It is advisable to know in advance the exact location of your test centre and to plan how you will get there on the day. Check your exam booking confirmation carefully.
Surpass test centres comply with all relevant COVID safety measures.
Identification
When you take your exam, you will be required to show a valid form of identification (ID). We accept the following forms of ID and you must present one form of ID when you take your exam. You must bring original copies of your documentation with you to the exam as photocopies or images of the documents on your phone will not be accepted. This document must contain your photograph and your signature.
- Current Valid Passport (any nationality)
- Current Full or Provisional UK Photo Card Driving Licence
- Other government-issued photographic ID (such as a national identification card or biometric residence permit)
The name on your ID must match the name with which you are registered to take your exam.
If you cannot meet the ID requirements, please contact us as soon as possible.
Head coverings and earpieces
If you are wearing a head covering which covers your face, you will be asked to lift it briefly at the test centre in order to verify your identity. You will also need to show your ears to confirm that you are not wearing headphones or other earpiece devices. If you would like to request that these checks be conducted in a private room, you can request this in advance by following the process described above to book an exam adjustment. You can also request in advance via the same process that the check be conducted by someone of a specific gender.
Examination Rules
In advance of the exam, ensure that you have read and understand the BSB’s examination rules so that you do not breach these rules when you take your exam. You will be able to access an online version of the BSB Handbook via a URL. Your screen will be locked and you will not be able to access any other webpages.
Please ensure you have read the Exam Rules and comply with them.
Arrival at the test centre
Please make sure that you arrive at your test centre at least 30 minutes before the time that your exam is due to start. Please be aware that you may need to share the test centre venue with candidates sitting other exams. Noise cancelling ear plugs or headphones can be provided on request at the venue, depending on availability.
Storage facilities are available at test centres in which you may store any personal belongings whilst you sit your exam.
You will be directed to a desk at which you will take your exam. Unless you have requested an adjustment whereby you are taking a pen and paper exam, your desk will have a computer on which you will take your exam.
In a test centre, all screen sizes will be a minimum of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Permitted Materials check
An invigilator will check that you only have the materials permitted during the exam with you at the desk. (Please see Exam Rules for information about which materials are permitted.)
ID checks
When prompted to do so by an invigilator you must show valid ID. The types of ID accepted by the BSB are set out above. If you do not bring a valid ID, test centre staff may take your photograph in order for us to verify your identity at a later time.
Launch Exam and Keycode/PIN
When you are ready, click to launch the exam as directed. You will be required to input the keycode and PIN when prompted. There will be a printed keycode slip on your desk for you to input. The exam invigilator will read out the PIN once all candidates are ready to begin the exam. The exam timer on screen will begin once you have entered your PIN and accessed the exam.
You will first see the Instructions for Candidates for the exam you are taking. These instructions confirm the duration and format of the exam.
Make sure you read in full the Instructions to Candidates. Once you have read these instructions, you can then click Start Exam.
You will have a maximum of 45 minutes from the scheduled start time of the exam in which to complete the above steps and to launch your exam. If you have not launched the exam within this period, you will not be able to sit your exam and you will need to rebook for a future sit.
Food and Drink
You are allowed certain items of food and drink with you during the exam; see the BSB rules for further information.
Leaving your workstation
You will be allowed to go for toilet breaks during the examination. Please raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to give you permission to leave your workstation. The examination will not be paused whilst your toilet break is taken. If you have adjustments which allow additional time for breaks, this will be accounted for.
Other than to go to the toilet, you must remain at your workstation throughout the duration of your exam. Excessive breaks will be noted by the invigilator.
Taking your exam
At the start of your exam, you should carefully read the Instructions to Candidates for the exam. You should ensure that you:
- read the questions carefully before answering them; and
- attempt all questions in accordance with the Instructions to Candidates
- during the exam, there will be a link to the BSB Handbook page available. Please note that during the exam you will not be able to use the "Download Handbook" function. Please instead use the links on the page and the search function to navigate the Handbook.
Support during the exam
During the exam, if you encounter any technical difficulties, raise your hand and ask the invigilator for assistance. You cannot ask about the content of the exam, for example, if you don’t understand a question. If you are unsure about a question or think there is a problem with a question you should note this in your response and continue with the exam.
End of the Exam
When you are happy with your answers, you can click the “Finish” button on the screen and confirm that you want to end the exam. You will not be able to amend any answers after this point as your answers will be submitted.
