Who this is for

Students taking a remotely administered exams in the VIX/TomaEtest desktop app.

Overview

This guide is divided into two parts: a high-level overview, followed by instructions to access a demo exam (Exam ID 068a0965). Students must complete the demo exam in advance of their actual exam to ensure their system is properly set up and functioning.

Part 1 (Overview)

Video Guide

Before you start (quick checks)

1. Check your computer meets minimum requirements (Windows 11+ or macOS 12+; Linux/Chromebooks/virtual OS not supported; stable internet; working camera/mic if required).
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/246822-app-requirements
2. If your exam uses camera + microphone monitoring, you must have working camera and mic (and permissions enabled) where your institution has configured this as mandatory.
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/246691-faq
3. Plug in your laptop (don't rely on battery).
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/249037-step-1-before-you-begin
4. Close background apps that could block entry (especially screen-sharing/remote-control or apps that take exclusive control of camera/mic).
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/246628-stage-3-accessing-the-exam

Install the desktop app (VIX/TomaEtest)

1. Download and install using the official installer page linked here:
   https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/248928-stage-2-app-download-and-installation
2. Windows: installation may require administrator permissions; approve Windows prompts and allow firewall/antivirus prompts as needed (prefer exceptions/allow-listing over disabling security).
3. Mac: follow the Mac-specific install steps (drag VIX into Applications; approve “downloaded from internet”; confirm camera/screen recording permissions as required).
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/257024-installing-and-uninstalling-vix-app-on-a-mac

Enter your exam (login + checks)

1. Open the app and enter your Exam ID, then on the next screen, your Student Email (Format: x12345678@student.ncirl.ie) to access the demo exam..
   Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/solutions/articles/246628-stage-3-accessing-the-exam
2. Accept terms and conditions in-app when prompted.
3. Complete the hardware checks (internet, single screen, audio, camera; Mac Excel exams may require “System events approval”).
4. Complete identity and environment checks if your institution requires them (code from invigilator, webcam photo/ID, room verification, second camera positioning).

During the exam (core actions)

• Use the built-in messaging buttons to contact the invigilator/proctor for technical issues and the lecturer for exam-content questions; replies appear as notifications you must acknowledge to continue.
• Attachments/appendices (if provided) appear under the “Attachments” tab; you may be able to annotate when “Sketch” is enabled.
• If your exam includes allowed website links, they appear beside Attachments; access level depends on how the exam creator configured whitelisting (full lock / partial lock / without blocking).

Submitting your exam

1. Click "Submit Exam" and confirm submission.
2. Upload can take several minutes (especially when audio/video monitoring files are included); do not force-close until upload completes and you see the exit/close confirmation.
3. If scanning is required, you’ll be prompted after submission to scan and upload via the mobile app (QR code changes frequently; follow the on-screen flow).

If something goes wrong (fast triage)

• Can't start because "unauthorised software" is running: close the listed apps; if you can't close them from the prompt, exit VIX and use Task Manager / macOS force quit to end all related processes before reopening.
• Camera/mic not detected or disconnecting: check antivirus blocks, test in another app, ensure permissions are allowed.
• SEB/lockdown errors: use the official troubleshooting guide (common causes include permissions, antivirus blocks, Windows components like .NET/WebView2/C++ redistributables, and outdated OS).
• Internet drops mid-exam: you may be able to continue working, but you typically can't submit until connection returns.
• Late submission (if enabled by your institution): reopen VIX on the same computer/user and use the same Exam ID; submit from the "Late Submission" screen if a backup is found.

How to contact support

Use the official ticket form and include: Exam ID, what step you’re at (install / login / hardware check / in-exam / submit), device OS (Windows/macOS), and screenshots where possible.
Official: https://studentsupport.tomax.io/en/support/tickets/new 

The exams office should also be immediately notifed that an issue has occured, please refer to the exam information given regarding this.

FAQ

1. Do I need a camera and microphone? You will need an external* (not integrated) webcam and a microphone. (*Internal webcams have been approved for May 2026)
2. What operating systems are supported? Windows 11+ and macOS 12+;
3. What if my internet drops during the exam? You may be able to continue, but you generally can't submit until the connection is restored.
4. Why is submission taking so long? Upload time depends on network speed and may include audio/video files if monitoring is enabled.
5. Can I use a different ID document? Passport, driving license and student ID are acceptable.
6. What does "unauthorised software" mean? The exam can be blocked by background apps that could compromise integrity; you must close them completely (sometimes via Task Manager/Force Quit).
7. How do late submissions work? Late submissions require the same computer/user account and the same Exam ID. Late submissions must be sanctioned by the exams office.
8. Who can access my recordings ? Only authorised institution staff can access the media files for identity checks and exam integrity. 

Part 2 (Demo Exam)