Castle Internet-Based Testing (IBT) Proctor Certificate Program. Participant Handbook (Version 3.2)

Transcription

1 Castle Internet-Based Testing (IBT) Proctor Certificate Program Participant Handbook (Version 3.2) Updated: August 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents GENERAL INFORMATION...1 Program Purpose... 1 Program Scope... 1 Program Intended Learning Outcomes... 1 Significance of the Castle IBT Proctor Certificate... 5 Attaining the Castle IBT Proctor Certificate... 5 Eligibility Requirements... 5 Appeal Process... 6 Online Training Modules... 6 Assessment... 6 PROGRAM POLICIES...8 Exam Information... 8 Scoring... 9 Requesting Special Testing Accommodations... 9 Certificates Program Development Team and Oversight Committee Professional Practice and Disciplinary Policies and Procedures Privacy Policy ABOUT CASTLE FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS APPENDIX A: CASTLE S PROCTOR CODE OF ETHICS Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook

3 GENERAL INFORMATION Program Purpose The purpose of the Castle Internet-based Testing (IBT) Proctor Certificate Program is to effectively train and assess proctors, who work at Castle-contracted test sites, so that they comply with Castle s IBT proctor responsibilities and procedures; effectively administer examinations via Castle s IBT delivery engine, PASS; and promote testing in a safe, secure, and standardized fashion. The vision of the program is to improve the practice of test site proctoring and to ensure that testing professionals who have agreed to administer Castle s IBT assessments are qualified to perform as Castle IBT proctors. As part of this purpose, Castle defines knowledge and skills needed to perform as a Castle IBT proctor, provides learning methods for the participants to gain the knowledge and skills, and requires participants to complete an online assessment for Castle to evaluate each participant s knowledge and skill level. Program Scope Participants who successfully complete this certificate program will be qualified to administer Internetbased examinations via Castle s online delivery system, PASS. The scope of the program is limited to training participants on the knowledge and skills required to administer Castle s Internet-based exams and assessing their knowledge and skills to ensure that they are qualified to be Castle proctors. Program Intended Learning Outcomes Based on the Course Purpose and using the feedback received from an Instructional Analysis Survey, the following Terminal Objectives were created and approved by the Oversight Committee: 1. The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of Castle s IBT Proctor Duties and Procedures. 2. The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of Castle s IBT Administration Policies and Procedures. 3. The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of the Proctored Assessment System (PASS). Next, the Enabling Objectives were developed to outline the knowledge and skills required to successfully complete each Terminal Objective. The result of the analysis is presented in the following table. Terminal Objective 1.0 The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of Castle s IBT Proctor Duties and Procedures. Enabling Objective(s) 1.1 The Learner will recognize the requirements of a Castle IBT proctor and be able to identify the Castle IBT Proctor s four primary responsibilities. 1.2 The Learner will recognize how to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be able to identify an example of unprofessional conduct by a proctor. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 1

4 Terminal Objective Enabling Objective(s) 1.3 The Learner will recognize Castle IBT proctor duties in order to identify when a proctor should arrive at the examination site to set up and greet candidates. 1.4 The Learner will identify Castle IBT procedures and be able to recognize the process to follow should the facility not be open when candidates begin to arrive for their scheduled examination. 1.5 The Learner will recognize the setting that is required for proper test administration and be able to identify the physical arrangements that should be in place prior to the examination. 1.6 The Learner will follow the process for identifying candidates and be able to recognize the acceptable forms of identification that candidates must present in order to be admitted for testing. 1.7 The Learner will identify Castle s policies pertaining to a candidate s personal belongings and be able to recognize items that are permitted into the exam room as well as what to do with items that are not allowed in to the testing area. 1.8 The Learner will identify Castle s policy for admitting and seating candidates and be able to recognize that candidates should be directed to their seats with no less than three feet between each candidate. 1.9 The Learner will recognize Castle IBT proctor duties in order to identify when a proctor should arrive at the examination site to set up and greet candidates The Learner will identify Castle IBT procedures and be able to recognize the process to follow should the facility not be open when candidates begin to arrive for their scheduled examination The Learner will recognize Castle IBT proctor duties in order to identify when a proctor should arrive at the examination site to set up and greet candidates The Learner will identify Castle IBT procedures and be able to recognize the process to follow should the Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 2

5 Terminal Objective Enabling Objective(s) facility not be open when candidates begin to arrive for their scheduled examination The Learner will recognize the setting that is required for proper test administration and be able to identify the physical arrangements that should be in place prior to the examination The Learner will follow the process for identifying candidates and be able to recognize the acceptable forms of identification that candidates must present in order to be admitted for testing The Learner will identify Castle s policies pertaining to a candidate s personal belongings and be able to recognize items that are permitted into the exam room as well as what to do with items that are not allowed in to the testing area The Learner will identify Castle s policy for admitting and seating candidates and be able to recognize that candidates should be directed to their seats with no less than three feet between each candidate. 2.0 The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of Castle s IBT Administration Policies and Procedures. 2.1 The Learner will recognize Castle s recommended proctoring techniques to be able to recognize what they can do to actively monitor, and respond quickly and appropriately during a test administration. 2.2 The Learner will identify the process to follow when suspicious behavior is detected during the test administration and be able to recognize the correct action to take when challenged with suspicious behavior by a candidate. 2.3 The Learner will recognize the process to follow should cheating aids be detected during the test administration and be able to identify the appropriate procedure for confiscating and reporting prohibited items. 2.4 The Learner will identify the policy and procedures related to breaks and be able to recognize when, where, and how candidates are permitted to break. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 3

6 Terminal Objective Enabling Objective(s) 2.5 The Learner will be able to recognize a testing irregularity and be able to identify the appropriate actions to take when encountering test irregularities. 2.6 The Learner will identify how to appropriately handle questions or comments from candidates during the examination to be able to provide the correct response when a candidate indicates a need to use the restroom during the examination. 2.7 The Learner will identify the process for dismissing candidates after they complete their exam and be able to follow the correct practice for the use of dry-erase boards and scratch paper. 2.8 The Learner will recognize when to perform a sweep of the testing center and be able to identify the steps for conducting a testing center sweep. 3.0 The Learner will demonstrate knowledge of the Proctored Assessment System (PASS). 3.1 The Learner will recognize when to access the PASS home page and be able to identify how the PASS home page can be used for logging in, filling out an irregularity report, setting requirements, and accessing a test roster. 3.2 The Learner will be able to identify the specifications and steps for logging a candidate into PASS. 3.3 The Learner will recognize the exam submission process using PASS and be able to identify the function of the I understand attestation. 3.4 The Learner will be able to recognize the functionality of PASS s intelligent timer to be able to identify the intelligent timer as the device that tracks the allotted examination time for each candidate. 3.5 The Learner will be able to identify the purpose of the Secure Browser Lockdown function and be able to recognize the process for running a lockdown on a computer. 3.6 The Learner will be able to navigate PASS and be able to identify the functionality of the buttons in PASS. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 4

7 Significance of the Castle IBT Proctor Certificate The certificate is a means for individuals to indicate to program stakeholders that they have met the standards of Castle s organization by virtue of their technical knowledge and experience. The certificate provides: 1. Assurance to stakeholders that persons awarded the certificate have met objective standards of knowledge and skills in Castle s IBT proctoring; 2. Opportunities for potential increased revenue from Castle as Castle may be able to attract more testing programs as more proctors become certificate holders; 3. Opportunities for job assignments where there are policies, practices, regulations, or contract provisions that require the certificate. Attaining the Castle IBT Proctor Certificate The certificate is awarded to individuals who have met the qualifications for participation, completed the training modules, passed the certificate online assessment, and agreed to uphold Castle s Proctor Code of Ethics. The certificate is valid for ten (10) years from the date of passing the assessment. Eligibility Requirements To participate in Castle s IBT Proctor Certificate Program, the participant must meet the following eligibility requirements. The participant must provide all requested information with the application for certificate. Applications will not be considered complete without the requested information. To be eligible for the certificate program, participants must: 1. Be English language proficient 2. Employed at a test site within Castle s IBT site network, 3. Agree to the proctor confidentiality/security statement, 4. Agree to Castle s Proctor Code of Ethics, 5. Not be involved in test preparation or instructional activities that are related to any certification or licensure programs for which they will be proctoring, 6. Not have been a candidate for any test for which they will proctor in the past two (2) years, and 7. Not be a potential candidate for any test for which they will proctor for at least two (2) years. Exceptions will be decided upon through the documented eligibility appeal process. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 5

8 Participants will complete the online application prior to accessing the training modules and assessment. The application includes inputting demographic information and attesting to the seven (7) eligibility criteria listed above. Upon successfully completing the certificate program, Castle will audit each record by verifying with the test site that the proctor is employed by the test site. Appeal Process Individuals who are denied participation or a certificate may appeal the decision by submitting the appeal in writing to Castle s VP of Operations and Test Administration. The appeal must be received by Castle within 60 days of the individual being denied either participation into the program or the certificate. The appeal must be written and signed and include: 1. Name of the grievant. 2. Statement of the facts giving rise to the grievance. 3. Identification of the provisions of policy or of state or federal statutes, regulations, or guidelines purportedly being violated. 4. State the contention of the grievant with respect to the alleged violation. The affected party may petition for reconsideration or review of the decision on the grounds that Castle ruled erroneously by: 1. Disregarding the established criteria for certificate. 2. Failing to follow its established procedures. 3. Failing to consider relevant evidence and documentation presented. An individual may petition the Appeals Committee to reconsider its decision by filing a written petition for reconsideration. The petition will include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration, and documentation, if any, in support of the petition. Following the meeting, the Appeals Committee will decide the disposition of the grievance and will set down its decision in writing within 30 business days. The decision of the Appeals Committee will be final. Online Training Modules Participants are required to complete the Castle IBT Proctor online training modules, which take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. The modules are as follows: Module 1: Introduction Module 2: IBT Proctor Duties and Procedures Module 3: Administration Policies and Procedures Module 4: The Proctored Assessment System (PASS) Assessment The Castle IBT Proctor Assessment is comprised of 50 questions. The assessment covers the following content areas: Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 6

9 Different types of examinations High stakes examinations Exam security Admitting candidates Identifying and admitting candidates Checking in and seating candidates Storing candidates personal belongings Instructions sheet for candidates No show candidates Active proctoring Supervising candidates Procedures for candidates taking breaks Irregularities and cheating Defining an irregularity and cheating Identifying irregularities Filing of an irregularity report Conducting issue investigations Emergency procedures Detecting cheating Candidate accommodations Special accommodation legislation and regulations e.g., ADA Ensuring candidates receive reasonable accommodations Administering large print IBT examinations The Testing Venue Preparing the site Making physical arrangements Castle testing center checklist Providing appropriate test materials/supplies Ensuring IBT functionality Computer Verification Castle s delivery system URL Running the systems requirements check Accessing the proctor portal Hardware requirements Software requirements Telecommunications requirements Working with PASS Logging into the Castle PASS system as a Proctor Logging candidates into the PASS system Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 7

10 Retrieving candidate password from confirmation Locating forgotten/lost passwords for the candidate Updating incorrect demographic information Completing candidate attestation Navigating the demonstration module Accessing a series of demonstration examinations Navigating to the examination Examination timing PASS navigation Completing the examination Submitting the examination Displaying results page Dismissing candidates Sweeping the test center Processing questions/comments from candidate Scheduling dates Scheduling recurring availability Scheduling dates using schedule view PROGRAM POLICIES Exam Information Fees: There are no fees to participate in the Castle IBT Proctor Certificate Program. Registration: To register, participants must to to: The test center supervisor must attest within the registration pages that the participant works at the test center and has verified the participant s identity. Deadlines: Participants may begin the program at any time. Once the participant logs into the first training module, he or she will have 90 days in order to complete the training modules and pass the assessment. Once the training modules have been completed, the participant may immediately take the online assessment or revisit the assessment at a later time within the 90-day time period. Training and Assessment: After registering for the program, participants can take access the training modules at their convenience on a computer within the test center at which the participant is employed or any other Internet-enabled computer that meets Castle s technical requirements. Once the participant has completed the modules, he/she may access the assessment. Please note: The participant must complete the assessment in one sitting. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 8

11 Security: The assessment is an open book non-proctored assessment; therefore, participants may refer to Castle s proctor manual while taking the assessment. Participants may NOT receive assistance from others while taking the assessment. No participant is allowed to duplicate or retain any portion of the assessment. Time Allotment: Time for taking the assessment is restricted for all participants to a one hour limit, the only exception being for candidates whose accommodations for special needs have been approved by the VP of Operations and Test Administration. Participants must complete the assessment in one sitting. Re-Assessment: If a participant fails the assessment and wishes to retake it, he or she may retake the assessment when he or she is ready, but must pass the assessment within 90 days of starting the program. Castle limits the number of attempts to achieve passing status on the certificate assessment to three (3) attempts following training. Failing to achieve a passing score after three attempts will require candidates to retake the training program. Term of Validity: The certificate is valid for ten (10) years. Scoring Participants will be able to print the results immediately after submitting the assessment for scoring. Questions concerning the scoring of the assessment may be directed to the VP of Operations and Test Administration at sgreene@castleworldwide.com. Requesting Special Testing Accommodations Castle is committed to equal access for all participants for earning a certificate. It makes its assessment accessible at no extra charge to individuals with documented disabilities, consistent with the Amended Americans with Disabilities Act (AADA). Guidelines for Accommodation Procedures 1. The request must be in writing and received by Castle no less than 30 days in advance of the desired test date. 2. The request must be specific as to the nature of the special accommodation(s) required. Medical and/or psychological documentation of specific needs must accompany the request. 3. Castle will review the request and notify the participant of its determination. 4. If Castle determines to provide one or more accommodations for participants, it will instruct the individuals responsible for carrying out the decision on the specific nature of the accommodations to be made. Reasonable accommodations may include additional time, private room, a reader, use of compensatory equipment, and untimed breaks. 5. Other reasonable accommodations may be provided when, in the view of Castle, documented requirements justify them. In no case will the accommodation(s) granted alter the fundamental nature of the assessment or provide an unfair advantage to the individual over other participants. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 9

12 6. Castle s VP of Operations and Test Administration will make determinations for reasonable accommodations. 7. A candidate may appeal a decision made through the Appeals Process. Certificates Upon successful completion of the program, the individual is granted certificate holder status, will be authorized to proctor IBT examinations for Castle, and will receive a hardcopy certificate in the mail. The certificate will be mailed to the address provided by the participant and should arrive no later than 30 days after successful completion of the material and assessment. The certificate only authorizes you to proctor Castle s Internet-based examinations at the Castleauthorized testing center at which you are employed. Program Development Team and Oversight Committee The program s Oversight Committee consists of the following members: Castle VP of Operations and Test Administration Castle Director of IBT Operations Castle Senior Psychometrician Castle IT Manager Two Castle IBT Proctor certificate holders One Castle Client Program Director The program training modules are designed and developed by Castle s internal training development team with input from the subject matter experts, Castle s Director of Internet-Based Testing Operations, the Castle Internet-based testing team. Input from these resources is used during the ADDIE model s analysis and design phases. The IBT assessment tool is developed and maintained under the guidance of Castle s psychometric department with input and consultation from Castle s Director of Internet-Based Testing Operations and the Castle Internet-based testing team. The qualifications of the development team are: Dr. Trent Weatherford, Chief Learning Officer at Castle: Doctor of Philosophy Specialization in Educational Leadership; Masters of Education Specializing in Instructional Design and Curriculum. Dr. James Penny, Senior Psychometrician and Director of Programs at Castle: Doctorate Specialization in Educational Research Methodology with a Minor in Statistics; Masters of Education in Science Education. Ted Singdahlsen, Learning Solutions Architect at Castle; Masters of Arts in Electronic Arts. Jon Duggan, Instructional Designer at Castle; Masters of Education in Instructional Technology. Scott Greene, VP of Test Delivery at Castle: Masters of Education in School Counseling and 17 years of Test Delivery experience. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 10

13 Julie Gill, Director of Internet-Based Testing: Bachelor of Arts in English and over 7 years of Test Delivery experience. Kris Merkler, Test Development Specialist at Castle: BA in Psychology and over 12 years of Test Development experience. Jennifer Layton, Castle Senior Testing Coordinator: BA in English and over 5 years of Test Delivery experience. Andrew Penvose, Castle Testing Coordinator: BA in Business Administration and 8 months of Test Delivery experience. Alfonso Espitia, Information Technology Director at Castle: BS in Computer Science and over 8 years of experience developing and maintaining Castle s test delivery platform. Heather Ryan, Testing Coordinator at Castle: Bachelor of Science in Geography Teacher Education and over 8 months of Test Delivery experience. Katrina Simmons, Testing Coordinator at Castle: Over 3 years of Test Delivery experience. Megan Lloyd, Manager of Paper and Pencil Testing at Castle: BA in Sociology and Spanish and over 8 years of Test Delivery experience. Eight current Castle IBT Proctor Certificate Holders with multiple years of Test Delivery experience. Professional Practice and Disciplinary Policies and Procedures Castle affirms that, after a candidate has successfully passed the certificate assessment, the standards for holding the certificate have been satisfied. It is expected that a certificate holder or candidate for certificate agree to comply at all times with the Castle Code of Ethics. All matters pertaining to professional practice and discipline are governed by the Appeals, Ethics, and Discipline Committee. Persons concerned about possible violations of the standards will identify in a written statement to the VP of Operations and Test Administration (Castle) the persons alleged to be involved and the facts concerning the alleged conduct in as much detail and specificity as possible, with available documentation. The statement must include the name, address, telephone number, and signature of the person making the statement and others who may have knowledge or facts concerning the alleged violation. The Vice President of Test Delivery (Castle) may invalidate a certificate if it is discovered that the certificate was issued to someone who did not fulfill the certificate requisites, such as, falsely attesting to the eligibility requirements or receiving a certificate in error (i.e., prior to passing the assessment). Whenever Castle receives allegations that raise an issue under the disciplinary review procedures, the VP of Operations and Test Administration (Castle) will transmit such allegations to the chair of the Appeals, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee, who will forward it to the Review Panel. If the Review Panel determines that good cause does exist, it will inform the applicant or certificate holder by certified mail. The communication will state the factual allegations constituting the alleged violation and disciplinary standard allegedly violated, consistent with Review Panel findings as reported to the Appeals, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee, and will also include the following recitation of rights and procedures: Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 11

14 1. That the applicant or certificate holder has the right to a hearing if he or she disputes the truthfulness of the allegations; 2. That the applicant or certificate holder may appear in person or by telephone at the hearing and the applicant or certificate holder must bear his or her own expenses in connection with any such hearing; 3. That the applicant or certificate holder may be represented by counsel at the hearing at his or her own expense, may present evidence on his or her own behalf, and may examine or crossexamine any witness under oath; 4. That the applicant or certificate holder will have 15 days to notify the Chair of the Appeals, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee whether he or she disputes the allegations, requests a hearing, and/or has comments regarding appropriate sanctions; 5. That the applicant or certificate holder will receive at least 30 days notice of the time and place of the hearing, and will receive copy of the record to be reviewed at least 10 days before the hearing. 6. That sanctions may be imposed if the allegations are determined to be true by a disciplinary panel or if the applicant or certificate holder fails to submit a timely response; and 7. That the applicant or certificate holder will be deemed to consent to the imposition of sanctions by Castle if he or she does not dispute the truthfulness of the allegations. Sanctions for violation of any Certificate Program standard(s) may include one or more of the following: 1. Denial or suspension of eligibility 2. Revocation 3. Censure 4. Reprimand 5. Suspension 6. Training or other corrective action 7. Reports to the test center where the individual proctors 8. Conditions relating to the above The applicant or certificate holder may appeal to the Appeals, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee a decision by the Hearing Panel regarding the truthfulness of the allegations and may appeal a decision by either the Review Panel or the Hearing Panel regarding the imposition of sanctions. An appeal must be filed with the within 30 days of the applicant or certificate holder's receipt of the decision by submitting a written appeals statement to the Appeals, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee. Privacy Policy Castle ensures that all participant and certificate holder information, including scores, demographics, reasonable accommodations information, etc. will not be shared with any third party without written consent from the individual or by court order. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 12

15 Please note: Test Site Administrators at test centers who have contracted with Castle to administer exams will be able to see in the scheduling system which proctors are deemed eligible to proctor at their particular site. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 13

16 ABOUT CASTLE Castle is a full-service testing company that builds long-term relationships with government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and trade and professional associations by offering examination design, development, training and administrative services. Founded in 1987, Castle is one of the nation's leading certification and licensure testing companies. More than 80 organizations count on us for assistance with their testing, training, learning, and certification programs. Located near Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Castle offers more than 1000 test center locations in more than 500 cities in 70 countries to provide Internet-based and paper-and-pencil testing. FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS Castle appreciates the feedback we receive from participants in the IBT proctor program. Please send your comments and or any complaints to: ibt@castleworldwide.com Fax: Attn: VP, Operations and Test Administration Castle Worldwide 900 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite G Morrisville, NC Phone: Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 14

17 APPENDIX A: CASTLE S PROCTOR CODE OF ETHICS Castle Internet-based testing proctors play in critical role in administering high-stakes examinations for a variety of professional certification and licensing organizations. Castle s IBT proctor code of ethics outlines the commitments to which Castle s IBT proctors must adhere. 1. Carry out all proctoring responsibilities in a dependable and professional way. 2. Be familiar with and follow all processes and procedures as outlined in the Castle IBT Proctor Manual. 3. Refrain from proctoring any examination for which you may be a candidate within the next two (2) years and/or have been a past candidate in the last two (2) years. 4. Refrain from proctoring any examination for which you are engaged in the development, teaching, and/or training of the content. 5. Always act in a way that cannot be misconstrued as favoritism, discriminating, or flirting. 6. Keep all testing, candidate and proctor information secure at all times, including your proctor ID and password, all candidate information, score information, and exam content information. 7. Safeguard all aspects of test security by supervising candidates at all times. 8. Do your best to maintain the best possible testing conditions (e.g., quietness, good lighting, comfortable temperature). 9. Assist Castle in investigating any examination irregularity or candidate issues. 10. Quickly report any and all irregularities to Castle as soon as possible. 11. Castle recognizes that equal opportunity is fundamental to equality in all forms of human endeavor. Therefore, as a Castle IBT proctor, in all administrative practices and procedures do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Castle Worldwide Assessment-Based Certificate Program for IBT Proctors Candidate Handbook Page 15