Saturday, February 20, 2021

e-EQE 2021: Code of Conduct and creating your own evidence

Updated 26 Feb 21
Updated 23 Feb 21 after Mock 3
Updated 21 Feb with comment on software under ItC 14 and ItC 32.
Fri 19 Feb, EPO published the updated Instructions to Candidates (OJEPO Feb 21), and a related Code of Conduct (19 Feb 21) on the official EQE page. All candidates need to read the latest version

  • ItC 43 is an End User Agreement where you implicitly confirm agreement by taking an exam
  • It seems likely that you will need to explicitly accept them as well before the exam (like the UK PEB exams)
  • Also read the Data Protection Statement (v2 - undated), on the same page so you know who is retaining what data, and your right to access, rectify, erase and receive your personal data, as well as restrict its processing or object to the same. Reference is made to the EPO Guidelines for Protection of Personal Data (Apr 19) which is on the Data protection & privacy page. 
    • In general, personal data is deleted max. 30 months (2.5 years) after exam, or after appeal. 
    • Chat content is retained for 120 days (4 months), facial images, audio and biometric data deleted after 6 months, but if suspected misconduct or appeal, EPO will make a copy and retain for max. 30 months (2.5 years).
General comments
  • Disclaimer: these are my general impressions, and will not cover all individual cases. I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. If you are worried, then talk to your mentor or contact helpdesk@eqe.org
  • The intention of these rules is to provide a framework to sanction anyone who seriously breaches the rules or tries to cheat. 
  • If you do your best to comply with the spirit and letter of all the regulations and instructions, there should be no problems.
    • But different to in-person exams, potentially suspicious behaviour will be flagged by AI software. All the audio / visual / computer / network / keyboard / mouse inputs from each candidate are analysed after the exam (ItC 36, 37) and compared to other candidates (approx. 1000 for PE and approx. 2400 for some main exams). Decisions are not taken solely on these flags - the flags and the data collected will always be reviewed by the responsible EPO/epi members and they will contact you first. They also have your answers, how you answered, the speed and order of answering, and Zendesk chat interactions for analysis and comparison.
    • And different to in-person exams, if you accidentally breach an instruction, you may not be warned. The invigilators can see real-time some of the data, but they will mainly be using video and audio (ItC 25), and mostly occupied with major issues and emergencies (which includes being unable to do the exam because the Browser is locked). So, if you are not contacted by an invigilator, that does not mean that no issues were detected by the system. 
Measures you can take to create evidence 
  • You can expect that the rules will be interpreted in good faith, but the evidence being used is based on the data collection and AI. By complying with all the rules, you are the only witness. 
  • You will forget a lot of details because of the stress, and it may be several week before you are contacted. So, put yourself in the best position to support being unfairly flagged. 
  • But don't go crazy - these are just all tips I could find. At least do something - any evidence is better than none. And hope you don't need it.
  • Comply with the spirit and letter of all the regulations and instructions, before during and after the exam. Even if you think them trivial. 
  • Report any issues or conflicts with regulations BEFORE the exam, prepare alternative solutions, and test your system as much as possible.
  • Keep your mentor updated on all the problems, and make sure they know the exact circumstances you are taking the exam. Preferably, they should also see it, either in person or by video chat. If the mentor agrees, record the video chat with a time and GPS stamp. Or with photos with time and GPS stamp.
  • Before each exam, before you put your phone away, make a video with time and GPS stamp of the room, desk and computer. Include your point-of-view as you will take the exam, 360 degrees around, up and down. Under the desk, on top of the desk. Behind the monitor. Explain what everything is, and how they comply with the requirements. Mention anything you removed to comply with the requirements. Also include the ID you will be using. If there are glass walls and windows, show that they are covered. Show where the doors are, and what is on the other side. Pictures are also possible, but a video is stronger. If possible, include a witness or get someone else to film you. It should only take 5 - 10 minutes.
  • Put your phone out of the room (you don't want it to accidentally ring). Preferably, give your phone to someone else to keep during the whole exam.
  • Don't record video and/or audio during the exam as this itself is a breach of the rules.
  • During the exam, if something happens that could be flagged, report it in the invigilator chat and make a note on paper so you don't forget. If you interact with an invigilator, note the name on paper.
    • Tip from candidate: you can email a transcript of your Zendesk chat (before end of exam) by clicking on three dots on bottom right and entering your email address. It gives you a full timestamped history. But if you or the invigilator leave the chat, then the next contact will create a new transcript which has to be requested separately.
  • AFTER the exam, report any issues that happened during the exam as soon as possible. 
  • If have made notes on paper or annotated printed pages, store them safely and scan them in. 
  • Store the unedited videos, photos and files somewhere safe. 
  • Optionally, you may want to timestamp the files using a third party. Use the same facilities to create proof as for copyright, trade secrets and rights of continued use against patent infringement: 
    • Create a SHA-2 hash fingerprint yourself using truetimestamp.org. They have their own register of certificates (free)
    • WIPO Proof - store the files yourself unaltered, no file size limit, create and register a digital fingerprint, store the fingerprint yourself (20 CHF) 
    • i-DEPOT - upload up to 100MB of one or more files (any format), create and register a certified pdf, BMM retains it for 5 years, you can download a copy (EUR 40)
  • DON'T send the helpdesk all your videos and files.
  • If something did happen, consider requesting a copy of the data they collected as described above (although it can take up to 3 months)
  • If you are accused of suspicious behaviour, don't just send all your videos and files and hope for the best. Talk to a colleague or mentor. You will need to respond seriously, offering to supply selected parts of the evidence. Handle it like receiving a "cease and desist" letter.
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE (comments on Instructions and Code of Conduct)
Instructions to Candidates - OJEPO Feb 21 (but don't rely on me - read it yourself :-)
  • I saw some questions about interpretation - some of the sections seem a little unclear when read alone. I have tried to give my opinion below.
  • Some provisions use "must" and some "should", so you can see the black/white boundaries. But take them all seriously - "should" provisions may be used to compare you to other candidates.
  • Realise that the exam is mainly governed by the REE (last version OJ 2019, supplement 2 found on the EQE notices page), implemented by the IPREE. IPREE 19 refers in turn to the ItC. 
    • REE and/or IPREE will likely also be amended to update language, so keep checking the EQE notices page 
  • IPREE R.19 (2019) indicates possible sanctions for not following the ItC and/or instructions from invigilators (not necessarily attempts to cheat): 
    • (1)(a) deduction of marks, (b) marking of only part of your answer, (c) no marks, (d) disqualification from PE / ME for a given year. 
    • (2) not literally applicable anymore, but suspension during exam seems possible. Likely to be updated.
  • IPREE R.20 (2019) indicates possible sanctions for fraudulent behavior (considered attempts to cheat):
    • sanctions of IPREE R.19, and/or
    • refusal of registration and/or 
    • refusal of enrolment for forthcoming and subsequent PE / ME's
Some details that seem new (but don't rely on me - read it yourself :-)
  • ItC 08 - do not use your name or initials in your answers. Done to ensure anonymity. You do not need it - your answers are coupled to your candidate ID, and WISEFlow automatically makes a cover sheet.
  • ItC 09 - as with in-person exams, report any issues as soon as possible
  • ItC 10 - new = the option of asking for extra time if late (although no examples are given). As with in-person exams, take steps to ensure you are ready to start on-time. Now you also have to make sure your room and system comply. Even if you are taking it at home. 
  • ItC 11 - email complaints to helpdesk@eqe.org regarding conduct as soon as possible, but no later than end of day of the exam. See also ItC 39.
  • ItC 12 - read the latest User Guide and e Requirements for the e-EQE 2021 on official e-EQE page
  • ItC 13, 14 - this appears to cover a lot, some of which candidates cannot directly control. "All documents related to the e-EQE" seems vague as new documents appear almost daily. At least comply with the "all due care" standard - set up everything according to the official instructions, report any issues or conflicts BEFORE the exam, do your best to get issues resolved and/or prepare alternative solutions, test the system as much as possible, report any issues during the exam as soon as possible afterwards. ItC 39 gives you 24 hours after the exam to report things out of your control. 
    • I am also missing that the Examination Board / EPO is responsible for providing a stable, well-tested, bug-free online examination platform and exams. And that they are responsible for timely providing accurate and comprehensive information to install, use and remove the software, and to prepare their exam environment. Also something about timely responses to questions about these issues. These are factors influencing compliance by candidates.
  • ItC 17 - you need to show your ID while taking the entry image. And have your ID available for the whole exam, just in case.
  • ItC 18 - well-lit is related to facial recognition. Clarification that no prohibited equipment may be "within reach".
  • ItC 19 - Zendesk chat must be activated during the whole exam
  • ItC 20 - as well as the limitations due to using a computer, the old in-person restrictions apply - no phones, no digital watches, no calculators etc. 
  • ItC 21 - microphone is listening the whole time for noises that could indicate that other people are present. In the last webinar, they said that if someone comes in, send them out immediately. I also advise typing it in the chat what happened, and reporting it after the exam.
  • ItC 24 - "rotating the camera" seems to suggest that internal webcams are not allowed. But I think they mean up/down rotation.
  • ItC 29 - reading this literally means that you cannot copy the questions or parts into your answer. I don't think that is the intent - this seems to be a Non-Disclosure Agreement (sounds like a D2 case ;-) and mainly intended at anyone leaving before the official end of the exam. See also CoC A.1(2)(ii).
    • So, you should treat the printable and non-printable parts as confidential. Working within the system, you can copy parts of the exam in your answer, as explained before in all the official documentation. 
    • After the exam is finished, the system will release a copy of your answers, which may contain parts of the exam. It is unclear whether this should also be treated as confidential and for how long. I don't see any advantage in publishing this. I would also wait until the EPO publishes in the compendium
    • It is also unclear when ItC 29 ends. Applying the NDA principle, once the EPO publishes the exam in the compendium, you can freely discuss everything. Whether it ends automatically after the exam is unclear. 
    • In one of the webinars they said that the ItC changes are only those expected when changing to online - before, you could take a copy of the paper with you after the exam, and you could discuss.
    • CoC A.1(2)(ii) specifies "during the EQE". I would also wait until the EPO publishes in the compendium. So, if you leave early, don't post anything online until the end of the scheduled exam time. 
  • ItC 31(a) - for PE and 2xD1 parts, no unscheduled breaks. During the in-person exams, a lot of candidates used to use adult diapers to maximise their time working on the exam. Something to seriously consider (not a joke - I will be using them as a benchmarker)
  • ItC 31(b) - unscheduled breaks are expected to take no more than 3 mins. Don't stress if you go over, but come back as soon as possible. Again if there was a reason for taking longer, type it in the chat. During the in-person exams, people used to sprint to the toilets. Not mentioned here, but don't take any exam materials or notes with you. Also don't come back with any papers.
  • ItC 31(c) - "offline" may relate to the AI. It is as if there was no internet connection.
  • ItC 32 - it is unclear if "problems" includes technical problems. 
    • I am also missing that the Examination Board / EPO is responsible for providing a timely response to questions through the invigilation. This should also include helping with technical issues during the exam. These are factors also influence compliance by candidates - durung the exam, you are not allowed to search the internet or ask anyone else.
  • ItC 34 - exam invigilator passwords also fall under "NDA". You are also not helping others - if someone uses it. It will be clear from their chat record that they did not get it from Zendesk.
  • ItC 36, 37 - so even some months after the exam, this can be investigated. Only one example of a suspicious event is given - "suspicious looks in a particular direction". See above - this can be determined weeks or even months after the exam. Data can be retained for up to 2.5 years, longer in appeal. CoC A.2(2) indicates that you can be awarded a FAIL retroactively. 
  • ItC 38 - it appears that in some instances, you may be given a warning.
  • ItC 39 - this appears to reference force majeure situations. To be reported within 24 hrs after exam by email to helpdesk@epo.org. See also ItC 11.
  • ItC 40 - 42 - mainly relevant for resitters. If you do not withdraw in time (OJ 2019, A98), you are awarded fail and 0 marks, replacing any earlier marks you had for that paper (possibly relevant for compensation). It is also counted as an attempt, so the exam fee may be higher next time. ItC 41 mentions "fails to appear" counts as deemed withdrawal, but I am not sure what it means - never having logged-in to WISEFlow, never having clicked on the flow, or something else?
  • ItC 43 - implicit End User Agreement
Code of Conduct (19 Feb 21)(but don't rely on me - read it yourself :-)
  • CoC A.1(1)(vi) - seems to suggest that no other materials at all are allowed. This cannot contradict the REE. It is referring to the online system where you can ask the www.epo.org domain and the EPO legal texts. You should not try and get to other sites.
  • CoC A.1(2)(ii) - see ItC 29 above.
  • CoC A.2(2) - you can be awarded a FAIL retroactively. See ItC 36, 37 above.
  • CoC A.3 - reminder that 3rd parties like European Patent Attorneys and EPO employees are already subject to a professional code of conduct. For example, EPA's can be fined up to EUR 10000 or deleted from list of professional representatives indefinitely.

74 comments:

  1. I am concerned about where personal data is stored and used. Would it be GDPR compliant? There's nothing that mentions this in the EPO guides.

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    1. http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/6374150B66F40B7BC1258646002ED12F/$FILE/Data_Protection_Statement_v2.pdf

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    2. It is on the official e-EQE page

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  2. This is great, thanks Pete.

    Do you think the EPO would be open to some feedback on the e-EQE (perhaps after the exams). There are alot of things that I feel needs changing for this format to work online better. One thing I want to immediately change is how to reduce the significant admin burden on candidates.

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    1. They always have a candidate's survey afterwards, but I have never seen them do anything based on that.
      It probably makes more sense to direct it through either the epi or your national patent attorney association.

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  3. Hi Pete, thanks for your summery. Regarding “ItC 40-42” you write “If you do not withdraw in time, you are awarded fail and 0 marks, …” But I read “ItC 41” as if I will not start the examination paper or the WISEflow I will NOT awarded fail and 0 marks. So, if I decide to postpone my examination paper to the next year without any disadvantages (except to pay the same exam fee again) shortly before the possible start of the WISEflow flow I do not need to withdraw anything in time - I just do not start the WISEflow flow. Could you please confirm?

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    1. I don't know - I will add it as a comment. I have no idea what they mean by "fails to appear". Maybe if someone never logs in to WISEFlow at all?
      I think just send an email - then it is clear.
      Thanks for pointing that out.

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  4. Hi Pete and all,
    What is exactly meant by "suspicious look in a particular direction " in item 37 of Code of Conduct?

    I have my paper notes hung on the wall behind the monitor. Do you think staring at the wall behind the monitor, (therefore behind the webcam) is suspicious look is particular direction ?

    It is really frustrating to try to figure out what is right and what is wrong, when less than 2 weeks left before the exam...

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    1. That is why I posted it - the best thing you can do is record your own setup. Looking around is not forbidden. If you have proof of what you were looking at, then they will not pursue it. They are trying to catch people who communicate with each other.

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    2. I completaly agree with the comment above. I have these clips besides the monitor for my notes and templates, and this point bothered me as well. Nothing more to do than to take a photo or recording in case any questions are raised. Its a lot frustrating!

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  5. Regarding Data privacy: the e-eqe seems to break EU law.
    Is a candidate complicit by partaking?

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  6. Hi Pete, I am a bit surprized about the NDA part - maybe it is a silly question of mine - I thought the rules refer to the duration of the exam. Do you mean we are not allowed to tell our colleagues about the content of the exam after the exam is over?

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    1. No - it is not silly. Somebody asked me your question, but as no time limit is specified, I am not sure. I hope it will be clarified.
      You will get a copy of your answers, which will have a lot of the exam in it. So you could share quite a lot explicitly.
      I don't know if it is a change of practice: in the old exam, you could take a copy with you, which in general got posted online and people discussed. It looks like that is no longer allowed, but I also don't know when the exam will appear in the compendium - that used to be a week later.
      I don't know.

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  7. Reading this as a contract .....
    I commented under ItC 14: I am also missing that the EPO is responsible for providing a stable, well-tested bug-free online examination platform. And that they are responsible for timely providing accurate and comprehensive information to install, use and remove the software.

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  8. Do invigilators actually have decent IT technical knowledge to be able to help fix IT issues that pop up during the exams. If things do occur badly, I don't want to be push further behind if the invigilator has no idea about technology (sorry to put it so bluntly but the pressure is on). I'm not expecting miracles but some simple tips/trouble shooting etc... to help restart may help get candidates back online quickly.

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    1. Also like to add that candidates from small firms do not have a IT technical person on hand to help them so they are very much on their own if things do go wrong.

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    2. As far as I know, the invigilators are mainly the usual kind of invigilators from the Examination Committees. They are at least the first line response.
      In the first webinar, they mentioned that there would be some support available, but that it would be very limited, and would take some time.
      I don't know - technical support is also something that you should expect from the invigilation. I will add a note under ItC 32.
      ... and formally you will be on your own anyway during the exam. You are not allowed to contact anyone to help.

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    3. This begs another question. Do we get help from someone if Zendesk is being slow. I rather try and get back online ASAP rather than waiting for an hour for a response from Zendesk.

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    4. That person can be an IT technician within the firm. If the Internet is cut off, Zendesk won't help either so would getting help from someone be ok then?

      On another note, they really should provide a telephone number for candidates to call in case this does happen.

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    5. Umm. That is a tricky situation if your Internet goes or Zendesk can't help. I really hope they will allow someone to help you get back online ASAP but I'm not sure.

      If they can't provide any IT assistance, then who can candidates rely on?

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    6. I am not sure for all circumstances. Maybe?:
      If you can't start the LockDown browser, then you you have not started, so you have your normal desktop and I assume you can just get help. But to start late, you need to contact the invigilator via Zendesk chat and get the invigilator password. You will need to explain why you are late.
      During the exam, if the LockDown Browser is open, and you have a problem, the only person you can contact is the invigilator. You would need to ask for permission to get IT support as you would need to either exit the LockDown Browser or use an electronic device. You would need to explain and report this later.
      If the Browser crashes during the exam, you will need to first contact Zendesk through a regular Browser, and ask them if you can contact someone to help.
      Being offline for a period of time during the exam is something you will need to explain.

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  9. Can we bring a calculator into the exam to work out fees? You can before in normal examination centres.

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    1. No. But that was never officially allowed, unless you had permission to use it. It was considered an electronic device.
      If you show your working and it is a complicated calculation (like 30%), they usually give you marks even if wrong.

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  10. “ItC 20” is not excluding that we keep a second computer (reserve notebook with a WISEflow installation if the main computer crashes) or a smart phone (reserve internet connection) in our EXAMINATION ROOM: “Other than the computer system required for the examination … are PERMITTED”. I read PERMITTED as I am not permitted to use, not as not permitted to keep the reserve devices in the examination room. Why I ask - I do not like to leave the room in any case (not just because I could wear diapers). Therefore, I like to place the reserve devices in an “emergency bag” (notebook and smartphone) some meters away from my examination desk. I could not find any written rules which are telling us that we cannot keep “other devices” in our room. What do you think?

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    1. ItC 18 states that they are not "within reach". In one of the webinars, they said other devices in the room (like a colleagues computer) must be turned off, and the screens cannot be visible (even if they appear to be turned off).
      I think the bag in the corner should be fine (and turn the phone completely off).
      I would let the helpdesk@eqe.org know what you intend to do, and double check that there is not a problem.

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    2. Thanks Pete, “ItC 18” rules (not) “within reach” and nothing about outside of our room. As long just one EPO staff is talking in for us candidates not accessible information sessions or webinars about “outside of our room” I cannot take that as a rule for preparing my “inside-room emergency bag”.

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    3. Unfortunately, the last webinar was not put online with the comments.
      "Within reach" means during the exam, because you have to have your head in view of the camera for the whole exam. If it is in the corner, you have leave your desk to get it, and that is detected.
      Double check with the helpdesk by email - that is something you can rely on.

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    4. Catch 22: I would need the “emergency bag” if my main computer or the internet connection crashes. Therefore, no invigilator could detect anything (and I could even not ask for permission to leave the room). If I have my bag already in the room I could downsize the double catch catch 22 situation in a single catch 22��

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    5. To get back in and start the LockDown Browser after the crash you will need the invigilator password. They will want to know what happened.
      The LockDown Browser will be able to see that you have switched computers

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  11. I am quite confused: should we take the entry image with our ID card each time we enter a new flow? I thought the initial flow, where we took such picture was enough.

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    1. No, negative.

      At least in Mock2 the entry image was required in the beginning of each flow.

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    2. The entry picture is for the facial recognition only. You shouldn't need the ID during the exam, but the invigilator can ask to check it any time. For example, after an unscheduled break.

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    3. But, in the Instructions to candidats it says:

      17.For the participation in the EQE,candidates must also have a valid official photographic ID (identity card orpassport) and keep it within easy reach. For the purpose of verifying their identity, candidates must hold their ID up to the camera (next to their face) before EACH examination or part thereof (flow). In addition, invigilators can ask candidates to hold their identity card or passport up to the camera at any time during an examination.

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    4. I checked this with the helpdesk before Mock 3 as the FAQ was not clear on EQE website. We have to show our ID when taking our entry image to each EQE flow regardless of whether we successfully completed the "Reference Photo with ID/Passport" flow prior to Mock 2.

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    5. Thanks - I will update in the other posts.

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    6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    7. Yes - it has changed. I found it mentioned in the Step-by-Step Guide dated 12-02-21 on the official eEQE page:
      "20. Take your entry image
      => You must show your ID/passport next to your face at the beginning of each flow. Once approved the photo cannot be re-taken"

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    8. I am on the understanding that the flow will allow you to pass to do the examination and the possible unclear identities will be clarified later, if your face and the image in ID card differentiate too much. In later it is possible to compare the real ID card and ID card on the approved photo and the face which has been video recorded by the AI during the examination and the real face of the candidate and unclear situations may be thus solved. Am I in correct understanding? Or is it really so that if the face and the image of the ID card in the approved photo differentiate too much, then the AI will really not pass you to make the examination at all and the flow is interrupted? I mean, is the system so intelligent that it can decide online the identity of the candidate?

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  12. I still had the same issue wirh Zendesk I. E. Long waiting time. I was in queue 269 and waited for 30 minutes to be attended too.

    They need to increase the number of EPO members monitoring Zendesk. Waiting for over 30 minutes on the real day will be a disaster.

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    1. Candidates who had contact with invigilators were told that the number will definitely be increased.

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  13. Opening up 10 tabs still freezes the system. They haven't fixed this issue yet.

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    1. Yes - I had the same on my PC. But someone on a Mac could open 15.

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  14. It appeared this morning that the clickable table of contents is working again. I don't know if this is because somehow it has been fixed, or because they have reverted to a version used before Mock 2. (But I can confirm that Alt-Tab definitely kicks you out!)

    Also, I can confirm that the invigilators consider the '3 minute duration' for unscheduled breaks a 'must', not a 'should'. After a 6 minute break (partly to see what would happen) I was told that wouldn't be allowed in the exam.

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    1. Yes - the contents were clickable for the first time. That makes life a lot easy when jumping around in your answer.
      Yes - stay under 3 minutes to avoid being flagged on it as possibly suspicious. If you go over 3 minutes, you should let them no why when you return.

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    2. What happens if my unscheduled break is longer than 3 minutes? Will they disqualify me? Should i consider taking a time stamped picture of my poop just to be safe?

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  15. Today I did the mock in my planned window-less room. GOOD IDEA. No one should be in the office, but someone sat next to the office and spoke loudly for most of the time. People were outside the door. I took the decision to paper the internal windows in my office, which is surrounded by empty offices and in a more remote location.

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    1. Good that it was this week and not next week! You could also hang up some signs outside that people should be quiet.

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    2. I absolutely will. Luckily, my office is next to senior management, who don't make much noise ;)

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  16. You can get an email transcript of your zendesk chat, but I guess you have to do it before the end of the exam. Click the three dots on the bottom right. It gives you a full timestamped history, like this (I posted earlier about the 3 minute max rule):

    (09:38:29) *** 1st-Line jens Horstmannshoff (agent) joined the chat ***
    (09:39:09) 1st-Line jens Horstmannshoff (agent): Please read the documentation. Unscheduled breaks are generally possible 30 minutes after the start for a maximum of 3 three minutes.
    (09:39:13) *** 1st-Line jens Horstmannshoff (agent) left the chat ***

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  17. You can request the chat history e-mailed to you just after logging in to Zendesk, it will send you the transcript at the end of the chat (session). So you do not forget to do it and do not need to worry about it during the heat of last minutes of the exam.

    Your e-mail is auto-filled so you only need to click on "send the chat history" then "okay". It gives you the notification saying that an e-mail will be sent at the end of the session- or something like that :)

    If you lose connection or the flow is ended for some reason you need to do the same again, after logging in to zendesk.

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  18. I timed a toilet break. Taking a pee can be done within 3 min. Took me 2 min 20s. Could probably be improved by sprinting to toilet and skipping handwash...For number 2 I think a camping toilet in the room is necessitated.

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    1. I hope you are joking. Running to the toilet, using an adult diaper or 3 min time limit for going to the toilet is unhuman and an international organisation should not put its customers of considering this

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    2. The adult diapers is unfortunately not a joke, and is frequently recommended for remote exams. Although you can leave earlier (after 30 mins) by handing-in, for Pre-Exam you have blocks of 70 mins and for D1, blocks of 90 minutes that you will be working. At least for D1, it is common to work until the end.
      The 3 minutes is an expectation and not an absolute limit.
      As with all the rules, if you can already anticipate issues, you can send a message to helpdesk@eqe.org. And if there is a problem during the exam, contact an invigilator and ask them what to do.

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    3. I know, I experienced this in Mock 2 DI parts (I'll sit also real D) but still I think that int. org. should not put customers in such a position -they are going too far with this 3min limit for a break; it's not human (I'm pro human rights against restrictions incl. pandemic restricions in NL for example but it's another topic).
      I would contact invigilator if something occurs

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    4. ...and it becomes very hard to perform at your best when you have a hundred extra worries.

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    5. I think it is a bit ridiculous to expect candidates to go to the toilet in 3 minutes. It all depends where your toilet is. It takes me at least 2 minutes to get to the nearest one that is sprinting to it. Can they at least re-consider the 3 minute time limit this better. 5 minutes is reasonable and if you go over - you should provide a reason e.g. number 2.

      They are encouraging bad hygiene at a time where we should be doing the opposite.

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    6. Its like the printing situation - they don't seem to account for reasonable time limit. Everything is all rushing and rushing. For paper A and B, there are scheduled breaks given so only giving 3 minutes is super tight even if the toilet is next to you.

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    7. correction ** there are no scheduled breaks for papers A and B.

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    8. Bring a plastic bag with you in the room just in case.

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  19. Does anyone know if we are we going to get a series of emails with a link and a password to the actual eEQE exams like we have done for the mocks..?

    If there is something written somewhere I can't seem to find it.

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  20. Invigilation did not seem to be active during mock 2 and also not during mock 3. So I still do not know at all whether the background of the videocamera in the room where I take the exam is ok or not. It probably was not ok yesterday because I did not cover reflective things behind me but I did not get any feedback. Moreover, I do not think the camera will be able to follow my eyes if I read the printed paper placed next to the laptop so that I have to turn slidely to the side in order to read them. I answered a telefone call yestrerday during mock 3 but there was no warning at all. So it was not possible to test whether everything will be regarded as being ok uner the same conditions in the real exam.

    The risk to be excluded for any kind of action that is not allowed is with the candidate, but we cannot know whether we make any such action that is not allowed. They seem to have excluded a lot of things which will be treated as attempt to cheat but I have no possibility to check if I do any such thing unintentionally. I cannot see my picture during the exam e.g. (which is a good thing on the one hand but which means that I cannot check whether my face is still within the range of the camera).
    I personally have the impression that I simply cannot make sure to comply with all those regulations to avoid being penalized afterward simply because I do not have the means to do so, although I spent a lot of time for reading the whole load of information in several versions and although I try/tried to do everything correctly.

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    Replies
    1. No I don't think the Inviligation was active during mock 3. I went out to grab a cup of coffee, wore a headset, used my phone in front of the camera, put on the lid on the camera etc. but no warnings. I asked in zendesk if it was enough to cover the windows behind me with shine through curtains, and he/she wrote that it was ok as long as the back light didn't would make the ID unreadable.

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    2. I think it was active. I have written in the chat that I will take a break and I was like 180th in the queue which normally takes half an hour. I went out of the room and made some noise talked to kids and came back exactly after 2mins. Christoph Macwirth was in the chat writing to me :) I think if AI flags you, you do not need to wait long queues :)

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    3. The invigilator I chatted with on Zendesk did not have access to webcam/mic.

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    4. I have simulated complete power outage and for this reason switching to the laptop screen from external monitor.

      I have asked feedback about light in the room and the angle of camera view due to new alignment with the laptop.

      Invigilator responded saying that I have always been visible to the camera (I think this is the key) and room is dark and I have to make sure there is more light in case of power outage. So invigilator had access to webcam view and history.

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  21. Someone unexpectedly walked in whilst mock 3 was running. Nothing happened. Before going to the toilet I entered in the zenchat that I was leaving and entered again when I returned. I was no. 50 in the chat when I left and on return an invigilator had joined the chat but left a few minutes later without replying. Not quite sure what the status was at any time.

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  22. Hi - can anyone help me out - does R134(5) delaying of time limits apply to priority period. Thanks

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  23. Yes, see Visser page: 206: The application may be regarded as received in within the priority period even if it was actually received after its expiry, provided the conditions for the dispatch of R133 or the conditions of R134(5) are met.

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  24. and GL-E2019, A-III, 6.6 and E VIII-1.7 explicitly for R133

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  25. I have posted some updates following Mock3 - I have also explained how the invigilation actually works

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  26. Oh, no, now I am dreaming about this. I dreamed I forgot to make the video, and I had my phone and fitbit with me, and I was reading the questions aloud, and there were people all around....AHHHHH

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  27. On the official e-EQE page:
    Message from the Examination Board (3 Mar 2021)
    The Examination Board of the EQE is aware of a situation that affected paper D1.1. The Examination Board guarantees that the marking process will be conducted so that no candidate will be disadvantaged because of that.

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