SSTB/ISTQB online exam rules

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The following are the prerequisites and rules that apply to participants in an ISTQB online examination conducted by SSTB. Version 25 2024-03-14

Currently SSTB offers online exams for:
  • CTFL 2018, CTFL 4.0
  • CTFL-AT Agile, Tester
  • CT-AI AI Testing
  • CT-MBT Model-based Tester
  • CT-UT Usability Testing
  • CT-PT Performance Tester
  • CT-AcT Acceptance Testing
  • CT-Aut Automotive Software Testing
  • CT-TAE Test Automation Engineer
  • CTAL-TM Test Manager (Additonal rules will be provided)
  • CTAL-TA Test Analyst
  • CTAL-TTA Technical Test Analyst

What is an online examination?
An online examination is carried out digitally at a distance where the exam taker is in a place other than the proctor. The exam taker uses his/her laptop or desktop to read and answer the exam questions, and the proctor instructs and monitors via the exam taker’s webcam. The examination time is the same as the exam in a classroom (onsite). The difference is that there are limitations in the use of tools or aids, in SSTB's online examinations, no tools and aids, with some exception, are allowed.

  • In SSTB online exams the proctor cannot access the test taker’s files or contents in the computer, only observe the screen.
  • In SSTB online exams you can communicate with the exam in Swedish or English.

The last application date is 1 week before the desired date. The process of application and preparation for the examination is a little more extensive compared to classromm exam, which is why applications later than this time is not possible.

What equipment and other things should I have?

  • Desktop or laptop with webcam
  • Only ONE computer screen active during test and exam
  • A stable internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 1,5 Mbps (SSTB recommends more). If your own router, please restart it. Can give better speed
  • If your computer is connected to your company's network (in the office or at home via a VPN, for example), there may be restrictions that make it impossible to use the files needed to read questions and write answers or general communication with ProctorExam. Your company can also have access limitations to external sources in their computers.
    SSTB therefore strongly recommends that you use a computer without the risk of such restrictions, e.g. a computer without those limitations and with a direct connection to the internet. Also when applying, to use a mail address that can be used by that computer.
    Here is a test where you can check if your computer and/or network permits reading the questionairre
  • Google Chrome, latest version should be installed
    Chrome should have an extension (plugin) to allow the exam to see your screen. Instructions will be given during the setup
    If you use your company's network or computer, ensure that it is possible to install plugins for Chrome
  •  Ability to read, edit, and save Word documents (. docx). MS-Word isn't  necessary, you can e.g. use Wordpad, Libre Office, Open Office or Pages, but be sure to open and save in Word-format. Also save in Word-format before you upload at end of exam.
  •  Id with photo

Your environment

  • A separate well lit room with door.
    During the setup process, you will be able to see what your webcam is sharing. Make sure the lighting is sufficient and no backlighting.
  • You are alone. You are the only one taking the exam, having someone else in the room is a serious violation.
  • Make sure to cover up all irrelevant private information that you would not like to show, such as pictures or private objects.
  • The door should be closed. Should someone open the door, the proctor will order you to cancel the exam without you getting any result.
  • The desktop should be empty except your computer equipment.

What  I cannot have or do?

  • No electronic devices
  • Only ONE active computer screen
  • No mobile phone or smartphone
    ProctorExam has a demo-video showing use of a smartphone, but this is not applicable in SSTB exams
  • No Smart Watch
  • No headset, headphones, earmuffs or earpluggs
    If you want to avoid disturbing external noise, you can use earmuffs or earplugs
  • No other electronic equipment (such as cameras) other than that associated with the exam
  • No tools, books, or documents
  • No paper or pen (except for Whiteboard, see below)
  • No other software active on your computer than Chrome
  • No talking or singing. All sound and talk will be analyzed as suspicious behavior, so make sure you are in a quiet environment and that you refrain from talking out loud.
  • Toilet visits are not allowed.
  • Eating during the exam is not allowed.
  • No other person is allowed into the room during the examination.
If you don't follow the rules above, the exam can be terminated by the proctor

 
What can I have
A personal Whiteboard, that has been erased, must be shown to the proctor at the beginning and end of the exam. For detailed rules, see here.

The steps for application for the exam
Below are the steps that should be taken for your exam

  • Application with welcome email
  • Test of your equipment
  • The exam

 You will receive four emails in that process

  • Mail 1. Auto response from SSTB that you completed the first step in your application. Payment remaining
  • Mail 2. From SSTB when you have paid or initiated an invoice. Message that you are welcome to your exam.
  • Mail 3. From Proctorexam 7 days before the exam. There you should test your equipment
  • Mail 4. From ProctorExam after you have tested your equipment. Invitation to start the examination


Application
Application is done on SSTB's website www.sstb.se  under Open SSTB exams  / Online. If you have participated in a course before, registration can also be done through the training provider.

  • The name you provide will also be on your certificate
  • You specify the date, time, ISTQB module, and language in which you want to perform the exam.
  • If the language you are going to take an exam in is not your native language, you can get 25% extra time.
  • If you do the examination on other modules than CTFL, you have to attach a copy of your CTFL certificate
  • If you want your certificate to be shown in the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register (SCR), you can approve it here.
  • Be sure that the email address you provide is correct. The address is used as response to your application with the date and time, plus later you will be instructed to do a test of your equipment and start the examination.
    This is also the email address where your result will be sent
  • If you need extra time due to special needs (eg dyslexia or similar) you can get 30 min extra. Mail a medical certificate to info@sstb.se at the same time as you register. SSTB will delete the medical certificate when we have read it.
  • When you have also paid, you will receive MailNo. 2 ("Welcome to the ISTQB/SSTB exam...") as confirmation. It tells the date and time that you can perform the exam.
The application must be done latest 8 days prior to the exam

 
Testing your equipment
Once you have applied and got confirmation, you will 6 days before the examination receive an email (Mail 3) “Please register for your exam".
Now your equipment will be tested and you will get instructions how to download the Chrome extension. Details are described in more detail in the confirmation of your application and in Mail 3.
Do not use your headset in this test, the test is for the microphone and the speaker in your computer. 
Do the test as soon as possible, at least 3 days before the exam. If your computer is connected to a company network we recommend to do the test directly after you received Mail3. This to have time to correct possible problems.

The exam

  • You have got a mail, Mail 4 (“You are now ready to take your exam”)
  • You have received the time for the start of the examination after registration or in another way. This is the time when you can start the exam according to the email above. Remember that before you can start the exam, you must take a quick test and show your ID. Therefore, log in well in advance, even before the official time, thus avoiding the risk of starting too late.
  •  In the system (ProctorExam) you shall download a Word document that is the actual answer form. Fill in your name and save it, preferable on your “Desktop”. Tick your answers during the exam.
  • You should always follow the instructions of the proctor. If not, the proctor has the right to tell you to cancel the exam. Your exam will also fail.
  • If you are caught for misdemeanors, e.g. cheating, you will immediately be asked to finish the examination. Your exam will also fail.
  • The proctor announces just before the end of the exam that there are a few minutes left. When the exam time is out, you should immediately finish and follow the proctor’s directive.
  • At the end of the exam you should save the Word document (the answer form) before uploading it back to the system (ProctorExam).
  • You will be asked to upload the answer form.
  • You must delete any files that were added during the exam. The proctor is checking that you do. If you don't, you fail.
  • Throughout the exam, you must follow the instructions of the proctor as shown in the box at the bottom.

 
After the exam
The result will be sent by mail to your email address that you stated in the application. If you have not received it after three days please contact SSTB.