Page Updated 30 June
Online tests at home –
Covid-19
This Tests at Home solution is applicable for on-demand E-volve exams for all End Point Assessment and all qualifications, apart from those listed on our exception list which can be found in our FAQs below.
For our high-stake qualifications, we have an alternative Tests at Home solution with additional Quality Approval. This is currently in place for the following qualifications:
- Functional Skills
- Essential Skills Wales
- Level 2 Health & Social Care Core Skills
Please visit our dedicated page for more information.
Ensuring learners and apprentices can progress their learning and assessment journey
We have been working with regulators on remote testing of our e-volve on-demand tests at the learner’s home, across a range of assessments and qualifications.
We are able to offer this solution, using existing virtual technology applications such as Zoom, MS Teams, GoToMeeting and Webex, across a number of our online tests within qualifications and end-point assessments. Centres will be responsible for installing and setting up these applications
For further information on how to access this interim solution, technical requirements and set-up, please take some time to read the information below.
If you have learners who are ready to take an online test as part of their qualification then you will first need to complete a short application form and we will then contact you with the information in order for you to run Tests at Home.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with our detailed guidance document and FAQs to ensure that you and your learners have the technology in place and understand the conditions for invigilation. It is strongly recommended you test the set-up in advance and carry out a practice invigilation test.
Future roadmap for our Remote Invigilation Service
Our Remote Invigilation Service is now live. This new service is available for all existing City & Guilds centres and for most of our e-volve tests. If you want to know more, please visit our Remote Invigilation webpage.
Tests at Home will continue to be available till August 31, 2021. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates.
FAQs
What do I need to do to get approval to offer online tests?
You will need to complete a simple application form to get approval to offer the online tests at home. If you need to follow this up, please contact centresupport@cityandguilds.com.
What do I need to do to offer the online tests?
Please refer to our comprehensive guidance notes detailed above. This guidance also includes details of which systems can be used to carry our remote invigilation.
What technology do I need to have in place? We would prefer to use software that City & Guilds does not currently support (Eg Skype)?
Please refer to our online demand testing at home guidance which explains which systems can be used and the rationale behind the decision. Other systems do not currently meet the requirements that have been agreed with regulators and cannot be used.
Do I need to do a practice test before carrying out online tests?
Yes – it is recommended that you do this via a navigation test so that all parties understand what they need to do and that the technology works. Please refer to guidance for more details.
Who do I contact if I have technical queries related to the set-up
The City & Guilds and ILM team is on hand to provide customer support, technical support, and to meet any other needs. You can access front-line support by phone – 0192 4930 800 (option 5).
Do the invigilators need to fill out any paperwork for each online test
Yes – for each online test you will be required to complete an invigilation checklist.
Do we need to complete all the normal invigilation paperwork as they would always done
No – centres will just need to fill out the remote invigilation checklist for each candidate and store this centrally for potential audit purposes.
Do you have any instructions for invigilators, learners and apprentices?
Please refer to the virtual meeting software guidance documents depending on whether you are using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting or WebEx.
Does the session have to be recorded?
No – this is not needed, but centres must complete and store the invigilation checklist for each apprentice.
Can I use Tests at Home for paper-based exams?
No, this interim solution is not available for paper-based exams.
Can I use Tests at Home for internal assessment?
No, this interim solution in not designed for assessments that are marked by the centre. Please refer to the adaptation guidance for more information on using remote assessment.
What access arrangement can be used for Tests at Home?
For some access arrangements, a person is required to facilitate, e.g. a reader or scribe. This person must be familiar with the invigilation requirements in this document. The invigilator can also act as the reader or scribe. They must not be the candidate’s relative, friend or peer.
Updated 29 January 2021 - Can we offer this solution for all standards?
We now can offer the remote testing solution for all standards for EPA including Carpentry and Advanced Carpentry, now they have approval from their respective EQA bodies.
View the table of standards
|
Standard
|
Level
|
EQA
|
|
Property Maintenance Operative
|
2
|
IfATE
|
|
Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician (Light)
|
3
|
RMISC
|
|
Commis Chef
|
2
|
P1st
|
|
Hospitality Team Member
|
2
|
P1st
|
|
Hospitality Supervisor
|
3
|
P1st
|
|
Gas Engineering
|
3
|
IfATE
|
|
Chef de Partie
|
3
|
P1st
|
|
Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician
|
3
|
IfATE
|
|
Equine Groom
|
4
|
IfATE
|
|
Senior Equine
|
2
|
IfATE
|
|
Production Chef
|
3
|
P1st
|
|
Travel Consultant
|
3
|
P1st
|
|
Business Administrator
|
3
|
IfATE
|
|
Operations/Departmental Manager
|
5
|
IfATE
|
|
Team Leader/Supervisor
|
3
|
IfATE
|
|
Adult care worker
|
2
|
NSAR
|
|
Lead Adult care worker
|
3
|
NSAR
|
|
Golf Greenkeeper
|
2
|
Ofqual
|
|
Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Engineering Technician
|
3
|
Ofqual
|
|
Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician
|
3
|
Ofqual
|
|
Autocare Technician
|
2
|
Ofqual
|
|
Beauty Therapist
|
2
|
Ofqual
|
|
Healthcare Support Worker
|
2
|
Ofqual
|
|
Senior Healthcare Support Worker
|
3
|
Ofqual
|
|
Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
|
5
|
Ofqual
|
|
Carpentry
|
2
|
CITB
|
|
Advanced Carpentry
|
2
|
CITB
|
Do my apprentices still need to have gone through gateway before I can do the test?
Yes – this has not changed. No online tests can be taken before the apprentice has gone through gateway.