The NEBDN have been developing their online exam software with their partner Maxinity since moving to online exams in 2020. NEBDN invigilation software monitors learners activities both online and through their webcams and is triggered by irregular behaviour. This software is used both during live exams and during the practice sessions prior to the live exam.
The NEBDN recognise that online exams provide flexibility and learners often sit in their homes or their clinical settings. NEBDN has been very clear on expectations around adhering to exam conditions and maintaining standards of professionalism during an online exam and yet on occasion unacceptable conduct has been identified.
Examples of unacceptable conduct include:
- Being inappropriately dressed - dressing gowns, hoodies where faces are obscured, pyjamas
- Allowing someone else to be present in the room and showing the exam questions to them
- Using pre-prepared written or printed notes or other reference material during an exam
- Deliberately covering the webcam during an invigilated exam
- Sharing answers to exam questions with other learners via social media
Unacceptable conduct during an exam has resulted in the withholding of results, formal investigations, and where necessary, disqualification and/or being subject to fitness to practice proceedings.
NEBDN take these matters very seriously and will not hesitate to take relevant action with learners who do not display the level of behaviour that is expected by the profession and the standards set out by the GDC.
Please contact your tutor for advice if you have any questions or concerns regarding appropriate conduct.