Important information for customers setting up computers in labs or providing borrowed devices: In the 1.14.14 version of IEP there is an issue with an Admin user setting up IEP and a Standard user later trying to launch IEP. This is fixed in IEP 1.14.18.
Please note the 1.14.14 version has been running successfully for the vast majority and we will not make changes to the public version until the end of the year to limit changes in the upcoming assessment season.
1.14 improvements
Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) 1.14 sees our next major release of Inspera Exam Portal. Here is an overview of the new features and improvements we’ve made to IEP 1.14.
Application Updating
Universal Builds
We are happy to report that IEP updates will no longer need to be distributed via bespoke links. With IEP 1.14, the latest version of IEP for your tenancy will be available via your tenancy’s URL with /get-iep at the end. For example http://demouni.inspera.com/get-iep
Visiting this URL will automatically trigger a download of the correct and latest version of IEP (either MacOS or Windows).
Auto-Updating
(note: Auto updating does not work if a candidate is still using IEP 1.13.x)
With IEP 1.13, it was difficult for institutions to ensure all candidates were using the latest version of IEP. It remained a challenge to ensure candidates were using the most stable and secure version of IEP whilst also not excluding them from being able to access their assessment on exam day. No amount of communication can guarantee everyone will read and action the update.
With auto-updating, if a candidate opens an outdated version of IEP, they will be stopped from proceeding, and instead, a download of the latest version will start automatically.
What is considered an outdated version of IEP? That’s where setting minimum versions come into play.
Set Your Own Minimum and Recommended Version
While we suggest always using the latest build of IEP, sometimes institutions like to limit the frequency with which candidates are required to update their versions. Each institution will be able to set its own minimum and recommended version of IEP.
To do this, simply log a ticket with the Service Desk. Minimum and Recommended Version parameters will work as follows:
Scenario
IEP 1.14.14 has been released. The institution decides they don’t want any student using any versions older than 1.14.10.
Minimum Version is set to 1.14.10
Recommended Version is set to 1.14.14
Student X opens IEP 1.14.12. They will be able to continue with their assessment as their version is higher than the minimum version. If they want the latest version though, they just need to go to [tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep to download it
Student Y opens IEP 1.14.05. As this version is older than the minimum version, a download of IEP 1.14.14 will automatically start. They must wait until it’s complete and installation is complete before they can proceed with their test.
Multiple Configurations per tenant
Previously, a tenancy could only have a single IEP configuration. For example, if the option to skip the Connection Check was set, all tests carried out through IEP would skip the connection check.
From IEP 1.14 onwards, it will be possible to have different configurations for different requirements. How this will work in practice is as follows:
Scenario
An institution has its default IEP configuration and that can be downloaded from http://[tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep . However, for in-center tests in computer labs, the institution wants a different set of configurations.These requirements need to be logged with the Service Desk which will get a different set of IEP configurations set up. A new IEP download link will then be provided (such as http://[tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep?config=in-centre) This URL can then be used to install a differently configured version of IEP onto computer lab machines.
Future updates to this different configuration will be carried out via the auto-updating feature.
Security
Improved analysis of device and internet characteristics captured during system check and test session
We have enhanced the performance data captured through each IEP session. This enables us to improve performance analysis and identify issues faster. For example, if load times increase for certain candidates, we will be able to faster analyze the performance data to pinpoint the cause (is it geographical location, operating system, computer processor version, etc).
All these improvements are ‘under the hood’ so won’t be noticeable from a user point of view, but it will help us to continually improve the performance, security, and stability of IEP.
Improved content protection
We are continuing to improve control over Copy & Paste, and screenshot functionality. By disabling the ability to screenshot from within IEP, as well as clearing the clipboard both before and after each assessment, we’re ensuring any test content remains within IEP and cannot be shared outside the platform.
New System Checks for Security and Stability
When IEP is opened, it runs through a series of system checks. Those that can be turned off at a tenancy level are marked with a *.
- Virtual Environments*: to ensure candidates aren’t trying to circumvent security by launching IEP in its own contained environment.
- Network Connection Check*: to ensure the candidate’s network connection is sufficient for proctoring data to sync with the services throughout their assessment.
- Memory: similar to the CPU check, this will ensure there is enough RAM available on the device for IEP to run smoothly. If too much RAM is being used by other applications or processes, the candidate will be prompted to close the applications or processes and run the diagnostic again.
- Battery and Power Source*: a check to ensure the device is plugged into an active power source. This will avoid batteries running out of power midway through the assessment.
Candidate Experience
Help Screens when system checks fail
We have improved the guidance provided when system checks fail. The candidate will now receive on-screen guidance on how to troubleshoot or fix the issue.
Early Bird Access for Candidates to setup before assessment
With IEP 1.13 or earlier, candidates weren’t able to proceed beyond the login screen until the assessment window had opened. With IEP 1.14, we have introduced an Early Bird access window that allows candidates to go through all system checks before the assessment window opens. All checks can be done and the candidate will proceed all the way to the ‘Get Ready’ screen. Once the time of the assessment window opens, a ‘Start Test’ button will appear and the candidate will be able to immediately commence the assessment.
Institutions will be able to set how many minutes before assessments candidates are given to get through the checks. This can be requested via the Service Desk.