The Parent’s 30-Minute ISEE At-Home Test Day Checklist (Tech + Calm)

The Parent’s 30-Minute ISEE At-Home Test Day Checklist (Tech + Calm)

Testing at home with remote proctoring removes the commute but adds new logistics. This minute-by-minute, parent-facing checklist helps you reduce day-of stress for an ISEE at-home administration. Use it as a practical playbook for device prep, second camera setup, ID and accommodation checks, internet troubleshooting, and a short calm routine to lower testing anxiety.

Why this matters

Remote proctoring keeps exams secure, but it also introduces small technical and human details that can throw students off. A calm, tech-ready environment is the best way to preserve focus. This checklist combines step-by-step tech tasks with behavioral tips so you can be a confident, low-profile helper on test day.

Quick overview: what you need

• Primary device: computer or tablet with built-in camera and microphone and the ISEE by ERB secure testing app installed.
• Second device: phone or tablet running Remote Proctor Connect to serve as a monitoring camera. Keep it plugged in.
• Chargers, a stable second-camera stand (or stack of books), and a wired mouse if allowed/preferred.
• Photo ID and documentation for approved accommodations, readily accessible.
• A quiet, well-lit testing room cleared of prohibited items (books, calculators unless pre-approved, other electronics, smartwatches).

30-minute, minute-by-minute checklist (parent-facing)

Follow this sequence starting 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. The timeline assumes the student will launch the test at the scheduled time; adjust a few minutes earlier if your family prefers extra buffer.

1. 30 minutes before — Final device prep

   • Confirm both apps are installed and updated: the ISEE secure testing app on the primary device and Remote Proctor Connect on the second device.
   • Plug both devices into power. Battery drain is one of the most common failures.
   • Turn off Bluetooth and close unrelated programs or apps that could pop notifications.
   • Clear the testing table and surrounding floor of books, notes, and smart wearables.

2. 25 minutes before — Second camera placement and lighting

   • Place the second device about 18 inches from the keyboard, angled to show the student’s hands, keyboard, and desk area. Use a tripod or a stable stack of books to prevent wobble.
   • Avoid backlight; aim for soft, even light on the student’s face and hands. Remove reflective materials that can create glare for the proctor.
   • Ensure the second device is plugged in and unlocked; the Remote Proctor Connect app will require permissions for camera and microphone.

3. 20 minutes before — ID and accommodations check

   • Locate the student’s photo ID and any documentation for approved accommodations (extended time, approved calculator, etc.). Put them near the primary device so they can be shown to the proctor right away.
   • Review the list of prohibited items aloud: no extra devices, no notes, no communication with anyone. Reassure your student you’ll be a neutral observer.
   • If an accommodation was pre-approved, verify that settings are reflected in the ISEE app (for instance, extended time) and have the approval email open if you need to reference it.

4. 15 minutes before — Network and environment check

   • Run a quick internet speed check; if speeds are low, switch nearby devices off or move the router closer. Note: a wired ethernet connection on the primary device is ideal if possible.
   • Test a quick video call or record 10 seconds of video on both devices to confirm camera angles and audio.
   • Post a simple “Testing in Progress — Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and silence phones for everyone else in the house.

5. 10 minutes before — Bathroom and nutrition

   • Encourage a final bathroom break and a small hydration sip. Avoid heavy sugar right before the test.
   • Double-check that the student has no prohibited items on clothing (smartwatches, earbuds) and pockets are empty.
   • Take three slow breaths with your student; this is also a perfect time to use a two-minute warmup of one or two familiar practice questions to build confidence.

6. 5 minutes before — Calm routine and expectation-setting

   • Remind the student to read instructions carefully and follow the proctor’s directions. Reinforce that you will not assist during the exam.
   • Run a simple calming exercise: 4–4–8 breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 8) three times, then a 10-second positive script (e.g., “You’ve prepared. Do your best.”).
   • Position yourself quietly in the next room if the student prefers; otherwise remain visible but still, and avoid monitoring the screen.

7. Launch time — Final checks and launching the exam

   • Open the ISEE app on the primary device, and have the student follow the on-screen prompts.
   • When prompted, show the photo ID and accommodation documentation to the proctor via the primary camera. The proctor may also ask to scan the room with the second camera.
   • Once the secure testing environment locks the device, step back and let the student work. Keep the second camera steady and powered for the entire session.

What to do if the internet drops

Internet glitches happen. Your job is to stay calm and follow protocol so the student can rejoin quickly without panicking.

Immediate steps

1. Do not attempt to re-login repeatedly too fast; note the time when the disruption began.
2. Check the second device first: if it’s still connected, the proctor should see it and may prompt instructions. If both devices lost connection, proceed to step 3.
3. Switch the primary device to a phone hotspot if available. Most phones can provide a quick tether; place the hotspot device near the student so the second camera remains in place.
4. Restart the router only if you cannot get back online through the hotspot — restarting can take several minutes and may worsen delays.
5. Use the in-app help or the proctor chat immediately when you regain connection. If the app offers a support phone number, call for faster resolution and keep a record of times and error messages.

Important: do not attempt to give answers or otherwise interact with the student’s test content. Remote proctors are trained to handle disruptions; work with them and avoid DIY fixes that could be construed as assistance.

For policies on refunds or rescheduling when tech causes cancellations, review your testing vendor’s guidelines in advance. For a discussion about fee policies, see our guide on Refunds, Credits and Exam Fees.

How to be helpful without intervening

• Make simple, practical fixes: plug in devices, enable a phone hotspot, move the router closer.
• Speak calmly and briefly if needed — a single sentence is enough: “I’m switching to hotspot now.”
• If the proctor asks you to show the room, do so quickly and let them direct you. Don’t rearrange items or touch the student’s desk during the exam.

Short calm routine to reduce testing anxiety

A 3–5 minute, parent-led calm routine before the exam can make a measurable difference in concentration and stress. Keep it simple and consistent.

1. Grounding: Have the student name 3 things they can see, 2 sounds they can hear, and 1 thing they can feel.
2. Breathing: Do 3 cycles of 4–4–8 breathing together.
3. Physical reset: Roll the shoulders and shake out the hands for 10 seconds to release tension in the hands before typing.
4. Positive prompt: Deliver a short phrase: “You prepared. Read carefully. Try your best.”
5. Music cue: If music helps your student relax, play 30–60 seconds of a familiar, calming track before they begin; see our piece on The Power of Music in Stress Management for ideas.

Pro tips and troubleshooting checklist

• Use a wired ethernet connection for the primary device if possible — it’s more reliable than Wi-Fi.
• Keep both devices plugged in; having one device die is an easy, avoidable disaster.
• Practice a dry run with the apps at least once the week before test day so your student knows the flow and camera angles look right.
• Create a simple binder or folder with photo ID and accommodation approvals so everything is one quick grab away.
• If your student struggles with anxiety regularly, consider short-term strategies like live tutoring or mock remote administrations; learn more about leveraging support in our article on Leveraging Live Tutoring for Enhanced Exam Performance.

After the test: quick closure

Celebrate the effort, not the score. A brief, positive debrief can reduce lingering stress: ask the student what felt manageable and what they’d like to practice next. Avoid immediate deep dives into potential mistakes — give them time to recover first.

Resources and further reading

Remote proctoring and at-home testing are evolving. For context on trends in remote exam integrity, our article From Proctors to Partners is a helpful read. For anxiety techniques adapted from performers, try Preparing for High-Profile Performance Anxiety.

Use this checklist as a living document: adapt timing and scripts to fit your child’s personality and your home layout. With preparation focused on both tech and calm, you’ll reduce surprises and help your student bring their best focus to the ISEE at-home experience.