ICB: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

Updated 28/10/2024

There are two system checks that will take place on your PoE.

1. As part of your PoE in the Online setup quiz

2. At the start of your exam on exam day

The exam sessions are proctored via live streaming, so we require a certain setup to allow us to digitally invigilate your exam.  The two system checks are provided to ensure that we have the right mechanisms in place to record the sessions and to try prevent any dip in data speed or connectivity which could cause issues.

You will not be allowed access to the online exam if your system does not pass these system checks.  This is an automatic process and cannot be bypassed.  

Firstly, you need to have worked through the Technical Specifications required, and made sure that you have met all the requirements for setting up your PC for the upcoming online exam.   Once you believe that you setup is correct, then proceed with the first check below.

1. Technical System Pre-Check (done prior to the Exam): 

• This is done on your PoE as part of the quiz in the exam set up section.  
• Must be completed on the same device and network that you will be using for your online exam.
• Can be done as many times as is needed prior to PoE completion date.
• Checks for the following functionality for online exams at the time of the system check

1. Are your camera and mic permissions allowed and functional at the time of the system check.
2. Is your camera able to record an image at the time of the system check.
3. Do you have an internet connection at the time of the system check
4. Does your device have the ability to stream a recording at the time of the system check.

• Does not check for the following:

1. Whether you are using the recommended network connectivity with the required internet speed to stream the recording of the exam on exam day as per the Technical specifications provided.
2. Whether you have enough data to complete the online exam as per the Technical specifications provided.

•  Even if these checks are passed, it does not guarantee that you will be able to run the exam on exam day. The student needs to make sure that the network type, connectivity and speed meet the requirements for exam day. Adequate streaming capability cannot be checked by the Technical System Check as this check is only a few minutes and the exam is a few hours. 

2. Technical System Check (done at the start of your Exam): 

• The Technical System Check completed on exam day to participate in the online exam on checks the following:

1. Are your camera and mic permissions allowed and functional on exam day.
2. Is your camera able to record an image on exam day.
3. Do you have the recommended internet network connection and speed as per the Technical specifications on exam day. (This has to meet all the requirements as per the Technical Specifications)
4. Does your device have the ability to stream a recording using the recommended connectivity type as per the Technical specifications on exam day.

• The ICB exam does not have a threshold on the number of students who are able to participate in an online exam on any given exam day. The system is stress tested prior to every online exam. 
• If a student is unable to connect to the exam or is disconnected from the exam they need ensure they are using the recommended network connectivity as per the Technical specifications. 
• Remember, even if you pass the system checks at the beginning, it does not guarantee that you will not have dips in the connection. And just because your connection has worked previously, it does not guarantee that it will work under these conditions for the full exam session.
• Students must contact the ICB Support team via the CHAT function on Macci if they are struggling for more than a few minutes.

HOW TO FIND THE TECHNICAL SYSTEM PRE-CHECK ON MACCI:

This check has been added to the Online Exam Setup Quiz in Section A of the portfolio.

Follow the instructions in this quiz to access the system checks and the quiz. Using the functionality in this way will give you a good idea of what to expect on exam day and also assist with any technical issues before the exam.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE SYSTEM CHECK:

Click on "attempt quiz" to start the system checks.

1. Accept ICB terms and conditions for the exam

2. Pass a system check

All ticks in the system check need to be green for you to pass. 

Remember that the system you are checking now must be the same system you use on exam day. And you can use the Technical System Check link as many times as you like to double check your technical set up.  

NOTE: ONLY ONE SCREEN CAN BE USED FOR THE EXAMS. MULTIPLE SCREENS WILL FAIL THIS SYSTEM CHECK.

3. You must share your screen

4. You must take a profile photo:

5. You must take a photo of your ID

6. You must accept exam rules. 

7. You must accept exam rules.

Now you will click "attempt quiz" again to start the questions. The same will happen on exam day.

Trouble shooting issues for the pre-exam system check:

On your PoE, there are additional tips on how to trouble shoot camera and mic issues and also how to set up your device and network if these belong to a third party. Very important if you are using a any external device or network.

Requirement	What does the check for?	Reasons for failure	Troubleshooting
	Checks that mic is connected and is allowed  Checks that camera is connected and is allowed	Mic or camera permissions not allowed in browser Mic or camera permissions not allowed on device No mic detected  No camera detected  Mic is muted	Ensure that camera and mic is allowed in the browser and on the device Ensure that mic is working correctly and not muted Ensure that if using a USB mic or camera to remove and reattach these correctly and test again
	Checks that image is streaming from webcam	Webcam covered  Webcam not on  Webcam not allowed in browser or on device No camera detected (USB)	Ensure that camera is on and not covered Ensure that camera is facing you and there is enough light in the room Ensure camera permissions are allowed in the browser and on the device Test the camera app to ensure it is working Ensure that USB camera is inserted correctly
	Check internet connectivity for sufficient network speed	Download or upload speed is not sufficient Download or upload speed is experiencing a lag in connectivity Not using a network cable to connect to the correct internet type Using an internet type that is not recommended	Complete a speed test on your device to ensure that you meet the network requirements. If using any Wifi or wireless connectivity, connect your device to the router using a network cable.  If changing from wireless to a fixed line, you may need to restart your device. Ensure that your device is using the correct form of connectivity when testing, i.e fixed line Ensure you are using a recommended internet type
	Check whether streaming can be done with the current network and / or device	Could not establish a streaming connection with the server and checks for latency. Could have third party cookies blocked or firewalls if using a college / work network or device. Mic or camera functionality may not be allowed or are not functioning correctly	Complete a speed test on your device to ensure that you meet the network requirements. If using any Wifi or wireless connectivity, connect your device to the router using a network cable. Ensure that your device is using the correct form of connectivity when testing, i.e fixed line If using an external device or network, make sure you have cleared this with the IT dept and they have allowed third party cookies and removed firewalls Make sure your camera and mic are both allowed and working correctly
	Your screen must be shared for the online exam	Don't know how to screenshare Screenshare keeps popping up after sharring	To share your screen, click on the small screen on the pop up and then on the share button. If the screenshare keeps popping up after sharing, it means that your network is not adequate for the online exam and needs to meet the requirements.
	Checks that you are only using one screen	This error shows when more then one screen is being used	Unplug all additional screens and rerun system check