Managing your viva online through Zoom

Candidates passing the new format Base or VN exam from September 2024 will not be required to sit and pass the viva (though those taking up the final re-sit exam in the autumn on the older format will still need to pass the viva). Such people should not book a viva when they book their exams.

Information on the viva, which is relevant for candidates who pass the older format Base or VN exam prior to September 2024 (or in the final re-sit opportunity at the end of October) is retained below for their reference.

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These notes should be read in conjunction with the general advice and instructions to AMTRA viva candidates, together with the Rules & Regulations for AMTRA viva examinations.

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT COMPLETELY BEFORE THE DAY OF THE VIVA

Introduction

1. AMTRA online vivas will be conducted by video conferencing software. AMTRA will specify what software will be used. At the present time this is Zoom: if this changes, you will be informed by email.

2. AMTRA will record the viva (video and audio) for quality assurance purposes, to support assessor training, and in case of any subsequent query.

3. It is your responsibility to provide suitable equipment for the video conferencing (such as laptop, tablet, phone, or PC) and install the software (app) and ensure it is working.

4. The equipment (specifically its camera) must be capable of being moved so that you can give a “tour” of the room to the AMTRA Assessor to demonstrate that you are alone and do not have any items not permitted. If your proposed equipment is a desktop PC with a fixed camera, please think about whether it is suitable for moving to provide this tour of the room that the assessor will require. Be aware that any items in the room may be seen by the assessor and/or included in the viva recording.

5. The equipment must produce audio via a speaker and not via headphones – the Assessor must be able to see and hear that you aren’t communicating with anyone else during the viva.

6. It is your responsibility to find a quiet room with a sufficient Internet connection to support the video call, where the door can be closed.

7. AMTRA encourages you to take up the offer of a test call in advance, to confirm all is working well, but will not be able to provide IT support in the event that there are problems. Details of this test call option will be provided by email to you.

8. Occasionally a third person may also be present on the call to observe the Assessor for training and quality assurance purposes – if there is a third person, they are not assessing you.

Preparing yourself for the viva

9. Ensure your equipment and the necessary software is set up and working as described above

10. You must be alone in a quiet room with the door closed. We suggest that if you can, you ask any other people also in the building not to disturb you, or put a notice on the door.

11. You should bring AMTRA-approved photo ID to show to the Assessor (see our notes on what is acceptable Photo ID, but a photo driving licence or passport is ideal).

12. You should have an AMTRA Compendium to hand

13. You may have a glass or bottle of water.

14. You should have no other items in reach: in particular you should have no notes and no electronic devices (such as mobile phone or smart-watch) except that being used for the video call.

15. You should ensure that the device being used for the call is fully charged if it isn’t plugged into a power supply.

During the viva

16. We suggest you establish the video call by the link provided by AMTRA five minutes before the viva start time. Please try to avoid being late. On arrival, you will be in the Zoom waiting room. Please wait for the assessor to let you in to the meeting – occasionally they may be slightly late if the previous viva session has over-run. If you haven’t arrived five minutes after the due time, the assessor will seek to phone you on the number you have provided AMTRA.

17. The AMTRA assessor will introduce themself and explain the process.

18. You will be asked to show your photo ID to the camera.

19. The Assessor will ask you to do a “tour” of the room with your device, to show that you are alone and that you do not have any items not permitted. They may ask you to move nearby items, or to let them see such items more closely. The Assessor may ask you to repeat this exercise at any time during the viva, including at random – this should not be taken to imply any concerns on the part of the Assessor.

20. You will be asked to focus on the screen and avoid looking elsewhere in the room unless invited to do so (such as to consult the Compendium).