2021 PCE CLINICAL COMPONENT
SUPPLEMENT TO MODULE 1:
PREPARING YOUR PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
SUPPLEMENT TO MODULE 1:
PREPARING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
PURPOSE:
This document provides supplemental information about exam space requirements for the 2021 Clinical Component to help candidates confidently choose a suitable testing space.
PRINCIPLES:
Candidates should choose their testing space based on the three principles provided below. Doing so will not only help the candidate complete the remote proctoring check-in process quickly and easily but also create the most favourable conditions for a successful exam experience.
Privacy—The candidate must be alone in the space, unable to hear or see another person or be heard or seen by another person. This ensures not only the independence of the candidate’s performance and the security of the exam material but also that the candidate will not be distracted or disadvantaged by noise or movement.
Connectivity—The candidate’s internet connection must be private, secure, stable and not burdened by additional users. This is essential to ensuring the candidate’s exam is not interrupted, disrupted or terminated due to technical issues.
Simplicity—The candidate’s space must not be excessively cluttered or furnished with items that could benefit the candidate’s performance either intentionally or unintentionally. This is important to ensure a quick and easy check-in process with the remote proctor and to eliminate any impression of candidate misconduct during the exam.
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SUPPLEMENT TO MODULE 1: PREPARING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
EXAMPLES:
The following are examples of acceptable and unacceptable spaces, items and network conditions, based on the three principles provided above. Please note that application of these three
principles (i.e., privacy, connectivity, simplicity) is implied for everything that appears in the acceptable list. These lists are not exhaustive. When in doubt, rely on the principles.
*IMPORTANT: If you are using a location that is not your private residence (e.g., hotel, clinic, office) it is your responsibility to confirm that the on-site network meets the technical requirements listed in Module 2.
ACCEPTABLE
Locations*
Enclosed room with door (ideal) Bachelor or studio apartment Open concept space
Clinic or office space Hotel room
Items
Bookcase
Shelving, storage unit
Additional furniture (couches, beds, etc.) Paintings, photographs
Network Conditions
Private/secured, wired internet connection, with no other users (ideal)
Private/secured WiFi connection with stable, uninterrupted service and no other users
VPN
UNACCEPTABLE Locations
Private space where roommates and/or family members are within earshot Main floor clinic or office space with no privacy from the perspective of the street
(i.e., open or no floor-to-ceiling blinds/curtains)
Public space (library, café)
Items Posters, diagrams, models (e.g., anatomical models, skeletons, etc.)
Electronic devices (other than computer and webcam being used for the exam)
Network Conditions
Public or open WiFi connection
Multiple candidates on the same network during the same exam
Roommates or family members using the candidate’s network during the exam