IWCF Operations Limited

Digital Assessment Accreditation

Guidance
31 July 2018

Name Function Signature Date

Rae Archibald Author Signed on original 31/07/2018

Laura Briggs Reviewer Signed on original 31/07/2018

Joanna Simpson Approver Signed on original 01/08/2018

 Digital Assessment Accreditation Guidance

Contents
1. An overview........................................................................................................................... 3
2. How to apply ......................................................................................................................... 3
3. Digital assessment options .................................................................................................... 3
Assessment options ........................................................................................................... 4
3.1.1. Online option ............................................................................................................... 4
3.1.2. USB option .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1.3. HUB Option ................................................................................................................. 5
4. Digital assessment accreditation requirements ...................................................................... 5
Device (desktop/laptop/tablet) ............................................................................................ 6
Software and internet requirements.................................................................................... 7
Building floor plan............................................................................................................... 8
Digital assessment room .................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1. Seating arrangement ................................................................................................... 8
4.4.2. Invigilator desk............................................................................................................. 8
4.4.3. Invigilator device (laptop or desktop) ........................................................................... 8
4.4.4. Telephone ................................................................................................................... 9
Technical support ............................................................................................................... 9
Time zone .......................................................................................................................... 9
5. Factors that can affect connection speeds when using Wi-Fi ................................................ 9
6. Internet speed test – ping, download and upload ................................................................ 10
Ping.................................................................................................................................. 10
Download speed .............................................................................................................. 10
Upload speed ................................................................................................................... 10
Latency ............................................................................................................................ 10
7. Assessment centre declaration............................................................................................ 10
Appendix 1 – Seating arrangement ............................................................................................... 11
Appendix 2 – USB Solution ........................................................................................................... 12
Appendix 3 – HUB Solution ........................................................................................................... 13

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 Digital Assessment Accreditation Guidance

1. An overview

This document was written to provide guidance on the accreditation application requirements to
administer the IWCF digital assessment.

It is important you read this document before completing your digital assessment application.
The accreditation requirements captured within this document are accompanied by guidance on
what is needed to achieve and maintain accreditation.

2. How to apply

To apply for accreditation, the digital assessment application form must be fully completed and
returned to accreditation@iwcf.org. The application form can be downloaded from the members
section of the IWCF website www.iwcf.org and the useful documents section in FORUM.

Please allow 10 working days for review of your digital assessment application. When submitting
your application for review, please ensure all evidence requested is provided. Failure to provide the
requested evidence may result in delays in the application review process.

3. Digital assessment options

There are three digital assessment options available to training centres.

The below table illustrates the digital assessment option available for each type of device.

Laptop/Desktop
Connection iOS Tablet Android Tablet
(Windows)
Online Assessment Online   
USB Assessment Offline  x x
HUB Assessment Offline*   
* The assessment is downloaded and carried out offline however a continuous connection to the
Local Area Network (LAN), via a Raspberry Pi device is required.

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Assessment options

3.1.1. Online option

Training centres who meet the internet connection requirements detailed in section 4.2 can apply
to be accredited for the online assessment option.

The IWCF assessment is initiated by the invigilator at the training centre. The candidate completes
the online assessment using the eNetSecure application*. Once the candidate has completed the
assessment the results are automatically calculated and available on FORUM.

Equipment required:

 Candidate device (desktop/ laptop/ tablet) – please refer to section 4.1

 Invigilator device – please refer to section 4.4.3
 Stylus Pen (iPad/Android devices only – optional)

*Once accredited you will receive the eNetSecure Application and guidance document from your
Account Coordinator.

3.1.2. USB option

Training centres with poor internet connection can apply to be accredited for the USB assessment
option. This option allows the candidate to complete the assessment offline without the need for a
stable wired internet connection.

The IWCF assessments are loaded onto a USB device at the training centre. The USB device is
plugged into the candidate computer and the invigilator initiates the assessment. Once the
candidate has completed the assessment the data is uploaded back onto the IWCF system.

Equipment required:

 Candidate device (desktop/ laptop) – please refer to section 4.1

 Invigilator device – please refer to section 4.4.3
 USB devices (1 per candidate) – recommended USB 3.0 (100 mb/s read and 60 mb/s write)
 USB Docking Station – recommended minimum 4 ports

Once accredited you will receive the eNetSecure Administration App and guidance document from
your Account Coordinator.

Please refer to appendix 2 for further information.

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3.1.3. HUB Option

Training centres with poor internet connection can apply to be accredited for the HUB assessment
option. This option allows the candidate to complete the assessment offline without the need for a
stable wired internet connection.

The HUB solution (Raspberry Pi) device is used to connect the devices to the local area network
(LAN) at the training centre. A Wi-Fi or ethernet connection is required to connect to the LAN. The
IWCF assessments are loaded onto a storage device (USB or SD card) which is plugged into the
HUB. The HUB is plugged into the LAN and the invigilator initiates the assessment. Once the
candidate completes the assessment the data is uploaded back onto the IWCF system.

Equipment required:

 HUB device (1 per accredited assessment room) – recommended Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

16GB
 Candidate device (desktop/ laptop/ tablet) – please refer to section 4.1
 Invigilator device – please refer to section 4.4.3
 PC monitor/ TV monitor – depending on the monitors input port, you will need an appropriate
cable;
o If your monitors input is VGA, you will need a VGA to HDMI cable
o If your monitors input is DVI, you will need a DVI to HDMI cable
o If your monitors input is HDMI, you will need a HDMI to HDMI cable
 USB mouse required to plug into HUB device
 Ethernet cable
 Stylus Pen (iPad/Android devices only – optional)

Once accredited you will receive the eNetSecure Administration App and guidance document from
your Account Coordinator.

Please refer to appendix 3 for further information.

4. Digital assessment accreditation requirements

When applying to administer digital assessments you will be asked to demonstrate and confirm
your centre has all required resources. The below table lists each resource and the required
application evidence.

Reference Resource Application Evidence Required

4.1 Device (desktop/laptop/tablet) Photograph and application confirmation
4.2 Software and internet Application confirmation
4.3 Virus protection Application confirmation
4.4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible Application confirmation
4.5 Building floor plan Building floor plan
4.6 Digital assessment room Photograph and application confirmation
4.7 Technical support Application confirmation
4.8 Time zone Application confirmation
6 Internet speed Speed test and application confirmation

Each resource must meet IWCF standards, in accordance with the below criteria:

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Device (desktop/laptop/tablet)

There must be a device available for each candidate completing a digital assessment, and at least
one replacement device available.

 All desktops and laptops must have a mouse available (a mouse with a scroll wheel is
recommended).

 We recommend lock screens and screensavers are disabled on all desktops and laptops.
This is to ensure candidates are not disrupted during their assessment. If this is not possible,
please ensure the password for unlocking the computer is available to the candidate.

 Laptops and tablets must be fully charged and have an adapter and charging port available.

Evidence Required – Photograph of the assessment room set-up for digital assessment and
application confirmation. The replacement device must appear in the photograph.

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 Online Assessment Accreditation Guidance
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Software and internet requirements

The below table illustrates the software and internet requirements to run digital assessments for each device type.
Requirements Laptop/Desktop iOS Tablet Android Tablet
 Lollipop – (android version 5.*)
IE11 and Microsoft Windows 7 and above  iOS 9
 Marshmallow – (android version 6.*)
Operating System (For example, Windows 8, Windows 8.1  iOS 10
 Nougat – (android version 7.*)
and Windows 10), with a RAM 2GB.  iOS 11
 Oreo – (android version 8.*)
Monitor Resolution A minimum of 1024 x 768 pixels.
1. Settings > General > Accessibility > 1. Settings > Security & Location > Screen
Guided Access (Learning) – set to Printing – set to “On”.
“On”. 2. Settings > Display > Advanced > Sleep –
2. Settings > Display & Brightness > set to highest value, usually “30 minutes”.
Setting Requirements* Disable lock screens and screen savers.
Auto Lock – set to “Never”. 3. We recommend that you set the device
3. We recommend that you set the orientation to landscape mode and enable
device orientation to landscape mode rotation lock.
and enable rotation lock.
 iPad 2
 iPad (3rd Generation)
 iPad (4th Generation)
Recommended Devices Samsung Galaxy Tab A
 iPad Air
 iPad Air 2
 iPad (2017)
Internet Connection and Network Requirements
To achieve the best possible experience, we recommend a bandwidth of 4Mbps (500kB/s) per laptop/desktop/tablet (device). For
example, 15 devices would require a minimum bandwidth of 60Mbps (7500kB/s).
Online Assessment
The minimum recommended bandwidth is 2Mbps (256kB/s) per laptop/desktop or tablet (device). For example, 15 devices would
require a minimum of 30Mbps (3840kB/s). If the internet connection just meets the minimum requirements you may experience a slower
connection.
USB/HUB
USB Assessment An internet connection is required however there is no minimum requirements.
HUB Assessment An internet connection is required however there is no minimum requirements.
The recommended connection type for online assessments is a wired connection. This is
the most reliable type of connection. A continuous connection to the LAN is required for the
Wired Connection
HUB option. For more information on how to achieve a wired connection on a tablet please
contact accreditation@iwcf.org.
Network
To run an online assessment using Wi-Fi you must have a consistent connection. Having a
Wi-Fi
low latency connection will provide a better experience.
We do not recommend running online assessments using 3G, however a stable 4G
3G/4G
connection is acceptable.
* Different iOS and android versions may have slightly different setting options and may vary from the above.
 Digital Assessment Accreditation Guidance

Building floor plan

The building floor plan must show the layout of all rooms within the centre building including exits,
toilets, break rooms, training rooms, assessment rooms and simulator rooms (where applicable).
The name/reference of the assessment and simulator rooms must be clearly annotated on the floor
plan.

Evidence Required – Building floor plan.

Digital assessment room

The maximum number of candidates an IWCF digital assessment room can be accredited for is 20*.
This maximum is based on the applicant-centre providing evidence demonstrating they can provide
resources for 20 candidates, in accordance with the digital assessment accreditation requirements
detailed within this document.

Digital and written assessments cannot be mixed on the same schedule and must not take place in
the same assessment room at the same time. This means candidates completing a digital
assessment cannot be added to a schedule with candidates completing a written assessment.

*The Digital assessment room can be accredited for up to 20 candidates. Training room capacity
remains unchanged (up to 15 candidates).

4.4.1. Seating arrangement

All candidates must be seated at separate desks which are big enough to hold the device and provide
comfortable room for the candidate to make rough notes.

There must be a minimum of 1 metre measured from the nearest outer edge of one desk to the next
when candidates are sitting adjacent to one another. If candidates are seated behind each other, the
distance between desks must be a minimum of 1 metre, measured from the back of one desk to the
front of the next. Alternatively, partitions may be used to restrict the candidate’s view of other’s
devices. This policy is designed to prevent candidates overlooking the work of others and reduce
the ability of candidates conversing or colluding during an assessment.

Walls and boards must be clear of any materials that could provide help to the candidates during the
assessment.

Please refer to appendix 1 for guidance on the seating arrangements.

4.4.2. Invigilator desk

A desk must be available for the invigilator and should be positioned so they can clearly see
communication between candidates and use of unauthorised materials. There must be adequate
space around desks to allow the invigilator the ability to comfortably walk around the room.

4.4.3. Invigilator device (laptop or desktop)

A laptop or desktop must be available in the assessment room for the invigilator to use. The invigilator
is responsible for initiating each digital assessment. This needs to be completed before the
candidates can attempt their assessments.

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 Digital Assessment Accreditation Guidance

To allow the invigilator to access FORUM, web browsing software must be installed on the training
centre’s internet connected computer.

Compatible browsers include: Microsoft Internet Explorer version 9+, Mozilla Firefox version 25+,
Google Chrome version 31+ and Safari version 6+.

4.4.4. Telephone

A telephone must be available in the assessment room for the invigilator to use. The invigilator must
be able to contact IWCF directly should they encounter any problems with administering the digital
assessment.

Evidence Required - Photograph of the assessment room set-up for digital assessment and
application confirmation.

Technical support

Centres must provide technical support (centre representative) for the full duration of the invigilated
digital assessments.

The invigilator must be able to contact the technical support (centre representative) for assistance,
should they encounter malfunctioning equipment or software issues during a digital assessment. On
arrival at your centre the invigilator must be informed of who the technical support (centre
representative) is, and how to contact them during a digital assessment.

Centre technical support (centre representative) must only deal with issues arising from
malfunctioning equipment or the centres software. If any issues arise that directly relate to the
administration of the digital assessment, IWCF must be notified.

Evidence Required – Application confirmation.

Time zone
It is important that details of your centre location time zone are captured accurately in the
application form. The time zone will determine the geographical region for each digital assessment.
Inaccuracies in this information will impact the candidate’s ability to start the digital assessment at
the correct time.

Candidates can login to complete their assessment from the exact start time that was selected when
creating the schedule. Candidates will not be able to login prior to this time.

Evidence Required – Application confirmation.

5. Factors that can affect connection speeds when using Wi-Fi

To reduce the chances of disconnects when using Wi-Fi, it is recommended that you do not have
too many devices connected through the Wi-Fi or ensure that your Wi-Fi can support a large number
of concurrent connections.

The below factors should be considered when running online assessments using Wi-Fi:

1. The strength of the connection. The further your device is from the router the weaker the
signal will be. The signal can be affected by physical obstacles placed between the router
and devices, for example, floors and ceilings.

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2. How many users are using the Wi-Fi at the same time. Your internet speed might decrease
as more devices connect to the same network.

3. Interference caused by other Wi-Fi networks in nearby buildings.

4. The frequency of the connection. Is it 2.4Mhz or 5Mhz. Not all devices and routers support
the faster 5Mhz connection.

6. Internet speed test – ping, download and upload

You can check your internet speeds at http://www.speedtest.net/.

We recommend conducting the speed test on more than one device on your network.

Ping
This checks the reaction time of your connection and measures how fast you get a response after
you have sent out a request.

Download speed
This shows you how fast you can pull data from the server to you.

Upload speed
This shows you how fast you send data from you to others.

Latency
A low latency connection will provide a better experience. You can check your latency connection
at http://www.iwcf-forum.org/Assess/External/Connection.

Evidence Required – Copy of internet speed test, latency test and application confirmation.

7. Assessment centre declaration

The assessment centre declaration must be signed and dated by an authorised signatory from the
centre. In signing the declaration, you are confirming that all digital assessment requirements
detailed within the application form are met and that once accredited all IWCF digital assessments
will be conducted in accordance with IWCF procedure and accreditation requirements.

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Appendix 1 – Seating arrangement

The below diagram illustrates the minimum spacing between desks and devices when setting up
your assessment room for an online assessment.

FRONT OF THE ASSESSMENT ROOM

BACK OF THE ASSESSMENT ROOM

Notes:

Distance between desks must be 1 metre, measured from the nearest outer edge of one desk to
the next when candidates sitting adjacent to one another.

If candidates are seated behind each other, distance between desks must be 1 metre, measured
from the back of one desk to the front of the next.

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Appendix 2 – USB Solution

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Appendix 3 – HUB Solution

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