The Royal College of Ophthalmologists introduces electronic exams
19 December 2018
The RCOphth (The Royal College of Ophthalmologists) examinations department will be going through a period of exciting and momentous change in 2019 as the vast majority of exams become fully electronic to adapt to and embrace advances in examination technology as well as creating a model for complete paperless examinations.
Ripley Systems are the provider of the new exams software and migration to this has already begun in earnest. Ripley are currently used by various other Colleges and organisations. Development will continue over the coming months with the aim to be fully live by November 2019 after a series of robust testing.
The Part 2 Viva and Oral exams and the Refraction Certificate will have their practical elements replaced by tablet-based examining, with results data delivered to the exam host server in real time.
The Part 1 and Part 2 written exams will also become paperless and candidates worldwide will soon be able to sit these exams in highly secure Prometric computer-based testing centres, at over 200 locations in the UK and across the globe in 180 different countries. This will open up the College exams to candidates on a more global level and reduce the need for candidates to travel to the UK as most will be able to sit the exam instead at a local Prometric testing centre in their nearest major city.
The move to electronic exams for the College will provide enormous benefits, cementing the global status of the FRCOphth as well as streamlining the delivery of our high stakes examinations, bringing them fully into the 21st century.
If you have any questions about the new system or would like to find out more please contact exams@rcophth.ac.uk