Security

Test security is of the utmost importance to NTN, the test developers and our clients. Test security is the responsibility of every National Testing Network proctor to maintain strict security of test material and candidate information, as they are highly confidential, in accordance with established security practices.

Proctors are responsible for closely monitoring candidates for behaviors that are common among those who are attempting to cheat or compromise test material. Awareness is important for all proctors and test center staff. Candidates who are determined to compromise test material will likely try to manipulate the test administrators.

Obtain Test Security Agreements from all Responsible Individuals

After reading this manual all proctors must sign a Test Security Agreement. Maintain a copy of these forms on file for all proctors whose job in any way can impact test security. This includes test proctors, management staff, any employees who have responsibility for the security of confidential materials in storage, etc.

Proctor Passwords

Proctor passwords providing access to candidate information must be protected. Do not share passwords with fellow proctors. Electronic files for each candidate includes highly sensitive information and may include:

• Photographs provided by the candidate and taken by Ergometrics/NTN

• Examination Agreement forms.

• Candidate contact information

Candidate Information Security

These are NTN's policies for ensuring that all private candidate information is kept confidential:

• All printed forms with candidate data must be stored in a secured (locked) location.

• Any discarded forms with candidate data must be shredded.

• All individual proctor passwords providing access to candidate information must be protected and should never be shared with other employees.

• Candidate information will not be shared, sold or discussed.

• Candidate information shall not be taken out of the testing location.

Email is Insecure and Should Never be Used to Send Confidential Material

National Testing Network will send or make requests for secure, confidential or personal information via, ExamHQ, fax or postal mail only. Email is highly insecure and therefore at no time shall National Testing Network send or ask for identification, photos of identification or documents containing personal and sensitive information to be sent via email.

National Testing Network handles identification, financial, personal and sensitive information belonging to our candidates and so it is our responsibility to to maintain the highest possible information protection standards. Failing to handle candidates' information in a secure manner not only risks the well being of our candidates but also opens up National Testing Network to liability issues surrounding privacy and identity theft.

To submit information that is secure or confidential to NTN use ExamHQ.net or postal mail only.

Testing Material Security

To ensure the security of all test material (i.e. test booklets and DVD’s), every proctor must adhere to these rules:

• Keep all test booklets and test related materials in a location that is solely dedicated to testing materials where only designated individuals have access to the key when not being used for test administrations. The location must always remain locked.

• Test booklets and test related materials should never be copied or scanned without specific permission from NTN.

• Materials to be discarded such as test booklets and confidential applicant information must be shredded.

• All official candidate testing materials must be stored in the secured location for at least one year from the candidate’s test date. Following the one-year period, materials must be shredded.

• Logs must always be maintained to show a chain of responsibility for the exams. NTN maintains the right to, at any time, verify the whereabouts of examination materials maintained by each location and request written documentation of the chain of responsibility.

Testing Lab Security

Security in the testing lab is extremely important. Below are items candidates are not allowed to bring into the testing lab:

• Cameras

• Cell phones

• Recording devices

• I-pods/I-pads (tablets)

• Mp3 devices

• Watches

• USB Drives/Data sticks

• Personal bags (such as, purse, backpack, etc.)

• Books (reference materials/notebooks: unless permitted by the test type)

• Calculator

• Papers/pen or pencils

• Food/Water bottles

Following a no tolerance policy, escort any candidate off the property if they are found with any of the above items after the proctor has given instructions. Proctors must report these incidents with the candidate’s name and ID number as well as a description of the incident, what the proctor noticed or observed, the candidate’s reaction to the situation and then the resolution.

Compromising Test Content

This happens when questions and/or answers from the test are stolen from the testing room. Some ways this can occur:

• Writing notes during the test

• Speaking into an audio recorder during the test

• Using a video camera during the test

• Talking about test questions after the test

• Taking small portions of the test purposely and answering only random questions

• Re-taking the test many times

• Asking other candidates who have already taken the test for answers

• Memorizing test questions and answers and writing them down after the test

• Appearing friendly and casually asking about questions on the test or about how to pass the test

Common Examples of Cheating

• Talking to other candidates during the test

• Looking at a piece of paper that has notes about the test

• Reading notes about the test written on their body or hidden on personal objects

• Asking other candidates who have already taken the test for answers

• Writing notes during the test (that is not part of the actual test)

• Using video or audio device to record the test

• Casually asking questions about how to pass the test or asking about questions on the test

• Offering money (or any type of bribe) to test center staff or proctors

• Unauthorized materials in possession of any candidate (pen, paper, calculator, etc.)

• Candidates who insist on sitting next to each other

• Visitors, family or friends of candidates who want to enter the testing area

• Attempts to copy and paste test questions on computer test

When a Test is Compromised or a Candidate is Caught Cheating

If our procedures are followed, cheating, theft or attempted theft of test items is a rare event. If you are faced with this situation, however, here's what to do.

What to Do:

• Confiscate any notes or paperwork the candidate might have.

• Immediately escort the candidate from the testing lab.

• Tell the candidate why they were asked to leave once outside the testing lab.

• Complete an NTN In-Exam Dismissal Form and provide a copy to the Candidate.

• Tell us about the event that occurred by submitting an Incident Report.

Theft of a valuable item is a police matter. If you have information as to who the suspect that stole test material is and that person is present, presumably with the test materials on their person, call 911 for police assistance. Ask the person to remain in the lobby, but under no circumstances should you detain the candidate against their will. Do not physically restrain the candidate from leaving the site. Immediately follow up by contacting Support.

Incidents That Should Be Reported

It is impossible to list all the ways a candidate may try to cheat, compromise, manipulate or exploit a test. The incidents listed below should be reported to NTN immediately by the staff or proctor, as well as any other situations they feel are suspicious:

• Candidates offering money (or any type of bribe) to test center staff or proctors

• Talking during a test

• Unauthorized materials in possession of any candidate, including copies of test questions

• Candidates who insist on sitting next to each other

• Asking how to get a passing score on the test

• Possession of electronic devices in the testing room

• Attempts to copy and paste test questions on computer tests

• Writing notes during tests

Never Discuss Specific Test Questions or Answers

The content of a test is confidential and copyrighted. Do not discuss specific questions or answers with anyone, including applicants or even others within NTN. Candidates are fully aware, and may be reminded, that proctors administering the test do not have access to scores and cannot answer any questions related to performance on any exam.

Weapon Policy

NTN defaults to the vendor’s weapon policy, we do not enforce our weapons policy on vendor locations. If a candidate is asked to store their weapon in their vehicle and they refuse, the candidate would be marked as a no-show.