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 28, 2024-07-02
 

After 2024-09-01, a smartphone (or tablet) shall be used as a second camera to provide an overview of the room where the exam takes place.
 

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.

All examinations offered by SSTB are also available online

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. This 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, e.g. through WiFi. 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. This is just an example, there can be other limitations.
  • For exams after 2024-09-01:
    Smartphone or tablet where the OS for Android should be at least ver 8, or with IOS/iPadOS (Apple) at least ver 15.8. 
    An app, ProctorExam, must be downloaded from Google Play Store or App Store.
  • 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. If you want you can protect private information when it is shown on camera.
  • You can also Test Taker Support from ProctorExam here.

Your environment

  • A separate well lit room, if possible with a door. You are alone. Having someone else in the room is a serious violation.
    During the setup process, you will be able to see what your webcam is sharing. Make sure the lighting is sufficient and no backlighting.
  • Make sure to cover up all irrelevant private information that you would not like to show, such as pictures or private objects.
  • The desktop should be empty except your computer equipment and a possible whiteboard.

What  I cannot have or do?

  • No electronic devices
  • Only ONE active computer screen
  • From 2024-09-01
    Smartphone or tablet when used as a second camera. You have to download an app, see above. You must have Android 8 or later or IOS/iPadOS 15.8 or later.
  • Up to 2024-08-31
    No mobile phone, smartphone or tablet
  • 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 other tabs open in 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 around 6 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
  • 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.
If you need extra time due to special needs (eg dyslexia or similar) you can get 30 min extra. Mail a medical certificate (which includes that you need extra time for exam or similar) to info@sstb.se at the same time as you register. SSTB will delete the medical certificate when we have read it.
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.
For exams after 2024-09-01:
You will also be instructed to download an app to your smartphone or tablet and it need to be tested. Please also make sure  that your smartphone or tablet is fully charged, or  charging, and that it is connected to WiFi.

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.
  • For exams after 2024-09-01:
    Set your smartphone or tablet in airplane mode and make sure it is fully charged,or charging and connected to WiFi. Scan the QR code that appears. Make sure your smartphone or tablet is positioned for the best overview.
  •  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.