Secure Systems

Software Built by CASTLE Worldwide

At CASTLE Worldwide, we use our own system for test delivery. Proctored Assessment System (PASS) was developed in 2001 by our own staff to take advantage of today's Internet technology. It was the first system in the industry to use Internet delivery.

The PASS system is proprietary software and is hosted exclusively by CASTLE Worldwide. It is used at our own established Internet-based testing centers and serves as the delivery engine to any proprietary client networks.

The Lockdown Environment

CASTLE Worldwide's Lockdown environment protects Internet-Based Test (IBT) content during delivery. The Lockdown Environment isolates the test from other programs on the screen and restricts access to features that might introduce security risks.

Specific Features of the Lockdown Environment:

Hides the Start Menu and Taskbar

Hides programs and windows not related to the test

Disables right-button mouse clicks

Blocks hotkeys (shortcut keys)

Prevents access to other websites

General Security Features

Examination data delivered via secure socket layer (SSL) encryption technology.
Questions presented one by one on the candidate’s computer from the test provider’s secure server.
Data hosted exclusively on CASTLE Worldwide's own servers.
Keystrokes uploaded to the secure server as they occur.
Carefully managed hardware and software configurations
Restricted Uploading
Double-locked security areas in all permanent offices, with additional protection provided by alarm systems.
Access to confidential matters on a very limited, "need-to-know" basis only.
All examination and candidate data stored within an Oracle database, secured via dual-level passwords accessible only to select CASTLE Worldwide technology team members.
All data transfers via secured VPN, FTP, RAZ, or HTTPS/XML and all Internet data transfers encrypted via 128b SSL.
Delivery of examination materials made by confidential staff, recognized national carriers, or bonded security companies.
Shredding or burning and stirring of confidential material that's no longer needed.

Our Proctors are Trained Professionals

Test site administrators and proctors who deliver service for CASTLE Worldwide are highly experienced and totally proven. And we continue to train them on a frequent basis to ensure a high degree of consistency during the test administration.

We require our proctors to adhere to procedures that continually verify test materials and candidates and to be responsible at all times for the security of test booklets. Our proctors also ensure that the examination schedule, time limits, and all directions for the examination are strictly followed.

Proctors are responsible for checking the candidate answer sheets to be sure that all requested information – name, identification number, examination code, etc. – is provided by the candidate. Proctors also check answer sheets to minimize incidences of stray pencil marks, answer marks that aren't dark enough, and unorthodox marking.

After the examination, candidates surrender all testing materials to the proctors, who check the test booklet inventory to verify that all booklets are accounted for.

Following each test administration, CASTLE Worldwide's test site administrator also complete a summary report which describes any irregularities that arose, the resolution of the irregularity, and recommendations for improvements. CASTLE Worldwide staff are always available by phone on the day of the test administration to assist in resolving any irregularities.

Confidentiality

CASTLE Worldwide is also committed to maintaining high standards of confidentiality in order to protect candidates from the invasion of privacy that would result if their scores were released to unauthorized persons. To protect candidates, we recommend and adhere to the following principles:

Candidate scores are not released to anyone other than authorized personnel and the candidate.
Adequate security is maintained in order to protect the rights of candidates and the requirements of the client.
All CASTLE Worldwide staff members sign confidentiality statements.