We now offer the option to sit our exams remotely, for example, from home or from a meeting room. All you will need is access to a quiet, private room and a suitable computer with sufficient internet connection.
As long as you have access to a suitable environment and equipment, you can sit in a location of your choice, such as at work or home. A live invigilator will be present online throughout.
We strongly recommend that you watch the videos below. This will help you to familiarise yourself with the process of your remote narrative exam.
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Formula Keypad Guide. Please note that this will also be available within the TestReach Exam Tutorial and throughout your narrative exam. Remote invigilation user guide (TestReach) Formula Keypad
If you choose to sit your exam remotely, more information including a detailed user guide will be in your booking confirmation email. If your query is not covered in your confirmation email or below, please contact our customer support team.
What is remote invigilation?
Remote invigilation is a method of sitting your exam without travelling to a test centre. Instead, you sit your exam in a location of your choice, such as work or home. A live invigilator will be present online throughout and will monitor you by audio and video to ensure there is no malpractice and to assist if needed.
What are the technical requirements?
Requirements are listed above, please note that a handheld non-programmable scientific calculator is required. For Advanced Financial Planning exam candidates a handheld non-programmable financial calculator is required.
Are all narrative exams available to sit remotely?
Five of our narrative exams are not available via remote invigilation due to the content and nature of the responses required. These exams can only be sat in physical test centres using pen and paper. The narrative exams not included in our remote invigilation offer are:
How do I book?
Remote bookings can be made via our Customer Support Team.
Is there an additional cost?
It is the same price to sit our exams remotely as it is at a physical test centre. Our prices can be viewed here .
I have been told I need to complete a system check to confirm my booking. What do this mean?
You will be required to complete a system check on your testing machine before your booking can be finalised. If you fail to do this with more than four days to go before your exam then you will be considered a no-show.
Can I apply for a reasonable adjustment?
Yes, please apply for reasonable adjustments using the Reasonable Adjustment Policy and Application Form. Please note that some adjustments are not possible given the nature of remote invigilation.
What happens if I am running late, or am ready early?
You will be unable to launch your exam more than 30 minutes early. However, you must launch at least 15 minutes prior to the start time stated in your confirmation email. Failure to do so may result in your booking being cancelled, meaning that you would have to rebook at full cost. Please note that, when you do launch, you may need to wait up to 15 minutes for an invigilator to join you. At peak times, this may take a little longer.
What are the security procedures?
You will be asked to confirm your full name, email address and exam details. You will also be asked to show a valid form of photo ID as listed in the Exam Regulations. You will then be asked to use your webcam to show your work surface and a 360-degree view of your room. You may be asked to raise your shirt sleeves above your wrists and show back pockets on trousers. Jewellery, including watches, must be removed. If you wear glasses, you may need to hold these up for inspection. You may be asked to pull back your hair to show nothing is attached to your ear. If you need to wear a hearing aid, please apply for a reasonable adjustment using the Application Form. The CISI Reasonable Adjustment Policy can be found here.
What happens if I experience a technical issue?
If you are having problems downloading the software or launching your exam, please refer to your booking confirmation email, which will contain full instructions and a detailed user guide. The email will also outline who to contact for technical support. If in doubt, please contact our Customer Support Team in the first instance.
What happens if I need help during my exam?
If you require assistance throughout your exam, for example, if you feel unwell, or are experiencing technical difficulties, you will be able to speak to your invigilator out loud or via a webchat. They are then able to assist you if required.
Can I take a break during my exam?
Yes, you are permitted to take one comfort break of up to five minutes.
Can I use scratch paper and a pencil?
Yes, you may bring two sheets of plain A4 scratch paper. No on-screen scratch paper tool is provided for narrative examinations. All responses to be submitted for marking must be included in the on-screen answer boxes.
When will I receive my result?
You will be notified of your result on the date published on our website, approximately nine weeks after the examination date. Under no circumstances will results be given over the telephone. Successful exam candidates will be able to view, download and print e-certificates via our secure candidate portal, MyCISI.
Where can I leave feedback about my experience?
Please leave any feedback that you have here. You can expect an acknowledgement email within 2 working days, followed by an initial response to any feedback within 15 working days.
If my exam is terminated due to suspected malpractice, how can I appeal this?
Please refer to the CISI Appeals Policy and Appeals Application Form .