The STEP test-specific instructions contain essential information about what to do on the day of the test. Everyone involved with the administration of the test must familiarise themselves with the contents of the document and adhere to these regulations and processes.
Copies of the document must be available to the invigilators in every exam room to ensure test day regulations are adhered to.
Topics covered in the document are:
- Test duration
- Exam room set-up
- Authorised/unauthorised materials
- Checking candidate IDs
- Instructions for candidates
- Opening and distributing test papers
- Packing and returning exam materials after the test
Malpractice
You must report anything unusual, such as suspicious behaviour or any incidents which might affect the integrity of the test before, during or after the test to the supervisor or exams officer and to us.
Please see the test-specific instructions for examples of malpractice and guidance on what to do if you suspect malpractice.
Submit the malpractice form within five working days of the test date. You will need to upload the candidate and invigilator statement(s) as well as a copy of the room plan when completing the form.
Emergencies
If there is an emergency such as a fire alarm, everybody’s safety is the main priority. Depending on the nature of the emergency, centres should try to follow the instructions below. However, local emergency procedures override any of our exam security regulations and must be followed.
- Stop the candidates from writing.
- Advise candidates to leave all question papers and answer booklets/sheets face down in the test room.
- Ask candidates to leave in silence and remind them that they must not discuss the test.
- Collect the attendance registers and evacuate the room in line with the appropriate requirements set by the centre.
- Supervise the candidates as closely as possible while they are out of the test room to make sure there is no discussion about the tests.
- Make a note of the time and how long the interruption lasted.
- Upon return to the test room candidates should receive the full working time for the test if it is possible to return to the test room.
- Submit a special consideration form.