NCE online proctoring guidelines
Candidates will notice two entities that have come together to make national certification examinations possible. These are:
- Canadian College of Health Information Management | certifying body
- Canadian Health Information Management Association | examination coordinators and online proctoring service
These guidelines have been designed for the following national certification examinations:
- CHIM
- HICA
- CCDIS
Candidates that are writing the CCCS NCE, please click here for the applicable online proctoring guidelines.
The following computer requirements must be met in order to write a national certification examination from the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
Due to COVID-19, many candidates will be writing from home with other household members present. We ask that you limit the number of people who are connected to the internet to ensure there are no interruptions to the examination.
To comply with live, online proctoring, the computer system requirements include:
- If using a laptop, ensure it is plugged in for the duration of the examination
- Desktop computer with an external 720p webcam or better and a built-in microphone or a laptop computer* with a built-in webcam and microphone (not a tablet, Chromebook, or cell phone)
- Single monitor (multiple monitors are not permitted)
- Built-in or external speakers (prior approval by CHIMA is required to use headphones or earbuds)
- Hot spots are not permitted
- Please make sure any anti-virus software has been turned off
- Only one device is allowed
- Make sure PC or Mac is up to date with the latest updates to the operation system.
- Make sure computers are up-to-date with specifications below
A consistent internet speed (25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload is strongly recommended). 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 an examination to see that your connection is consistent: https://fast.com/
Due to COVID-19, many candidates will be writing from home with other household members present. We ask that you limit the number of people who are connected to the internet to ensure there are no interruptions to the examination.
If writing within a workplace, please ensure the organization’s IT department has been made aware of these requirements and provides the appropriate access.
| SPECIFICATIONS | PC | MAC* |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | i5-4th Gen | i5 |
| Installed memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | macOS Big Sur version 11.2.3 |
The proctor will instruct candidates to complete a webcam scan of the room and make any adjustments accordingly.
| ACCEPTABLE TESTING ENVIRONMENT | UNACCEPTABLE TESTING ENVIRONMENT |
| Private room whereby the candidate is the only person present | Room with any other persons |
| Daylight quality lighting – preferably overhead | Lighting which comes from behind the candidate |
| Desk or table must be clean and free of materials* | Mobile phones, study notes |
| Environment suitable to focus | Music or television are not permitted to minimize distractions between the candidate and proctor |
Once candidates book their examination time slot, an email will be sent out with additional details and reminders when preparing for examination day. This email will include a link to download the proctoring software. Please check spam/junk folders for this email.
The following are four quick tests that will help with the setup experience:
- Test your web camera: Make sure you can be seen by your proctor. Click here to test your web camera.
- Test your microphone: Make sure you can be heard by your proctor. Click here to test your microphone.
- Test your internet speed: 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload is strongly recommended. Click here to test your internet speed.
Please reach out to [email protected] for any questions that you may have related to the technical requirements in preparation for your examination. We are here to help you get prepared and be successful.
- The examination does automatically submit when the timer reaches 0. Candidates will be provided a 5-minute warning from the proctor.
- If technical issues arise (e.g., loss of connection) the proctor will reach out and help you troubleshoot.
- Please reach out to [email protected] for any questions that you may have related to the technical requirements in preparation for your examination.
To reschedule an examination please contact [email protected].
Last updated 2022-10-27