Centre checklist

1. Approve the arrangement

• Confirm that a word processor is the candidate’s normal way of working, unless a permitted temporary arrangement applies.
• Use ExamType’s classroom mode in lessons, so candidates practise in the same strict editor they’ll use in the exam.
• Confirm that using a word processor doesn’t perform a skill being assessed.
• Check the subject specification and awarding-body instructions.
• Check whether the awarding body needs a word-processor cover sheet.
• Make sure the centre’s word-processor policy is up to date and available for inspection.

2. Prepare the iPads

Use centre-owned, supervised iPads where possible. Supervised Single App Mode is preferred for live exams. Guided Access alone doesn’t control every iPadOS assistance or network setting.

• Install ExamType from the App Store or Apple School Manager and test that exact version. Never use a TestFlight or test build in a live exam.
• Pause App Store updates through device management during an exam series. ExamType only changes through an App Store update.
• Don’t sign in with a candidate’s personal Apple Account.
• Turn off Apple Intelligence and Writing Tools for the whole device.
• Turn off Siri, dictation and speech recognition.
• Turn off autocorrect, spelling, grammar, predictive text and inline predictions for on-screen and hardware keyboards.
• Turn off Handoff, Universal Clipboard and AirDrop.
• Turn off notifications, and access to Notification Centre and Control Centre.
• Turn off Full Keyboard Access shortcuts that open Home, the app switcher, Control Centre or Notification Centre.
• Turn off multitasking, Stage Manager, Split View and Slide Over.
• Remove or block browsers, email, calculators, spreadsheets, cloud storage, Files and all other apps.
• Turn off internet access. If AirPrint needs Wi-Fi, use an isolated centre network with no internet route.
• Stop candidates from changing settings or installing apps.

3. Test the complete setup

Repeat these tests after any change to iPadOS, device management, ExamType or the printer.

• Try to leave ExamType using gestures, the Home button, keyboard shortcuts and the app switcher.
• Try to open Siri, Spotlight, Control Centre and Notification Centre.
• Try to select text and open Writing Tools, Look Up, Translate, Share, speech or dictation.
• Try to paste text, including from another Apple device.
• Check that no spelling underlines, corrections, grammar prompts or predictions appear.
• Check that links, email addresses and dates don’t become tappable in the editor.
• Check that the iPad can’t reach the internet or anyone else’s files.
• Force-close and reopen ExamType: the answer should be hidden until the PIN is entered.
• Restart the iPad: the work should be recovered and still locked by the PIN.
• Check that classroom mode can’t be opened while an exam session is on the iPad.
• Type continuously with the exam keyboard for at least as long as your longest exam.
• Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard and mouse, and check no work is lost.
• Print a test script of several pages, including a line typed in capitals and a very long word. Check A4 size, 12-point text, double spacing, that nothing is cut off, the details on every page and every “Page X of Y”.
• Measure the printed line spacing: ten lines should be about 8.5 cm from the bottom of the first to the bottom of the tenth.
• Save the script as a PDF from the print panel and check the file name shows the candidate’s details.
• Clear the session and check the next candidate can’t see the previous candidate’s work.

Record the ExamType version, iPadOS version, iPad model, device management profile, keyboard model and printer you tested.

4. Before each exam

• Fully charge the iPad and check it’s working properly.
• Test the external keyboard and mouse.
• Check the previous ExamType session has been cleared.
• Check the candidate has no personal devices or unauthorised materials.
• Check the iPadOS, device management and network restrictions are still active.
• Enter, and have someone else check, the centre number, candidate name, candidate number and component code.
• Use a different PIN for each session, and nothing the candidate could guess.
• Record the PIN in the invigilator log or the exams officer’s records, out of the candidate’s sight. Never on the iPad, the desk or a sticky note. It can’t be reset.
• Complete every preflight confirmation in ExamType.
• Seat the candidate where others can’t read the screen and keyboard noise won’t disturb anyone.
• Have a tested spare iPad, keyboard and printing plan ready.

5. During the exam

• Keep the required level of invigilation.
• If ExamType shows a save error, stop typing and call technical staff. Don’t clear or reinstall the app.
• If the app is interrupted, find out why, and only enter the PIN once secure conditions are restored.
• Record any interruption or technical problem in the incident log.

6. After the exam

• The invigilator enters the PIN to submit. The candidate must not be able to edit again.
• Print after the exam, with the candidate present.
• Check every page shows the correct centre number, candidate name, candidate number, component code and page number.
• Have the candidate confirm the printed work is their own.
• Attach the typed script to any answer booklet with handwritten answers.
• Include the current awarding-body cover sheet when needed.
• Complete the centre’s secure procedure for any electronic copy you keep.
• Only then record verification in ExamType and clear the session.

Official guidance

Check the current versions before each exam series:

JCQ Instructions for Conducting Examinations
JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments
Apple: Use Guided Access