ISEE At-Home: A Parent’s 60-Minute Tech-Readiness Checklist to Avoid Test-Day Surprises

The ISEE at-home option gives families flexibility, but remote proctoring and technology setup introduce new failure points. ERB reports a high success rate for at-home administrations, yet last-minute tech problems still cause stress and rare cancellations. Use this time-boxed, actionable checklist to run a reliable 60-minute pre-test routine so you avoid test-day surprises like app crashes, blurry camera feeds, or connectivity drops.

Quick context: what you need to know before the hour starts

For ISEE at-home testing you need two devices: a primary computer or tablet with camera and microphone that runs the ISEE by ERB secure testing app, and a second device (phone or tablet) running Remote Proctor Connect to show the student’s work area and hands. Both apps are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The second device must remain plugged in and steady during the exam and should be positioned roughly 18 inches from the desk to capture hands and keyboard.

Why a 60-minute routine?

Most tech problems are simple to fix if you find them early. This 60-minute checklist is time-boxed with clear actions at 60, 45, 30, 15, and 5 minutes before the start time. Use it as a run sheet for the parent proctor or quiet observer so the student stays calm and focused.

60-Minute ISEE at-home Tech-Readiness Checklist

60 minutes before: power, downloads, and ID

• Power up both devices and plug them in. Confirm chargers and cables are accessible; the second device must remain plugged in for the entire exam.
• Confirm both apps are installed and updated: 'ISEE by ERB' on the primary device and 'Remote Proctor Connect' on the second device. If an update is pending, install it now.
• Clear automatic updates and large downloads that could restart a device mid-test.
• Lay out student ID and registration confirmation. Make sure the student’s name on the ID matches the ISEE registration exactly. If you have testing accommodations, have documentation on hand and confirm accommodation settings in your ERB account.
• Remove prohibited items from the room: books, notes, calculators (unless pre-approved), extra electronics, and smart wearables. Place a visible 'testing zone' sign on the door to prevent interruptions.

45 minutes before: camera placement and lighting

• Primary device: position the camera so the student’s face and upper torso are visible. Avoid strong backlight; put the light source behind the camera or to the side.
• Second device (Remote Proctor Connect): mount it about 18 inches from the desk aimed downward to capture hands, keyboard, and the full desktop. Use a tripod or steady stack of books to prevent movement.
• Test angles: open the camera app on each device and record a 10-second clip to confirm framing. The desk, hands, and student’s face must be clearly visible to a remote proctor.
• Disable camera covers that might accidentally slide closed during the test.

30 minutes before: network stability and speed checks

• Run a quick speed test on the primary device at speedtest.net. Aim for at least 5–10 Mbps download and 2–5 Mbps upload for a smooth remote proctoring experience; more is better.
• If possible, connect the primary device to the router with an Ethernet cable. Wired connections dramatically reduce dropouts.
• If a wired connection isn’t possible, place the testing devices close to the router and switch the primary device to the 5 GHz band if available for lower interference.
• Pause streaming services, large backups, and automatic cloud syncs on all household devices to preserve bandwidth. Ask others in the home to avoid high-bandwidth activities during the testing window.
• If you have known ISP issues in your area, prepare a cellular hotspot as a fallback. Important: if the hotspot uses a phone that’s also your second-camera, you’ll need an extra device for the second-camera role.

15 minutes before: secure the environment and final app checks

• Sign in to the ISEE secure testing app on the primary device and confirm it launches to the login screen. Do not start the test early—just verify the app loads.
• Open Remote Proctor Connect on the second device and make sure it has camera permission. Confirm location and camera permissions in device settings.
• Turn devices to Do Not Disturb (notifications off) and close unrelated apps. The secure testing app will lock the primary device once the exam launches, but other apps can interfere before that moment.
• Have a watch or clock visible to time the student. Confirm the student uses the restroom, gets water, and is ready to start—empty hands, no jewelry that blocks view, no smartwatches.

5 minutes before: ID verification and walk-through

• Present the student ID to the primary device camera when prompted by the app. Ensure the ID photo and name are clear and unobstructed.
• Run a final check of camera angles and confirm the second device shows the full desk and hands. If the proctor requests a wider view, be ready to slide the second device back slightly for a broader angle.
• Confirm any testing accommodations are visible (for example, a pre-approved physical calculator placed in view only if allowed) and that the proctor knows about them per ERB guidelines.
• Take a deep breath and remind the student: no communication with others during the test and no using extra devices. The testing app locks the device, but human distractions still matter.

Common quick fixes during the hour

If something goes wrong, the most common fixes will solve 80% of problems:

• App won’t open: force quit and relaunch the app. If that fails, restart the device and try again.
• Camera not found: check camera permissions in device settings and close other apps that may be using the camera.
• Microphone not working: confirm mic permission and that no headphone mic is connected unless permitted. Reboot if needed.
• Internet drop: switch to a wired connection, move closer to the router, or activate a prepared cellular hotspot. If connection issues persist, contact ERB tech support immediately before the scheduled start if possible.

Contingency plans to prevent exam cancellations

Proactive contingency planning prevents the most common reasons for cancellations:

1. Back-up second device: have an extra phone or tablet available as the second camera in case one device dies or loses connection.
2. Extra chargers and power bank: keep both devices plugged in and have a charged power bank ready if an outlet issue arises.
3. Alternate internet source: prepare a cellular hotspot on a separate device. Test it quickly in advance to ensure it’s usable and has sufficient data and speed.
4. Emergency contact info: have ERB support and your testing center contact info handy in case you need immediate help to avoid cancellation.

Testing accommodations and documentation

If your student has approved testing accommodations—extended time, approval to use a calculator, or other modifications—confirm these are set up in the ERB system well before test day. Keep accommodation approval documents accessible and inform the proctor at check-in if instructed. If you anticipate needs for special setups (for example, an accessible keyboard or larger display), test those devices and settings in advance to ensure compatibility with the secure testing app.

After the test begins: stay nearby but hands-off

Once the exam launches, the device is locked and the remote proctor monitors the session. Parents should remain nearby to handle technical issues only—do not help the student with answers or problem-solving. If a proctor reaches out, follow their instructions promptly. After the exam finishes, remove any sensitive files or diagnostic screenshots you took during setup.

Practice run suggestion

Run a full practice session at least once using the two-device setup and a smartphone hotspot if you intend to use one as a fallback. This rehearsal uncovers camera angle problems and permission issues and helps the student feel comfortable with the at-home remote proctoring format.

Additional resources

Protect your student’s privacy while running tests at home—read our guide on protecting your digital footprint for tips on camera permissions and data handling. If test anxiety or last-minute withdrawals are a concern, see our article on exam withdrawals and mental health for strategies to keep students calm and prepared.

Following this 60-minute checklist will reduce the chance of exam cancellation and let your child focus on doing their best. Keep this checklist near the testing area as a quick reference on test day.