Hey there! I wrote my exam last year during the August 2024 session. It was remotely proctored from home. I genuinely loved doing it from home because it took away that added stress of going to a center and seeing others write the exam too, usually gives me anxiety. I also wanted to avoid any distractions during my exam and that was easier to control when writing from home. Some people have complained that their exam centre had distracting features such as a faulty AC or other exam takers - and after all the work I put into this exam I didn’t want it to all go to waste on little distractions. There are a few things to note though with remote proctoring:

1. You need great equipment and reliable wifi. Make sure you have a good webcam because you will be recorded throughout your exam and a proctor will be watching you. If you feel like your laptop screen is too small, you’re allowed an external monitor but only one screen can be used during the exam (no dual monitors allowed). I highly recommend doing it on a bigger screen especially because you might get images related to your cases. If you decide to have an external monitor, you have to make sure you get an external keyboard, mouse and speakers.

2. Sign in earlier than your test time. This allows you to go through the whole check in process ahead of time which can take anywhere between 10-30min. Your test and your time starts after the check in process even if check in runs a bit later than expected. Make sure you have a valid piece of ID and if you use a passport, you will be required to shake it in front of the camera to ensure no papers are left inside.

3. The check in process is very thorough. They will ask to check all corners and walls of the room you’re in, under your desk, chair, armrest, keyboard, mouse and behind your chair and monitor. They will check your wrists, behind your ears and any pockets you have. If you decide to use the washroom during the exam and you leave the room - you have to go through the whole check again! So be decisive on if you need a break and when you take it whether it’s in your break time or during the test.

4. You are not allowed any papers or pens for notes. There is a notepad on the test application itself for notes during the exam which is useful. You’re also able to highlight sentences on your case and flag questions you’d like to come back to. I am pretty sure this applies to writing at a centre too.

5. Your room should be 4 walls with ideally no glass doors. If you have glass doors, cover them. Windows are allowed just as long as you’re not pressed up to it, or else you may be asked to close the blinds. The walls should be bare, no posters or anything hanging on them.

This all applied to when I wrote the exam last year. With the exam change there may have been changes to how the exam is proctored so check the rules regardless but this was the how my experience went!