Professional Evaluation

Objective of the Professional Evaluation

SAIPA has adopted a competence-based approach and has been approved by the Assessment Committee to allow time per question instead of marks.

Minimum Browser Requirements (Compulsory)

    Google Chrome/Edge is required to log into the assessment.

    Candidate must have their own data as it will not be supplied by SAIPA.

    Stable internet connection.

    Webcam (compulsory)

    Keep sufficient power / electricity backup.

    We are not responsible for any electricity power failure, so arrange backup solutions like UPS, Inverter, Generator etc.

    Laptop / notebooks must be fully charged and have sufficient backup time during exam.

    Professional Evaluation Assessment rules 

    • Duration of the paper:  5h00 hours – 8:30 to 13:30 (Reading time included)
    • OPEN book Assessment – ONLY HARD COPY material is allowed-PRINTED MATERIAL. (No soft copies may be accessed as the system will not allow this.)
    • Financial calculators/Calculators are permitted.
    • It is a Professional Evaluation assessment thus misconduct may result in disciplinary or disqualification from the Profession
    • Could the statement that the system records any unethical behaviour be expanded upon?
    • Unethical behaviour- disconnecting camera, not being visible on the camera. Talking to another person.
    • The use of a second device is prohibited and will be regarded as dishonest and deviant behaviour – however, more than one screen is allowed
    • Candidates cannot access previous saved files as it will be regarded as dishonest and deviant behaviour

    Instructions to Candidates

    1. Please note that the case study questions and MCQ’s are integrated
    2. Answer all the questions
    3. All answers must be captured on the system
    4. Financial calculators are permitted
    5. Cellular phones may not be used as calculators
    6. Only printed material may be taken into the examination room. No browsing permitted

    Are we allowed to have an additional screen?

    Yes, an additional screen can be used. The system will prompt you to select a main screen

    Applicable Applications allowed:

    A blank Excel sheet may be open for calculations for the duration of the assessment.

    A blank Word document may be open for calculations for the duration of the assessment.

    All other applications must be closed.

    You will not be allowed to use TeamViewer.

    Acceptable Printed Material

    • SAIPA material
    • Textbooks example SILKE
    • Handwritten notes
    • Summaries

    Refreshments and Bathroom Breaks

    • Bathroom breaks are allowed of two to three minutes away from screen.
    • Candidates may have a snack at their desk (light snack)

    Assesment Rules

    Professional Evaluation Rules

    • Candidates must login at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for the assessment.
    • It is the candidate’s responsibility to be present for the assessment.
    • Candidates that start after 08h30 will not be given extra time.
    • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all questions are answered.
    • Candidates will only be allowed to use tools and resources provided.
    • Cell phones may be kept on vibrate mode, in the event that SAIPA calls the candidate.
    • Ensure that your laptop/computer batteries are fully charged. Do not sign out of the assessment in the event of loss of connectivity, candidates can login and continue with the assessment.
    • Always read the instructions page carefully at the start of the assessment.
    • PLEASE NOTE: When navigating Cirrus, one click means one action, two clicks means two, etc… Sometimes it takes a while before a mouse click is processed. Be careful with double-clicking, before you know it you have skipped a question!
    • Are you done with your answers? You submit your answers by clicking ‘Complete assessment’ in Cirrus and confirming your submission. The assessment will then be submitted. After that you can click ‘Exit’. Please note, your answers will automatically be submitted by the Cirrus if you run out of time.
    • Please note that when you submit your assessment in negligently or by mistake you cannot go back to start again.

    Dishonesty and violation of assessment policy

    • The Chief Invigilator will remove the candidate from the PE assessment platform register if alleged to be guilty of dishonesty.
    •  The matter will be referred to the PE Appeals Board for a decision. The PE Appeals board may at its own discretion refer the matter to the investigation’s committee if it deems it necessary.

    Instructions to candidates

    • Answer all the questions.
    • Financial calculators are permitted. Cell phones may not be used as calculators.
    • All work must be submitted at the end of the exam. The system will submit the work automatically should the candidate run out of time.
    • Under no circumstances may a candidate take screenshots of the exam questions.
    • Under no circumstances may the assessment paper be printed.

    Webcam

    How do I know if my webcam is working from your side?

    Candidates may to the system diagnostic test, just don’t start the assignment if you are not ready yet.

    I’m using a desktop PC which doesn’t have a webcam. Would this be an issue for the PE assessment?

    A webcam is required. Proctoring must be done with the device you will use for your PE.

    Am I allowed to have an assessment pad with me to write down notes?

    A Word document can be used for notes.

    If anything goes wrong, is there anyone I can contact?

    Yes, contact details have been provided for the team. It is compulsory for everyone to go through the proctoring process.

    What do I do if my webcam is not working?

    Please contact our IT team.

    Proctoring Process

    (Click to expand)

    Before you begin

    • Present ID/Passport when logging into the assessment platform.
    • Do the systems diagnostic test.

    Click on 'continue'

    Click inside the block and the 'Share' button will open.

    All checks must be cleared. Do NOT stop sharing as your assessment will close.

    System diagnostics test

    Start assesment

    Functionality

    Resource

    Refers to tax tables etc.

    Notepad

    Is used for additional notes to be made, as the marker will review this.

    Overview

    Gives you a breakdown of the number of questions answered and not answered.

    Introduction

    Provides the assessment rules

    Flag

    Candidates have the ability to flag a question if they want to return to it later, you will then view it from the ‘Overview’ tab

     

     

    Connectivity issues that may occur - A

    • When losing connectivity, candidates will receive this message. You will be allowed to login again.

     

    Connectivity issues that may occur - B

    • When you get this error, please login AGAIN. You will have to restart the diagnostics test but your work is automatically saved. SAIPA does take note that connectivity drops at time, the system does allow for you to re-enter the assessment as long as the assessment has not been submitted yet.

     

    Complete assesment

    • When you get this error, please login AGAIN. You will have to restart the diagnostics test but your work is automatically saved. SAIPA does take note that connectivity drops at time, the system does allow for you to re-enter the assessment as long as the assessment has not been submitted yet.

     

    Case study

    • The case study can be extended

     

    Split screen

    Using Excel in Word

    Will we be provided with the tax tables for individuals and SBC’s?

    Or should we know it by heart?

    Yes, the tax tables will be provided