BCIN Exam Day: Remote Proctoring and Test Centre Rules

Remote proctoring: your computer

Humber's listed requirements for online proctored exams:

Also disconnect anything the exam does not need: Bluetooth devices, second monitors, smart home links and other hardware. Humber warns that other connections may end your exam.

If your setup keeps failing the checks, Humber recommends booking a test centre instead.

Remote proctoring: your room

The proctor confirms these before you start:

• an indoor, private, enclosed and quiet room, not a public place where people can walk in, pass by or be within speaking distance
• you are alone: no other people, no children, no pets
• you sit at a desk or table, not on a sofa or bed
• you stay seated and in view of the webcam the whole time
• you do not read questions aloud or talk

You will be asked to scan the room with your webcam or phone. Clear the desk of everything except allowed materials.

Check-in timeline

Humber says the whole process of connecting, the system check, ID and room check can take about 15 to 30 minutes. That time does not come off your exam. If you arrive after your start time, you miss verification and cannot write. There are no exceptions, and a missed exam must be paid for again.

During the exam, a blue frame around the screen shows proctoring is active. Use the chat box in the bottom right corner for any technical problem. If the proctor cannot fix it, you will be sent to technical support at 1-855-772-8678.

Test centre

Test centres are at Ontario college locations. In parts of northern Ontario without enough internet service, paper exams are offered at college satellite sites.

• Arrive 30 minutes before the start time. Late arrivals are not allowed in.
• Bring your Official Registration Receipt and photo ID.
• For a paper exam, bring your own pencils and erasers.
• Washroom breaks are allowed one person at a time, monitored, and the time is not added back.

What you may have

Both formats allow the same materials:

• the 2024 Building Code Compendium, Volumes 1 and 2, in hard copy and/or the digital copy Humber provides (not your own PDF)
• the Code and Construction Guide for Housing, the Code and Guide for Sewage Systems, and the Code and Guide for Plumbing
• a handheld standard calculator, or a non-programmable scientific calculator
• blank sheets of paper
• water in a clear bottle with the label removed

Your hard copies may be highlighted or tabbed with minimal notes. You cannot write in them during the exam.

What you cannot do

Humber treats these as misconduct. The result is a "Fail" and a forfeited fee, and an incident report goes to the Ministry:

• use unauthorized materials or devices, including your own digital copy of the code or a programmable calculator
• eat, smoke or vape, or drink anything other than water
• talk to, help or get help from anyone
• copy, photograph or remove exam content, or tell anyone what was on the exam
• write in your code books during the exam
• leave the webcam view during an online exam
• ignore a reasonable instruction from the proctor

The proctor can answer technical questions only. They cannot clarify any exam question.

If something goes wrong

• Your connection drops: contact support right away by chat, phone (1-855-772-8678) or email. Humber's office cannot help with proctoring issues during the exam.
• The exam is cancelled for reasons beyond your control, such as a power failure or bad weather at a centre: Humber says you will be rebooked at no charge.
• You think the process was unfair: you can appeal within 5 business days. See BCIN Exam Registration and Cost.

Accommodations

Testing accommodations for disabilities must be requested from Humber and approved in advance. Bring your Accommodations Confirmation to check-in, because proctors cannot grant or change accommodations on the day. Humber notes that the online option lets you use accessibility tools you already have at home.

Last-day checklist

1. Receipt and photo ID ready, names matching exactly.
2. Computer checked, extension installed, other devices off.
3. Room clear, door closed, desk empty except allowed materials.
4. Hard copy of the Compendium beside you as a backup.
5. Water in a clear, unlabelled bottle.
6. Logged in 15 minutes early.

Once the logistics are sorted, spend your energy on speed. Read How to Pass the Open Book BCIN Exam, then take a free timed quiz on your exam page, such as House or General Legal/Process.