Here’s How COVID-19 Affects the ISEE

COVID-19 has changed all aspects of our lives, and that includes standardized testing. Here is how the global pandemic affects ISEE test-taking. 

In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, ERB is offering families a secure, online, remotely-proctored option that enables students to take the ISEE in their homes at a time that is convenient for their schedules.  This option is only available to those students applying to grades 5-12 and testing in the United States and Canada. Providing this option gives students a safe, reliable alternative to take the ISEE while testing remains unavailable in schools and Prometric test centers.   

ERB acknowledges that COVID-19 affects the ISEE and is excited to announce a new on-demand, remote proctoring solution for the ISEE. This new, at-home solution in partnership with Prometric will enable students to take the ISEE from the comfort of their homes with the same rigor and reliability you expect from ERB.

ProProctor is a remote testing system developed by Prometric that uses advanced technologies and experienced proctoring staff to provide convenient and easy-to-use access to the ISEE.  Students using this option will have the same ISEE test structure for which they have prepared, and schools will receive valid and reliable test scores within 48 hours for use in the admission process. The ProProctor solution is identical in content, format, on-screen experience, scoring and pricing as the tests delivered in the Prometric global test center network already used by many families.  

The ProProctor platform is accessible from a variety of devices. It is built to minimize remote computer system requirements so that it can be accessed from personal computers or laptops with internet connectivity.  ProProctor is not available on tablets or smartphones.

Parents/guardians will be able to select the ProProctor solution when registering for the ISEE here.  If needed, parents will be able to assist students with logging into ProProctor and the pre-testing setup. When students log in to ProProctor, the system will prompt them through an identity verification procedure and a testing environment inspection, led by a Prometric readiness agent via a live video/audio session. Using the student’s computer webcam (or an external camera), the Prometric readiness agent will conduct a live scan of the room and desk area to confirm that it meets security requirements. Additionally, the agent will perform a webcam security inspection of any pockets, sleeves, accessories, and glasses. 

Once the test launches, the ProProctor unique browser locks down the device that the student is using, so that there is control over the exam experience and the student is unable to access any other programs or screen capture exam content. It monitors the test-taking experience to ensure its validity. Once the test is launched, a certified Prometric proctor will use the webcam to monitor the student for the duration of the test. While the student will not be able to see the Prometric Proctor, they are with the student the entire time and will be able to provide assistance at any point during the test or stop a test if any of the test regulations are violated during the exam.

For more information on ProProctor, please click here. Stay connected to the most up-to-date information about the ISEE at the ERB website. 

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services