ISEE At-Home Test Day: The Complete Tech Checklist and Troubleshooting Guide

Remote proctoring for the ISEE at-home format offers flexibility, but it also adds a tech layer parents and tutors must manage. This guide gives a step-by-step testing checklist and quick-fix troubleshooting tailored for caregivers preparing a student for ISEE at-home. Youâll get a reliable two-device setup, camera positioning tips, internet stability checks, student ID prep, testing accommodations reminders, and a fail-safe plan if the session is interrupted.

Quick overview: what you need to pass the ISEE at-home

Before we dive into the timeline and troubleshooting, here are the essentials. The ISEE at-home requires two devices: a primary device (computer or tablet) to run the ISEE by ERB secure testing app and a second device (phone or tablet) running Remote Proctor Connect to act as an extra camera. Both devices must be plugged in, have stable internet, and meet ERB software requirements.

Before test day: 48â24 hours checklist

Complete these steps well before the scheduled test to minimize last-minute issues.

• Confirm the test appointment and note the start time and estimated duration.
• Download and install the ISEE by ERB secure testing app on the primary device and Remote Proctor Connect on the second device. Both apps are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
• Update the operating system and then reboot both devices at least once. Avoid major OS updates within 48 hours of the test.
• Check testing accommodations: if your student has approved accommodations, verify documentation is uploaded and pre-approved via ERB well in advance.
• Charge and update the second deviceâs battery and confirm you have the required chargers and cables so both devices can remain plugged in.
• Identify a quiet, well-lit testing area free from prohibited items (books, calculators unless pre-approved, extra electronics, smart wearables).
• Gather student ID for tests: have a government-issued or school ID ready that matches the registration name; take a photo and store it in an easy-to-find folder for quick access.

Two-device setup: step-by-step

Setting up both devices correctly is the most common point of failure. Follow these steps to ensure the proctor can monitor the student consistently.

1. Place the primary device on a stable surface that will remain in place for the duration of the exam.
2. Position the second device so it shows the studentâs hands, keyboard, and desk area. The recommended distance is about 18 inches from the desk surface and slightly angled downward. Use a phone tripod, stack of books, or a stable stand so it wonât slip during the test.
3. Plug both devices into power and disable any battery savers or auto-sleep settings that could interrupt apps.
4. Open the ISEE by ERB app on the primary device and sign in with the student credentials only at the scheduled time. Open Remote Proctor Connect on the second device and follow on-screen pairing instructions when prompted.
5. Ensure both devices stay on the same Wi-Fi network and that the second device is set to never lock (or set to maximum screen timeout).

30â60 minutes before test: run these checks

Use this window to validate connectivity and camera framing so last-minute failures are unlikely.

• Run an internet speed test. Aim for at least 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload per testing device; higher is better. If speeds are lower, move closer to the router or use a wired Ethernet connection for the primary device.
• Restart your router and modem at least 20 minutes before the test to clear transient issues.
• Close background apps and browser tabs on the primary device to reduce CPU and bandwidth load.
• Verify the second device camera captures the desk and hands clearly. Ask the student to place hands and type for a moment to check the view.
• Turn off notifications, voicemails, and automatic updates on both devices. Put phones on Do Not Disturb except the second device which must still run Remote Proctor Connect without interruptions.

Student ID and room sweep

Remote proctoring requires strict ID and environment checks.

• Have student ID for tests ready. The proctor will require a live ID check and matching information. A photo copy in advance is not a substitute for a live presentation unless ERB provides alternate instructions.
• Perform a room sweep with the second camera as directed by the proctor. Remove all prohibited items such as textbooks, notes, calculators (unless explicitly pre-approved), smart wearables, and extra devices.
• If the student uses prescribed testing accommodations, ensure the approved materials are available and preloaded if needed.

Common test day troubleshooting and quick fixes

Here are the most common issues parents and tutors report and how to fix them fast.

1. App wonât launch or login fails

• Quick fix: Reboot the device, confirm the account credentials, and ensure the app is the latest version. Clear any VPN or proxy that could block the app.
• If persistent: uninstall and reinstall the app at least 30 minutes before testing time.

2. Second device wonât connect or camera feed is black

• Quick fix: Force-close the Remote Proctor Connect app and re-open, ensure camera permissions are granted, and fully charge/plug in the device.
• Alternate: Switch to another phone or tablet and set it up as the second camera. Keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Poor internet or dropdowns during the test

• Quick fix: Move the primary device to a wired Ethernet connection if possible. If not, move closer to the router, or create a mobile hotspot as a backup and switch if needed.
• Preventative: Ask others in the household to pause streaming, large downloads, or gaming for the test duration.

4. Camera angle or glare issues

• Quick fix: Adjust blinds or lamps to reduce glare, use a matte surface for the desk, and reposition the second device slightly higher and angled down.

When connection drops mid-test: fail-safe plan

Even with the best prep, interruptions can happen. Follow this step-by-step fail-safe plan to preserve the session and avoid cancellation.

1. Stay calm and do not attempt to re-enter credentials repeatedly. Document the exact time of the interruption and take a photo or screenshot of any error messages.
2. Attempt a quick reconnect: restart the app on the primary device, confirm the second device camera is still streaming, and check the routerâs status lights.
3. If reconnect fails within 5 minutes, contact ERB support immediately. Have the studentâs registration details, exact test start time, and screenshots ready. ERB has handled many at-home sessions and can guide you through session recovery or rescheduling. When appropriate, review guidance on handling unexpected changes in testing plans in our article on Preparing for the Unexpected.
4. Use a cellular hotspot only if it delivers sufficient bandwidth; test it quickly before relying on it as the primary fix.
5. Keep the devices plugged in and do not move them heavily during reconnection attempts so the proctor can re-establish the feed.

Test cancellation prevention: do this to avoid losing your appointment

• Schedule the test when household activity is minimal.
• Avoid installing or updating large apps, antivirus scans, or OS upgrades close to the test.
• Verify account credentials and test admission info at least 24 hours before test day.
• If youâre responsible for email or account notifications, follow basic email hygiene to avoid lost confirmations; see tips in our piece on Protecting Your Journey for practical inbox security strategies.

Special notes on testing accommodations

Testing accommodations must be pre-approved by ERB. If your student has accommodations, confirm approval and any required additional setup at least a week in advance. Keep documentation handy and inform the proctor at check-in if needed.

Printable two-device testing checklist (copy this for test day)

• ISEE by ERB app installed on primary device
• Remote Proctor Connect installed on second device
• Both devices plugged in and fully charged
• Stable internet or wired Ethernet for primary device
• Second device positioned 18 inches from desk, angle captures hands/keyboard
• Student ID for tests ready and matching registration
• Testing area cleared of prohibited items and distractions
• Notifications and auto-updates turned off
• Test accommodations confirmed and materials available
• ERB support contact info and screenshots ready in case of interruption

Final tips for parents and tutors

Be the calm tech support during the test: remain nearby but do not interact with the student once the exam begins. Encourage the student to practice with proctored practice tests to build confidence in a monitored environment. If you rely on wearables to monitor stress or health, remove them for the test to avoid violations; learn more about study and health tech in our article on Health Trackers and Study Habits.

Remote proctoring works smoothly for most families: ERB reports a high completion rate for at-home ISEE administrations. With this checklist and troubleshooting guide, youâll significantly reduce the chance of interruptions and know what to do if they occur. For individualized prep and mock at-home setups with experienced tutors, consider scheduling a session with a Compass Director to run a complete technical rehearsal before test day.