You can fail a remote CSCA before seeing the first question. Not because of Mathematics, but because you use a Mac, an external monitor, a weak upload connection or a phone placed at the wrong angle.
The official home-based exam requirements are unusually specific. Check the notice for your session because the software and entry procedure may change.
Main computer requirements
The current instructions specify:
- Windows 10/11 or 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 and above;
- no macOS support;
- one physical monitor only;
- no remote desktop, cloud PC or other remote-access tools;
- Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, WSL/WSL2 and VBS must be disabled;
- minimum resolution of 1366×768;
- at least 4 GB of RAM;
- at least 2 GB of free disk space for the exam client;
- a 720p camera minimum, with 1080p recommended;
- the current official CSCA test client.
Some devices may conflict with the client because of their architecture or virtualisation-based security. Test compatibility early and replace the device if the error persists.
A powerful laptop is not automatically a compatible laptop.
Screen and sound
An external monitor is prohibited. A desktop computer needs working speakers and a microphone. The official instructions also prohibit wireless earphones, so do not build your plan around a Bluetooth headset.
Keep the computer connected to power for the entire exam.
The second camera
You need a smartphone or tablet with a camera that can open the CSCA Secondary Camera Portal.
Prepare:
- a stable stand or tripod;
- mains power or a power bank;
- a clear view;
- a fixed angle;
- a setup that will not move during the exam.
The second camera should sit roughly 45 degrees behind and to the side, about 1–1.5 metres away and slightly above shoulder level. The frame must show your upper body, computer screen and hands.
Balancing a phone on a stack of books five minutes before the start is not preparation.
Internet connection
The official requirements include:
- at least 20 Mbps for both upload and download;
- a stable connection speed of at least 500 KB/s;
- a wired connection where possible;
- a speed test through the exam system;
- a 4G hotspot as a recommended backup.
VPNs, proxies, network accelerators and services that change or hide the external IP address are prohibited.
Test upload speed specifically. Fast downloads will not support two video feeds if the outgoing connection is weak.
The room
Your space must be:
- private;
- quiet;
- well lit;
- closed;
- free of other people.
You cannot take the exam in a park, cafe, internet cafe, open office, shared computer lab or a dormitory room with another person present.
The official diagram places the desk in a corner between two walls, with the candidate facing the wall and the room behind them. Follow the diagram and video for your own session.
Desk and permitted notes
All permitted items must remain visible. The current instructions allow:
- a small whiteboard; or
- a clean sheet inside a transparent sleeve;
- an erasable whiteboard marker;
- an eraser.
Ordinary paper, notebooks, pencils and pens are prohibited. The proctor checks your notes, and you must erase them in view of the camera after the exam.
Checks before exam day
Test the computer, network, camera, microphone and second device in advance. On exam day, login opens 60 minutes before the start.
A supervised mock exam may be mandatory for a particular session, but its notice must say so explicitly. Do not carry a rehearsal schedule from an old session into a new one.
Your 72-hour checklist
- Remove any old version of the exam client.
- Install the current version from the official website.
- Disable virtualisation and unnecessary programs.
- Test Windows, the camera, microphone and screen resolution.
- Run the official connection test.
- Prepare the second phone, tripod and power supply.
- Arrange the room and cameras according to the diagram.
- Confirm the permitted note-taking method.
- Complete a rehearsal if your session requires one.
- Prepare the admission ticket and passport.
Bottom line
A remote CSCA is not an ordinary online test. It is a proctored exam centre that you assemble in your own room.
Strong candidates test more than formulas. They test every point of failure: the operating system, upload connection, power, second-camera angle and note-taking rules.
