Unified Examination Rules
Key Requirements and Preparation
Equipment Requirements
To successfully take the exam, make sure your equipment meets the following minimum technical specifications:
| Parameter | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Web browser (PC) | Chrome 72, Opera 59, Firefox 66, Edge 79, Yandex.Browser 19.3, Safari 12.x |
| Operating system | Windows 7+, macOS 10.12 "Sierra", Linux |
| Mobile version | Android 4.4+ (Chrome 72+), iOS 13+ (Safari) |
| Web camera | 640×480, 15 fps |
| Microphone | Required |
| Speakers | Optional (for communication with the proctor) |
| Internet speed | from 256 Kbps |
Important
- A computer or laptop must be used to take the exam. Tablets and phones are not allowed for this purpose.
- A mobile phone with a working camera and microphone is mandatory. It serves as an additional device for synchronous proctoring.
- Google Chrome must be installed on both your computer and phone.
24 Hours Before the Exam
- Review the exam rules, proctoring connection guidelines, and PC requirements.
- Prepare your workspace: it should be clean, well‑lit, and free from extraneous objects. You may keep on your desk: a blank sheet of paper (for rough work), a pen, water, and any necessary medication.
- Test your equipment using the link provided in your personal account, from the computer you will use for the exam.
- Prepare an identification document (passport, driving licence, or temporary ID of a Russian citizen). This is required for identity verification by the proctors.
Browser Setup and Platform Login
- Open Google Chrome (you may use Incognito mode).
- Enable cookies in your browser settings.
- Go to edu.hse.ru.
- Click "Log in" and authenticate via the "HSE Digital" system using your institutional email account (***@edu.hse.ru).
Examination Procedure
Starting the Exam
- In the "My Courses" section, find the Independent Examination course.
- Go to the "Proctored Exam" section.
- Select your exam by the slot name (which indicates your educational programme).
- Read the rules and agree to the examination terms and conditions.
- You have 30 minutes to set up synchronous proctoring.
- Click "Start attempt" to begin answering the questions.
Exam Duration
Please note that the time allocated for completing tasks varies by discipline and level. The current time limit is always displayed in the exam interface.
Digital Literacy: 60 minutes.
Programming:
- Entry and Basic levels — 150 minutes;
- Advanced level — 120 minutes.
Data Analysis:
- Entry level — 80 minutes;
- Basic level — 120 minutes;
- Advanced level — 180 minutes.
Keep an eye on the timer in the right‑hand window of the interface.
Completing the Exam
- After finishing all tasks, click "Finish attempt".
- Confirm the completion in the pop‑up window. Remember, once confirmed, you will not be able to return to your answers.
- End the proctoring session by clicking on the circle with your video feed in the lower‑left corner of the screen.
Allowed and Prohibited Actions During the Exam
Allowed
- Use a blank sheet of paper as a draft (show it to the camera beforehand), along with a pen, water, and medication.
- Open the official exam instructions in your browser.
- Open the email service to contact technical support at helpexam@hse.ru.
- Download files required for completing tasks from the edu.hse.ru platform.
- Use an online translator in a separate tab to translate task instructions into your native language.
- For Programming and Data Analysis exams: use approved programming environments and data analysis software (e.g., MS Visual Studio Code, Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, Excel, etc.). Use of cloud‑based environments with real‑time collaboration features (e.g., Google Colab) is prohibited.
- For the Digital Literacy exam: use help websites for office suites (MS Office, LibreOffice, MyOffice, etc.), as well as Google Scholar, Consultant+, and Garant.
Prohibited
- Share access to your personal cloud files with real‑time editing enabled.
- Use audio, visual, or any other hints.
- Use printed reference materials (notes, textbooks, etc.).
- Complete the exam in the presence of third parties.
- Leave the webcam's field of view.
- Open additional browser tabs beyond those required for the exam (test, approved programming environments, instructions, files, online translator).
- Use a phone or other gadgets, except for the mobile phone used for proctoring.
- Take screenshots of tasks or answers, or share tasks with third parties.
- Talk to third parties or read questions and tasks aloud.
- Interfere with the proctors' actions during the monitoring process.
Common Issues and Their Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Page freezes, testing session interrupted, or "Start testing" button is not visible. | Refresh the page using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+F5. |
| No exam appears in "My Courses" / Issues with slot registration. | Contact your Academic Office for assistance. |
| Technical issues when connecting to the exam. |
If you contact the Academic Office later, your request will not be processed. |
| Secondary (mobile) camera does not connect. |
Quick fix:
iOS settings:
Android settings:
|
If the equipment check fails
- Make sure you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed.
- Allow access to the camera and microphone for edu.hse.ru in your browser settings.
- Close other applications that may be using the camera or microphone (Skype, Zoom, etc.).
- Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+R) and restart the browser.
- If the issue persists, run the check using the alternative link (provided in the portal instructions), take a screenshot of the results, and send it to helpexam@hse.ru.
Incorrect task wording
If you believe that a task was worded incorrectly:
- Notify the organisers within 3 calendar days after the exam by sending a free‑form statement to iads@hse.ru. Be sure to include the task number and a description of the issue in your email.
- Wait for the review. If the incorrect wording is confirmed, the results for that task will be annulled for all students, and final scores will be recalculated accordingly.
More detailed rules for a specific exam (including the exact list of permitted software) are available in the Independent Examination course on SmartLms.