Mock Exam/Generic tests:
Q: Will the mock exam be made available after the Q&A?
A: Yes, the mock exam/generic tests will be made available to candidates to familiarize themselves with the Speedwell interface up to 12:00 the day before their first examination paper is due to commence, whereby their username and password will be reset.
Q: Will the mock exam be marked and answers to the mock exam be made available?
A: the mock exam will not be marked for candidate feedback, candidates will be provided with the model answers to the mock exam for their own marking of their responses.
Q: I was not able to flag a question or use the highlighter function in the mock exam/test.
A: Please refer to the Candidates Training for Speedwell document on the website Home page under Candidate Preparation for Online Examinations for all instructions and features available in Speedwell as well as the video tutorial.
Q: Zooming in on an image loses clarity and the image becomes more distorted.
A: Images used within an examination should be of a high resolution, however, the zoom function will cause the image to become distorted as you maximize the zooming in. Images in the generic tests are not high-resolution images used.
General examination queries:
Q: Information required in regard to the time and format of the examination and venue location confirmation
A: Time and format will be emailed to candidates for each week of exams
Q: Where can the candidate number be obtained and how do candidates receive their candidate cards required for the examination?
A: Candidates can login to their profile to obtain their candidate number. Candidates will receive their cards at the examination venue.
Q: What is the schedule for the proposed OSCE?
A: The proposed oral dates will be from 5 April – 31 May 2021
Q: Will the CMSA supply the IT equipment required for online examinations at ALL approved CMSA venues?
A: IT equipment required for the examinations will be provided by the CMSA.
Q: Is there adequate IT support at ALL approved CMSA venues?
A: Yes, we have an IT person to all CMSA venues and we have IT backup connected remotely
Q: What will happen in the event of loss of internet connectivity? Will my answers be saved and what if I fail to submit my answers when the connection is interrupted?
A: Exams are being monitored in real time by IT should somebody exit accidently or lose internet connection they can be let back into the exam by IT.
Q: What if there is a power failure during the examination?
A: The system keeps a running record of questions answered (should load shedding occur) and the candidate will return to the exam where the candidate left off.
Q: What time should we arrive at the examination venue?
A: A notice informing candidates to report to their examination venue 1 hour before the start of the examination will be sent to candidates
Q: Are candidates allowed to take refreshments (water) into the examination venue?
A: Candidates wishing to eat or drink at any time must bring their own refreshments and go outside the building to do so.
Q: Will scrap paper be provided for online examinations?
A: Yes, this can be provided but must be handed back to the invigilator to destroy especially MCQ'S
Q: Will pens be provided at the examination venue or should each candidate be requested to bring their own stationary due to COVID-19
A: A notice was sent to all candidates informing them that they should bring their own stationary
Q: What will be the protocol for a candidate who arrives late to the examination venue?
A: They will not be allowed to write, especially if it's a multi-session examination (same exam running in consecutive sessions).
Q: What are the COVID-19 protocols and procedure applicable to the CMSA examinations?
A: The CMSA has taken great care to ensure the protection of candidates. All candidates will be given a FFP2 mask on arrival at the examinations centre. Strict social distancing rules of 1.5m between candidates must be maintained and the mask may not be removed while on the premises.
As per our screening form, we cannot admit candidates to the venue who have answered Yes to more than three of the listed COVID-19 Symptoms, or where the examination date falls within the 10 day period following a positive COVID-19 test or the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.
Further information regarding the policy can be found in the CMSA Covid-19 policy
Email Contacts:
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