The Equipment Check is a practice exam that teaches you how to use the ScioLink application and checks whether your Equipment is functioning properly. It helps you avoid technical problems and stress during the actual exam.

You will go through the same steps as during the official exam: confirming your identity, granting access to your camera and microphone, testing your internet speed, taking a photo of your ID, and checking how the room scan works. You will then complete a practice test, where you will learn how to use the testing interface.

Computers may change between exam dates (e.g., program updates). The Equipment check verifies that everything is working correctly, so if a problem arises, you have time to resolve it before the real exam.

No, you can complete the Equipment check anywhere. But it’s important to go through all the steps that you will perform during the actual exam on the same Equipment (computer/laptop) that you will use for the exam.

On-line exams require that your device meets these (or better) specifications:

Hardware

• Desktop or laptop computer
  (no tablet or phone!)
• Webcam and microphone
• At least 2GB free space on your hard drive
• Processor dual-core 2.0 GHz or better
• 8GB RAM
  

Software

• Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (x64 only); macOS Sierra 10.12 (or newer)
• Browser: only Chrome (the latest version)
• Screen resolution: at least 1024 x 768px
• Javascript: Enabled
• Cookies: Enabled
• HTML5: Enabled

Internet connection

• Download: 8 Mbps (1 MB/s)
• Upload: 1 Mbps (0,125 MB/s)
• Check your speed

If you have a problem, please write to us at scio@scio.cz or call (+420) 234 705 555. We will be happy to assist you.

You will miss the chance to try out everything without stress, and we cannot guarantee technical support during the exam. However, you can still participate in the exam without the Equipment Check.

In the ScioLink application, you will see “COMPLETED” next to the “Equipment Check” exam.

All exams take place in Central European Time (CET), which is the time zone of the Czech Republic.

The online exam can be taken on a Equipment that meets the following minimum technical requirements:

Hardware

• Desktop computer or laptop (tablets and mobile phones are not supported)
• Webcam and microphone
• Free disk space: 2GB
• Dual-core processor with a clock speed of at least 2.0 GHz
• RAM: 8GB

Software

• Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (only x64); macOS Sierra 10.12 or newer
• Browser: latest version of Google Chrome
• Screen resolution: 1024×768px
• Javascript: Enabled
• Cookies: Enabled
• HTML5: Enabled

Connection

• Download speed: 8 Mbps (1 MB/s)
• Upload speed: 1 Mbps (0.125 MB/s)

Using a virtual private network (VPN) may cause technical complications.

The exam will only be available to you at the official start time, when the “Start” button activates in the exam list. In the application, you will see your exams, and the “Start” button will activate at the official start time.

After clicking the “Start” button, you will go through initial checks (microphone setup, ID photo, room scan, etc.). The timer for the test will start only after these checks are completed.

No, the exam can only be taken on a desktop computer or laptop. Tablets and mobile phones are not supported.

You need a place where you will be alone and not disturbed by anyone—having other people present is against the rules. The vast majority of students take the exam at home.

To check if your browser is up to date, follow these steps:Click on the three dots in the upper right corner, select “Help,” and then “About Google Chrome.” The browser will automatically check for and install updates.

The most common causes of technical problems include:

• Unstable or slow internet connection
• Outdated browser or operating system
• Not meeting the minimum technical requirements
• Problems caused by other applications or running processes on your computer.

To optimize your computer before the exam:

• Close all unnecessary applications and browser windows.
• Ensure that your operating system and browser are up to date.
• Make sure your Equipment is plugged in.

It is important that you do not leave the testing area after the exam has started (including during the initial checks). Read the rules and thoroughly prepare your surrounding area. This primarily includes a clear desk, shelves under the desk, etc.

Before each exam, have your ID, a mirror for scanning the monitor and keyboard, your laptop charger, and any other permitted materials for specific exams ready. You can learn more in the exam rules.

The rules are strict to ensure that exams are fair for everyone. You can always find the full rules on the information website for your particular exam.

The room scan is divided into several steps. One of them is showing your computer and keyboard using a mirror. Don’t worry; it’s simple. You simply position a mirror in front of the webcam so that the reflection of the screen and keyboard is visible in it. You can look at one of our videos about online exams.It’s important to have the mirror (hand mirror sufficient) is ready before the exam, so you don’t have to search for it during the initial checks. If you have a mirror available in the room where you are taking the exam (e.g., on a wall or a cabinet), you can, of course, use it to show your screen and keyboard.

The most common mistake is not familiarizing yourself with the exam rules. If the rules state that no other items except permitted ones can be on the table, it really means a completely cleared table, including opened shelves under the desk.

You can use a national ID card, driver’s license, or passport. The ID needs to be in latin script.

If there is a problem with your ID after the official exam, we will contact you and resolve the identification with you after the exam.

Yes, you can use external equipment, but only one must be active at a time. The external camera must allow manipulation to complete all steps of the room scan (e.g., a 360° rotation). However, a mobile phone cannot be used instead of the camera.

Immediately contact our customer service by phone at (+420) 234 705 555 or by email at scio@scio.cz. If you write to us, please describe the specific problem as accurately as possible. You can attach screenshots and/or information about your computer (operating system version, Google Chrome version, or, depending on the nature of the problem, the type of webcam, etc.). If you do not do this, the entire communication may be prolonged, and we may not be able to assist you in time.

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An internet outage does not affect the course of the exam. During a two-hour exam, a short-term connection drop affects a significant percentage of participants. ScioLink continuously saves unsent data to the web browser’s memory during the exam—even during an internet outage. Once the connection is restored, the data is securely sent to the server. However, data will not be saved if you use the browser’s incognito mode.

Refresh the page (e.g., by pressing F5). If the camera does not turn back on, immediately contact Scio customer support. You can reach us by phone at (+420) 234 705 555 or by email at scio@scio.cz.

You risk having your exam results blocked due to rule violations, as evaluators will not see what is happening in the room. We recommend properly preparing your computer/laptop for the exam and keeping your laptop plugged in, so you don’t have to deal with it during the exam.

If you cannot move your webcam and cannot show the entire room using it, your exam will be invalidated. Please make sure you can move the webcam and that the entire room can be scanned.

The evaluation always depends on the assessment of a human evaluator. At the same time, not knowing the rules is no excuse. In your own interest, familiarize yourself with the rules in advance, and if anything is unclear, contact technical support. They are available to assist you both before and during the exam.

A web application operated by Scio for taking online exams with remote proctoring (e-proctoring). ScioLink runs exclusively in the Google Chrome browser.

Our remote proctoring solution utilizes features that are only available in the Google Chrome browser.

During the entire exam, the webcam image, microphone audio, and screen recording are captured. Additionally, running processes and connected devices are monitored through the Proctoring Desktop application. These recordings are evaluated in real-time by artificial intelligence (AI). If any rule violations are detected (e.g., a prohibited item or another person in the room), a record of the violation is saved in the ScioLink application. All recordings are then reviewed by trained evaluators.

It is a desktop application that needs to be installed on the computer. The application monitors running processes and connected devices. It does not have permission to store any data and does not have access to any information other than the list of running programs and connected devices. The candidate is prompted to download and install the application on their computer after logging in for the exam.

AI algorithms in ScioLink are just a tool. They assist human evaluators in detecting unusual moments during the exam. The final decision is never made by AI. The exam is always assessed by a trained specialist. Up to three independent evaluators may be involved.