General Exam Regulations

About certN

certN provides examination and certification services for several independent organizations. We are dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased, and transparent assessments of individuals’ skills and knowledge. We are committed to ensuring that certifications under our supervision are trusted and respected by employers, industry professionals, and educational institutions and provide a meaningful and reliable measure of proficiency. We understands the importance of impartiality in maintaining trust and integrity in its certification activities. By implementing robust procedures and by fostering a culture of impartiality, we aim to ensure that our certification activities are conducted in an objective and transparent manner.

About the exam process

Exam access

Candidates are required to create an account on the exam portal. The exam portal is a browser-based application; there is no need to download any software. Candidates who already have an account can simply log in to proceed.

After creating an account or logging in, candidates can redeem their exam voucher on the portal. The voucher will grant them access to both the practice and official certification exams (main exams). Practice exams are provided to help candidates familiarize themselves with the question format and our exam portal. It is important to note that the difficulty level may vary from the main exam. Practice exams are not invigilated and can be taken at the candidate’s convenience, anywhere they prefer.

Note that a voucher gives access to a limited number of attempts for the main exam and is valid for a limited time; the details of these limits vary depending on the type of exam voucher and will be shown on the certification page after redeeming the voucher.

System requirements

Use a computer with a new modern browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge, and avoid using Internet Explorer. A stable internet connection is necessary to complete the exam successfully. A full list of requirements can be found here.

Taking a main exam

The accessibility of the main exam depends on the invigilation requirements associated with the redeemed voucher:

• Non-invigilated exams: Candidates have the flexibility to take the exam anywhere they choose.
• In-person invigilated exams: Candidates can only start the exam with an accredited in-person invigilator present in the room. The in-person invigilator must start the exam session before the candidate can open the main exam.
• Online invigilated: Candidates can take the exam from work or home. It is essential to adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Throughout the exam, candidates must keep their webcam and microphone accessible.
  2. The exam will automatically end if the internet connection or access to the webcam and microphone is lost for more than 30 seconds.
  3. Candidates must maintain a quiet environment and refrain from speaking during exams.
  4. Candidates must be alone in the room and avoid interacting with anyone.
  5. Unless specifically allowed, candidates must not have books, notes, related posters, extra computers, phones, or other items nearby.
  6. Candidates must avoid using headphones or earphones during the exam.
  7. Candidates must remain seated behind the desk and focus solely on the exam screen.
  8. Close all unnecessary applications on the computer and keep only one browser window open with the exam tab.

Exam results and certification access

Once candidates complete the exam, the results will be shown and communicated via email. Depending on the certification program and invigilation requirements, achievement certificates will be issued either immediately or after fulfilling additional certification requirements.

Candidates can download their certificates through their accounts on the exam and certification portal.

Accommodations for physical or intellectual disabilities

At certN, we strive to provide an inclusive exam environment for all candidates, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and visual impairment. We understand the importance of accommodating individual needs to ensure a fair and accessible exam process. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact our support team, so we can work together to arrange a smooth exam experience tailored to their specific requirements. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities while maintaining the integrity and quality of assessment for all candidates.

Fraud, plagiarism, and irregularities

Definition of fraud, plagiarism, and irregularities

Fraud and plagiarism are defined as acts or omissions by a user that impede a proper assessment of their knowledge, understanding, and skills, either partially or entirely.

The following non-exhaustive list of acts are always considered fraud and plagiarism: copying and/or sharing exam questions and answers; cooperating with other individuals during the certification exam; using prohibited resources during the certification exam; and Identity fraud.

Irregularities refer to any deviations from the established rules, procedures, or guidelines set forth for conducting the examination, regardless of whether the candidate themselves or any other party is responsible for the irregularities. These irregularities can occur in various forms and may include actions or situations that compromise the assessment process’s integrity, fairness, or validity. Specific exam guidelines on the allowed materials are communicated before starting the exam on the certification page.

In case the exam is subject to online invigilation, the following none exhaustive list of irregularities during exams: loss of access to webcam; screen sharing or audio connection; loss of internet connection for more than 30 seconds; audible voices or noise in the room; presence of other individuals; presence of books, notes, posters, extra computers, phones on the desk where user takes the exam; usage of headphones/earphones during the exam; user not being behind the desk looking at the screen; user having other applications or browser windows open.

It is important to note that it is irrelevant to the finding of fact is: whether or not the irregularity, fraud, or plagiarism are the consequence of a deliberate choice of the user, whether or not the irregularity, fraud, or plagiarism has led to an unfair advantage for the parties concerned, whether or not the user decided to stop the behavior that can be considered as an irregularity, fraud or plagiarism.

Establishing fraud, plagiarism, and irregularities

Invigilators present during the exam session or reviewing recorded sessions will thoroughly assess and identify any irregularities, fraud, or plagiarism. Upon identification, the proctors will promptly report the cases to certN’s Exam Irregularities Department for further investigation. In case fraud, plagiarism, or irregularities have been identified, the exam may be terminated earlier, and/or the exam may not be marked.

Sanctions

The irregularities department will evaluate the cases that have been submitted. Sanctions can be imposed, ranging from an exam retake to lifelong exclusion from the certification program and revocation from all certN-issued achievements. CertN also reserves the right to take legal action against any candidate. Users can file an appeal within five workdays of the communication of the sanction.

The certN Exam Irregularities Department will carefully evaluate the submitted cases involving fraud, plagiarism, or irregularities. Based on the investigation findings, appropriate sanctions will be imposed by the IP owner, Accreditation institute, and Examination institute to ensure the integrity and fairness of our certification programs. These sanctions can include one or more of the following measures:

• Exam Retake: Candidates found in violation of exam regulations may be required to retake the exam. This allows for a fair reassessment of their knowledge, skills, and understanding.
• Lifelong Exclusion: In cases of severe fraud, repeated violations, or deliberate disregard for exam integrity, lifelong exclusion from the certification program may be enforced. This decision signifies a permanent bar from participating in any future exams or obtaining certifications facilitated by certN.
• Revocation of Achievement: Engaged in fraudulent activities, plagiarism, or significant irregularities may face the revocation of previously issued certificates or social badges associated with certification programs facilitated by certN.
• Legal Action: certN reserves the right to pursue legal action against any candidate involved in fraudulent activities that undermine the integrity and reputation of our certification programs. Legal measures may be taken to safeguard our services and our partner’s intellectual property.

Appeal procedure

We understand the importance of providing candidates a fair and transparent appeals process. If a candidate encounters an issue related to their exam session, calculation of the exam result, or an exam question that could potentially impact the outcome of the exam and certificate achievement, they have the option to file an Appeal. The appeal procedure can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Reimbursement

Failing the exam or its rejection in the invigilation process will not entitle reimbursement of the paid examination fee.

Statement of Impartiality and Objectivity in Certification Activities

certN.global is committed to upholding the highest standards of impartiality and objectivity in all its certification activities. This statement serves as a public declaration of our unwavering commitment to impartiality and is accessible to all stakeholders without the need for a request. We understands the importance of impartiality in maintaining trust and integrity in its certification activities. By implementing robust procedures and by fostering a culture of impartiality, we aim to ensure that our certification activities are conducted in an objective and transparent manner.

Structure, Policies, and Procedures

Our organizational structure is designed to segregate duties and responsibilities to prevent any conflicts of interest that could impact impartiality. Our policies and procedures are set up to ensure that all certification activities are carried out in an unbiased and transparent manner. These policies and procedures are reviewed periodically by top management and revised as necessary to address any risks to impartiality.

Top Management Commitment

The management team at certN.global is unequivocally committed to impartiality in all certification activities. They are responsible for ensuring that impartiality is established, implemented, and maintained. Any issue that could compromise impartiality is treated with the utmost seriousness and is immediately investigated to prevent any potential conflict of interest.

Managing Conflict of Interest

We have stringent mechanisms in place to identify, analyze, and manage any circumstances that could compromise impartiality. All employees, contractors, and committees involved in the certification process are required to disclose any situation that could be viewed as a potential conflict of interest. Measures are taken to resolve any conflicts in a manner that safeguards the objectivity of our certification process.

Objectivity in Certification Activities

To ensure objectivity, all certification decisions are made in accordance with predefined criteria that are publicly available. No decision is influenced by other activities of certN.global or by any financial or other pressures. Our decision-making processes are transparent, traceable, and subject to appeals.

For any questions or clarifications, please contact us at info@certn.global.