NCA online exams are available through a secure, browser-based platform that locks down your computer. This means the computer cannot be used for any other purpose or to access any other material during the exam.
As you write your exam, a person designated as proctor will check your identification and monitor you through a web camera. This five-minute video explains the work of the proctor and the purpose of the cameras.
Testing area
To take NCA online exams, NCA applicants must find a secure and tidy location or room with an internet connection. This can be in a family home and should be an area where you will not be interrupted. If you do not have access to such a location, you may contact a local library, university or other institution to find out if you can write your exam there.
To assist you in successfully completing your exam(s), the NCA recommends that you write your exam in a private, enclosed room that is comfortable, quiet and free of distractions.
This brief video explains how to make your room free of distractions, and explains the camera requirements for your online session.
Ensure the following:
- Your work surface and the floor beneath it are clear and the chair you will sit in is comfortable.
- There is limited noise outside the exam room. This will help you concentrate as you write the exam and also assist the proctor in monitoring the exam.
- Your computer and phone remain plugged in until you complete the exam.
- Landlines, non-required electronics and any security or recording devices in the room are turned off.
- Nobody can enter room during the exam.
Technical requirements
Do not take your NCA online exam on a device managed by – or network-configured under – a corporate firewall (including VPN). We recommend taking exams on a personal computer. Machines managed by organizations or connected to office networks have stringent security, which can create a technology conflict with the MonitorEDU system used for NCA online exams.
Your computer
You must have a laptop or desktop computer and monitor with a webcam, an operating system of Windows 7 or higher, or Mac MAC O/S 10.15 or higher. The webcam allows the proctor to monitor your room during the exam. You may not use tablets, including hybrids (such as the Windows Surface Pro) to take your NCA online exams. However, the camera in those devices may be used as a second device for monitoring purposes.
Computer display
The minimum recommended resolution is 1024 x 768 in 16-bit colour. You may use only one computer screen while writing the NCA exam.
Internet connection
For optimal performance, a reliable and stable internet connection with a speed of 3 Mbps upload and download is required. You should use a wired (LAN) connection rather than a WIFI network. If you are writing the exam from a home network shared with the family, ask other members of your family not to use the internet during your exam. We do not recommend that you use a tethered network (your computer tied to a mobile device).
Internet browser
An updated version of Google Chrome (50+) is recommended. You may download and install Chrome if you do not already have it on your computer. The newest versions of Safari and Firefox can also be used. Internet Explorer/Edge cannot be used because of technical conflicts.
Pop-up blocker
Pop-up blockers must be either off or disabled. Disable your pop-up blocker like this:
- Open Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the icon with three vertical dots.
- Click More, then Settings on the top right.
- Go to Privacy and security and click Site settings.
- Click Pop-ups and re-directs.
- Turn the setting to Allowed at the top.
Secure browser
In addition to your internet browser, the EDU system requires a secure browser add-on. To download to your computer, use this link:
securebrowser.paradigmtesting.com
You must do this before you contact MonitorEDU for your systems test. If you have already uploaded a previous version, please remove it before uploading this new one. This must be done before EACH NCA Exam you are writing.
Cameras for monitoring
The NCA requires you to set up two cameras, either a laptop or desktop camera and a camera on a tablet or phone, to monitor you as you write the exam.
Video streams of your exam session will be recorded for the purpose of investigating any irregular or suspicious behaviours and may be sent to the NCA for review during or after the exam session.
Power connection
Ensure you are connected to a reliable power source before you start your exam. We also recommend that you have an electrical extension cord (minimum six feet or two meters long) available in case the proctor finds that your workstation needs to be re-arranged, or if you have to change power sources during the exam.
Preparing for your online exam
You must have your computer hardware, mobile phone/web camera and Internet bandwidth pre-checked by MonitorEDU. To do that for the computer and browser you will be using for your NCA exam, please go to www.monitoredu.com/faq NO LATER THAN 6:00 p.m. (EasternTime in Canada) the day before your first exam.
Lock-down browser
The EDU system requires a secure, or locked-down, browser. Please make sure you have the secure browser already downloaded before contacting MonitorEDU.
Close programs not required
Before you contact MonitorEDU, ensure the following programs are closed and not minimized:
- Steam
- Skype
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- GoToMeeting
- Zoom Meeting
- Cisco Webex
- Team Viewer
Browser settings
Please make sure “cookies” are enabled before you contact MonitorEDU for your system test.
The day of your online exam
The day of your online exam, contact an exam proctor by visiting: https://takemytest.live/can-all-organizationsand filling out the form for the Federation of Law Societies (NCA). Contact the proctor 15-20 minutes before your exam is scheduled to begin. Be sure to have a piece of valid government-issued identification handy to show to the proctor.
Proctor Meeting
To connect with a proctor and enable access to your webcam and phone camera views, follow these steps:
1. Go to https://takemytest.live/can-all-organizations and fill out the form for the Federation of Law Societies (NCA).
2. The proctor will need to connect your mobile device through Google Meets. Most Androids are equipped with Google Meets, but if you use an IPhone or device other than Android, you will need to add it to your device. You will also require a Gmail account to run Google Meets. Once you have access to Google Meets, your proctor will ask you for an email address. They will send meeting details to you through that email. Please ensure the email address is accessible through your mobile device.
3. Connect with your proctor, using the Google Meets details the proctor sent to you.
4. Go to MonitorEDU.live . In the onscreen form, enter the room ID provided by your proctor, then hit submit. The proctor will then see the view provided through your web cam and the mobile phone.
Sequestering
The Federation has implemented a sequestering requirement, which MonitorEDU will enforce. This means you must stay connected to your proctor for the entire exam period (minimum of 3 hours). If you complete the exam early, you cannot access the internet during this time. Both your cell phone and web camera must stay connected as well. Once the exam period has expired, please wait until the proctor takes you through the closeout procedure. Failure to follow the proctor’s instructions regarding sequestering is a violation of the Candidate Agreement and will result in your exam being disqualified.
During the exam, you may not access the following types of personal items:
- mobile phones
- headphones or headsets (wired or bluetooth)
- handheld computers or other electronic devices
- pagers
- watches
- wallets
- purses, bags or coats
- books, notes or any other materials not specifically approved by the NCA
Also, you may not wear hats or other head coverings unless they are worn as a religious observance.
Reporting technical problems
If you experienced technical problems when taking your NCA exam, as well as immediately notifying your proctor, you must notify the NCA of the problems you were experiencing within 5 days of having written your exam. This will allow NCA to promptly investigate and address any issues.
Whom to contact
For questions about the online exam technical requirements, please contact the MonitorEDU live chat line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Questions about exam schedules and cancellations should be addressed to [email protected].