Dear CSCA examinees,

Are you feeling both excited and nervous about the upcoming global online exam? Are you concerned about unexpected issues, particularly those related to technical operations?

Don't worry. Below is a detailed Q&A on online exam procedures that addresses frequently asked questions and helps you approach the exam with confidence and readiness.

 

Part 1: Pre-exam preparation

Q1: What hardware equipment do I need to prepare before the exam?

1.  Two camera-enabled devices:

• Primary device: A computer used to take the exam and run the proctoring client.
• Secondary device: A mobile phone or tablet used for secondary proctoring.

2.  Stable internet connection:

• Symmetric upload and download speeds of at least 20 Mbps.
• The system requires a connection speed of at least 500 KB/s. After logging in to the registration system or exam client, you may use the built-in speed test function to verify connection quality.
• Tip: A wired broadband connection is highly recommended.

Q2: What are the minimum configuration requirements for my electronic devices?

1. Primary device requirements (computer):

Operating System	Windows 10/11, or Windows 7 SP1 and above (64-bit genuine system) Note: MacOS systems are not supported.
Memory	At least 4 GB
Display	Resolution must be no lower than 1366×768 to ensure the proctor can clearly view the content displayed on the computer screen. Note: External monitors, privacy screens, anti-glare filters, or any other screen protective devices are not allowed.
Camera	Resolution at least 720P (1080P recommended)
Audio	Functioning speakers and microphone Note: Wireless headphones are not allowed.
Power	Ensure sufficient battery. It is recommended to connect to a power source throughout the exam.

2.  Secondary device requirements (mobile phone or tablet):

• Browser: Capable of running the designated CSCA secondary-device proctoring webpage.
• Display requirements: Clear picture, unobstructed screen, and adjustable angle.
• Power: Ensure sufficient battery. It is recommended to connect to a power source throughout the exam.
• Tip: It is highly recommended to use the official system check tool for a comprehensive inspection before the exam. This can help prevent most common issues.

Q3: How should I set up my exam environment?

1. Private space:

The exam must be taken in a fully enclosed room with complete walls. Public spaces are not permitted. The exam desk should be placed against a wall at the front and on at least one side.

2. Tidy desk:

Only the following items are permitted on the desk: ID, admission ticket, primary device computer, keyboard, mouse, a small whiteboard or blank paper placed inside a transparent file folder with an erasable whiteboard marker for scratch work.

3. Sufficient lighting:

Your face must be clearly visible at all times, with no strong backlighting.

4. Quiet and undisturbed environment:

No other person should enter or cause disturbances during the exam.

5.  Correct device placement:

- Primary device: Placed on the exam desk at a height and position that ensures the primary camera captures a complete view of the examinee's upper body facing forward.

- Secondary device: Securely positioned at a 45-degree angle behind and to the side of the exam desk and chair. The height should ensure the secondary camera captures a complete view of the examinee's side face, shoulders, arms, hands, and the primary device's screen. A tripod or other stable mount may be used.

Note: Failure to meet exam environment requirements, any obstruction of the camera view during the exam, or the presence of another person during the exam may result in invalidation of exam results.

Part 2: Software installation and testing

Q4: How do I correctly install the exam software?

1.  Install in advance: After the admission ticket is issued, download and install the designated CSCA exam client.

2.  Hard drive requirements: The partition where the exam client is installed must have at least 2 GB of available space. It is recommended to install it on a drive other than the C drive.

3.  Prohibited actions:

- Do not use remote desktops, cloud computers, or any remote access methods.

- Do not use any virtualization technology, including but not limited to Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, WSL/WSL2, and VBS.

Note: The exam client only supports running on a physical hardware environment, which means a single physical monitor must be used.

Q5: How do I conduct a comprehensive pre-exam test?

1.  Network test: After logging in to the registration system or exam client, use the built-in speed test function to verify connection quality.

2.  Audio test: Record and play back a voice clip to ensure both speakers and the microphone are functioning normally, and the sound is clear and free of noise.

3.  Camera test: Check the picture clarity, focus, and lighting.

4.  Full simulation test: Participate in at least one full-process mock exam organized by CSCA.

Note: Pre-exam testing is not optional; it is mandatory. The devices and environment used for testing must be identical to those used for the real exam.

 

Part 3: Operations on exam day

1. Before logging into the exam client

• Primary device (answering computer):

- Exit antivirus software and all non-exam applications.

- Check network stability. A wired connection is recommended.

- Ensure sufficient battery. Connecting to a power source is recommended.

• Secondary device (proctoring phone/tablet):

- Open the proctoring platform and secure the device at a 45-degree angle behind and to the side. Ensure the view covers your upper body, computer screen, and hands.

- Turn on Airplane Mode, then connect to the Wi-Fi. Enable Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode and close all unrelated apps.

- Ensure sufficient battery. Connecting to a power source is recommended.

- Essential items: Place your original ID and admission ticket on the desk for inspection.

2. 60 Minutes before the exam starts

- Launch and detection: Open the exam client, select your language, and follow the prompts to complete system and network detection.

- Login and facial recognition: Enter your admission ticket number and password to log in. Confirm your identity information and complete facial recognition.

- Connect secondary device: Scan the QR code on the screen to log into the secondary device proctoring platform. Ensure the video feed is smooth.

- Inspection session: Follow the proctor's instructions to show your ID, conduct a 360-degree environment scan, and present your blank scratch tools.

- Read exam instructions: Carefully read the exam rules displayed on the system and click the confirmation button.

3. Starting the exam and answering

- Enter the exam: After the countdown ends and you confirm the agreement prompt, the system will automatically enter the full-screen answering interface, and the exam timer will start simultaneously.

- Answering and saving: Use the mouse to answer the questions. The system automatically saves your answer progress. Pay attention to the color of the question numbers on the left, with green indicating completed questions, and confirm that all questions have been answered.

- Time management: Allocate your time wisely. You can return to modify answered questions within the exam time.

- Handling exceptions: In the event of a network disconnection, you may continue the exam after logging back in; with previous progress retained. For other technical issues, seek assistance from the proctor immediately.

4. End of exam

- The system will automatically submit the exam when the time expires. Exit only after the "submission successful" prompt appears.

- Follow the proctor's instructions to display and erase all scratch materials in view of the camera.

- Exit the exam system. Do not delete the client files; wait until results are announced.

Final checklist: Must-dos 24 hours before the exam

- Adjust your chair and desk position.

- Confirm the placement of both primary and secondary device positions and recheck that camera views meet all requirements.

- Charge devices and connect to a power source.

- Turn off all automatic updates and antivirus software scans.

- Inform family members of your exam time to avoid disturbances.

- Prepare desktop items: ID, admission ticket, small whiteboard or blank paper in a transparent folder, and erasable whiteboard marker (if needed).

- Perform one last complete system test, including network, video, and audio.

- Confirm the exam link and login information.

- Adjust your chair height and screen position to ensure comfort.

 

Part 4: Schedule for the Jan 25 exam

1. Admission ticket download period: Jan 14 to 25 (Beijing time)

2. Official exam date: Jan 25 (Beijing time)

3. System login: The exam system will open one hour before each exam. All pre-exam procedures must be completed five minutes before the exam starts.

4. Exam times for each subject (Beijing time):

- Professional Chinese: 12 noon to 1:30 pm

- Physics: 3 pm to 4 pm

- Mathematics: 6 pm to 7 pm

- Chemistry: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm

5. Individual system testing period:

- Time: Daily from 2 pm to 9 pm (Beijing time), Jan 15 to 19

- Content: During this period, candidates can log in to the exam system to independently test software operation, camera, microphone, and network conditions, and to familiarize themselves with system operations such as login and facial recognition.

6. Scheduled mock test arrangements:

- First scheduled mock test:

Date: Jan 21 (Beijing time)

7 pm to 8 pm: Simulation of manual identity verification and other entry procedures.

8 pm to 9 pm: Simulated answering.

- Second scheduled mock test:

Date: Jan 23 (Beijing time)

7 pm to 8 pm: Simulation of manual identity verification and other entry procedures.

8 pm to 9 pm: Simulated answering.

7. Contact

CSCA official contact: cscasupport@cscdf.org

 

We hope this step-by-step guide helps you prepare thoroughly and wish you every success in achieving strong results.

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of the China Scholarship Council (ID: "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"), official website of CSCA