Preparing for Your Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

Congratulations on choosing to take your test with online proctoring! You're getting closer to achieving your language certification. 

To ensure a smooth and worry-free testing experience, start by watching our overview video, then follow the guidelines and steps below. You’ll learn how online proctoring works, what you need to set up your space and how to download the required software, so you can feel fully prepared for your LANGUAGECERT Academic Online Exam.

Download ExamShield on your laptop

Start by downloading the ExamShield software on both the laptop you will use on test day AND your mobile device at least 24 hours before your exam.

IMPORTANT: Only laptops are permitted for LANGUAGECERT online exams. Desktop computers are not allowed.

Technical requirements

Ensure your laptop meets the minimum requirements by checking the specifications in the About section of your system settings:
  • Operating system: Windows 11, Windows 10 (Windows 10S and Windows 11S are not supported), or macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later
  • Processor: Dual-core 2.4 GHz CPU or faster
  • Memory: 4.0 GB RAM

If your laptop does not meet the above requirements, you will not be able to continue the exam and will need to reschedule. You can reschedule for free up to 48 hours before your test date. Rescheduling between 48 and 4 hours prior to your exam will incur an administrative fee, while rescheduling within 4 hours will result in a higher fee. Fees are dependent on country/currency and tax where applicable.

For further information, please contact us at least 48–72 hours before your exam.

Download the ExamShield Mobile app

Scan the QR code to download the ExamShield Mobile app on your smartphone. Make sure your smartphone meets the following requirements:

  • A functioning camera and a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • Android 10 or later / iOS 17 or later operating systems.

Use of ExamShield software

  • Avoid using a work laptop and use a personal laptop instead (desktop computers are not accepted).
  • If a work laptop is your only option, share the following with your IT department to allow ExamShield access through the Firewall and VPN.
    • If the ExamShield Mobile app asks for a Candidate Number and Exam PIN instead of your email and password, uninstall it, allow it through your firewall or security software, and reinstall it from here or the Microsoft Store.
    • Ensure your laptop is running the latest Windows version (Windows 11 or later). If not, install Webview 2 runtime.
If any issues persist during setup, please contact our customer support.

What else will you need?

  • A laptop with an integrated webcam.
  • A wired headset (headphones with a built-in microphone). Wireless headsets (bluetooth or similar) and external microphones are not allowed.
  • Your smartphone (used for ID verification via the ExamShield Mobile app).
  • A sturdy, solid object (e.g. a mug or water bottle) to hold your smartphone in place.
For more technical details, this document provides a brief technical overview of ExamShield and elevated rights upon installation.

download icon Download Technical PDF

On your test day

To be stress-free on your exam day, it is important to prepare properly.

Get your passport ready

  • Υour passport must be valid and not past the expiry date.
  • Before your test check that your personal details and passport number stored in your LANGUAGECERT candidate profile exactly matches what is listed on your passport.
  • You will be required to take a photo of your passport and scan the microchip stored in your passport using the ExamShield Mobile app on your smartphone.

Set up your smartphone

  • Fully charge your phone’s battery (at least 70%).
  • Turn on “Do not disturb” mode to block calls and notifications.
  • Open the ExamShield Mobile App and allow camera and microphone permissions.
  • The app will guide you through identity checks before you return to your laptop to connect with your proctor and start your exam.

About the system compatibility check

Upon downloading ExamShield software, a compatibility test will be performed automatically to check:

  • The system integrity and compliance of your device.
  • Audio quality.
  • Camera / video quality.
  • Internet connection to ensure your connection satisfies minimum requirements.

Choose the right space

Make sure to choose the right room before starting your test to avoid needing to find an alternative solution at the last minute.

Your exam room

Your exam room must meet the following requirements to ensure a secure environment:

  • It must be private (open spaces and transparent walls are not permitted).
  • It must have one single door that can be closed and is visible through your webcam.
  • There must be enough light for the proctor to see you and the space around you clearly at all times during the exam. The light should not be directed towards the webcam.
  • You must be alone in the room.

Clean desk policy

  • You may only use one sheet of plain paper and a pencil. Notes, manuals, whiteboards, or similar items are not permitted.
  • Apart from your laptop and the smartphone required for the ExamShield Mobile app, no extra devices (like wireless headphones, smartwatches, monitors, or cameras) are allowed.

Test onboarding

Make sure to log in to your test at least 10 minutes before the start time to complete your onboarding stress-free.

Perform the system compatibility check

Even if you’ve already done the compatibility test, repeat it to account for app updates or changes to your device. The test will check:

  • System integrity and compliance
  • Audio and camera quality

Before you start your exam, save your work and exit any programs, such as AnyDesk, Skype, and MS Teams, that could disrupt the running of ExamShield software.

Avoid taking the exam at work if your network uses a firewall or VPN. If necessary, share this guidance with your IT department for setup.


Check your mobile device battery level

You will be able to connect to the ExamShield Mobile app only if your battery is at least 70% charged. If your battery is below 70%, you will need to charge your device to connect. Note that you cannot connect to your exam, even while charging, if your battery is below 25%.


Self-Onboarding

The ExamShield platform will guide you through the self-onboarding process. You will need to:

  • Accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement.
  • Read the test instructions.
  • View a short tutorial to familiarise yourself with the exam process.
  • Check all the test rules and confirm that you have read and approved them.
  • Log in to the ExamShield Mobile app with the credentials you used on your laptop.
  • Follow the instructions on the ExamsShield Mobile app to take a photo of your ID and scan the microchip stored in your ID.

Connect to your proctor

After you complete your self-onboarding, you will connect to your online proctor or speaking examiner who will ask you to perform some basic checks of your test environment and ID before inviting you to start your test. 

During your test

The LANGUAGECERT Online Proctor or Speaking Interlocutor will guide you through the test process and ensure your experience is comfortable, secure, and stress-free:

  • They will observe you in a non-intrusive way throughout the entire exam and be available if you need any help.
  • If contact is lost, you can reach the Proctor by talking to them directly or typing in the chat box.
  • If communication cannot be established, the Proctor will attempt to email or call you on the contact number provided in your PeopleCert Account to inform you of the next steps you need to take.
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