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Test Centre Security: Why Every Detail Matters, Even the Paper
At VICTVS, we are constantly refining our exam security measures to help prevent academic malpractice. One key area of concern is ensuring that note paper used during exams does not leave the exam room, preventing potential cheating and safeguarding exam integrity.
To address this, we have developed our own serialised note paper, designed to help invigilators track and manage candidate notes more effectively. But why is this such an important issue?
The Risks of Note Paper Leaving an Exam Room
The major problem with students taking note paper out of exams is that it can lead to information leaks and cheating. Candidates might write down exam content which can be shared with others who are yet to sit the same exam – this is especially the case when it comes to international exams, as candidates in one country may finish their exam before candidates in another country start theirs.
Copying questions onto note paper and taking it out of exams can also result in exam material appearing online which could help candidates cheat in the future. With paper exams this is more of an issue, as there is often less variation between exam questions year-on-year than there is in a computer-based exam.
Due to the risks associated with candidates taking note paper out of exams, many exam boards have strict regulations on which materials can leave the exam room. They often require note paper to be either disposed of or securely stored for a set period by the exam hosting company (such as VICTVS). This helps maintain a fair testing environment by ensuring all candidates follow the same rules, while also providing accountability and accurate record-keeping. Additionally, storing the note paper allows awarding bodies to review it as potential evidence in cases of suspected cheating.
The VICTVS Solution
To further mediate the risks associated with candidates taking away notes, we have created our own serialised note paper to help invigilators keep track of it in exams. This will be used across all VICTVS exams, maintaining consistency and integrity across the board. But how does it work?
Our specially produced exam note paper features a perforated section. Before the start of each exam, invigilators will initial and date the top part of the paper before tearing off the main section and handing it to the candidate for use.
Each page of our exam note paper features a matching serial number on both the top and bottom sections. This ensures that when the candidate’s used note paper is collected in, it can be accurately paired with the top section initially kept by invigilators.
Additionally, at the bottom of the used note paper there is a designated box where invigilators will record the collection date alongside their initials, confirming that the paper was retrieved on time by a member of the VICTVS team. This ‘return box’ at the bottom of the page also acts as an extra deterrent to candidates as it reiterates to them that the pages will be collected in and potentially referred to later.
This exam paper has recently been trialled across eight exam venues in the UK, as well as one in Hong Kong, and we are extremely happy with the results. We are looking forward to seeing the impact it will have on all future exams hosted by VICTVS, enhancing integrity while streamlining the practical aspects of invigilation.
In-Centre Exam’s by VICTVS
Successful in-centre exams require both meticulous attention to detail and a strong, reliable infrastructure. That is why our exam solutions cover every aspect, ensuring both security and a smooth candidate experience.
With a global network of over 3,000 audited exam venues and more than 5,000 professional invigilators, we operate in every country in the world, ensuring the highest standards of fairness and integrity. Our newly introduced serialised note paper is just one example of how we continuously develop our processes to stay ahead of evolving challenges in exam security.
By combining global reach with meticulous attention to detail, VICTVS provides in-centre exam solutions that exam bodies can trust. To find out more about our services and how we can support your exam needs, contact us here.