National exam online proctoring guidelines
Please read this guide to ensure the technology and testing environment requirements used during the examination are met before your scheduled appointment.
The following requirements must be met to write a national examination from the Canadian College of Health Information Management. To comply with online proctoring and computer system rules and requirements, examination candidates must ensure their device is properly set up for examination day.
Important notes:
- If you are writing from home, we ask that you limit the number of people connected to the internet to ensure there are no interruptions during your examination.
- If writing within a workplace, please ensure the organization’s IT department has been made aware of these requirements and provided the appropriate access.
General system and technical requirements:
Before writing an examination, candidates must ensure their device meets the below system requirements:
| Item | Requirement |
| Device | PC, Mac, or laptop. Tablets and smartphones are not permitted. |
| Monitors, keyboard, mouse | One display device is permitted (single monitor/screen), One keyboard and one pointing device (a computer mouse, TrackPoint, etc.) are permitted Headphones or earbuds require prior approval by CHIMA for use during the examination. |
| Operating System | Update your PC or Mac with the latest version of its operating system: Windows 7 x64 Home Basic / Windows 8 / Windows 10 Home / Windows 11 and later versions (Windows 10 S, Windows 8 RT or any x32 versions are not supported) macOS 10.12.1 or higher To set up your Mac operating system (macOS) security and privacy settings before the examination appointment, follow the instructions at the following links: https://support.constructor.tech/en/support/solutions/articles/101000439205-setting-up-macos-before-testing https://support.apple.com/en-mn/guide/mac-help/mchl211c911f/mac. |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 DUO or AMD Athlon x2, or better models with SSE3 support, 2 cores or more, 1.8 GHz frequency or higher PC – i5 – 6th Generation Mac – i5 |
| RAM | 8 Gb or more |
| HDD (hard disk drive) space | 500 Mb or more |
| Web camera | Web camera, built-in or external, with at least 640×480 resolution. The web camera is required to be on during the entire examination. Ensure it is on and not covered. |
| Microphone | Functioning microphone, built-in or external. The microphone is required to be on during the entire examination. Ensure that its volume is not set to zero. |
| Internet connection and speed | A consistent internet speed (25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload is strongly recommended) to ensure the candidate’s experience is seamless for both the proctoring application and the learning management system. Reduce usage of other users on the network (e.g., streaming, cloud syncing). IMPORTANT: Please conduct several internet speed tests in the days leading up to the examination to see that your connection is consistent: https://fast.com/. It is recommended that examination candidates use a wired (Ethernet) connection for improved stability. Hot spots are not permitted. |
| Required web browser | Google Chrome (latest version) |
| Firewall | Uninstall the anti-virus/firewall on your device. This will support the device in passing the system check prior to starting the examination. |
| Streaming and video transfer capability | Your device must have the ability to transfer video using Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) protocol. To confirm that your device meets the requirements, please visit: https://webcasts.com/webrtc/. |
For assistance, please reach out to the proctoring service support team at support@constructor.tech.
You will be instructed to complete a webcam scan of the room and desk/table during the system check and authentication process. The scan of your testing environment will last 30 seconds. Candidates will be required to adjust their environment accordingly (e.g., change lighting, move to a private room, etc.). To have the best possible experience while writing the examination, ensure the following rules for the testing environment are set up in advance:
| Acceptable testing environment | Unacceptable testing environment |
| Private room where the candidate alone is present | Room with any other persons |
| Daylight quality lighting—preferably overhead | Lighting which comes from behind the candidate |
| Clean desk or table free of materials* | Desk or table with mobile phones, study notes |
| Quiet environment enabling focus | Environment with music or television |
*Unless prior approval has been provided to the candidate
For assistance, please reach out to the proctoring service support team at support@constructor.tech.
Click here to learn more about the proctoring application.
For questions related to proctoring, please reach out to the support team at support@constructor.tech.
If technical issues arise (e.g., loss of connection, questions regarding the system check), examination candidates will be provided support and guidance prior to and during their examination.
For questions related to proctoring, please reach out to the support team at support@constructor.tech.
- Avoid looking away from the screen for extended periods of time.
- Properly perform the environmental scan. It is important to show both the room that you are in and your desk/writing area.
- Do not copy down questions and answers by writing them down or taking screenshots. Any form of reproduction (verbal or physical) of the examination is contrary to the national exam policies, rules, and regulations and a breach of the code of ethics.
- Leaving the room is allowed only for washroom breaks.
- Electronic listening devices such as headphones, earbuds, earpieces, headsets, etc. are not permitted, unless prior approval has been given by the College.
- The candidate must be alone in a private room. Do not share spaces with anyone while writing, especially other exam candidates.
- Do not move into other rooms or spaces during the exam.
- Talking to other people during the exam or during your bathroom break is not permitted.
- Mobile phones/devices, instant messengers, emails, etc. that could be used to communicate digitally cannot be accessible or used during the exam by the candidate.*
- Please ensure you stay on your exam page. Changing windows, screens, and applications is not allowed during the exam.*
- You may not access the exam more than once per attempt.*
- Background noises like music, television, podcasts, etc. are not allowed.
*If you experience technical issues that stop you from being able to access the exam, you are able to email exam@echima.ca or support@constructor.tech
Please note, this is for technical issues only, the exam team cannot provide context or assist with exam questions.
To defer or withdraw from an examination, please click on the button below:
Last updated 2025-08-22