In Person Online Exams Guide

Running online exams in a supervised test centres often have different requirements to remote assessments candidates may sit at home on their own device. Organisations may need to manage large numbers of candidates, simplify the sign-in process, minimise administration, or configure additional security measures appropriate for an invigilated environment.

Synap includes a range of features designed specifically to support in-person exam delivery. From creating candidate accounts without email addresses to simplified login methods and configurable security options, IP restrictions, Proctoring and more. These features help provide a smooth experience for both administrators and candidates.

This guide brings together the recommended approaches, platform features and best practices for delivering exams in test centres. Whether you're running assessments on dedicated exam centre devices or managed organisational computers, you'll find guidance on configuring your exams, preparing candidates and delivering assessments efficiently.

4. Advanced : Exam SecurityProctoring with Synoptic

Email-less Candidate Accounts

Many organisations running exams in test centres do not want or need candidates to have an email address. Synap supports creating candidate accounts without an email address, allowing candidates to access their exams directly using our code login feature.

Creating email-less accounts

Accounts created without an email must be generated (as no invite can be emailed). Go to any user group, add users and select generate

Generating user accounts

To generate a single account follow the normal generate user steps on platform, and select 'This user does not have an email address' when this is selected you must include an external ID string. This can be anything but must be used in order to create the account. If you are bulk creating users simply leave the email cells blank on the csv but include an external id in each cell, the headers will still be required.

Once generated users will show in groups as normal but not have an email address and will be excluded from any messaging or emails sent via the platform.

Once users are created they can be enrolled into exams as any other user. But can only login to exams where the Code login feature has been enabled. See below for steps to set up an exam.

Create and Manage Exams

Code Login

Code login allows any candidate to access the exam outside of the normal login page. This is the only way users without email addresses can access the system. Code login uses the following:

• Candidate login link: Link is the same for all candidates ends in /code-login

• Login code: unique to each candidate attempt 4 character readable code, available on the attempt management table

• Corroborating detail: Optional but recommended to add additional unique point of information to verify candidates, this can be surname or external id

After login candidates are taken straight to the start exam page, removing additional navigation options to ensure a smooth start to the exam.

Enable Code login on the exam security page. We strongly recommend for improved security having a corroborating detail enabled though this is not required.

Once enabled a candidate login link is generated, candidates must use this link to login via this method. The link is unique to each exam and is the same for all candidates in that exam, candidates will need their unique login code available on the attempt management table.

Login codes can also be exported in bulk from the attempt management table. Note that resit or additional attempts for the same user will have different login codes.

For a candidate with no email address to set the exam they will follow these steps:

1. Go to the specific Candidate login link

2. Input their unique exam Login code , along side any other corroborating detail if enabled

3. Start the exam

4. Submit exam

Once the exam is submitted the candidate will be auto logged out of the session so the device is ready for the next candidate.

Learn more about how Code Login works and other security features at the link below.

4. Advanced : Exam Security

Best practice for test centres

• Rehearse it. Register a test candidate, print their code, and walk the whole flow on a room machine before exam day.

• Set the login link as the browser home page on every machine, so invigilators only have to hand out codes.

• Keep codes with the desk, not the candidate. Codes identify the attempt, so a slip left on the right desk is easier to manage than a list carried around the room.

• Brief invigilators on the five-minute rule, so nobody is surprised when a results screen closes itself.

• Pair it with a corroborating detail and, where the stakes justify it, a passcode or IP restriction. Code login controls who gets in; it does not replace your other exam security settings.