Kryterion Testing Network Onsite Testing Standards

This page outlines the facility, technical, proctoring, and compliance standards that Kryterion Testing Network (KTN) Centers follow when delivering exams in person. Document version: v04012026

Test Center Standards

Kryterion requires test center partners to meet all minimum hardware, software, facility, and proctoring requirements.

Facility & Environment

Building

Each testing center must conform to local building, sanitation, and health codes, and at a minimum:

• The building and grounds must be clean and in good condition.

• Restrooms are accessible.

• Exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.

• Fire extinguishers are available and in working order, with their locations well marked and easily accessible.

• Adequate parking is available near the testing center and/or the center is near public transportation.

• The testing center provides a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere and a distraction-free, professional testing environment.

• Testing centers must abide by all laws regarding the accommodation of individuals with disabilities, including accessibility of the physical premises and seating and computer workstation configurations.

Safety and Emergency Provisions

• Emergency exits must be clearly identified and free of obstructions.

• Emergency first-aid kits must be easily accessible and fully stocked.

KTN Signage and Logo Use

• Kryterion provides each testing center with signs for the reception area and testing area. All KTN Centers are required to post the Kryterion Testing Network signage.

Technical Requirements

Hardware and Software

Minimum hardware and software requirements:

The test center must close all software applications except Webassessor before launching a Kryterion exam. These applications must be disabled or deactivated on workstations that host Kryterion exams.

Testing Room Standards

Testing Area

The testing area should be free from any other activity during a test session. Outside of testing times, the area may be used for other activities.

• The testing area should be located so candidates are not disturbed by foot traffic, conversations, or outside noise.

• Noise-cancelling headphones or disposable earplugs must be provided to candidates at the start of the exam or placed at each Kryterion workstation.

• Candidates may not bring tobacco products, food, drink, or chewing gum into the testing area.

Room Temperature and Ventilation

• The testing area must be comfortable and well ventilated, with a room temperature between 70 and 75°F (20 to 25°C).

• Ventilation should supply continuous air circulation.

Lighting

• There must be enough lighting for the candidate to easily read test items, materials, and the computer screen.

Physical Space

• The testing area must be large enough to hold the testing stations, computer tables, and chairs so the candidate can move about easily.

• Each testing workstation must be separated by a partition or by 5 feet (1.5 meters) to prevent a candidate from viewing any other screen. If partitions or adequate spacing are not available, only one person can test in the room at a time.

Workspace

• Workstations must be large enough for the monitor, keyboard, mouse pad, and any testing materials issued to the candidate. Test tables should be a minimum of 42" L x 30" H (106 cm x 76 cm). Kryterion recommends having at least one table of 54" L x 30" H (137 cm x 76 cm) available for the largest testing materials.

General Office Equipment and Storage

• Printer: Test procedures occasionally require the KCP to download, print, and present a test aid to a candidate. The KCP is responsible for retrieving the document and discreetly providing it to the candidate. Many of these documents are PDFs and require Adobe Acrobat.

• Storage area: Test centers must provide lockable storage for each candidate, such as lockers, cabinets, drawers, or bins. Storage must be located outside the testing room.

KTN Implementation

All KTN Centers are third-party organizations contracted to deliver proctored, computer-based tests through Webassessor on premises they own or lease. The test center provides the hardware, personnel, browser software, internet connection, and other facilities needed to deliver Kryterion exams to registered candidates, as set out in the Kryterion Testing Network (KTN) Policies and Procedures Manual.

Test Center Vetting Process

• KTN Centers must meet or exceed Kryterion's test center requirements.

• KTN Centers must have a signed KTN Agreement in place.

• Test centers must be established and experienced as computer-based testing centers for other high-stakes testing vendors.

• Test centers must submit photos of the testing facility, which are reviewed to confirm the center meets all requirements.

• Test centers must submit the KTN Confirmation Form, including but not limited to:

  • KTN Center information and location details

  • Schedule details, including start date, recurring schedule, exceptions, and closures

  • Workstation availability

  • Confirmation of hardware, software, and proctoring requirements

  • Additional information

Each new KTN Center must appoint at least two employees who will learn all KTN Policies and Procedures and pass an online exam to become Kryterion Certified Proctors (KCPs). Each center must also appoint a Scheduler to manage the center's schedule, which candidates access online to book a test session. The testing center must notify the KTN Team immediately of any change in proctor, scheduler, or center status.

Once these implementation steps are verified, the testing center is listed on the Kryterion Locate Test Center page and becomes available for candidates to select during exam registration.

Proctoring & Test Administration Standards

Kryterion Certified Proctor (KCP)

On average, it takes less than one day to become a fully functioning KCP. The process is:

1. The KCP candidate reads and fully understands the Kryterion Policies and Procedures Manual.

2. The KCP candidate logs into Webassessor and takes the 30-question KCP exam. A score of at least 90% is required for certification. Webassessor scores the exam immediately on completion.

3. The KCP launches a sample test to prepare for launching a live test for a registered candidate.

4. The KCP must re-credential every 24 months.

KCP Responsibilities

• Confirm the candidate's exam Authorization Code and appointment

• Authenticate the candidate's identity

• Ensure test security provisions are met

• Document check-in and check-out in the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log

• Manage test area admission

• Manage the testing process

• Track and report relaunch authorizations

• Monitor the test session

• Re-certify every 24 months

• Troubleshoot technical issues as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual

• Video monitoring

Preparation for Kryterion Candidates

Kryterion provides each new KCP with a unique KCP Security Code, which is required to launch a Kryterion exam.

Proctor to Candidate Ratio

A ratio of one KCP to every four candidates is recommended, unless candidates are monitored via a surveillance monitor at the proctor station.

Candidate Arrival

The KCP should block out time for each candidate equal to the test duration plus 20 minutes for check-in. The KCP must arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the first candidate's scheduled time.

Providing the Candidate with Test Aids

The KCP must have any required test aids, listed in the Proctor Instructions column of the KCP Testing Location Scheduled Assessments page, ready before the candidate arrives.

Test Area Admission

KCPs should allow only candidates into the test area. Anyone accompanying a candidate must wait in the lobby. Unaccompanied children are not allowed to wait in the testing or lobby areas. For security, KCPs must complete the launch process for one candidate at a time and seat that candidate at the workstation before launching the next exam.

Candidates should take care of personal needs before entering the testing area, if possible. If a candidate needs to leave the testing area during the session (for example, to use the restroom or get a drink of water), the KCP should tell the candidate that the test timer will continue to run.

If the candidate takes a break, the KCP must record the time the candidate leaves and returns in the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log. If the KCP considers the time out of the room excessive, they should note it in the log's comment section.

Managing the Testing Process

Before launching a test, the KCP must complete the following:

1. Ask any candidate wearing glasses to remove them so the KCP can examine them for cameras or other recording technology. If the eyewear is not standard, the KCP should tell the candidate the glasses must be stored with their personal belongings and report the incident to Kryterion Support immediately.

2. Have the candidate turn out their pockets. This includes all visible pockets, except those that would require the candidate to remove clothing or otherwise expose themselves (for example, pockets on a blouse that can't be turned out without removing it). Pockets in jeans or slacks should always be turned out.

3. Instruct the candidate to store all personal items except their identification in a locker, locking file cabinet, or compartment. This includes but is not limited to coats, jackets, bags, purses, keys, wallets, hats, neckties, briefcases, books, cell phones, calculators, portable electronic devices, watches, and any type of firearm. If a candidate says they cannot remove headwear for religious or medical reasons, it will not be required.

4. Require candidates to turn off cell phones and other electronic devices before storing them. Personal belongings should not be accessible during the test session unless allowed in the Proctor Instructions.

5. Instruct the candidate to sit in the waiting area and read the laminated Candidate Testing Procedures document.

6. Provide scratch paper where required. Kryterion recommends 8½" x 11" copy paper or an erasable board (at least letter size) with an eraser. Additional scratch paper and pencils are allowed if the candidate requests them. The KCP should initial every page of scratch paper, record the number of pages given in the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log, and update the count if more are provided. Immediately after the session, the KCP must collect and shred all documents and scratch paper in the candidate's presence.

Candidate Experience & Policies

KTN Center Availability

Candidates select the day and time of their test session during registration, based on the schedule each testing center lists in the Webassessor Scheduling System. If a KTN Center has a power outage, loss of internet, or any other unforeseen issue that will prevent or delay a test launch, the center must notify Kryterion Support immediately.

Authenticating Candidate Identity

Candidates must present two forms of identification:

• The first must be a photo ID from the primary identification list.

• The second can be any document with the candidate's full name.

• The KCP must verify that the candidate's first and last name in Webassessor exactly matches all forms of ID. If the name does not match, the candidate will not be permitted to test.

• The KCP should also check that the candidate is the person in the ID photo.

KCPs must record the type and expiration date of each ID in the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log (for example: Driver's License, Expires Oct 2024). Credit card numbers must never be written down or photocopied.

ID numbers may not be recorded, and IDs may not be photocopied. The candidate's signature is not required and should not be requested. A photo or photocopy of an ID is not acceptable. Digital ID is accepted only where the testing center's local law allows it.

A Social Security card is not an acceptable form of identification in the United States. The candidate's identification must match the information on the Launch Candidate test screen.

Candidate Authorization Code and Test Verification

Candidates must give the KCP their candidate authorization code, which is specific to the assessment they are scheduled for. Webassessor emails this code to the candidate when they complete registration. The KCP should record the test name in the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log, but not the code.

Because candidates can register for two or more exams at a time, the KCP must verify that the test the candidate intends to take exactly matches the Webassessor record when launching.

If a candidate arrives without their authorization code, the KCP must call Kryterion Support. The representative will confirm the candidate's identification has been verified and then give the KCP the authorization code so the test can be launched.

Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log

Recording the candidate's identification information helps prevent someone from taking a test on another person's behalf. The Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log is used for this purpose.

At check-in, the KCP records:

• Date of exam

• Candidate name

• Assessment name

• Type of each ID presented and its expiration date

• Check-in time

• Test aids provided by the KCP or brought in by the candidate

Any interruptions or irregularities during the session should be noted in the Test Session Comment section of the log.

At check-out, the KCP records:

• Check-out time

• Their initials confirming the exam was submitted by the candidate and that they entered their KCP login and security code on the Assessment Submission page

• Their initials confirming they collected all test aids given to the candidate at the start of the exam. Any other pertinent comments go in the Test Session Comment section.

Candidates may not fill out or sign the log. Log information may never be disclosed to anyone other than an authorized Kryterion employee or another KCP at the testing center.

The KCP is responsible for keeping the log under lock and key when not in use, and may not use logs for any marketing purpose. Completed logs must be kept at the testing center for at least one year, after which the center may destroy them by shredding.

Informal and Formal Breaks

Unless the Proctor Instructions say otherwise, a candidate can always take an informal break. They can leave the workstation, but the timer keeps counting down, reducing the time they have to finish. If the Proctor Instructions say breaks are not allowed, the KCP must tell the candidate at check-in.

A formal break works the same way, but is noted in the Proctor Instructions and the test duration includes the additional time.

Personal belongings stored outside the testing room cannot be accessed during a break unless the Proctor Instructions formally allow it.

Test Results

Each Test Sponsor decides when and how candidates receive their results. Some candidates see results immediately after submitting the exam at the testing center; others receive them by email or postal mail. KTN Centers do not print results. If a candidate asks when they will receive their results, the KCP should direct them to their Test Sponsor.

Accommodations & Accessibility

All KTN Centers must operate under the guidelines of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if located in the USA, in addition to other local, state, and federal regulations. KTN Centers must also comply with all applicable laws on accommodating individuals with disabilities, including accessibility of the physical premises and seating and workstation configurations (for example, wheelchair accessibility).

During registration, candidates who need an accommodation are instructed to contact their Test Sponsor instead of scheduling directly at a KTN Center. The Test Sponsor obtains any required disability documentation from the candidate and submits a formal special accommodations request to Kryterion Support.

Kryterion Support then contacts the KTN Center where the candidate wants to test and arranges the accommodation. Accommodations are made based on the candidate's request and Test Sponsor approval. Once approved, all KCPs at the KTN Center must be made aware of the accommodation.

Examples of accommodation requests:

• A Kryterion-provided reader and/or recorder

• A professional translator (foreign language or sign language)

• Screen magnification software

• Screen reader software

• Private room

• Food or water

• Medical equipment, personal hygiene items, etc.

• Multiple breaks

• Extended time

If a candidate who needs an accommodation arrives without prior arrangements, the KCP should tell the candidate to contact their Test Sponsor to arrange it.

Incident Handling & Support

Test Center Support

Kryterion supports all KTN Centers and candidates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by live chat, email, or phone.

Candidate Misconduct

If a KCP observes candidate misconduct, they should get a second opinion if possible. Candidates should never be accused of misconduct while at a KTN Center. Instead, the KCP should contact Kryterion Support immediately to report the incident.

Examples of candidate misconduct:

• Giving or receiving assistance of any kind to or from another candidate during the test session.

• Using any prohibited test aids (for example, study guides not permitted by the Test Sponsor).

• Attempting to take the test for someone else.

• Attempting to remove any test aid provided by the KCP (for example, scratch paper) from the testing center.

• Talking in the testing area during the test session.

• Distracting or disturbing other candidates in any way during the test session.

• Tampering with the operation of the computer or attempting to use it for any purpose other than taking the test.

• Accessing unauthorized personal items during the test session (for example, a cell phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device) unless authorized in the Proctor Instructions.

Disruptions Other Than Candidate Misconduct

Various disruptions can occur in the testing area, such as test delivery system or equipment failure, construction noise, or severe weather. Candidates may also accidentally submit their test before finishing. KCPs must contact Kryterion Support immediately when any issue at the testing center interrupts a test session.

If the testing area must be evacuated while a candidate is mid-session, the KCP will evacuate and then notify Kryterion Support as soon as possible after the evacuation is complete.

Reporting Incidents

Depending on the situation, Kryterion Support may ask the KCP to complete an Incident Report and email it the same day as the event. The Incident Report is available on the Resources tab of the KCP or Scheduler home page.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Quality Assurance Program

Kryterion monitors KTN sites through a quality assurance program that evaluates 7 to 10% of the testing center network each year.

As specified in the KTN Agreement, Kryterion may send an observer to a KTN Center without notice to monitor testing operations once or twice in a 12-month period. Observers verify that all Kryterion policies and procedures are followed and all security measures are in place. All KTN Centers are required to participate.

KCPs are employed by third-party organizations, not managed directly by Kryterion, and are supervised according to their organization's own processes. All KCPs must manage the KTN Center and proctored sessions as outlined in the Kryterion Policies and Procedures Manual.

Corrective Action

The Kryterion corrective action process ensures testing centers follow all Kryterion policies. Corrective action may be taken when a center is found not to be following policy through the quality assurance program, candidate complaints, or other means.

When a testing center receives a notice of corrective action, the form must be signed and returned within two business days. Completing the form gives the center the opportunity to add comments or explanations, and the signature confirms receipt. Going forward, Kryterion requires the requested corrections for the partnership to continue. Failure to make them can result in further consequences, up to and including termination of the partnership.

Data Handling & Record Retention

Accessing Documents

All documents used by KTN personnel are available on the Resources tab in Webassessor.

Managing Document Revisions

Kryterion revises the KTN Policies and Procedures Manual from time to time as the program expands. When a revision is complete, Kryterion sends all KTN Centers an electronic copy. Testing center managers and KCPs must review the revised manual and replace the older version with the most recent copy. Older versions must be destroyed.

Confidential KTN Materials

All KTN Centers are bound by the confidentiality and nondisclosure restrictions in the KTN Agreement. These apply to all Kryterion customer tests and test-related materials, all candidate information, the KTN Policies and Procedures Manual, the KCP Exam, and all internal procedures used for secure test administration. All confidential information and materials must be stored securely at the testing center when not in use.

Use of Candidate Information

In addition to confidentiality and nondisclosure responsibilities, KTN Centers may not use candidate information, including names, contact information, demographic information, or test survey or score information, in any manner, including mailing or marketing activities.

Records Retention

Candidate Tracking Log

Candidates are never allowed to fill out or sign the Kryterion Candidate Tracking Log. Log information may never be disclosed to anyone other than an authorized Kryterion employee or another KCP at the testing center. The KCP must keep the log under lock and key when not in use and may not use it for any marketing purpose. Completed logs must be kept at the testing center for at least one year, after which the center may destroy them by shredding.

Video Recording Monitor System

If the KTN Center uses a video recording system, the KCP must have the candidate sign a waiver agreeing to be recorded. Signed waivers must be stored securely for at least 30 days. If a candidate is unwilling to be recorded, the KCP should contact Kryterion Support immediately.