1. Preparing for the exam

Accessing Verve Exams and Undertaking Assessment

It is highly recommended that the following information is read prior to accessing Verve Exams for the first time. It includes vital information showing how the system is accessed, how practice tests are undertaken, how to prepare Learners/Apprentices for the live test, how live tests are undertaken, how to conclude the test and how the Invigilator role is performed within the platform.

Please read the information below and click through to the following links to find step-by-step guidance on using the system:

• System requirements for Verve Exams

• Setting a password and accessing Verve Exams

• Accessing Verve Exams

• Completing the Apprentice’s exam

Starting Times for Exams

Where an exam is to be undertaken via online delivery, times are to be requested when the exam is booked. Online, remotely invigilated exams can be sat up until 23:59 on the scheduled date. Any amendment to the scheduled date must be requested at least five working days in advance.

Short answer questions exams will take place prior to their associated multiple choice questions exams and both must be undertaken on the same day.

Invigilation Arrangements

It is expected that you will organise for their exam to be sat in a venue which is deemed suitable and safe. When completing an exam in their own home, Learners/Apprentices should locate a quiet, appropriate space without disturbance from external sources, inform any household residents and remove any pets from the area before the exam takes place.

As online, remotely invigilated assessments are undertaken using a computer, the on-screen clock should be used to monitor the allotted time. If the Learner/Apprentice is unable to undertake the exam in a space deemed quiet and appropriate, you should inform Training Qualifications UK at the earliest opportunity.

For clarification; a quiet, appropriate space conducive to the undertaking of an online, remotely invigilated exam is defined by Training Qualifications UK as adhering to the following specifications:

• A space in the Learner/Apprentice’s home, workplace, Recognised Centre or other pre-arranged location which is populated only by the Learner/Apprentice themselves and no other parties.

• A space which is well-lit in order to allow maximum webcam visibility.

• A space free from distractions which may cause the Learner/Apprentice to divert their attention away from the computer screen or move outside the webcam’s viewing range.

• A space free from personal/sensitive material which may inadvertently be captured by the webcam. If such material cannot be removed from the room entirely, Learners/Apprentices should ensure that it is moved to a location which is outside the webcam’s viewing range.

• A space which is free from visual or physical access to supporting materials if not permitted by the assessment specifications.

The space, as described above, must meet these requirements throughout the entire duration of the exam.

Learners/Apprentices must obtain a desktop or laptop computer which is equipped with a working webcam, a stable internet connection and Google Chrome web browser before the day of their examination. In the case of short answer question exams undertaken via Zoom, Learners/Apprentices must also ensure they have downloaded Adobe Reader, authorised the use of digital signatures and are able to access Zoom using instructions provided in email correspondence by Training Qualifications UK. Technical guidance including FAQs can be found in the Exams Technical Guidance document on Verve EPA.

Invigilation Arrangements for Candidates with Accessibility Requirements

If Learners/Apprentices are to undertake their exam in a location external to their own home, you must provide accessibility arrangements for Learners/Apprentices who will require additional assistance for arriving, setting up and departing from the exam venue prior to or during the exam in line with your own policies.

Special Consideration and Reasonable Adjustment

Any application for special consideration, based on a situation that wasn’t made aware to Training Qualifications UK prior to the exam date, must be made within five working days of the completion of the exam. Applications for reasonable adjustment, including additional time requests, should be made directly to Training Qualifications UK a minimum of ten working days before the exam date.

Invigilation Arrangements for Candidates with Religious Coverings

Any Learners/Apprentices who wear religious coverings are encouraged to undertake their exams using paper-based or online methods with in-person invigilation. This is due to the fact that in order to verify the identity of the Learner/Apprentice, these coverings should be briefly removed in a private room, with consent, prior to beginning the exam. Under remote invigilation circumstances, adherence to specifications regarding parties to whom the Learner/Apprentice wishes to reveal their face cannot be guaranteed and this must be considered by the Learner/Apprentice and yourselves prior to the organisation of a remotely invigilated exam.