National Diploma Examination Preparation Guidance
Examination preparation
How do I download the NEBDN Maxexam app in order to take my exam?
Please click App download instructions for guidance on how to download the Maxexam app.
Hardware Guidelines before exam
Hardware Guidelines and recommended requirements for downloading and running the MaxExam Exam App.
Computer Health Check before exam
If you’re preparing to take an exam on MaxExam using a computer or laptop, run through the Computer Health Check. This simple guide will help to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your exam.
Before the exam
Is there a dress code for the exam?
Yes, NEBDN requires you to present yourself in ‘smart casual’ clothing for the OSCE, something you would wear to an interview. Please note, you should not wear your clinical uniform.
Where should I do my exam?
In a quiet and clear working environment where you are comfortable to take your examination without being disturbed – this can be at home or in the workplace. However, you must use the same device that you used in your preparation session.
Do I need to do anything else in preparation for my exam?
No, providing you have downloaded the exam app, completed the tutorial and read and understood all guidance given.
Do I need to download the exam app again before the exam?
It is important that you use the same device for the exam that was used during the preparation session. The app will still be on your computer/laptop for the exam. You will only need to download the app once onto your device.
How do I get back into the app for the exam?
The app is automatically downloaded onto your desktop. It will remain there from your practice session. You will need to double click on the app icon which will look similar to the image below.
Once you have double clicked on the app it will automatically open the login page. Your login details can be found on the emails sent by assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.
What time will the exam be?
Learner information packs will be sent to you with the timetable for your exam. If you are unaware of the start time please contact our administrative team directly.
Do I need to make sure my laptop is plugged into a power source for the exam?
Yes, you will need to ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source so that it does not lose battery power during the exam.
Do I need to do the tutorial again?
You are not required to do the tutorial again. However, it will be available for you to revisit at any time up until 30 minutes before the exam start time.
My login details are not working, what should I do?
Please carefully read the email with your login details and try to re-type in the ID’s given. Please note that the exam ID, user ID and password are case sensitive. If the login details do not work after several attempts, please contact the examination team on assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.
During the exam
What happens if my laptop shuts down during the exam?
It’s very important that you ensure any updates are done ahead of your exam and that your laptop always remains charged, otherwise you may be deferred to the next exam session.
If your laptop shuts down due to low battery or software updates, please connect your charger and wait for the updates to finish. You must then log back in to the Maxexam app and continue your exam. Please note, if your laptop doesn’t turn back on within 5 minutes, please call NEBDN Assessment and Awards team on 01772 429917.
What happens if I lose my internet connection when completing the workbook?
If you lose internet connection during your exam please do not panic!
Internet connection is required at the beginning and end of the examination. If your internet connection is lost during the exam please continue to answer the questions as normal as the data will still be recorded in the application. Usually after a few minutes your internet connection should reconnect without intervention. If you cannot submit your assessment at the end of your exam you will receive the following error message:
Click Retry once and if the connection is not successful click Exit. You will then need to reconnect your internet and log back into the exam app. Upon logging in to the app it will automatically submit your assessment.
Can I go back and complete the tutorial after I have started the exam?
Once you have started the exam you will be unable to go back and see the tutorial.
Can I have a pen and paper with me during the exam?
Yes, learners are permitted to use a pen and paper during the examination to make notes.
How will I know how much time I have left to complete the exam?
In the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, the exam time remaining will start to count down as soon as you click START.
How do I finish the exam and submit my answers?
Once you have finished the exam and are ready to submit your assessment you will need to click on the MENU button. This can be found at the bottom of the screen in the middle. Once you click this you will be given several options. To submit your exam, you will need to click the top button which is FINISH EXAM.
Will NEBDN be there to help me on the day if something goes wrong?
Don’t panic! There will be a dedicated team available for you to contact on 01772 429917.
Remember:
Maintaining standards during examinations
The NEBDN online Maxinity invigilation software monitors learner’s activities both online and through their webcams and is triggered by irregular behaviour or cheating such as that itemised below. This software is used both during live exams and during the practice sessions prior to the live exam.
Online exams provide flexibility and learners often sit them in their homes or their clinical settings. However NEBDN has clear expectations regarding adherence to appropriate exam conditions and standards of professionalism during online exams and will not tolerate unacceptable conduct.
Examples of unacceptable online examination conduct include:
being inappropriately dressed – dressing gowns, hoodies where faces are obscured or pyjamas are all unacceptable.
allowing someone else to be present in the room and showing the exam questions to them
using pre-prepared written or printed notes or other reference material during an exam
deliberately covering the webcam during an invigilated exam
sharing answers to exam questions with other learners via social media.
Unacceptable conduct during an exam has resulted in the withholding of results, formal investigations, and where necessary, disqualification and/or being subject to fitness to practice proceedings. Such action could prevent a trainee from becoming a dental nurse.
We urge you to take these matters very seriously and display the high level of conduct that is expected by the profession and the standards set out by the NEBDN and the GDC.
A Word of Advice
It is important to remember that examiners don’t want a candidate to fail; their role is solely to provide an independent assessment of the candidate’s clinical competence, knowledge and understanding. All examiners have been through the assessment process themselves in the past and fully understand the feelings-and apprehensions-of the candidates they are examining. The best advice for any candidate is to:
Read the question and decide what the instructions are asking you to do
Make brief notes- you have an opportunity to do so, so make sure you do!
Run through the scenario in your head; how would you deal with this situation if presented with it in real life?
Talk to yourself calmly and run through what you have just pictured in your mind
Do not be afraid to take a little time to organise your thoughts.
All exams are fraught with nerves and stress, so take a big deep breath, relax and calmly tell the examiner what you have learnt and what you know from the many hours of learning you have completed to get to the OSCE exam.
