To support focus and fairness during testing, participants should not have access to personal electronic devices capable of capturing, recording, accessing, or transmitting information.  Examples of these devices include but are not limited to mobile phones and smartphones, smartwatches and other wearable technology, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth headsets, smart glasses, tablets and E-readers. 

Testing sites must have a plan in place for handling participants' electronic devices including a process for ensuring safe storage and handling. Devices cannot remain in the participant's possession or be accessible during testing and this includes being stored in clothing pockets. NOCTI's policy and the testing site's plan for handling electronic devices must be clearly conveyed to participants prior to test administration, along with the consequences of violating not only this policy but also United States Copyright Law as NOCTI assessments are copyrighted material. Situations where a participant is found in violation may result in certification invalidation. 

When a participant is confirmed to be in possession of an unauthorized electronic device during test administration, the testing site must take the following steps:  
  1. In the event it can be confirmed that testing has not started or the device was not in view, the device should be collected and the participant should be warned of the policy violation but may continue testing. NOCTI does not need to be contacted in this situation. 
  2. If the participant has the device visible or it is confirmed the device was being used during testing for any reason, the following steps should be taken with the least amount of disruption to other participants: 
  • Confiscate the electronic device; 
  • Terminate the testing session; 
  • Remove the participant from the testing session; 
  • Notify the designated NOCTI Site Coordinator at the testing site; 
  • Check the device for pictures, texts, Internet activity, transmission by websites or social media, or any other recent activity in which security of the test content may have been compromised or violations of the Copyright Act may have occurred. Document findings; and 
  • Contact NOCTI (by the Site Coordinator) to report the policy violation. NOCTI can be contacted at 800-334-6283 or nocti@nocti.org. 
When a violation is reported, the Site Coordinator should be prepared to provide a documented overview of the situation including how the device was discovered, if the device was being used during testing, and the findings of a search of the device as outlined in the steps above. In addition to any applicable testing site disciplinary action, NOCTI will review the information provided and determine next steps related to the testing session (e.g., remove the testing data from NOCTI's system, terminate the testing session, and/or require a retest in a one-on-one proctored session).