April 2021
Oxford Learning Online recently put together a fantastic real-life student guide to the remote invigilated (RI) exams. Here’s their 10 top tips on getting through them.
1: Be prepared
As soon as you start the checkin process be prepared to start the exam (you can’t leave your allocated room or have anyone come into the room).
2: You are being watched
Don’t expect to see or communicate with the invigilator. They may be able to start your exam without asking any questions and if they do have any questions they will just type them into a chat box.
3: Your mouth
Resist covering your mouth with your hands at any point, even if it is a habit.
4: Looking around
Try not to look away from your screen for any length of time when concentrating – the invigilator may believe you’re looking at something.
5: Drinking
Definitely don’t drink too much beforehand, assuming the ACCA are going to allow just one five-minute toilet break again!
6: Noisy neighbours
Tell your neighbours that you’re sitting an exam so they keep the noise down.
7: Glass rooms
One student said: “I was not allowed to sit my exam in a glass room because it’s half-glass like a conservatory. I called the helpline and they said even with blinds or curtains it wouldn’t be allowed.”
8: Scratchpad
The scratchpad retains what is written on it and makes it visible for all questions. If anyone has anything that they’ve crammed before the exam to remember, it might be worth taking a minute at the very beginning to write it on the scratchpad to avoid forgetting it.
9: Finishing
If you finish with time to spare and have completed a review of all answers you don’t need to tell the invigilator you are leaving – you can just click the button to finish the exam and off you go!
10: Your nan calling
A student said: “My house phone bleeps every 30 seconds when a message is left and my nan, bless her, called to say good luck 10 minutes into my exam. So I could hear that in the background for the whole exam! For the next one I unplugged it!”
You can check out Oxford Learning Online at: https://oxfordlearningonline.co.uk/about/
Ensuring ACCA RI exam success
ACCA has reiterated that there are three things you must get right prior to exam day:
1 Connectivity
Poor connectivity or internet interruptions can lead to problems. To help reduce the chances of
this students should use a wired connection if possible. All pop-up blockers should be disabled to prevent interruptions and internet cookies should be enabled.
2 The technical requirement
PQs must check that their computers/laptops meet the minimum technical requirements and
pass the system test. If your machine fails to meet the technical requirements you should not
book a remote exam.
3 Corporate firewalls
Work computers often have more restrictions, such as corporate firewalls, that could prevent
successful delivery. If you are using a work laptop you must check the network configuration.
