This page sets forth the official policies and technical requirements governing the administration of Tosa certification exams. These policies apply to all authorized testing institutions, including K–12 schools, higher education institutions, and adult and workforce education programs. Adherence to these policies is mandatory for all Tosa Approved Testing Centers. Compliance ensures the integrity, validity, and legal defensibility of exam results.
1. Technical Requirements
Technical requirements for administering a Tosa certification exam—including hardware, software, browser, network, and bandwidth specifications—are detailed on the dedicated technical requirements page. Testing centers must verify that all systems meet these specifications prior to scheduling exams.
See: Tosa Testing — Technical Requirements & Admin Setup
2. General Exam Rules
Tosa certification exams are administered under strictly controlled conditions to preserve the security and validity of all results. All exams must be proctored at all times, whether conducted on-site or remotely. The following rules apply universally to all Tosa certification exams:
- Candidate identity must be verified before the exam begins.
- The exam must be conducted in a suitable, isolated room under the supervision of an authorized proctor—either in person or via remote proctoring.
- Candidates may not communicate with anyone during the exam, except with the proctor in the event of a technical issue.
- Cell phones, tablets, earbuds or headphones, and printed or handwritten materials are strictly prohibited during the exam.
- All applications on the exam computer must be closed except for the test window.
- No pauses, breaks, or interruptions are permitted once the exam has begun.
Tosa exams use an adaptive testing model: the system selects each question based on the candidate's previous responses, drawing from a large item bank. As a result, each exam sequence is unique—the probability of two candidates receiving identical question sets is negligible. This design significantly reduces the risk of cheating and preserves the integrity of the credential.
3. Tosa Approved Testing Centers and Authorized Proctors
3.1 Becoming an Approved Testing Center
Any institution seeking to administer Tosa certification exams must first become a Tosa Approved Testing Center by entering into a Testing Center Agreement with Isograd. By signing this agreement, the institution formally commits to upholding all Tosa exam policies and administration guidelines.
3.2 Authorized Proctors
An authorized proctor is an individual—either an employee or a contractor—appointed by a Tosa Approved Testing Center to oversee the administration of certification exams. Instructors who teach courses directly related to the exam's subject matter are not eligible to serve as proctors for that exam. All proctors must complete a dedicated training session provided by Isograd. Upon completion, proctors receive official documentation outlining exam rules and proctoring requirements.
Proctor eligibility requirements include:
- Appointment by a Tosa Approved Testing Center
- Completion of the Isograd proctor training session
- Review and acknowledgment of all Isograd exam rules and policy documents
- Registration on the institution's testing account by an administrator of the Tosa Approved Testing Center
Proctors are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Knowledge of standardized test administration procedures
- Attention to detail and the ability to monitor a group of test-takers effectively
- Clear verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver instructions audibly
- Comfort with computer-based testing technology and familiarity with the technical specifications of the exam environment
- Familiarity with the computer lab setup and access to on-site technical support when needed
Upon completing the proctor training, proctors must sign an acknowledgment form confirming that they understand and will enforce the exam rules, including:
- Verifying the identity of all candidates before the session begins
- Remaining in the testing room for the entire duration of the exam
- Taking all reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud or academic dishonesty
- Reporting any observed anomalies or irregularities to Isograd when requested
4. On-Site Exam Administration
On-site Tosa certification exams must be administered at a Tosa Approved Testing Center under the direct supervision of an authorized proctor.
4.1 On-Site Exam Rules
- The exam must be administered in an appropriate, enclosed environment, such as a dedicated classroom or computer lab.
- An authorized proctor appointed by the Tosa Approved Testing Center must be present throughout the session.
- Candidate identity must be verified before the exam begins.
- Electronic devices (including headphones) and any physical documents are prohibited during the exam.
- No pauses, breaks, or interruptions are permitted during the exam.
- The browser's full-screen mode must be activated before the exam begins.
4.2 Browser Full-Screen Requirement
Before launching the exam, the proctor must ensure that the web browser is in full-screen mode. This setting locks the candidate to the test tab, preventing access to external websites, applications, or prohibited resources.
The exam is automatically suspended if the candidate:
- Exits full-screen mode
- Opens a new browser tab
- Launches another program or application
The exam may be resumed after such an event; however, all interruptions are automatically flagged and recorded in the system.
4.3 Candidate Oath
Before accessing the exam, each candidate must complete an electronic oath form confirming:
- Their first and last name
- That an authorized proctor from the Tosa Approved Testing Center is present in the exam room
Any false declaration may result in the cancellation of the candidate's exam result. Once the oath is submitted and accepted, the candidate will be granted access to the certification exam. After the exam has started, the proctor may only communicate with a candidate in the event of a technical issue or to address a behavioral concern.
5. Remote Proctoring Options
Isograd offers two remote proctoring solutions for Tosa certification exams: Asynchronous Remote Proctoring and Video Conference Remote Proctoring. Both options maintain the same standards of integrity as on-site administration.
5.1 Asynchronous Remote Proctoring
Tosa certifications may be taken through an asynchronous remote proctoring solution integrated directly with Isograd's testing platform. During the exam, the candidate's webcam, screen, and microphone are recorded. The recording is automatically transmitted to Isograd at the end of the test and reviewed by trained staff to validate the exam score before issuing the diploma.
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
Testing Environment
- Be alone in a quiet room for the full duration of the exam
- Have a valid government-issued photo ID readily available
- Confirm their identity by photographing their ID using the webcam
- Show their testing environment by panning the webcam around the room
- Follow system instructions to lock the computer to the test screen
- Remain within the webcam's field of view throughout the exam
- Stay on the exam webpage only
Prohibited Actions
- Accessing third-party websites, applications, or messaging services
- Using earphones or headphones
- Referring to documents or using additional electronic devices
- Communicating with any other person
- Pausing, taking breaks, or otherwise interrupting the exam
The Asynchronous Remote Proctoring option allows candidates to take their certification exam at a time and location of their choosing. Isograd assumes full proctoring responsibility on behalf of the administering institution. This option is available at an additional cost per exam.
5.2 Video Conference Remote Proctoring
Tosa certifications may also be proctored live via video conferencing. Under this model, an authorized proctor from a Tosa Approved Testing Center supervises the exam in real time through a video conferencing platform of their choosing, provided it supports recording and simultaneous display of both the candidate's test screen and webcam.
Testing session requirements:
- The candidate must be alone in a quiet room with a valid photo ID available.
- Candidate identity must be verified before the exam begins.
- Electronic devices (including headphones) and physical documents are prohibited during the exam.
- No pauses, breaks, or interruptions are permitted.
- Browser full-screen mode must be activated before the exam begins.
Before launching the exam, the proctor must record and verify the following:
- The candidate's workspace (desk, table, and surrounding environment), confirmed via webcam
- The candidate's identity, confirmed by displaying a photo ID to the webcam
- That only one internet browser is open, with a single tab showing the Isograd login page
All pre-exam verification steps must be filmed and included in the session recording. During the exam, the proctor may only communicate with the candidate in the event of a technical issue or behavioral concern.
6. Exam Validation and Diploma Issuance
Upon completion of a certification exam, the Isograd team conducts a thorough review of all exam parameters. This review is designed to detect any testing anomalies, breaches of exam protocol, or potential academic dishonesty. The decision to validate an exam score and issue a diploma is based on this analysis.
Parameters reviewed include, but are not limited to:
- Question and answer identifiers (correct/incorrect; selected responses for multiple-choice items)
- Time spent per question and time of response
- Number, timing, and duration of any interruptions during the exam
- Keyboard input patterns
- Full-screen mode exit events (on-site and video conference proctoring)
- Webcam photo of candidate and photo ID (asynchronous remote proctoring)
- Video recordings of the candidate's environment and testing session (asynchronous and video conference)
- Audio recording during the exam (asynchronous and video conference)
- Screen capture video (asynchronous remote proctoring)
- Candidate feedback submitted at the end of the exam
6.1 On-Site Exam Validation
After an on-site exam, Isograd reviews all recorded parameters for signs of protocol violations, suspicious behavior, or cheating attempts. Key flags include:
- Exam sessions conducted outside of normal business hours
- Multiple full-screen mode exits, or exits lasting more than 15 seconds
In cases of suspected irregularities, the proctor will be asked to submit a detailed explanation through the Testing Center's administrative portal. Isograd may contact the institution's administrator to conduct further investigation before issuing a final determination.
If an irregularity or cheating attempt is confirmed, Isograd will invalidate the corresponding exam result(s). Scores and diplomas will be revoked and removed from the database. Consequences may include proctor decertification, suspension or restriction of the testing site, or a prohibition on the candidate retaking the exam.
In the absence of any anomaly, diplomas are issued within 5 business days of exam completion.
6.2 Asynchronous Remote Proctoring Validation
Recordings from asynchronous proctoring sessions are reviewed through a two-step verification process by two separate Isograd reviewers. The first reviewer flags any suspicious or prohibited activity; the second reviewer independently analyzes all flagged items before a final determination is made regarding the exam score and diploma.
Isograd may contact the candidate directly to investigate any technical issue, suspicious activity, or cheating attempt before issuing a final decision.
If an irregularity or cheating attempt is confirmed, Isograd will invalidate the exam result(s). Scores and diplomas will be revoked and removed from the database. The candidate may be prohibited from retaking the exam.
In the absence of any irregularity, diplomas are issued within 10 business days of exam completion.
6.3 Video Conference Remote Proctoring Validation
The proctor must transmit the video conference recording of the testing session to Isograd within 24 hours of exam completion. An Isograd reviewer will evaluate the recording before validating the exam result and issuing the diploma.
In cases of suspected irregularities, the proctor will be asked to provide a detailed explanation through the Testing Center's administrative portal. Isograd may contact the institution's administrator for further investigation.
If an irregularity or cheating attempt is confirmed, Isograd will invalidate the exam result(s). Scores and diplomas will be revoked and removed from the database. Consequences may include proctor decertification, suspension or restriction of the testing site, or a prohibition on the candidate retaking the exam.
In the absence of any anomaly, diplomas are issued within 10 business days of exam completion.
For questions regarding exam policies or to request additional information, please contact Isograd.