Exams and presentation of identity documents and disqualification

There is an increase in students becoming disgruntled about being disqualified in the exam process, and feeling that the presentation of the ID is something insignificant. Some students feel that because they have seen complaints on platforms on social media with other students complaining that it must be the institution’s fault. Comments are also often heard that if there is an increase in disqualifications that again the institution or examination body is at fault.

Let us categorically clear that myth. Disqualifications and identifying irregularities indicate that the Examination body/Institution is doing exactly what they should – Maintaining Academic Integrity

What is an Examination Body?

Also to note, that the number of irregularities identified will increase with higher participation/registered learners writing the exam. All proportionate to exam entries. Unfortunately, there are students in any educational faculty that resort to some kind of cheating and for this reason proctoring tools and Identification will always play a very large part and ever evolving to combat exam irregularities.

Exam integrity and showing identity are critical aspects of maintaining fairness and trust in educational and assessment processes. Ensuring that individuals taking exams are who they claim to be and preventing cheating or academic dishonesty is essential for the credibility of the educational system.

What is Academic integrity?

As is the case with paper exams (Matric exams included) at an external venue, all students need to show their ID before commencement of the exam. It is standard practice in the examinations process nationally and internationally. It must be noted that the presentation of the ID/passport remains the responsibility of the learner at any stage.

Online exams is no different, that ID needs to presented to the invigilator who in this case is the online proctoring tool utilized for online exams. The presentation and submission of Identity Documents is even more critical as the student is not in a physical exam room with invigilators walking around.

What does an Invigilator do?

Online exams take place often in students’ own homes, or friends home or place of work. The benefit of online exams is the student can write in a space they feel most comfortable in, and can control issues such as noise factors and safe zones. Students don’t have to worry about transport to and from the exam, parking issues at the exam. But this benefit naturally will come with tighter invigilation otherwise the exam academic integrity would null out this option and benefit.

Here are some key considerations regarding exam integrity and identity verification, note this is not all but examples of some and subject to change and evolve:

1. Identity Verification:

Government-issued ID: Many exams require test-takers to present a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to verify their identity.

2. Secure Exam Environment:

Proctored Exams: In online exams, proctoring software is used to monitor test-takers in real-time, ensuring they don’t use unauthorized materials or get assistance.
In-Person Exams: In traditional in-person exams, examiners physically verify the identity of test-takers.

3. Exam Design:

Randomization: Randomize questions and answer choices to reduce the likelihood of cheating through collaboration.
Time Limits: Set time limits to prevent excessive research during the exam.

4. Online Security Measures:

Browsers: All other browsers and apps such as Team Viewer cannot be utilized
IP Tracking: Monitor IP addresses to detect multiple logins from different locations.

5. Plagiarism Detection:

Utilize plagiarism detection software to identify copied content in written exams or assignments.

6. Academic Honesty Policies:

Academic honesty policies are in place and adhered to

7. Education and Awareness:

Academic integrity is not negotiable and the consequences of cheating or not following policies to ensure exam integrity is classified as an irregularity and on investigation can lead to disqualification and/or banning of future exams.
We encourage a culture of honesty and ethical behaviour in educational institutions especially as students are embarking on careers in finance where integrity and honesty is paramount.

8. Appeals and Grievance Procedures:

If a student feels they have a legitimate issue pertaining to the irregularity raised they can contact the examination body to find out what the appeals process is and follow that course. Maintaining exam integrity while verifying identity can be a challenging task, especially in online or remote learning environments. Educational institutions and assessment organizations must continually adapt and improve their methods to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by those seeking to compromise exam integrity. It must be noted social media is not the appeals process and could potentially put the student in a bad light by highlighting the student being flagged for an irregularity. Future employers often review social media profiles of potential candidates in the recruitment process and can also be in contravention of the malpractice policy.

Below is a reminder of ICB’s online exam Identification process: