Using exam PINs

The exam PIN feature enables a code to be added to the exam which means that candidates cannot enter without first providing a PIN.

This can be a useful for both on-site and remote exams for various reasons, including:

• As an additional security measure (especially when used in conjunction with the maximum downloads option). If the PIN is given out in the exam room, this can help ensure that only candidates who are present in the room to receive it can access the examination.
• To achieve synchronicity at the start of the exam. Where the start method is set to timer starts when user logs in, giving out a PIN at the start helps ensure that candidates start the exam together.

The PIN code can be system-generated or manually created from 8.14.1 onwards. In versions lower than 8.14.1 the PIN is only system-generated.

If you define a manually created PIN and you have multiple sessions for your exam, the PIN will be the same for all sessions.

assess for browser view

Where the PIN has been enabled, candidates will be asked to input the PIN on the assess for browser holding page, after they have logged in using their personal credentials.

The PIN code can be disabled by Editing the exam details once the exam has been created.

Offline PIN

As well as for general access to the exam, the PIN can also be used as a back up access option in the unlikely event that the candidate is able to log in but then loses connection. As long as the exam has been downloaded to the candidate's machine they can use the PIN to start the exam.

In the event that the exam is set to not require a PIN, one will still be generated in case it is needed as a back up access option. In this situation the candidate will not see the PIN field on the holding screen, but they can use shortcuts CMD/CTRL+P or 5 short taps on the iPad to display the offline PIN field. 

Resetting the exam

There may be occasions that you need to reset an exam day. On republishing the exam after a reset you will be offered the opportunity to keep the previous PIN that was generated when the exam was first published or to generate a new one. This is the case for both OCE and written exams.

Keeping the previous PIN may be useful if you have already created/distributed candidate login credentials.

Changelog

The presence of the PIN field was adjusted in risr/ assess version 8.13. Prior to v8.13 the PIN code field was always present in the browser interface irrespective of whether a code was required to enter the exam. Where a code was not required, the candidate would need to proceed without entering a PIN.

This was changed in version 8.13 so that the PIN field is only displayed if a code is required to enter the exam. If no code is needed for the exam, the field is no longer present.

From v8.13, to display the field for offline access users can use CTRL/CMD+P or tap the device 5 times in quick succession on an iPad.