Online Exam Joining Instructions - VA+ exam

Taking an Online Exam at The Cyber Scheme – what you need to know.

You will need to connect to a video conferencing solution by clicking or copy/pasting the link provided so your assessor can confirm that all The Cyber Scheme rules have been adhered to. 

Exams usually begin at 8:30am but you may be given a later appointment, in which case you will be notified by email.

You will need to be able to open Portable Document Format (PDF) documents, Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents, open and modify Microsoft Word (DOCX) documents and zip and unzip (archive) documents.

We provide the Nessus vulnerability scanning tool for use during the exam.

Please bring:

• A webcam
• A microphone and speakers (ideally a headset)
• Photo ID – passport or driving licence.
  
  

Only one display screen is allowed during the exam so either a laptop with no external monitors or a desktop with a single display.

Rules for online invigilated / proctored exams / assessments

Any violations or attempts to cheat / game or copy the exam materials will be fully investigated by the Cyber Scheme and your qualification may be at risk if you are in breach of these rules. You will be asked to confirm that you have read the non disclosure agreement here before sitting the exam.

1. Ensure a suitable environment for the exam has been selected. The candidate must be alone in the room with the door closed.

2. Do not have music, TV, radio or background noise during the exam.

3. Do not use more than one screen. Extra external screens are not allowed (Laptops – use the laptop screen only, Workstations – use a single monitor/screen).

4. Mobile phones, phones and communication devices must only be used to call the assessor or for timing your exam. It is not to be used for searching the internet or communicating with anyone other than the assessor. Do not answer your phone or text messages during the assessment unless it is the assessor.

5. Headsets and earphone should only be used to communicate with the assessor and no one else.

6. Wearable technology such as tech watches, etc. should not be worn during the exam. Normal watches used for timing the exam is allowed.

7. The candidate should minimise leaving the room for toilet breaks or beverages unless agreed with the assessor / invigilator. Please use the bathroom and have snacks / drinks ready before beginning the exam.

8. Communication with the assessor via video conferencing / chat during the assessment is expected and allowed.

9. Any attempt to copy the exam paper or the exam rigs beyond gaining evidence for your exam is considered as a breach of the assessment rules. (Screenshots for evidence of achievement is allowed, excessive screenshots or screen recording is not)

10. All exam materials must be removed from your systems before the exam is completed. Failure to comply with this will result in a fail and will be considered a breach of the assessment rules.

11. Internet access (use of google, chat apps, etc) is not allowed during the exam other than the communication needed for the assessment. During the practical exam ONLY the candidate may ask the assessor (via video conferencing) to look things up on the internet.

12. The assessor will ask you a series of questions and do a series of checks to make sure Cyber Scheme exam conditions are being adhered too. Part of this will involve showing photo ID so please have your photo ID ready to hold up to your webcam.

Remote Assessments and Reasonable Adjustments

The Cyber Scheme will, where possible, make provision for any additional time or support that might be required. Please contact The Cyber Scheme at least 3 working days ahead of the exam to ensure appropriate adjustments are made and the assessor is properly briefed.

You will need to provide adequate information about your needs in order for the appropriate adjustments to be made. The Cyber Scheme takes seriously the management of sensitive PII and as such will not make a formal record or retain any information provided other than to support any preparation an Assessor might need to undertake, and a record of any additional time allowed. All provided PII information will be deleted after the conclusion of the assessment.