Proctoring Policy
1. Introduction
1.1 This policy provides information about the proctoring (invigilation) of our online Music Theory exams.
1.2 We use PSI's Atlas Cloud platform and Bridge secure browser to deliver and administer our online Music Theory exams. This includes PSI Record and Review Proctoring.
1.3 We work in partnership with PSI, a company with over 70 years’ experience of delivering assessment services.
2. Our responsibility
2.1 As a regulated awarding organisation, we must ensure that all our exams take place under exam conditions and that candidates following our regulations and requirements. This includes online exams.
3. What is Record and Review Proctoring?
3.1 When candidates take an online Music Theory exam they are video recorded through PSI’s Bridge Record and Review Proctoring programme. All videos are then reviewed before we issue results.
3.2 The Bridge Record and Review Proctoring programme records the following:
- Desktop (including any applications you open)
- Webcam (any activity in the exam room)
- Microphone (any sounds in the room)
3.3 The programme stops the use of certain keystroke combinations such as: copy, paste, print screen. It does not have access to any of the files on your computer. However, it does detect what processes are running to stop the use of unauthorised applications during an exam.
3.4 Candidates can only use one monitor for the exam. The Bridge Record and Review programme will find any additional monitors. These must be disconnected before the exam can begin.
3.5 Registered and highly trained PSI proctors review all videos and tell us about any potential infringements. These include, but are not limited to:
- Room scans that don’t show the exam environment clearly.
- Use of unauthorised materials in the exam room, including mobile phones, cameras, other electronic devices, personal recording devices or anything showing a representation of a piano keyboard.
- Communication between the candidate and another person during the exam.
- More than one toilet break or any absence from the exam for more than five minutes, unless we have given permission before the exam.
3.6 We will investigate any concerns raised by the PSI proctors.
3.7 We review and investigate potential infringements in line with our Malpractice and Maladministration Policy before releasing results.
4. What happens to the videos after the exam?
4.1 PSI stores all videos securely for 90 days after the exam.
4.2 Select ABRSM staff can view the videos to investigate and review potential infringements or to carry out routine monitoring for quality assurance purposes.
4.3 All ABRSM and PSI staff who have access to exam videos are signed up to their organisation’s safeguarding policy.
5. Who are the proctors?
5.1 Proctors are similar to invigilators for live face-to-face exams. They make sure that candidates take exams under exam conditions and follow our regulations and requirements.
5.2 PSI proctors are highly trained and certified. They receive 160 hours of training followed by daily feedback from senior proctors and the PSI management team.
5.3 PSI continually monitors the team of proctors and their work to ensure consistency and accuracy. We also provide feedback and guidance to ensure we have confidence in the proctoring team.
5.4 Proctors focus on our exam regulations and requirements throughout their review of our online Music Theory exams.
6 Can I view the video?
6.1 Videos are only used for the following.
- To review the conduct of the exam and the exam environment (including checking for infringement of exam regulations)
- For malpractice or safeguarding investigations
6.2 If we need to share video content as part of a malpractice or safeguarding investigation, we only share this with the candidate or their parents/carers (for candidates under 18 or vulnerable adults). We do this through a secure file transfer to provide additional security in line with safeguarding guidelines.
7 Safeguarding
7.1 All proctors sign up to the ABRSM and PSI safeguarding policies. Background checks include, but are not limited to:
- ID verification and address check
- DBS Check (or local equivalent)
7.2 You can find more information in the following policies:
8 Further information
If you have any questions, please email us at: [email protected]
