Theory exams during COVID-19 - options for delivery - FAQs - RCPCH

Theory exams during COVID-19 - options
for delivery - FAQs
Examinations team
Candidates will have two options for taking the theory exam, a computer-based exam: at a
test centre with appropriate social distancing, or at one’s own home or workplace with online
invigilation.

You can find out how these options work in our webinar recording and frequently asked
questions below. We also have a candidate guide for each option.
Last modified
14 January 2021
Post date
1 July 2020
Table of contents

     Our webinar about both options
     SECTION 1 - Options
     Is there a limit on how many people can sit the exam?
     How will places at test centres will be allocated?
     Can I be prioritised for a test centre seat if I am unable to use online invigilation?
     How will testing fairness be maintained between candidates sitting in each setting (test
     centre vs online)?
     What will happen if differences in exam results appear between the two methods?
     How will reasonable adjustments be accommodated with the changes to theory exam
     delivery?
     SECTION 2 - Test centre delivery
     If I develop COVID-19 symptoms in the run up to my examination, what will happen?
     Will I get a refund if I’m turned away from a test centre for having a raised temperature?
     What happens if there is a lockdown in my country or region just before the
     examination is due to take place?
     SECTION 3 - Online invigilation: how it works
     Can I sit to take the exam via online invigilation in a country other than those listed on
     your website as where you deliver theory exams?
     Is there a greater risk of malpractice with online invigilation, and how will malpractice
     be prevented?
     Can I do online invigilation in a country where the RCPCH doesn’t currently delivery
     theory examinations in test centres?

Can I use a workstation at my workplace to take the exam via online invigilation?
     Is there a proximity requirement in case people wanted to sit the exam remotely in the
     same place, for example in their workplace?
     Can candidates try online invigilation in advance?
     What happens if I experience technical difficulties with online invigilation on the day?
     Will compensation be considered if I experience technical difficulties with online
     invigilation on the day?
     How long will there be between papers (eg between AKP part 1 and 2 and
     between FOP and TAS)?
     How does online invigilation / proctoring take into account toilet breaks?
     Will online invigilation affect the time until results are available?
     Does the software account for time lost if my internet drops out?
     Does the software itself prevent you leaving the page if something pops up or you
     accidentally click something?
     Can international candidates use online invigilation?
     Will online invigilation continue to be provided as an exam delivery option past the
     COVID-19 pandemic?

Update - 14 January 2021 Due to national restrictions in the UK and Republic of Ireland, all
theory exam test centres in that region are now closed. If you've booked to take your FOP /
TAS exam on 10 February 2021 at a UK or ROI test centre, we're sending you an email with
information on your next steps.

Our webinar about both options
This webinar from July 2020 from the Exams team explains the two options, and answers
questions from delegates.

SECTION 1 - Options
We are offering candidates two options for for sitting the theory exams during the COVID-19
pandemic - currently for January/February 2021 sittings.

You can read more about each option in our candidate guides:

     Candidate guide - Test centre with social distancing
     Candidate guide - Online invigilation at own home or other private space

Is there a limit on how many people can sit the exam?
There is a limited number of places available for each option.

We have worked with our supplier to secure a significant number of candidate seats in most
test centres - accounting for social distancing measures.

We have also secured several hundred online invigilation places.

How will places at test centres will be allocated?
Test centres places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis via the exams booking
system.

Can I be prioritised for a test centre seat if I am unable to
use online invigilation?
Unfortunately, due to the number of candidates involved in our theory exams, we are not
able to offer any further prioritisation. We recommend you book as soon as possible in the
relevant application window (see dates). This will give you the best chance for getting your
first choice.

How will testing fairness be maintained between
candidates sitting in each setting (test centre vs online)?
From a testing perspective, there are no advantages to taking an exam in test centre vs
online as both settings will sit the same exam. Any advantages/disadvantages are purely
logistical or preference.

All candidates will, regardless of setting, have the opportunity to ensure that they have
appropriate testing conditions and equal opportunities to become familiar with the testing
format and practice materials before the exam.

There may be limited availability for both settings and any candidate with a preference would
be advised to book early to get their first choice.

What will happen if differences in exam results appear
between the two methods?
A number of procedures are in place to ensure consistency in testing. Strict parameters are
adhered to when creating an exam, which, among other factors, ensure appropriate
coverage of the syllabus and a standardised level of difficulty based off of exam performance
data. Each exam is built to a specific level of difficulty; in previous administrations of exams
this difficulty has remained stable.

We will use this performance data as a control for upcoming exams to determine if there are
any significant differences between settings. Our Modified Angoff meeting will take place
following an exam to ensure that the standard and passmark of the exam is reflective of the
exam content. A Standards Monitoring Meeting will also take place, as usual, to ensure that
candidates are not impacted by changes.

Along with proctors invigilating a session, the RCPCH administers a statistical analysis post-
exam to the exam performance data to highlight anomalous results. Any results identified by
this method will be investigated and may be escalated as per the MRCPCH rules and
regulation in accordance with the GMC Good Medical Practice guidelines.

You can read more about our standard setting and the modified Angoff method.

How will reasonable adjustments be accommodated with
the changes to theory exam delivery?
We will make every effort to accommodate any reasonable adjustments, according to our
policy which is available to download on our regulations and rules page.

All the system accessibility features that are available for test centre delivery will be available
to candidates taking via online invigilation. You can change the colour of the background
within the system.

If you need to use any accessibility software on your laptop or desktop at home increase the
size of the text, you can do this using Windows Magnifier – please include this in your
application form reasonable adjustment sections so we can let your invigilator know that you
will be using this software.

Additional time can still be accommodated for candidates who provide evidence that this is
an educational need.

If you have other access requirements, in order to facilitate sitting via online invigilation (such
as certain hearing devices to allow you to communicate with the online invigilator) please
include details of these in your application form so we can ensure that these will be
accommodated and not flagged to us as a concern.

Any other reasonable adjustment will be assessed based upon evidence and what can be
accommodated during this sitting account for social distancing in test centres and online
invigilation. We would advise that you contact the Exams Team directly on
exams@rcpch.ac.uk, prior to the application window to discuss reasonable adjustments if
you have any concerns.

You can read more about about requesting additional requirements and reasonable
adjustments.

SECTION 2 - Test centre delivery
We will be providing seats for both AKP and FOP/TAS examinations at socially distanced
test centres.

This means that candidates in most countries where we deliver theory examinations will be
able to select to sit in a test centre.

This could be useful for candidates who are unsure if they have the minimum recommended
technical specifications or if they might not have access to a quiet workspace at home.

If I develop COVID-19 symptoms in the run up to my
examination, what will happen?
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the exam, or are told to quarantine due to
contact or symptoms within 14 days before exam day, you should contact the RCPCH
examinations team as soon as possible to discuss transfer and cancellation options.

Will I get a refund if I’m turned away from a test centre for
having a raised temperature?
If you are turned away from a test centre because of health check questions or because you
have a raised temperature, please first ensure you go to a safe place to isolate as quickly as
possible – the priority in this situation is, of course, the health of our candidates and of other
people they might come into contact with. Once you are safely isolating, please contact the
RCPCH examinations team via email to start arrangements for transfer or cancellation.

What happens if there is a lockdown in my country or
region just before the examination is due to take place?
If the lockdown happens before supplier deadlines for confirming online invigilation numbers,
we will endeavour to offer candidates in affected areas the option to change to online
invigilation.

If a total lockdown is imposed shortly before the examination, we will work with candidates
on transfers or cancellations.

If there are partial lockdowns or increased restrictions, we will work with our test centres to
see if we can continue to run the examination either within our current social distancing
guidelines or with further social distancing.

We are already adhering to stricter social distancing rules than we anticipate will be in place
by the time our September and October examinations take place.

For further information please refer to the RCPCH examination cancellation policy -
download on our Regulations and rules for examinations page.

SECTION 3 - Online invigilation: how it works

Candidates using this option will sit the exam in their own home, or another private location,

on their own equipment.

This means that those who are shielding or who live some distance from their nearest test
centre are able to take their exam more safely. It is available to candidates in all countries
except Egypt, Sudan, and UAE.

Online invigilation monitors candidate with two devices, using both audio and video,
screensharing - to ensure that candidates are both supported and preventing from
attempting to cheat. So you'll need access to two devices, ie a desktop or laptop, plus a
mobile device, as well as a stable internet connection and power supply.

See more about the requirements for online invigilation.

Can I sit to take the exam via online invigilation in a
country other than those listed on your website as where
you deliver theory exams?
Yes, you can book for the overseas online invigilation option (which will be starting at 07:00
UK time – it will be up to candidates to make sure they have the correct time in their own
country).

We will be doing everything possible to test online invigilation in the countries where we
currently deliver exams and we already know of a small number countries where online
invigilation is not possible due to local restrictions (Egypt, Sudan, and UAE). It is the
candidate’s responsibility to run the comprehensive systems check beforehand and to check
their own network connectivity.

Is there a greater risk of malpractice with online
invigilation, and how will malpractice be prevented?
As with test centre delivery, we will implement a wide range of processes and work closely
with our supplier to prevent all forms of malpractice and cheating.

We will be able to identify candidates who attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

Any candidate who attempts to copy or share our intellectual property, use notes, access
information outside of the exam on their device, or make contact with other individuals during
their exam will face severe sanctions, as outlined in the malpractice policy in our rules and
regulations.

Sanctions include being reported to the General Medical Council or equivalent overseas
medical regulatory body.

Can I do online invigilation in a country where the
RCPCH doesn’t currently delivery theory examinations in
test centres?

Online invigilation is subject to local laws and restrictions. We know that we cannot deliver
online invigilation in Egypt, Sudan, and UAE but these only reflect the countries in which we
already delivery theory examinations. Our supplier, BTL, has indicated that candidates have
also struggled to use the online platform in China, due to local laws there. We have not been
able to confirm that any other countries would have problems and we expect that candidates
in most other countries will be able to sit via online invigilation without any problems.

Can I use a workstation at my workplace to take the exam
via online invigilation?
We recommend that candidates who chose to sit via the online invigilation delivery do so in
their own homes.

We are aware that for some candidates, this might not be possible. If test centre delivery is
not viable – either due to capacity or other reasons – we would suggest speaking with your
manager/educational supervisor and your workplace IT team to see if arrangements can be
made for a private room and technical support.

We anticipate that workplace networks will require some support from IT administrators to
ensure you can use the online invigilation platforms to take your exam.

Is there a proximity requirement in case people wanted to
sit the exam remotely in the same place, for example in
their workplace?
If you select online invigilation, you must be able to take it in a private room away from other
people or candidates.

You should be able to close and/or lock the door, put up signs, and otherwise take all
precautions to prevent you from being interrupted or disturbed, especially if you plan to take
the exam in your workplace.

Anyone else entering the exam room will be flagged by our invigilators and may result in
disqualification.

Can candidates try online invigilation in advance?
Our theory exam sample papers provide a good example of the way you will take your exam
via online invigilation in our exam platform, Surpass.

If you have sat the exam before in a test centre, your experience will be similar to previous
exams.

All candidates sitting via online invigilation will be sent a link to a systems check two weeks
prior to the exam, which must be completed by the candidate at least one week before the
exam.

If you experience any problems with your set up when you do this initial systems check, you
must request a second link to complete the systems check on whatever device set up you
will be using on the day. Your second and final opportunity to undertake a system check
must be completed no later than 1 week prior to your exam day.

Failure to undertake this means that we cannot accept any liability for technical issues that
may occur and, unless there is evidence of special circumstances, you will not be eligible for
a refund of the exam fee .

You can read about the requirements and system check for online invigilation.

What happens if I experience technical difficulties with
online invigilation on the day?
On your exam day, when you are setting up your system requirements to ensure everything
is ready for you to take.

When you are completing your systems check and taking your exam, there will be a live chat
function available for support with any technical issues.

During the exam registration and exam itself there will also be an invigilator to provide
additional support.

Will compensation be considered if I experience
technical difficulties with online invigilation on the day?
This will depend on a variety of factors including the severity of the issue and the length of
any delay experienced.

Candidates who experience lengthy disruption should follow the exam Complaints guidance
available on our examinations regulations and rules page.

How long will there be between papers (eg between AKP
part 1 and 2 and between FOP and TAS)?
The length of the individual exam papers and the break between the two remain unchanged.

You read details of timings.

How does online invigilation / proctoring take into
account toilet breaks?
To reduce the risk of malpractice, candidates who choose to sit via online invigilation will be
able to take no more than one toilet break, for no longer than five minutes away from their
desk, for each paper.

If you have any health or access requirements that might make this difficult, please flag them
on your application form so we can see if any adjustments can be applied.

You can read about about requesting additional requirements and reasonable adjustments.

Will online invigilation affect the time until results are
available?
We do not anticipate any change to the timescales for results publication.

However, if there is a need to undertake any investigation of online invigilated candidates
based upon invigilator feedback, we may have to withhold results until the investigation is
complete.

You can read about exam results.

Does the software account for time lost if my internet
drops out?
If the exam loses connection, the timer will stop within Surpass.

The candidate will need to re-enter by the exam email with the link in and go through a few
steps , then launch the Surpass driver and re-enter the keycode.

The exam will start where the connection was lost.

Does the software itself prevent you leaving the page if
something pops up or you accidentally click something?
If the candidate navigates away from the exam page, this would be noted by the invigilator
and flagged for review for the RCPCH exams team to investigate.

We recommend that you turn off notifications on your devices before you start the exam.

Can international candidates use online invigilation?
Yes, international candidates in most countries will be able to use online invigilation. This is
subject to local laws, network connectivity, and other technical requirements.

The software is currently not able to support candidates in Egypt, Sudan, and UAE to sit the
exam online.

We will offer a separate UK start times to accommodate candidates overseas, and it will be
the responsibility of candidates to ensure they start the exam at the right time.

Will online invigilation continue to be provided as an

exam delivery option past the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are currently offering online invigilation for 2021.1 diet and will continue to review the
usage of this delivery option throughout 2021.