the questions?
When you are ready to end the exam, click the “SUBMIT EXAM” button in the top left of the screen. Then, inform the proctor that you have finished.

8. Can I take notes and use a calculator during the examination?
Note paper and a physical calculator are not permitted, however, an online notepad and calculator are available in the exam platform. Log in to the IIC Exam Portal and complete the free Exam Tutorial to become familiar with the functions and features of the exam format.

9. Can I take a break during my in-person or virtually proctored exam?
Students are permitted water at their desk in a clear, transparent bottle or container. You are allowed one brief break during the exam to go to the washroom. The exam timer does not stop. For in-person exams, raise your hand and tell the proctor when you wish you take a break. The proctor will accompany you to the washroom. For virtually proctored exams, you must inform the proctor either by speaking aloud or via the live chat when you wish to take a break and do the same when you return. The proctor will then ask you to redo the scan of the room using your webcam, including the front of your computer screen.

You cannot access any unauthorized or prohibited items and/or materials while on your break and this includes your cell/Smart phone, camera, Internet, textbooks, course notes, etc. This would be considered a breach of the Requirements and Rules for Writing an Examination.

10. What happens if there is a fire alarm or similar incident while I am taking my virtually proctored exam?
First, take all necessary measures to protect your own safety and the safety of others. Once safe, contact your proctor if you are still connected. If you are no longer connected with the site, you may need to reschedule. Contact Member Services immediately at 1-866-362-8585.

After the Exam

1. When can I expect to receive my mark?
It can take up to four weeks for grades to be released. An email will be sent once your course final grade is available on your IIC Member Account.

2. My friend received their exam mark just days after writing. Why did I have to wait much longer?
Exams undergo a quality control process before marks are released. We review question statistics to make sure that there aren’t any questions that are unfair, such as questions that are too difficult or ambiguous. Once we have a sufficient sample of students taking the exam, we also apply form equating, which is a process that ensures that one exam form is not harder or easier than another. When all that is done, we release the grades, and any subsequent exams written are released as soon as they are marked. This is why some students wait longer to get their exam results than others.

Technical Support for Virtually Proctored Exams

1. How do I get help if I have a technical problem before starting my exam?
First, contact ProctorU technical support by clicking the Support Chat icon in the top left of the Guardian Browser. Alternatively, you can contact ProctorU by phone at 1-855-772-8678, Option 1 or click the blue chat icon in the bottom right hand of this page to connect with ProctorU Support. Note: please be patient as during peak periods, it can take 15-20 minutes to connect to a ProctorU technical support member. If you do not pass a system check more than 24 hours prior to your exam and cannot launch your exam during the regularly scheduled time, a $100 fee will apply to reschedule your exam.

2. What happens if I experience a technical issue during my exam?
First, contact your proctor by speaking aloud or typing a message in the Proctor chat window. If the window is closed, click on the Owl icon in your taskbar or dock to re-open it. The proctor is available to assist throughout your exam. For technical assistance when not connected to a Proctor, click the ProctorU Support Chat icon in the top left of the Guardian Browser. If you lose connection to the site during your exam, contact ProctorU technical support immediately by phone: 1-855-772-8678, Option 1 or click the blue chat icon in the bottom right hand corner of this page to connect with ProctorU Support.

3. Should I contact IIC Member Services if I experience a technical issue before or during my exam?
Only contact IIC Member Services IF ProctorU technical support cannot help you. Member Services or the Exams department have limited capabilities to provide support. You can contact ProctorU technical support via the Support Chat icon in the Guardian Browser or by phone at 1-855-772-8678, Option 1.

4. What should I do if I cannot complete my exam due to a system issue and ProctorU is unable to help me?
You may be able to reschedule your exam to a different date and time or a different format (i.e., in-person proctoring), within the same examination administration session. Please contact Member Services immediately at 1-866-362-8585 to reschedule your exam. You will be able to select a new format, date and/or time, subject to availability.

5. Do I need a ProctorU account to schedule or write my exam, complete the system checks or to access technical assistance?
No, you do NOT need to set up a ProctorU account for any reason. When reading ProctorU support materials on their website, ignore any instruction to create a ProctorU account.

6. Can I take my exam on a tablet?
Tablets such as iPads, Chromebooks or other Android tablets are not supported. You can only write your exam using a laptop or personal computer. Read about What Operating Systems/Devices Are Supported?

7. I prefer to take my exam using my work computer/laptop. Is this acceptable?
IIC strongly recommends you use a personal computer/laptop to take your exam because work devices are often incompatible with the Guardian Browser software. Read Using a Work Computer for more information.

8. I don’t meet the system requirements to write my exam. What are my options?
If you do not meet the system requirements or cannot access a suitable computer, you can write an In-Person Exam.

If you fail to complete your computer system check within 4 hours of your scheduled exam start time and are unable to launch/write the virtually proctored exam due to technical issues, you can try to reschedule/defer the examination to a different date/time or write in a different format, depending on the issue. This can only be done during the same administration window. A $100 rescheduling fee will apply.

Privacy and Oversight for Virtually Proctored Exams

1. How am I monitored during the exam?
Your entire exam session is recorded using your computer microphone and webcam. The live proctor and proctoring system software will monitor your behavior and activity during the session.

2. Will I be able to see my proctor?
Your proctor can see you, but you cannot see your proctor. However, you are able to communicate with your proctor throughout the exam by speaking aloud or via the live chat.

3. What is the proctor assigned to me responsible for?

To verify your identity by comparing you to the photo in your government-issued photo id

Confirm the name of the examination you will be taking

Review and explain the exam rules and regulations with you

Ensure there are no study resources and materials in your room

Lock down certain settings on your computer

Troubleshoot and solve technical issues as needed

Release the exam to you

Monitor you throughout the session

Investigate, note, and warn you if unpermitted behaviour is detected

Verify your exam is submitted successfully

Assist you to exit the exam platform

4. How does the proctor secure the room I am writing my exam in?
The proctor will instruct you to show the walls, floor and ceiling of the room, under your desk and chair, your work surface using your computer camera. They will also ask you to use a mirror or a cell/Smart phone camera to show the front of your computer or laptop. As part of the scan, you will be asked to remove study materials and other resources. The proctor will also monitor you through your computer camera, microphone and screen activity during the entire exam. Your entire exam session will also be recorded.

5. How does the proctor know that it’s me taking an exam and not someone else?
You will be asked to display original, valid (not expired) government-issued photo identification. The system will take a photo of your ID and a photo of your face using your computer's camera. The proctor will compare your face to the photo on your ID and confirm that the name on your exam booking matches the name on your ID.

6. How is my privacy protected?
Your photo and the photo of your government-issued photo ID are destroyed by ProctorU within 7 days of your exam. The recording of your exam session is retained for up to 2 years in case of a dispute and is then destroyed. Consult the ProctorU’s Privacy Policy, Student Bill of Rights and Terms of Service for more information.

7. What is considered a breach of exam rules for virtually proctored exams?
Before you start your exam, your desk and exam area must be clear of any prohibited materials such as cell/Smart phones, books, headphones, notes, food or drinks. For a list of prohibited items, please refer to the Requirements and Rules for Writing an Examination.

Once you start your exam you will be monitored and recorded. The following are considered breaches of examination rules and may result in the disqualification of your exam and suspension of examination privileges:

•   Using or accessing any devices that can be used to store or transmit information during the examination and while on a break, such as books, notes, cell phones, cameras, smartwatches, etc.
•   Repeatedly/excessively looking off screen
•   Obstructing your face with anything such as papers or hands
•   Speaking to someone else in the room
•   Speaking, whispering, or singing in any language
•   Moving outside of camera view, turning off your camera, or turning off your microphone
•   Interacting with another person, other than the proctor, in any way
•   Accessing any content, software applications, or websites during the examination other than the examination platform
•   Excessive noise in the environment or playing music
•   Purposefully disconnecting from the examination

You must also comply with any instructions given to you by the proctor. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from the exam and suspension of your examination privileges.

8. What happens if the proctor suspects misconduct?
If suspicious activity is identified, the proctor will intervene and issue an incident report to the Institute for appropriate action, as per the Requirements and Rules for Writing an Examination.