I sent Maria an email this morning asking for an update.

Thanks Viveka for your update. She did not share this with me last week on our call. I did ask Maria to do another webinar since there are a lot of questions. I’ll keep everyone posted on this.

All,

After many discussions last week about the remote testing, I asked Maria if she could put together a simple FAQ’s with the updated changes and guidelines to follow for the remote testing. You will find this below. She will also be doing another webinar later this month. As soon as I know the date/time, I will be sure to let everyone know.

2020 OITE Remote Testing and Proctoring FAQs

What is remote testing and proctoring?

Remote testing and proctoring is a model of test administration employing state of the art technology to assist with the standardization of examination administrations. Remote testing eliminates the need for in-person, group testing and facilitates testing in an alternative environment such as a home or office.

The remote testing and proctoring model for the OITE is a web-based administration model and does not require individuals (residency director, coordinator, volunteer staff) to be logged into any portals during the exam administration. The examination is delivered in a computer-based format and the proctoring is accomplished by a contracted vendor via the web.

What OITE administration models are available for the November 13-16, 2020 OITE?

Residency programs have the option of choosing the traditional in-person, group administration model or the remote proctoring model.

Do residents need to test on the same day if the program chooses remote testing?

AAOS recognizes that the demands and professional obligations of the residents may not provide an opportunity for all residents to test on the same day. Knowing the resident’s schedules and availability in advance (at least 2-3 weeks) will facilitate scheduling of multiple (2-day) testing. We request that the programs limit scheduling to 2 days if necessary and encourage programs to test all residents on the same day and at the same time whenever possible.

Can the residency program have some residents test in-person and others test remotely?

All residents associated with the program will test in the model chosen by the residency program. Individual residents do not have the option to test remotely, if the programs opted for the in-person, group testing.

What resources are required for remote testing and proctoring?

Just as with the in-person, group testing, the resident will need a computer and continuous internet access. In addition, a web camera (either mounted external to the computer or equipped with the computer) and speakers are required for the remote testing option. Nearly all computers have these features, so there should be minimal concern about appropriate hardware.

Is continuous internet accessibility required to take the OITE remotely?

Continuous internet access and appropriate bandwidth are necessary to access and take the OITE in any setting (in-person/group or remotely).

Is there technical support for the remote setting administration option?

Technical support is available 24/7; however, not all matters are able to be resolved immediately. As in the in-person, group administration, AAOS will have a contingency or rescheduling plan in place in the event an examination cannot be completed due to an internet outage or power outage.

Is there any additional cost to the residency programs for the remote testing and proctoring option?

The residency programs will not incur any additional cost for the remote testing and proctoring option. The customary OITE registration fee ($110/resident) will be required for both the in-person, group testing or the remote testing option.