> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.synap.ac/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/synoptic-pre-flight.md).

# Synoptic Pre-flight

Coming to all platforms November 11th 2026 - get in touch with support if you want Preflight + System checks enabled sooner

Preflight is the guided set of checks every candidate completes before a Synoptic proctored exam starts. It confirms the candidate's identity details, network, device and permissions so the exam can be proctored as configured. System checks can be done multiple times before the exam is open

<figure><img src="https://3316915154-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkgvUeCmTPeNouRxGPC%2Fuploads%2FxHx5Unn2zbNUo6mZudlC%2FScreenshot%202026-10-28%20at%2015.46.45.png?alt=media&amp;token=679ca88d-f9cf-42ba-b5fa-4e0bbe646164" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Preflight runs on every Synoptic proctored exam; there is nothing to switch on.
* The steps shown depend on the proctoring and question settings:&#x20;
  * &#x20;**Installation Level :** No Install, browser extension, desktop app
  * &#x20;**Monitoring Level:** Video and audio recording, screen sharing.
  * **Proctoring add ons**: ID checks, Room scans and Second cameras
  * **Question content:** Audio or video recording questions in the exam
* The exam timer does not start until the candidate passes preflight and launches the exam. &#x20;

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/WibOieE9P50>" %}

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/5pr8Eb6BKZM>" %}

### System check vs Pre-flight

All Synoptic exams come with a built in System check which are the same steps and checks as Pre-flight but can be taken multiple times and taken before the exam is open

| Option                                      | Available                                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p></p><p><strong>System check</strong></p> | Any time, including before the exam opens; unlimited repeats allowed                                                       |
| **Pre-flight**                              | Only when the exam opens after the candidate clicks start, must be completed in full before they get to the first question |

To reduce exam day support encourage all candidates to perform a system check on the same device and network they intend to sit the real exam on.

<figure><img src="https://3316915154-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkgvUeCmTPeNouRxGPC%2Fuploads%2FotRvc4gNlWtsTNVc6rDk%2FScreenshot%202026-10-28%20at%2015.35.31.png?alt=media&amp;token=7dddbba7-6b70-437f-ba1d-e5d04efba836" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
With the built in System checks you no longer need to have separate system check style exams to help your users prepare for exam day&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Pre-flight Steps

Preflight shows the full list of steps at the top, then walks the candidate through them in order. Steps that don't apply to the exam's configuration are skipped.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3316915154-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkgvUeCmTPeNouRxGPC%2Fuploads%2FB4vUV4fR8kx3n2pYt2Cd%2FScreenshot%202026-10-28%20at%2015.35.22.png?alt=media&amp;token=d7660332-fe01-4f1c-8e2d-ca83792dcfcd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The exact steps depend on the features being used on each synoptic exam. In general the steps are:&#x20;

1. **Instructions and accessibility.** The candidate sees guidance (comfortable quiet space, water nearby) and can set accessibility options, which carry into the exam.
2. **Confirm details.** Name, email, the exam being sat and what the candidate is allowed to do. The candidate confirms they are correct.
3. **Install proctoring software** (browser extension or desktop app only). Preflight detects whether it is installed and guides installation if not.
4. **Internet connection.** Tests sending and receiving data to Synoptic. Important where firewalls or network restrictions apply. A weak result shows advice and a retry option; candidates can still continue, but green is the target.
5. **Displays and open tabs** (extension or app with these restrictions). Flags external monitors and tabs that must be closed; the candidate fixes them and re-runs the check.
6. **Camera and microphone** (video/audio monitoring). The candidate grants browser permission, records a short clip, plays it back and confirms they can see and hear themselves. A small live view then stays in the corner; it can be minimised or closed.
7. **ID verification** (only if configured; out of scope for this guide).
8. **Screen sharing** (screen monitoring). The candidate shares their screen.
9. **Full screen** (only if required). The candidate enters full-screen mode; the in-page button is recommended.
10. **Launch exam.** The exam opens and proctoring begins.

<figure><img src="https://3316915154-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkgvUeCmTPeNouRxGPC%2Fuploads%2F3RtdMwPkwTXU5CHHo7zc%2FpreflightCamera.gif?alt=media&amp;token=8b4821f9-7fea-46dd-b0d2-23e3946a593c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ID checks&#x20;

When enabled ID checks are performed during the Pre-flight when an exam is open. Candidates will be asked to take a clear selfie of themselves as well as their photo ID. If enabled candidate entry can be blocked to the exam if their selfie doesn't match their ID and/or their name doesn't match their ID.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/mbQlLx7SsjY>" %}

### Tracking Pre-flight

From the attempt management table monitor and track pre-flight progress to see which users have completed it. Click on the pre-flight status to see where a user got up to and more device information.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3316915154-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkgvUeCmTPeNouRxGPC%2Fuploads%2FXVKWKHzaw7nU8zfY7cWV%2FPreflight%20admin%20checker.gif?alt=media&amp;token=0fae8ef2-8986-45f9-a4b1-20f4eed95ecd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://academy.synap.ac/doc/exams/proctoring-with-synoptic/synoptic-pre-flight.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.