EUROPEAN BOARD OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES FOR ONLINE EXAMINATIONS (EBO DIPLOMA)
| Version 1.0
Version 1.1 |
EBO Guideline
EBO Guideline |
02 April 2023
17 November 2024 |
| Authors: Anna Maino, Tristan Bourcier, Renata Ivekovic, Siegfried Priglinger | ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES FOR ONLINE EXAMINATIONS (EBO DIPLOMA)
1. Introduction
Candidates should note that by entering any of the EBO examinations they are deemed to have read and understood and agreed to abide by all relevant examination instructions and regulations in this document.
2. Exam Preparation instructions
2.1. You must consider where you will take the exam (that there is adequate broadband, a minimum speed of 1.5Mbps is recommended, please ensure to secure a strong connection in order to avoid issues during the exam), you must ensure that it is quiet, no one else is present and you will be undisturbed for the duration of the exam.
2.2. You must consider what device (a Windows 10 or MacBook laptop or desktop should be adequate (not a tablet or mobile phone), but you must have a webcam, audio functions, and broadband connectivity).
2.3. The minimum recommended resolution is 1024 x 768 in 16-bit colour
2.4. The latest version of Google Chrome is required (you will be asked to install a Chrome extension as part of the remote proctoring for the exam).
2.5. Ensure you are connected to a reliable power source before you start your exam.
2.6. If you are writing the exam from a home network shared with the family, ask other members of your family not to use the internet during your exam.
2.7. This exam will be “remotely proctored”, which means invigilation will occur by someone watching you take the exam via your webcam. The system will watch your screen as you take the exam, watch you via your webcam and listen to any sound in the room via your microphone. Your exam will also be recorded and will be reviewed following the exam.
2.8. Your webcam and screenshare must be visible throughout the exam, where a break in connection occurs the Proctor will ask you to refresh the page; the exam timer will continue throughout this process (a strong broadband connection is recommended to reduce the risk of such a break occurring).
2.9. If you have difficulty during your exam, you should tell the proctor you are contacting EBO about it, and email ebo@ebo-online.org directly outlining the issue. This does not guarantee that we will be able to help you if you have technical problems.
2.10. If your connection is interrupted during the exam, please email ebo@ebo-online.org to inform us directly as soon as your connection is restored, and re-access your exam via the provided link.
2.11. You will be provided two links in the days before the exam: each link is specific to one part of the exam. Please be sure you know which is your MCQ section, and which your clinical case section.
2.12. The exam is available in English only; all questions must be answered in English.
3. Examination rules
A breach of one or more of these rules will result in disqualification from the exam.
3.1. You must show a photo ID to prove identity (e.g., passport/ driver license/ national ID card, etc.)
3.2. You must be in the room on your own throughout the exam.
3.3. You must show your exam station using the webcam, so the proctor can be confident there are no extra materials/ items that are not allowed.
3.4. You must stay at your station for the duration of the exam.
3.5. You are allowed – if absolutely necessary – to use the toilet once for five minutes. Raise your hand or use the proctor chat box to inform the proctor you are going to the toilet. The exam timer will continue for the time you are using the toilet.
3.6. Blank paper and pen are permitted for you to jot down your thoughts, but any used sheets must be destroyed at the end of the MCQ and the Clinical cases sections otherwise this will be considered as taking with you material related to EBO examination questions and you will be disqualified (please refer to paragraph 4.4 of this document).
3.7. You are allowed a drink and a snack.
3.8 You will not be able to ask questions about the exam content: proctors are not clinicians.
3.9. You are not allowed to use a second screen.
3.10. The proctor needs to be able to monitor you for the entirety of the exam. You will be disqualified if the proctor cannot see you (because of webcam failure) or your screen (because of screenshare failure) or if we cannot hear you (because of microphone failure).
3.11. You need to ensure that no technical issues occur. The exam will be invalidated if you become disconnected from the exam for more than 5 min because of a technical issue (computer, router, broadband, modem etc).
4. Examination misconduct
The Education Committee defines examination misconduct as any behaviour (whether deliberate or inadvertent) that results in, or may result in, the candidate or any other candidate gaining an unfair advantage in one or more components of assessment. Behaviour that may disadvantage another candidate is also regarded as examination misconduct. Examination misconduct, whether attempted or successful, will be penalised very severely by the EBO. Examination misconduct includes, but is not restricted to the behaviours listed below.
4.1. Bringing any books, dictionaries, calculators, reference materials, notes or translation tools into the room where the examination will be conducted . This is a closed-book exam.
If you have Google translate installed on your laptop, you MUST deactivate it before the exam.
4.2. Using headphones, EarPods/ air pods or headsets. Watches must be removed.
4.3. Using your phone or other device to communicate with anyone. Candidates found to be in possession of unauthorised material or equipment, including mobile phones and/or other smart devices, during an examination will be disqualified whether the items have been used or not.
4.4. Attempting to take with you, copy, capture on camera or distribute material related to EBO exam questions is prohibited.
4.5. Failure to respond to the instructions of the invigilators or examiners. Ignoring messages from the proctor could result is disqualification if the message is about a perceived misconduct or breach of rules and the candidates ignores the proctor’s warnings.
4.6. Gaining unauthorised access to examination papers.
4.7.Impersonating someone else or sitting the exam on behalf of another candidate.
4.8. Unacceptable behaviour including but not limited to threatening (whether in person or via texts/messages/emails), verbal or physical aggression, inappropriate language.
5. Investigation procedure in cases of rule breaking and/or examination misconduct
5.1 In the event of alleged rule breaking and/or examination misconduct, the proctors will report any episodes to the Chair of the Education Committee, together with evidence and a report of the incident. The Chair of the Education Committee, together with the EBO Examination Manager and/or relevant experts, will investigate accordingly. An Investigation should not last more than 3 months unless exceptional circumstances apply.
5.2 If the Investigation finds insufficient evidence to support the allegation of rule breaking and/or examination misconduct, no further action will be taken and the candidate will be informed in writing.
5.3 If the Investigation concludes that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate rule breaking or implicate a candidate in misconduct, the candidate will be informed that they have been disqualified from the examination. The Chair of the Education Committee might refer the matter to the candidate’s employer or training programme director if relevant. The candidate will be advised of the evidence supporting the allegations.
5.4 The candidate will be given the opportunity to respond to these allegations by providing a written statement and any other relevant supporting evidence within 28 days from receiving notification of the outcome of the Investigation.
5.5 The Chair of Education will produce a report which includes a statement of facts and evidence relating to the allegation, including any statement or evidence provided by the candidate. On the basis of this report, the Chair of Education will make a recommendation for any sanction to be applied. The report will be anonymised where possible.
5.6 The report will be submitted to the Executive Committee of the EBO who will consider the case, confirm that correct procedures have been followed and request additional information if required. The Executive Committee will make a final decision on any sanctions to be applied.
5.7 The Chair of Education will inform the candidate of the outcome within 3 months. The decision of the Executive Committee is final.
6. Liability Disclaimer
6.1 Limited liability:
The participation in the online examination shall automatically imply full acceptance of this disclaimer of liability.
EBO shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from participation in the online examination, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct attributable to EBO.
By participating to the examination, each candidate waives, to the maximum extent permitted by any applicable law, any and all claims (irrespective of such claim is contractual or in tort) relating to the participation to the online examination, whether such claims are against EBO or any other person who is employed by EBO, or any third party that has supplied material or information to EBO in the framework of the hosting of the examination.
6.2 Technical Issues:
While EBO strives to ensure the proper functioning of the online examination platform, it cannot guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access or use. EBO shall not be responsible for technical difficulties or disruptions beyond its control, including but not limited to:
a. Internet connectivity issues experienced by the candidate;
b. Hardware or software malfunctions on the candidate’s devices;
c. Force majeure events, including but not limited to power outages or cyber-attacks.
6.3 Candidate responsibility:
Candidates are solely responsible for ensuring they meet the technical requirements necessary to participate in the examination and for maintaining a stable internet connection during the exam. EBO provides detailed technical specifications in advance and recommends a pre-examination system check to avoid complications.
6.4 Force majeure:
EBO shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, strikes, cyber incidents, or regulatory actions.
6.5 Hardship clause:
If, after the registration of a candidate for a specific exam, circumstances arise that could not reasonably have been foreseen at the time of the organization of the online examination and which render the performance of EBO’s obligations excessively burdensome, EBO may decide to postpone and/or cancel the online examination, without liability. In such cases, EBO shall endeavor to reach an equitable solution for the registered candidates by scheduling a new online examination within a reasonable timeframe.
6.6 Exclusion of certain damages:
To the extent permitted by any applicable law, EBO expressly excludes liability for loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or other incidental or consequential damages arising from participation in the online examination.
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European Board of Ophthalmology
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Email: ebo@ebo-online.org
