PSI TCQR Stage 3 key terms

A written document describing how a test center protects secure materials, controls access to testing rooms, and responds to security breaches. It assigns responsibilities and is reviewed regularly.

A locked, access-controlled area where test booklets, devices, and answer documents are kept when not in use. Entry is limited to authorized staff and logged.

A documented, unbroken record of who handled secure test materials and when, from receipt through return. Gaps or missing signatures signal a possible integrity problem.

A record showing who entered a restricted area, when, and for what purpose. It supports investigations and is reviewed during audits.

The condition in which scores reflect a candidate's own knowledge and performance, free from cheating, leakage, impersonation, or administrative error. It is the core outcome security procedures exist to protect.

Any act or failure that exposes secure materials or undermines fair testing, such as lost booklets, unauthorized photography, or unlocked storage. Breaches must be reported and investigated.

A situation where test content may have been seen, copied, or shared by people not authorized to do so. Confirmed compromise can require score holds or content retirement.

An object a candidate may not bring into the testing room, such as phones, smart watches, notes, or bags. Rules on handling and confiscation are set out in the administration manual.

The step at the start of a session where staff confirm a candidate's identity, eligibility, and appointment before allowing entry. It is the primary defense against impersonation.

The main document accepted to prove identity, usually a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or national identity card. Expired or photocopied documents are normally refused.

An additional document used when primary ID is unavailable or its authenticity is doubtful, for example a signed letter or a second photo document. Acceptance rules vary by program.

The document or digital record confirming a candidate's registration, appointment time, and test details. Staff compare it with identification and the roster before admission.

Checking a candidate's name and details against the official list of registered candidates for that session. Mismatches are resolved before testing begins.

Using a physical characteristic such as a fingerprint, palm vein, or photograph to confirm that the person present matches the registered candidate. It supplements, and does not replace, document checks.

Presenting false documents or having another person sit the test in a candidate's place. It is a serious irregularity leading to score cancellation and possible referral to authorities.

A specific form of identity fraud in which a stand-in takes the test for the registered candidate. Detection relies on careful ID checks and consistent invigilation.

The set of rules a candidate accepts before testing, covering conduct, prohibited items, and consequences of misconduct. Signing or acknowledging it supports later enforcement decisions.

The controlling document that sets out required procedures for a session, including timing, scripts, seating, and reporting. Staff must follow it exactly and record any deviation.

The fixed wording read aloud to candidates at set points, such as before timing starts and before materials are collected. Reading it verbatim ensures every candidate hears the same instructions.

The rules for starting, pausing, and stopping test sections so that all candidates receive the same allotted time. Staff record actual start and stop times.

Any event that departs from expected testing conditions, from a late start to suspected cheating or a disturbance. Irregularities are classified, documented, and reported.

Deliberate behavior by a candidate that breaks testing rules, such as using unauthorized aids, communicating with others, or refusing instructions. It is handled under defined sanctions.

A departure from the administration manual, whether accidental or necessary, such as a shortened break or a changed room. It must be described factually in the session record.

Rules governing where candidates sit, including minimum spacing, assigned seats, and separation of candidates taking the same test. It reduces opportunities for copying.

Planned activities that confirm procedures are followed and standards met, such as checklists, observations, and reviews. Its purpose is prevention rather than punishment.

A structured examination of a test center's records, facilities, and practices against required standards. Findings are rated and followed up with an action plan.

A documented conclusion from an audit, classified by severity, such as compliant, minor, or major. Each finding requires a response and, where needed, remediation.

Counting and matching test materials issued, used, and returned to confirm nothing is missing. Discrepancies are investigated before materials leave the center.

The specific steps a center takes to fix a weakness found in an audit or incident and prevent recurrence. Actions have owners and deadlines and are verified as complete.

A structured method for identifying the underlying reason a problem occurred, rather than only describing the symptom. Its output guides corrective action.

A factual written account of an irregularity or security event, covering who, what, when, where, and actions taken. It is submitted within set deadlines to the responsible authority.

The defined process for raising an issue to higher authority when it exceeds local staff's power to resolve, such as suspected fraud or a serious breach. Timeframes and contacts are pre-set.

Formal permission granted in advance or after the fact for a deviation from standard rules, such as accepting alternative ID. Approval is documented to protect staff and candidates.

A temporary block on releasing results while an irregularity or security concern is investigated. Candidates are informed and the hold is lifted or converted once the review concludes.

Voiding a candidate's results after confirmed misconduct, fraud, or a serious administration failure. The decision follows documented review and defined appeal rights.

The training and formal recognition a person must hold before administering tests unsupervised. It typically involves instruction, assessment, and periodic renewal.

A staff member who supervises candidates during testing, enforces rules, and records irregularities. Proctors must remain attentive and may not perform unrelated tasks.

Periodic retraining that updates staff on procedure changes and reinforces weak areas identified by audits or incidents. Completion is normally tracked and recorded.

A situation where a staff member's personal relationship or financial interest could bias their testing duties, such as proctoring a relative. It must be declared and managed.

The expected behavior of testing staff, including honesty, confidentiality, impartiality, and respectful treatment of candidates. Breaches can lead to removal from duties.