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The SPARK Exam centre, has over 100 computers and 15 laptops, open over 65 hours per week, combines state-of-the-art equipment to allow test takers to work at their own pace and receive instant feedback and encouragement regarding their work.

SPARK has partnered with the world’s leading online computer-based testing and eAssessment providers like Pearson VUE, Kryterion, Scantron, PAN/PSI and NCFE to offer a wide choice to our clients.

Each year the number of courses using online testing increases and the number of students enrolling in these courses increases.

Our Computer Based Assessment & Paper Based Testing centre is centrally located in a quiet building at the centre of Reading town, making it convenient for candidates with plenty of parking. We are 12 minutes’ walk from Reading train station, which in turn is 30 minutes from London Paddington.

Our IT Network Service provides a wired lab with 0ver 100 computers and professional test administrators offering testing support continually, 6 days a week, ALL YEAR! The lab also provides 15 wireless laptops to serve as contingency with Single Use Rooms for Special accommodations testing as well as large Test Rooms for Group bookings. SPARK provides the right blend of face-to-face guidance, expertise, execution and customer service to our test takers.

The building has lifts and other facilities to cater for the needs of all our test takers. Please contact us if you need special accommodation for your test.
We are aware that Testing can be a stressful experience for many candidates. Even minor noises near the exam delivery room can cause a candidate to feel distracted.
SPARK provides a quiet testing environment, a distraction-free, secure testing environment with continuous candidate surveillance.

Our Test Center building and surrounding area provide adequate parking and/or access to public transportation. It provides access to people with disabilities, in compliance with the Disabilities Act of 1995. Our centre also has a provides a separate reception area for the test administrator away from the exam delivery room for candidate check-in and a seating space for candidates who are waiting. We also provide lockable storage outside the exam delivery room with lockers for personal belongings, such as pagers, paper, books and briefcases into the exam delivery room.

The SPARK Exam delivery room area is an enclosed, professional environment that is clean, comfortable, smoke-free and conducive to testing with exam delivery workstations in a permanently enclosed area that is separate from the rest of the office space, in a lowtraffic area away from training rooms. In addition to insulated walls, our insulated ceiling helps minimize noise. Test delivery rooms are provided with adequate lighting such that it provides sufficient light for keyboard and noteboard while avoiding screen glare, and ventilation, along with comfortable seating and work surfaces.

In order to minimize noise and distractions during testing is in progress, staff place a sign (“Quiet! Testing in Progress.” )alerting people in your office to be especially quiet near the exam delivery room. Headphones that are not connected to any device, cover the entire ear andare successful in blocking most sounds. We have noticed that some candidates prefer to use earplugs.

SPARK uses the following candidate surveillance method /monitoring methods:

Clear glass viewing window or wall: Invigilator sits outside the exam delivery room and looks through the window to monitor candidate testing.

Live feed video surveillance system: We have installed configured camera(s) inside the exam delivery room with a video monitor outside the exam delivery room. The Invigilator sits outside the exam delivery room and uses the video surveillance equipment to view candidates during testing.

Invigilator inside exam delivery room: The test administrator is seated within the exam delivery room. Our invigilator candidate ratio is 1 invigilator per 15 candidates. Multiple invigilators are required if more than 15 candidates are testing at one time.

Our site sets much higher exam security standards than most providers require because we control and restrict entrance into the centre with an Intercom at the main entrance which allows us to admit only test takers. Unauthorised persons, family and friends and visitors are not allowed into our centre.
When candidates come to our facility, they are made aware of the monitoring system and encouraged to read the test centre rules, as well as any testing requirements exclusive to the test they are taking. At the same time, we try to make the testers feel comfortable and at ease to keep their level of exam stress at the ‘useful’ level, and not let it get too high because these are very high stake exams. SPARK’s Invigilators are authorized to end an exam if they deem necessary.

As part of the check-in process, some providers expect test takers to sign an attendance register.

The testing room is monitored by video cameras and by a proctor who regularly walks through the room. Our digital monitoring system is sharp enough to catch the slightest hint of cheating.

Candidate IDs are checked along with their signatures, and personal belongings are locked away before they can enter the testing room.

There are several things we do to stop proxy testers at the door.

1. We check the IDs properly! For all exams, we only accept original, current, government-issued photo IDs with signature. We do not accept temporary or paper IDs. Any paper documentation can be forged or edited. So can electronic documents, which is why we cannot accept IDs on a candidate’s phone or other electronic device. If a candidate has had a name or gender change that is not shown on the current ID, we do not accept supplementary documents such as marriage licenses or divorce decrees. If you are unsure about an ID, your test provider or visit their website.
2. We don’t just glance at the ID. We make sure the name exactly matches the name on the confirmation notice; make sure the photo matches, and we always compare the candidate’s signature on the sign-in sheet with the one on the ID presented.

We keep the entry and exit logs with candidate signatures on file for six months before shredding.

1. We make the best use of our video monitoring and recording at our test centre, by keeping recordings for as long as possible. If the exam client questions whether an imposter took the exam, we are able to provide video footage of the person testing.
2. If you happen to see an ad placed by a student looking for a proxy tester, notify the exam client or college/university immediately.