Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1289708
26 | September - October 2020 | www . machinerylubrication.com TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION online format keeps thing easy: only one question is displayed per screen, whereas on a paper exam there are several listed together on each page. Subbu notes that this single-question format helps a candidate to "focus on one question at a time, which gives additional time to clearly understand the question and pick up the answer," as opposed to a paper exam where a candidate's "focus [can be] diverted when he is not confident of the answer for any one question." Like Mathura and Bethelmy above, Subbu cites the flag function and comments field as very helpful in this regard. What About Security & Integrity? "Easy" does not mean these exams are anything but professionally presented and processed. It was a priority for ICML to ensure that our online exams would be just as solid as our proctored paper exams. Is this important to our candidates? Claudio Figueroa seems to think so. As Latin A merica Business Development Manager with Lubrication Engineers, he sat for his MLT I and MLA I exams in July and found that "the protocol is rigorous and is consistent with the professionalism that one expects. I absolutely recommend this modality." The proctor actually controls each exam session. By monitoring audio and video in real time, as well as tracking the test-taker's computer screen, the proctor is in a position to halt any exam that fails to meet ICML's rigorous criteria for reason of faulty technology or suspicious activity. On a related note, minimum computer specs must be met in order for the online session to function at all. ese specs are listed on the very first application page on our website (www.lubecouncil.org/apply/) and are repeated to the candidate several times during the registration and preparation process. Examity offers a very easy-to-use link that will scan the test-taker's system and ensure internet speed and audio/video capa- bilities are sufficient. Enhancing Your Control Sometimes the ease-of-use comes by virtue of the fact that an online candidate does not have to deal with various challenges of in-person testing. In fact, online candidates have considerable control over their testing environments. Wright recalls some paper exam experiences that were, unfortu- nately, beyond his control: "I took my previous exams at the local community college. e college was in session and parking was an issue. Additionally, the proctor was geared to young college students, not used to dealing with older professionals. ey were lax and did not maintain a quiet environment." Dealing with travel and tight schedules is bad enough for an anxious test-taker without their anxiet y being compounded by unpredictable test environments, right? Perhaps that is why Khashayar Hajiahmad, Area Manager of Indus- trial Division & MRO at Mineral Circles Bearings, fully expected a more relaxed environment this time. After having sat for four paper ICML exams in previous years, he chose an online MLT II exam in July and was not disappointed. "Comparing to previous exam experiences in class- rooms, this is what I was expecting," he writes. "I would say 100% that the online exam is much more relaxed for the exam taker than paper-based." Our online exam candidates receive specific instructions regarding what qualifies as a suitable testing environment: clear desk, private room, no phones, etc. Like the minimum computer specs, we list these require- ments several times during the registration and preparation process, and we even provide sample photos on our application page. Bethelmy also appreciate the quick scoring turnaround made possible now because online exams submitted from far-flung locations no longer have to rely on that amal- gamated behemoth of infrastructure that is beyond everyone's control— the postal service! Instead, raw test data is transmitted electronically to our USA office. "I do love the fact that you can take the exam anywhere, once the setting is private via online," he writes. "e paper procedure is extremely tedious in my opinion due to the invigilation cost, the planning, and courier uncer- tainty after the exam is completed. I was comforted knowing that my exam would not have gotten lost in the mailing process, and I really appreciate the rapid turnaround time for receiving results." To be fair, ICML does caution candidates that their results can take up to a week because every exam session's recording is reviewed by the proctoring staff. Sometimes results can be ready before that week is over. In fact, Bethelmy and Subbu were both excited to receive their results within a matter of days—an impos- sibility with paper exams. The "Live Proctoring Test-Taker Guide" Makes It Even Easier Even though our new online process eliminates the potential Online exams submitted from far-flung locations no longer have to rely on that amalgamated behemoth of infrastructure that is beyond everyone's control—postal service!