• Current students
      • Student centre
        Enrol on a course/exam
        My enrolments
        Exam results
        Mock exams
      • Course information
        Students FAQs
        Student induction
        Course enrolment information
        F2f student events
        Key dates
        Book distribution
        Timetables
        FAE elective information
        CPA Ireland student
      • Exams
        CAP1 exam
        CAP2 exam
        FAE exam
        Access support/reasonable accommodation
        E-Assessment information
        Exam and appeals regulations/exam rules
        Timetables for exams & interim assessments
        Sample papers
        Practice papers
        Extenuating circumstances
        PEC/FAEC reports
        Information and appeals scheme
        Certified statements of results
        JIEB: NI Insolvency Qualification
      • CA Diary resources
        Mentors: Getting started on the CA Diary
        CA Diary for Flexible Route FAQs
      • Admission to membership
        Joining as a reciprocal member
        Admission to Membership Ceremonies
        Admissions FAQs
      • Support & services
        Recruitment to and transferring of training contracts
        CASSI
        Student supports and wellbeing
        Audit qualification
        Diversity and Inclusion Committee
    • Students

      View all the services available for students of the Institute

      Read More

      Students

      View all the services available for students of the Institute

      Read More
  • Becoming a student
      • About Chartered Accountancy
        The Chartered difference
        Student benefits
        Study in Northern Ireland
        Events
        Hear from past students
        Become a Chartered Accountant podcast series
      • Entry routes
        College
        Working
        Accounting Technicians
        School leavers
        Member of another body
        CPA student
        International student
        Flexible Route
        Training Contract
      • Course description
        CAP1
        CAP2
        FAE
        Our education offering
      • Apply
        How to apply
        Exemptions guide
        Fees & payment options
        External students
      • Training vacancies
        Training vacancies search
        Training firms list
        Large training firms
        Milkround
        Recruitment to and transferring of training contract
      • Support & services
        Becoming a student FAQs
        School Bootcamp
        Register for a school visit
        Third Level Hub
        Who to contact for employers
    • Becoming a
      student

      Study with us

      Read More
  • Members
      • Members Hub
        My account
        Member subscriptions
        Newly admitted members
        Annual returns
        Application forms
        CPD/events
        Member services A-Z
        District societies
        Professional Standards
        ACA Professionals
        Careers development
        Recruitment service
        Diversity and Inclusion Committee
      • Members in practice
        Going into practice
        Managing your practice FAQs
        Practice compliance FAQs
        Toolkits and resources
        Audit FAQs
        Practice Consulting services
        Practice News/Practice Matters
        Practice Link
      • In business
        Networking and special interest groups
        Articles
      • Overseas members
        Home
        Key supports
        Tax for returning Irish members
        Networks and people
      • Public sector
        Public sector presentations
      • Member benefits
        Member benefits
      • Support & services
        Letters of good standing form
        Member FAQs
        AML confidential disclosure form
        Institute Technical content
        TaxSource Total
        The Educational Requirements for the Audit Qualification
        Pocket diaries
        Thrive Hub
    • Members

      View member services

      Read More
  • Employers
      • Training organisations
        Authorise to train
        Training in business
        Manage my students
        Incentive Scheme
        Recruitment to and transferring of training contracts
        Securing and retaining the best talent
        Tips on writing a job specification
      • Training
        In-house training
        Training tickets
      • Recruitment services
        Hire a qualified Chartered Accountant
        Hire a trainee student
      • Non executive directors recruitment service
      • Support & services
        Hire members: log a job vacancy
        Firm/employers FAQs
        Training ticket FAQs
        Authorisations
        Hire a room
        Who to contact for employers
    • Employers

      Services to support your business

      Read More
☰
  • Find a firm
  • Jobs
  • Login
☰
  • Home
  • Knowledge centre
  • Professional development
  • About us
  • Shop
  • News
Search
View Cart 0 Item

Current students

☰
  • Student centre
  • Course information
  • Exams
  • CA Diary resources
  • Admission to membership
  • Support & services
  • Home/
  • Current students/
  • Exams/
  • E-Assessment information/
  • Main exams FAQ
☰
  • Exams
  • CAP1 exam
    • CAP1 exam information
    • CAP1 recommended downloads
    • CAP1 timetables and exam fees
  • CAP2 exam
    • CAP2 information
    • CAP2 recommended downloads
    • CAP2 timetables and exam fees
  • FAE exam
    • FAE information
    • FAE recommended downloads
    • FAE timetables and exam fees
  • Access support/reasonable accommodation
  • E-Assessment information
    • What's new
    • ProctorU Guardian Browser information
    • Exam preparation
    • CAP1 on demand exams
    • CAP1 on demand FAQs
    • Main exams FAQ
  • Exam and appeals regulations/exam rules
  • Timetables for exams & interim assessments
  • Sample papers
  • Practice papers
  • Extenuating circumstances
  • PEC/FAEC reports
  • Information and appeals scheme
    • Marking checks and processes
  • Certified statements of results
  • JIEB: NI Insolvency Qualification

Main exams FAQs

  1. What technical specifications are needed to sit the exam?
  2. How should I prepare my equipment in advance of exam day?
  3. How can I check my equipment using "Test it out" before my exam sitting?
  4. What if I my internet speed is not fast enough?
  5. Can I complete the exam on my office laptop?
  6. Where is the best location to sit my exam?
  7. What happens if I do not have valid/correct photo ID, or if my name is different to the name I have registered with?
  8. What is onboarding, and do I need to have any other equipment in the room?
  9. What is practice onboarding? Is it important to complete?
  10. Will I have access to the exam platform before I sit the interim assessments and main exams?
  11. Which exams are closed book & open book?
  12. If I am sitting a closed book exam, what can I have on my desk during my exam?
  13. If I am sitting an open book exam, what can I have on my desk during my exam?
  14. Can I use a second screen/laptop to view the questions and answers simultaneously? What else is not permitted?
  15. What do I do on the day of the exam?
  16. What happens if I cannot log into an exam?
  17. What happens if I have technical difficulties during the exam?
  18. What if my internet drops during my exam?
  19. Can I keep my mobile phone in the room with me?
  20. Will I be contacted by the exam invigilator during my exam?
  21. Can I bring a dictionary into the exam?
  22. Can I use E-books in open book exams?
  23. Can I open Microsoft Word or Excel during my exam to copy and paste calculations?
  24. How can I show my workings?
  25. How can I access the tables, schedules and appendix documents?
  26. I am an FAE student, do I need to complete an executive summary?
  27. Can I highlight the exam questions or section text on the E-Assessment?
  28. Can I print out the exam paper?
  29. What procedures are in place to deal with a student attempting an exam breach?
  30. What happens when I take a toilet break?
  31. Are reasonable accommodations available and if so how can I apply?
  32. Will exam halls be made available by the Institute for students who prefer to sit in an exam hall?
  33. How long will student scripts and videos of the exams be retained? Is the exam platform compliant with GDPR requirements?
  34. Will training firms for students in contract have access to the ProctorU (invigilator) exam recordings?
  1. What technical specifications are needed to sit the exam?

    Review the 'ProctorU Guardian Browser information' page for all technical specifications. All students must download and use ProctorU Guardian Browser for all invigilated exams including practice onboarding sessions. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and/or Microsoft Edge browsers are no longer supported, therefore the only compatible browser for all invigilated exams is the ProctorU Guardian Browser. Google Chrome should only be used for Practice Papers and Mock exams on Cirrus.

    Back to Top
  2. How should I prepare my equipment in advance of exam day?

    Students must ensure there is sufficient RAM on their laptop. RAM is the speed short-term memory it uses for running applications and opening files. To check your RAM, in the search bar type ‘About your PC’. Under ‘Device Specifications’ you will see a line named “Installed RAM” and this will tell you how much RAM you currently have. Recommended RAM usage should be below 8 GB. If it exceeds this, students may have to delete some running applications.

    Students must ensure there are no updates scheduled to be run during the exam time and should complete a full virus check in advance of the scheduled exam. To complete the virus check, students should go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security. To perform an anti-malware scan, click “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Quick Scan” to scan the system for malware. Windows Security will perform a scan and give you the results.

    Students should complete an internet speed check. The recommended requirements are circa 3 Mbps (Upload & Download).

    Both camera and microphone must be working in order to sit the exam. The network being used should not contain Firewalls. These may prevent the camera on the laptop/desktop from working. Check with your IT department to ensure these will not cause issues on exam day. Students should avoid using 'Guest Wi-Fi networks’, as this may cause the Firewall issue.

    Students should prepare the environment in which they plan to take their exam. The area should be quiet and adequately lit, workspace must be clear of unauthorised materials. The student must check if the exam scheduled is open book or closed book before the exam begins and must ensure the location is free from interruptions.  

    Back to Top
  3. How can I check my equipment using “Test Your Equipment” before my exam sitting?

    Students can only test their equipment once they have received their exam time slot (for CAP2 FR, FAE AFR interim assessments and main exams at all levels). Students will receive their time slot for these exams approximately one week before the exam day. Students should not try to create a ProctorU profile. Once the student clicks on the exam link, which will be visible on the student portal on the ‘My enrolments’ page, they will be automatically re-directed to their ProctorU dashboard.

    Before receiving their time slot, students can check their camera and microphone are working by using the settings available on their laptop and check their internet by completing an internet speed check. 

    Back to Top
  4. What if I my internet speed is not fast enough?

    If a student has a concern about their internet speed, the student could ask all other members of their household to remain off the internet if possible, during their exam. Students may need to investigate the possibility of sitting their exam in an alternative location where the internet speed meets the requirements. As a last resort, however not recommended as this can be unstable, students can use ‘Mobile Hotspot’ to connect. Students must ensure they are using their phone internet and it is not connected to their Wi-fi, otherwise students will still encounter issues. Students should use their personal mobile phone when attempting to hotspot and not a work phone. Work phones may be connected to VPN or other security measures which may cause issues when trying to connect. Students should also ensure they test their equipment in advance of the exam day so that any issues may be identified in advance.

    Back to Top
  5. Can I complete the exam on my office laptop?

    Students should check with their IT department in advance of sitting their exams to establish whether there are any constraints in their training firm. Some training firms will require students to take their exam on their guest Wi-Fi and students will need to organise this in advance of their exam sitting, as this may cause a Firewall/security issue on exam day. The network being used should not contain 'Firewalls'. Firewalls may prevent the camera on the laptop from not working. Check with your IT department to ensure these will not cause issues on the day of the exam. Students must ensure that they are disconnected from VPN before starting the onboarding process.

    Back to Top
  6. Where is the best location to sit my exam?

    Students are recommended to sit their exams at home. Students are required to sit in a private, quiet and well-lit area. There should be no other persons in the same room/area as you during the exam. Students should place a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door to prevent interruptions. If a person enters the room, the exam may be voided due to a breach of Exams Rules. The student’s workspace must be clear of unauthorised materials.

    Note: Students who wish to sit their exams overseas should check to make sure there are no internet restrictions within the chosen country. A VPN connection may be required to successfully onboard and sit their exam.

    Back to Top
  7. What happens if I do not have valid/correct photo ID, or if my name is different to the name I have registered with?

    Watch the video 'Permitted forms of identification for exam sittings'.

    Back to Top
  8. What is onboarding, and do I need to have any other equipment in the room?

    Watch the video 'Exam day onboarding process'

    Students must take note of the following points

    • Valid and in date photo ID is on their desk
    • Camera and microphone remain switched on from the onboarding until the exam has been submitted
    • Take a clear photo of themselves and their valid photo ID
    • Do not tilt/close laptop screen at any stage during the onboarding phase or for the duration of the exam
    • Have a reflective surface i.e. mirror in the room with them on each exam day in case required, if requested, to do a room scan.
    Back to Top
  9. What is practice onboarding? Is it important to complete?

    Watch the video 'Practice onboarding process' before your practice onboarding day. Practice onboarding is a time and date session for students to experience the onboarding process in advance of main summer exams. It is an important step to identify and troubleshoot with students any issues that may arise. ProctorU technical support and exam executives will be able to resolve most issues.

    Back to Top
  10. Will I have access to the exam platform before I sit the interim assessments and main exams?

    Students will have access to practice papers in advance of their interim assessment and main exam sitting. Students should only use Google Chrome when sitting their practice papers on the Cirrus platform. Do not use the ProctorU Guardian Browser. Timetables for when the practice papers are available can be found on the Institutes website under the relevant level. Videos and practice papers are available on the E-Assessment microsite and the 'Practice Paper' page. 

    Back to Top
  11. Which exams are closed book & open book?

    Level
    Subject
    Main exam session
    Interim assessments
    CAP1
    All
    Closed book
    Closed book
    CAP2
    All  Open book
    FR IA open book 
    FAE
    All  Open book
    AFR IA open book 
    Back to Top
  12. If I am sitting a closed book exam, what can I have on my desk during my exam?

    CAP1 main exams

    Back to Top

  13. If I am sitting an open book exam, what can I have on my desk during my exam?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

    CAP2 Financial Reporting Interim Assessment   

    CAP2 main exams

    FAE Advanced Financial Reporting (AFR) Interim Assessment

    FAE main exams 

    Back to Top
  14. Can I use a second screen/laptop to view the questions and answers simultaneously? What else is not permitted?

    No, students are not permitted to use additional screens, laptops or any type of additional mouse, keyboard, number keypad or anything that needs to be attached to the laptop by USB or Bluetooth. The use of Ethernet cables is not permitted.

    Students are also not permitted to wear non-religious head wear, smartwatches, ear plugs, or earphones/ear buds during their exam. Students must ensure that they are not disturbed during their exam and no other person can enter the exam environment otherwise the exam will be voided. Students are also reminded that they are not permitted to read exam questions out loud. Students’ laptop speakers should be un-muted at all times during the exam. Students should be always in view of the camera and ensure the camera is switched on from the start of onboarding until the completion and submission of the exam. Further guidance is available on the 'Exam preparation' page.

    Back to Top
  15. What do I do on the day of the exam?

    Watch the video 'Exam day onboarding process'. Please do not attempt to log on before your allocated time slot. If you miss your time slot you will have 15 minutes after this time to log into ProctorU to start your exam. If you do not log in, you will be marked as absent.

    N.B. Students are reminded that, once they reach the exam introduction page, they must remain seated at their workspace, they can take notes and then they must begin their exam immediately. Any unnecessary delays maybe reported to the relevant Exam Committee. After each exam day, students must log out of the ProctorU Guardian browser and shut down their laptop completely.
    Back to Top
  16. What happens if I cannot log into an exam?

    If a student experiences issues on exam day, they should complete a ‘test your equipment’ check (see Q3 above) and ensure they have sufficient internet. Students are reminded it is the student’s responsibility to present on exam day with working/functional equipment, including adequate internet.

    Where a student is unable to log into their exam due to the Institutes website not being available, students will be sent a link by email to their exam. This link will be sent to the email address they have listed on their student portal. It is very important that your email address and mobile number on the student portal are updated accurately.

    Back to Top
  17. What happens if I have technical difficulties during the exam?

    If a student has technical issues during their exam, ProctorU has 24/7 technical assistance available, and they will assist the student to resolve their issues and allow the student to continue with their exam. Students should have the ProctorU Direct chat link open in case they encounter an issue on exam day. The Institute examination executive will be available by phone or email to assist with students if necessary.  Students should only have one direct chat link open, as opening multiple chats will cause a delay in resolving the issue(s).

    Back to Top
  18. What if my internet drops during my exam?

    Watch the video 'How to reconnect to an exam'.

    Back to Top
  19. Can I keep my mobile phone in the room with me?

    Yes, students are permitted to keep their mobile phone in the room with them while sitting their exam. The mobile phone must be kept out of reach and on silent/vibrate. The reason for being allowed to have your mobile phone in the room with you and on silent/vibrate, is in case ProctorU's technical support or the exam executive need to contact you. Please ensure the mobile number on your student profile is up to date.

    Back to Top
  20. Will I be contacted by the exam invigilator during my exam?

    During the exam, invigilators may request a candidate to conduct a room/desk scan. In the event that a room/desk scan needs to be performed, an invigilator will contact the candidate via their screen/phone. Students must comply immediately with all instructions and requests from the invigilator (see Q29 below).

    Back to Top
  21. Can I bring a dictionary into the exam?

    Yes, students can bring an English-to-English dictionary into the exam. Students must show and hold the dictionary to the screen/camera showing the cover and go through the pages to show there is no unpermitted items/resources inside the book.

    Back to Top
  22. Can I use e-books in open book exams?

    No, students are not permitted to use e-books to sit any open book exams. Students are only permitted to use one laptop in their exam, and this is the laptop they will use to answer their exam on. Students should also be aware that they cannot use any notes that are on their laptop. The system will not permit a student to access these notes during an exam so they must be printed in advance.

    Back to Top
  23. Can I open Microsoft Word or Excel during my exam to copy and paste calculations?

    No, students are not permitted to open any external Microsoft Word documents, PDF, or Excel (that are not already available to students on the exam platform) while in the exam. If a student attempts to do so, they will be reported to the relevant Exam Committee. Students can bring in blank paper to write calculations and then transcribe the calculations to the exam platform. Students will be able to copy and paste within the exam platform but will not be able to copy and paste in from any external sources e.g., Clipboard, Notepad, Excel or Word.

    Back to Top
  24. How can I show my workings?

    For main exams, students will be able to complete their workings as part of their answer and where needed a working box will be provided. There will be no change in the way marks are awarded, therefore students should input their workings.

    Back to Top

  25. How can I access the tables, schedules and appendix documents?

    Students will be provided with the relevant tables, schedules and appendix documents and can be accessed in the exam where needed by clicking on the "Resource" button. Please view all of the videos on 'E-Assessment information' page for more information.

    Back to Top 
  26. I am an FAE student, do I need to complete an executive summary?

    If an FAE student decides to do an executive summary, they can do so at the start of the first question for SIM1 and the first question for SIM2. A line for each question is more than sufficient as no marks will be awarded for an executive summary. The same applies at Core, if students decide to do an executive summary, they should do so at the start of question 1. 

    Back to Top
  27. Can I highlight the exam questions or section text on the exam platform?

    No, the highlighting functionality will not be available for any exams. Students may however take notes throughout their exam, with the exception of CAP1 Law, using the permitted number of blank sheets. It is strongly recommended that students use the practice papers provided to assist with their exam technique.

    Back to Top
  28. Can I print out the exam paper?

    The exam platform does not facilitate the printing of any documents and therefore students will not be able to print out the exam paper or any part of the exam.

    Back to Top
  29. What procedures are in place to deal with a student attempting an exam breach?

    The exams are invigilated and recorded. Any attempts at a suspected exam breach, including unpermitted resources or additional applications/browser windows, will be detected by the invigilator or the AI process. Additional checks will be carried out during the onboarding process which will identify whether the laptop is shared or running in a virtual machine. If a student is caught attempting to bypass any of the security measures their exam may be voided, and a report (and video) will be provided to the relevant Examination Committee and their training firm if applicable.

    Students may be directly messaged and requested to do a scan of their workspace/exam environment by the exam invigilator at any stage during the exam. Students must comply with this request at once and follow all instructions given to them by the invigilator.

    Back to Top
  30. What happens when I take a toilet break?

    Students have three minutes to take a toilet break if necessary.  Before a student leaves the room, they must inform the invigilator by speaking into the screen stating that they are leaving the room to take a toilet break. Students do not need to wait for a response for permission to leave. The students exam time will not be paused.

    The students’ mobile phone must remain in the exam environment. On returning from the toilet break, the online invigilator may request the student to pan the room with their laptop to ensure no non-permitted items are in the area and to ensure that their mobile phone is still in the room and out of reach.

    Back to Top
  31. Are reasonable accommodations available and if so, how can I apply?

    The Institute will accommodate all such reasonable accommodation cases that have been granted by the Access Support Executive, within the platform or otherwise. Students must follow the current reasonable accommodation policies and procedures. Students are advised to contact the Access Support Officer in relation to their circumstances at the earliest possible opportunity.

    Back to Top
  32. Will exam halls be made available by the Institute for students who prefer to sit in an exam hall?

    Exams will continue to be examined on the online E-Assessment platform only.

    Back to Top
  33. How long will student scripts and videos of the exams be retained? Is the exam platform compliant with GDPR requirements?

    Retention of exam material i.e., scripts and videos will comply with our standard General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy.

    The systems have been externally checked to confirm GDPR compliance and the Institute has undertaken its own due diligence on this. All data retention (including video) is compliant with the Institute’s data privacy policies. A copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be viewed. You can also view the Privacy statement on our website.

    Back to Top
  34. Will training firms for students in contract have access to the ProctorU (invigilator) exam recordings?

    Training firms may be shown the exam recording if the Institute believes there is a valid case of suspected exam breach or improper conduct by the student during the exam. However, in the normal course of events the exam recording will not be viewed by any person and only be retained for 15 days and will then be destroyed in accordance with Institute's data retention policy.

    Back to Top

The latest news to your inbox

Please enter a valid email address You have entered an invalid email address.

Useful links

  • Current students
  • Becoming a student
  • Knowledge centre
  • Shop
  • District societies

Get in touch

Dublin HQ

Chartered Accountants
House, 47-49 Pearse St,
Dublin 2, D02 YN40, Ireland

TEL: +353 1 637 7200
Belfast HQ

The Linenhall
32-38 Linenhall Street, Belfast,
Antrim, BT2 8BG, United Kingdom

TEL: +44 28 9043 5840

Connect with us

Something wrong?

Is the website not looking right/working right for you?
Browser support
CAW Footer Logo-min
GAA Footer Logo-min
CCAB-I Footer Logo-min
ABN_Logo-min

© Copyright Chartered Accountants Ireland 2020. All Rights Reserved.

☰
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy statement
  • Event privacy notice
  • Sitemap
LOADING...

Please wait while the page loads.