Misconduct

MSAP Ireland is a high-stakes test; the results of the test have the potential to make a major impact on the future career of the test taker. For this reason, ACER has established security procedures which will be strictly enforced at all times. The giving of false or misleading information during the registration process, and any form of cheating during the test itself, are viewed as serious breaches of ethical behaviour and will attract penalties.

Any candidate found to be cheating will automatically have their MSAP Ireland results cancelled and may be prohibited from registering to take MSAP Ireland on a future occasion.

Candidates are expected to abide by the test rules and to follow the instructions of the remote proctors at all times. You are asked to respect the rights of the remote proctoring staff and ACER staff.

Please be aware that if you act in a manner that is intentionally disruptive, offensive or abusive during your test session, or in your verbal or written communications with ACER or other remote proctoring staff before, during or after the test, or if you engage in any acts listed unacceptable behaviour or misconduct, you will be reported and subject to the CONSEQUENCES listed below.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include, but are not limited to:

  • emotional, psychological or physical violence or abuse
  • bullying
  • sexual harassment
  • racial and religious vilification
  • aggressive/abusive behaviour
  • unreasonable demands and undue persistence

Behaving in an unacceptable manner will be considered an act of misconduct and subject to the CONSEQUENCES listed below.

Misconduct for the test includes:

  • Breach of any of the security arrangements for the test.
  • Impersonation (attempting to take the test on behalf of another person or have another person take the test for you).
  • Attempting to copy or memorise all or part of the test.
  • Failure to follow the instructions of the remote proctor at all times.
  • Receiving assistance during the test. 
  • Sharing of test content after the test.
  • Being found with or attempting to use prohibited aids (e.g. notes, dictionary, calculator, mobile phone, smart glasses, smart watches or any device capable of audio or video recording etc).
  • Talking aloud (unless it is to ask the remote proctor a question) during the test session.
  • Leaving the test room without permission.
  • Using the test questions, their content or information about them for purposes other than your sitting of the test.
  • Publishing the test questions, any of their content or information about them on the internet, any digital format or otherwise; and/or passing the test questions, any of their content or information about them to third parties.
  • Giving false or misleading information.
  • Infringement of copyright.  Copyright infringement includes: performing those rights or authorising the performance of those rights which are granted at law exclusively to the copyright owner. These rights include the exclusive right to reproduce the copyright work in a material form and to communicate that work to the public.
  • In any way breaching (as determined by ACER in its absolute discretion) any of the terms and conditions of your registration to participate in the test.
  • Any negligent, unlawful or wilful act or omission by you which ACER, in its absolute discretion, renders you to be unfit to participate in the test, whether or not you are registered to participate at the time of ACER’s determination.

All acts of suspected misconduct by candidates will be reported by the test proctors to ACER.  CONSEQUENCES for misconduct include cancelling your registration and/or disqualification to sit the test in future, and the withholding of your test results.

It is also possible that the misconduct will be referred to one or more educational institutions.
CANDIDATES ARE PUT ON NOTICE that except as expressly provided at law, there is no right to challenge, appeal or seek review of any determination by ACER that misconduct has occurred or in relation to any consequences imposed by ACER for any misconduct.