ISEE At-Home Test Day Checklist: A Step‑by‑Step Setup to Avoid Cancellations

This single-page, printable checklist and timed rehearsal script helps families reduce the ISEE at-home failure rate to near zero. Follow this step-by-step guide to rehearse a two-device setup, position proctoring cameras, complete ID verification, and practice internet and household contingencies. Use it during dry runs so test day runs like clockwork.

Why rehearse the ISEE at-home setup?

ERB reports a 99% successful completion rate for at-home ISEE administrations, but the remaining 1% usually involve preventable issues: app installs, camera angles, ID mismatches, or sudden internet drops. A family rehearsal transforms unknowns into routine and turns an anxious morning into a predictable process. This page is your printable checklist plus a timed script families can run through before the real exam.

Quick overview: What you need

• Two devices: primary (computer or tablet with built-in camera/mic) and second device (phone or tablet) for the proctoring camera.
• ISEE by ERB secure testing app on the primary device and Remote Proctor Connect on the second device.
• Fully charged devices and chargers; second device plugged in for duration.
• Stable internet (wired Ethernet preferred) and a tested hotspot plan as backup.
• Valid photo ID for the student (follow ERB rules) and any approved accommodation documentation ready.
• A quiet, well-lit room with a clear desk and no prohibited items (books, calculators, extra devices, smart wearables).

Printable single-page checklist (use this on test day)

1. Primary device: ISEE app installed and tested. Close all other apps.
2. Second device: Remote Proctor Connect installed, charged, and plugged in. Tripod or steady prop in place.
3. Room: desk cleared, light source behind camera, door closed, “Testing—Do Not Disturb” sign visible.
4. ID: student's government-issued photo ID on hand and any accommodation approval copy nearby.
5. Connectivity: Ethernet connected or Wi‑Fi test passed (run a speed test). Hotspot ready and charged.
6. Noise control: sibling arrangements, HVAC set, pet door closed, phone silenced for house members.
7. Accessories: extra charger, battery pack, screen cleaning cloth, pen/pencil (approved), water in a closed bottle.
8. Rehearsal: run the timed script below at least once (recommended twice) before test day.

Two-device setup: step-by-step

Set up both devices exactly as you will on test day during your rehearsals. Small differences cause big problems. Follow these steps in your dry run:

Primary device (testing device)

1. Install the ISEE by ERB secure testing app from the App Store or Google Play. If using a laptop, ensure the supported browser and app are installed per ERB instructions.
2. Sign in to a practice account (if available) or open the app to confirm it launches without updates. Restart the device after installation.
3. Disable notifications, auto-updates, and scheduled backups that might pop up during the exam.
4. Position the device on a stable desk so the built-in camera captures the student's face and upper torso directly.

Secondary device (proctoring camera)

1. Install Remote Proctor Connect from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Place the device about 18 inches (45 cm) from the desk, angled to show keyboard, hands, and work area. Use a tripod or a stable prop—do not hold it.
3. Keep the device plugged in and set to never sleep. Mute the device and disable notifications.
4. Run a 5-minute camera test to confirm stability, lighting, and angle.

Proctoring camera angles: practical tips

• Face camera (primary): Should be at eye level and show head and shoulders. Avoid bright back lighting; natural light or a lamp behind the camera works best.
• Desk camera (secondary): Should capture the entire work surface and student’s hands. Tilt slightly downward. No reflections or clutter.
• Check for glare from glasses; a small angle adjustment often solves it.
• Keep both cameras stable—no movement or frequent repositioning during the exam.

Timed family rehearsal script (30–40 minute dry run)

Run this script twice: once a week before and once the night before. Use a timer and speak the lines out loud; that trains everyone and catches verbal ID verification slips.

1. T minus 30 minutes: Power on both devices. Parents confirm chargers and plugged‑in secondary device. Student sits at desk. (5 minutes)
2. T minus 25 minutes: Launch ISEE app on the primary and Remote Proctor Connect on the second. Confirm app updates are not pending. (3 minutes)
3. T minus 22 minutes: Parent reads aloud: “Please show your test space: desk, hands, and surrounding area.” Student pans the second camera to show the room and desk. Parent confirms nothing prohibited is on desk. (3 minutes)
4. T minus 19 minutes: Student holds ID up to the primary camera and reads name and birthdate aloud while parent compares to registration. Practice any accommodation notifications at this time. (3 minutes)
5. T minus 16 minutes: Run a mock lock-down: open a permitted practice item and confirm the primary device locks other applications. (4 minutes)
6. T minus 12 minutes: Simulate a brief internet dropout—parent pauses Wi‑Fi or switches router to guest network. Student practices staying calm while parent restores connection. (4 minutes)
7. T minus 8 minutes: Practice an interruption script: parent knocks and waits 30 seconds; student signals they will not answer and keeps test focus. (2 minutes)
8. T minus 6 minutes: Final checks—water bottle placed, phone for parent on silent, door sign up. Student breathes deeply for one minute. (2 minutes)
9. T minus 0: Launch the test following the app prompts; keep calm and follow proctor instructions. (Start test)

ID verification: do this every rehearsal

ID mismatches are a common cause of cancellation. Practice these steps until they are automatic:

• Confirm the full name, date of birth, and photo match the information on the ISEE registration.
• Use a government-issued photo ID if required; student can also use school ID if allowed. Keep a printed copy of the registration confirmation handy.
• Hold the ID steadily in front of the primary camera until the proctor confirms. Remove hats and sunglasses and ensure face is fully visible.

Internet contingency plan

Plan for connectivity issues before they happen. Rehearse these steps:

1. Primary option: Wired Ethernet connection. Practice unplugging and replugging to verify ports and cables.
2. Secondary option: Home Wi‑Fi — run speed tests at the test desk (target >5 Mbps upload/download as a baseline).
3. Tertiary option: Phone hotspot. Ensure the hotspot can be enabled quickly and that the phone has enough data and battery. Practice switching to the hotspot during rehearsals.
4. Emergency power: Keep a charged battery pack for the secondary device and ensure both device chargers are within reach.

Noise control and household management

Noise interruptions are preventable. Use these practical steps:

• Assign household roles (who handles door deliveries, sibling supervision, pet care) during rehearsals.
• Place a visible sign on the test room door. Consider a door wedge or lock if safe.
• Turn off scheduled appliances (dishwashers, wash cycles) during the test window and set HVAC to steady mode to avoid sudden kicks.

Exam accommodations and documentation

If your child has approved accommodations, rehearse them exactly as documented in the approval letter. Common accommodations include extended time, a calculator (only if pre-approved), or a separate testing session. Keep the accommodation approval visible during rehearsals and at test check-in so proctors can verify quickly.

Extra tips for tablet users

If you use a tablet as either device, review our guide on how to transform tablets for reliable testing setups: Harnessing Tablet Technology. That walkthrough can help you configure screen settings, disable gestures, and choose a stable stand.

Practice resources and next steps

In addition to running technical rehearsals, students should practice content and timing. Explore modern practice approaches and digital study aids; our piece on Conversational Search explains how to use interactive resources effectively for test prep.

Final checklist (15 minutes before test)

• Both devices on and ready; second device plugged in.
• IDE/registration documents ready and practiced for ID verification.
• Room clear; sign on door; noises minimized.
• Hotspot and power bank nearby as backups.
• Student calm, water bottle closed, and pencils sharpened (if allowed).

When something goes wrong: immediate scripts

Keep these short scripts visible so anyone in the household can react quickly.

Internet drops: Parent: “I’m switching to the hotspot now—please stay on the test screen and do not close the app.” (Then enable hotspot and confirm connection.)

Camera interruption: Parent: “Don’t move the device. I’ll re-stabilize the second camera while you keep your hands visible.”

ID issue: Parent: “I have the registration confirmation. We will show the ID and the confirmation side-by-side to the proctor.”

Wrap-up: rehearse to win

Effective rehearsal reduces surprises. Make a habit of running the full timed script at least twice before test day: once a week out and once the night before. With the two-device setup practiced, camera angles verified, ID checks rehearsed, and contingencies planned, most preventable cancellations disappear.

If you want personalized coaching or a private tutoring plan to combine technical readiness with content practice, speak with an experienced test prep director—practice makes performance reliable.

Related reading: digital safety and ID verification practices that help families understand account and verification hurdles.