If you’re preparing to take your CIPS remote exam, you’re in good hands with tips from our expert CIPS Tutor, John Little. With years of experience helping students navigate the complexities of the CIPS qualifications, John offers valuable insights to ensure you approach your exam with confidence.

CIPS Remote Exams

If there isn’t an exam centre nearby or your schedule is too busy to attend  in person, you can take the CIPS exam from the comfort of your home or office through a remote exam. CIPS introduced this option to offer greater flexibility, especially for candidates who may find it difficult to attend a traditional exam centre. Below, you’ll find information on what you’ll have to consider when going through the remote exam process.

Am I Eligible?

Firstly, you will need to work out whether you are eligible to sit your exams remotely. This depends on whether you meet the technical and environmental requirements:

  • A constant, stable, and high-speed internet connection with a consistent minimum speed of 516 kbps
  • Access to equipment that meets the essential technical requirements. This includes Mac 10.8+ or Windows 7+ operating system. Please note Surface Pro/iPads/tablets/notebooks are not compatible with the testing software so you cannot take your exam on any of those devices
  • Intel Core i3 (or equivalent) and 4GB RAM
  • A working webcam, microphone, and speaker system
  • A comfortable-size computer screen of at least 11 inches to minimise fatigue
  • A quiet and private room to sit your exam on the day

You will need to use an exam centre if your equipment doesn’t meet the necessary technical requirements. Additionally, if your internet connection is unreliable or if others in your household will be using the internet simultaneously, an exam centre may be a better option. If you cannot guarantee a private, quiet space for your exam, remote completion will not be possible.

Make sure you fulfil all the criteria before you book your remote exam. Check with CIPS or your local exam coordinator for any specific requirements or guidelines.

Booking Your CIPS Remote Exam

When you’re ready to book your remote exam, ensure you follow the steps below.

  1. Log in to your CIPS account on the CIPS website
  2. Navigate to the exam registration section and select the option for remote exams
  3. Choose the exam date and time that suits you, ensuring it aligns with the available remote exam slots
  4. You must download the TestReach app (the online assessment software) at least 5 days before your exam. Instructions for this will be sent to your primary email address with CIPS

Technical Readiness Check

Before your exam date, perform a technical readiness check to ensure your equipment and internet connection meet the requirements.

CIPS will provide guidelines or even a practice exam environment to help you familiarise yourself with the remote exam setup.

Exam Day

On the scheduled day, log in to your CIPS account well in advance of the exam start time. Follow any specific instructions provided by CIPS regarding logging in, camera setup, and exam commencement. During the exam, your session may be monitored remotely to ensure exam integrity and compliance with exam rules.

Post-Exam

Once you’ve completed your exam, follow the instructions for submitting your exam or receiving feedback. Then, wait for your results, which will typically be shared through your CIPS account or via email.

I’ve Already Booked My CIPS Remote Exam – What Next?

To help you prepare for your upcoming remote invigilation exam, please read the below information carefully.

Step 1: You’ll need a desktop/ laptop computer and a mobile device that meet the minimum technical requirements. Please see above for the requirements.

Step 2: Your remote invigilator will watch you during your exam, using the VICTVS V3 application on your mobile phone or tablet device.

Download the VICTVS V3 App onto your compatible device. You will receive your login details from VICTVS V3 two weeks prior to your exam date.

If you’ve not received this email, please contact: support@victvsv3.com.

Step 3: Your exam will take place on the TestReach computer-based application using your own desktop or laptop computer. Download the TestReach App onto your desktop/laptop computer.

Step 4: Check and confirm that your exam booking(s) in MyCIPS show in your local time and that it matches your exam booking(s) on TestReach and the VICTVS V3 application.

Your VICTVS time will display 30 mins earlier than your exam start time, this is to give you time to check in with your invigilator before the exam starts.

Your invigilator must be able to see you throughout your exam. You are expected to apply for a reasonable adjustment and submit valid medical evidence for rest/toilet breaks during an exam.

Email Remote.Invigilation@cips.org if required.

On Your Exam Day

You must open the VICTVS V3 application and connect with the invigilator before you open and begin your exam on the TestReach application on your laptop. If you do not follow this instruction, this will invalidate your exam results.

It’s your responsibility to make sure the invigilator can watch you throughout your exam.

Be ready to go through your system check-in with your remote invigilator. You’ll need photo identification and your exam confirmation which you will find in my exams & results on your CIPS account.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you prepare on the day of your exam:

  • If you are taking your exam on your laptop, make sure it is fully charged and plugged in
  • Have a clear desk space

As you will be using your phone/tablet for the remote invigilation via the VICTVS V3 app, make sure you:

  • Complete all app system updates on your device
  • Ensure your device is fully charged before beginning your examination and remember to keep spare charging cables close by just in case
  • Switch your device to airplane mode with WIFI enabled or do not disturb mode
  • Please ensure your mobile device is switched on loud. The application will alert you should you lose connection to your invigilator

Good luck with your revision and exams and don’t forget, we’re here to support you every step of the way!

If you’re not currently studying a CIPS course, but are interested in finding out more, contact us today to discover the right CIPS level for you.