Computer-based tests

Regulations for the conduct of AAT computer-based tests (CBT) using

the SecureAssess platform

January 2011

AAT Chief Executive: Jane Scott Paul. AAT is sponsored by CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS
A company limited by guaranteed (No: 1518983) and registered as a charity (No. 1050724) Registered in England and Wales, Registered office: 140 Aldergates Street, London EC1A 4HY
If you have any queries about AAT computer-based test that are not answered by this document,
please contact us by email at cba@aat.org.uk or ring us on +44 (0)20 7397 3012.

Regulations for the conduct of AAT computer-based tests

1.1 Assessment arrangements

1.1.1 Appointing an e-assessment administrator

The centre should designate an e-assessment administrator who will be responsible

for scheduling practice and live tests, the invigilation and overall conduct of the
assessments, security, testing environment and test fees.

Although the centre does have discretion to decide who is appropriate to undertake
this role, relatives of any candidates taking the exams or tutors who prepared the
candidates for the exam cannot act as an e-assessment administrator.

The e-assessment administrator should be familiar with how to manage all aspects of
the assessment software relevant to scheduling and conducting of the assessment
and issuing results. Please refer to the SecureAssess centre user guide at
aat.org.uk

The centre must also have access to IT support for the installation of the software and
upgrades and to deal with any complications that may arise with the centre’s system.

1.1.2 Testing environment

The test area and equipment should be checked in advance of any test to ensure they
meet required standards for the assessment. The design and layout of the test area
and equipment, in general, should comply with ISO/IEC 23988:2007 (international code
of practice for the use of information technology) and should include

• a stable workstation with sufficient space for the candidate to work and an
adjustable chair
• freedom from glare
• work stations positioned so that candidates’ screens cannot be read by any other
candidate
• ventilation to cope with the heat generated by equipment

1.1.3 Scheduling tests

The e-assessment administrator should advise teaching staff and learners what the
centre’s procedures are for scheduling a test (practice and live) and how much
advance notice is required.

All candidates taking a CBT need to be registered as student members of the AAT.
They should sit a practice test to familiarise themselves with the software and format
of the exam. Candidates should also be given the opportunity to familiarise
themselves with the environment of the exam and how to navigate in and between
screens before the sitting.

The time and frequency of CBT are set by the centre.

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1.1.4 Invigilators

It is the responsibility of each centre administering AAT exams to appoint suitably

qualified and experienced people to act as invigilators. Centres are responsible for
briefing invigilators and for ensuring that they are familiar with the appropriate
regulations governing the conduct of external exams. Invigilators act for the centre.

Invigilators have a key role in upholding the integrity of the assessment process. They
are responsible for the proper conduct of the test. There should be at least one
invigilator for every 20 candidates.

Although the centre does have discretion to decide who is appropriate to undertake
this role, relatives of any candidates taking the exams or tutors who prepared the
candidates for the exam cannot act as a sole invigilator.

Also, anyone acting as a reader or a scribe for a particular exam cannot act as an
invigilator for that exam.

The centre may use computer technology, for example, CCTV, to help monitor
candidates. If there is only one invigilator she or he must be able to summon
assistance quickly and easily, without disturbing candidates, to ensure monitoring of
the assessment is uninterrupted.

1.1.5 Photo ID

All candidates are required to provide photographic proof of identity.

Acceptable documents for this purpose are:

• Passport
• driving licence (if it includes a photograph)
• UK CitizenCard
• national identity card.

In countries where there is a national identity card, only that or some other form of
government-issued photo ID can be accepted.

1.1.6 Before the assessment

Prior to the start of the assessment the administrator (and invigilators) must ensure
that:

• the room and equipment meet the assessment requirements

• they are familiar with the assessment regulations
• they are able to operate the equipment and manage the assessment software (if
required)
• they carry out checks of the photographic proof of identity (see 1.1.5 above)
which each candidate should provide, and are fully satisfied as to the identity of
the candidate
• they complete the attendance records
• candidates do not have in their possession any notes, revision materials or text
books (these materials must be placed out of the reach of candidates)
• rough paper is available in the room (candidates are not permitted to bring their
own rough paper)
• all mobile phones are switched off, collected, and placed out of the reach of
candidates
• candidates know how to operate equipment
• candidates have been provided with their keycodes
• they inform candidates that they are now subject to the rules of the exam and
read the supervisor’s announcement (Annex 1)

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1.1.7 Candidates’ equipment

Candidates may bring with them pens, pencils, erasers and a calculator. If contained
in the pencil case this must be transparent.

Calculators must not be programmable. Calculators should not be able to store data,
text or alphanumeric formulas. Calculators should not emit audible tones, be able to
print, be programmable from other sources or be a function of a personal organiser,
watch or mobile phone. Solar powered calculators are used at the candidate’s own
risk.

The following items are not permitted:

• dictionaries (including electronic dictionaries)

• computers other than those being used for the assessment
• study text, revision cards, course notes
• books and papers

1.1.8 During the assessment

Invigilators must supervise candidates throughout the whole assessment.

Invigilators must give their whole attention to the proper conduct of the assessment
and not undertake any other activities whilst invigilating.

Technical help for any hardware and software problems should be available
throughout the assessment.

Candidate responses to assessment tasks must be their own, unaided, work.

1.1.9 Troubleshooting

In the case of general functionality problems, first make sure that the machines in use
meet the minimum requirements.

hardware:
• 2.3GHz CPU or higher
• 1 GB of memory
• Graphics card with at least 64MB of memory
• screen resolution of 1024 x 768
• 1GB of free space
• Two-button scroll mouse

software:
• Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later) or Windows Vista 32-bit
• Windows 2003 Server+
• Microsoft .NET 3.0+
• Adobe Flash Player 10.

If the full screen is not visible – try hitting key F11 (usually on the top row of the
keyboard) for full screen.

If the screen freezes, first of all pause the candidate’s exam using the SecureAssess
dashboard. You can then either switch off and reboot the machine and re-enter the
keycode, or connect using another machine, again re-entering the original keycode. In
either case, the system saves every 30 seconds, so this is the maximum amount of
work that could be lost.

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Inactive cells will sometimes respond if you click away from them and then click back
in them.

SecureClient (v8.1)
Check whether the most recent SecureClient is installed on the computer. Click the
“Show Admin” button which appears on the front screen of the client to see the version
number.

If the ‘show admin’ button does not appear on the front screen you may be using an
older version of the client.

V8.1 has features which will improve performance with the more advanced question
types. The installation guide is available from AAT’s website: AAT Secure Client Install
Guide and Test or aat.org.uk/content/item18261/

Connection loss/disconnection error

If the connection to the server fails for any reason, SecureClient (v8.1 only) will begin
storing interactions/responses on the candidate’s computer until the end of the exam.
At the end of the exam, the candidate is required to confirm they have finished
responding to all the questions and they wish to end the exam. They will do this by
selecting the relevant option on screen. Once they’ve confirmed this there are two
possible next steps.

1. If the candidate’s computer has re-established an internet connection then their

responses and exam will be automatically uploaded back to the SecureAssess
system.

2. If the candidate’s computer still has no internet connection, a pop-up will be

displayed informing them that their result has not been uploaded, and will need to be
uploaded by the invigilator.

It is important that you re-establish connection and submit the candidate’s completed
assessment the same day to prevent loss of the data. If the data is lost the candidate
will have to resit the test.

If you are faced by a problem that is not resolved by any of these tips, please contact
the AAT help desk on +44 (0)20 7397 3012.

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 1.1.10 Breaks during assessment

We recommend that for assessments over 1.5 hours, candidates are permitted to
take a break. Invigilators should agree the timing and duration of the break in
advance and inform candidates before starting the test. Candidates must be
supervised through the break.

1.1.11 End of assessment

The session will close automatically at the end of the allocated time or when
candidates confirm onscreen that they have finished.

1.2 Misconduct and irregularities

If an invigilator observes cheating or any other behaviour that is inappropriate under

assessment conditions, e.g. using revision notes, they must take steps to stop it and inform
the appropriate centre staff. If the incident is serious enough then the candidate should be
instructed to leave and their assessment voided.

All incidents of misconduct will be investigated and could lead to results being declared null
and void or expulsion from the AAT. The invigilator should note the time and nature of any
incidents and email full details to the AAT the same day as the assessment. Please also
refer to the AAT’s malpractice policy.

1.3 Emergencies and incidents

If an emergency occurs during the assessment, for example, a fire alarm, bomb warning,
then the exam room must be evacuated in accordance with the instructions of the
appropriate authority.

Pause the exam session.

A record detailing the date and time of the incident must be kept and e-mailed to the AAT
the same day. Candidates should be supervised whilst they are out of the room and
reminded that they remain under exam conditions.

Before restarting the session, allow the candidates five minutes to compose themselves.
The session may be restarted with no loss of time.

You should also report the same day any incident that occurred during the assessment that
may have adversely affected the candidates’ performance. Email full details to AAT at
cba@aat.org.uk

1.4 Reasonable adjustments for candidates with particular assessment requirements

For candidates with particular assessment requirements reference should be made to

Guidance on the Application of Reasonable Adjustments and Special consideration in AAT
Assessment, which sets out special access arrangements. Please visit
aat.org.uk/reasonableadjustments

1.5 After the exam

Once the session has completed, for all candidates present, provisional results for level 1, 2
and 3 will be available from the system. Level 4 results will be available within approximately
six weeks.

Centres should provide the candidate with a copy of their result. Candidates will be able to
view and print out their final results through their online MyAAT account within five working
days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) of the test.

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 Annex 1
Invigilator’s announcement

Please listen carefully to the following instructions.

You will be provided with a keycode to open the exam.

During the exam you must not obtain, or try to obtain, help from another candidate. Also you must not
help or attempt to help another candidate.

Any suspected incidents of malpractice will be reported to the AAT and may lead to results being
declared null and void.

Any candidate caught with notes or books, copying from or talking to other candidates, or cheating in
any way will be expelled from the exam room.

Rough paper is provided should you needed, but please note this will not be marked.

Dictionaries, mobile phones, talking and smoking are not allowed.

If you need to leave the room during the exam, raise your hand to attract the attention of the
invigilator. You will only be allowed to leave under supervision. When leaving the room you must do
so in an orderly and quiet manner.

If you require the attention of the invigilator you must raise your hand.

For time available please see the clock on the screen.

I will now switch the exam to live or You may now enter this PIN
and you may begin as soon as the exam is on screen.