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
Computer requirements
The following computer requirements must be met in order to write a national certification examination from the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
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 (not 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 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 white lists 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 |
**Important CCCS NCE note regarding Mac computers
As Folio software is incompatible with Mac computers, they are not permissible to use to write the CCCS NCE.
Test environment rules
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 |
Proctoring software
The proctoring software that is used is called TeamViewer Quick Support, it is only used for proctoring purposes. As soon as the exam is done, the proctor closes the session and the software will no longer be utilized.
Quick tests
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.
- Test the proctoring software*: Make sure you can download and install the proctoring software on the computer planned for use during the examination. If you are taking the exam in a workplace environment, make sure you have reached out to your IT support to ensure the software will properly, and that permissions are available for you to write the exam.
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.
Technical issues during examination
- 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.
Rescheduling
Rescheduling an examination will be determined on a case-by-case basis.