In 2020, due to the Covid-19 outbreak and to conclude the competitions within a reasonable period, EPSO decided to organise remote online testing for the Assessment Centre tests. Remote online testing allows candidates to sit the EPSO exams at home, in the office, or in an EPSO-accredited test centre throughout Europe and worldwide. The testing takes place on a videoconferencing platform, currently Microsoft Teams, but the main underlying ideas remain intact.
In June 2021, EPSO announced the introduction of remotely proctored computer-based tests (CBTs). We are all aware of how the invigilation process works in the offline method of conducting an exam: experienced invigilators are hired to physically monitor the test-taking candidates. They are assigned to test centres where they are responsible to maintain a strict, cheat-proof test-taking environment.
In the case of Remote Proctoring, the basics of the invigilation process are same; it’s just that it is automated. Remote Proctoring allows a proctor to monitor an ongoing online exam with the feasibility of AI integrated technology. The remote proctoring system not only allows greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness, but it is also particularly relevant in the context of the current global situation, where attendance at test centres may present significant challenges due to public health measures such as travel restrictions and lockdowns in multiple countries, also entailing closure of test centres.
EPSO informs candidates through the relevant competition page on their website if this option is available for a specific test event. If this option is offered, but a candidate does not choose the remote proctoring option, they are responsible for booking their test for themselves in one of EPSO’s accredited test centres worldwide. It is also their responsibility to check if any travel or other restrictions apply at the selected test centre, bearing in mind the pandemic situation.
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