Wednesday, October 14, 2020 New version of e-EQE FAQ available

 A new version of the e-EQE FAQ is now available on the EQE webpages, here.

The FAQ has been extended with more questions, and now provides answers to the following questions (go to the FAQ for the answers):

• Where can I sit the online EQE and is anyone else allowed to be in the room with me?
• Can I sit the EQE in an examination centre?
• Will I be allowed to print out the examination papers?
• Will the papers be made available in the three official languages of the EPO?
• Will I be able to familiarise myself with the examination software in advance?
• Will I need an internet connection?
• What software will be used and what will be the requirements in terms of the operating system?
• Will the examination papers be provided in digital format?
• Will it be possible to print the examination papers?
• What sort of computer screen do I need?
• What text editor will be used?
• Will copy/paste be possible?
• Will I be allowed to write my answer on paper and scan and upload it afterwards?
• Will I be allowed to make notes on paper?
• Will I be allowed to switch to writing on paper if I don't feel comfortable with the PC?
• How much time will be allowed for each paper?
• When will more information on the e-EQE be available?

The answers indicate (cited in part; emphasis added):

Friday, September 25, 2020 Information about online EQE 2021 (e-EQE): aim is to have the software available for candidates as of January

 A new sub-page "e-EQE" about the online EQE of 2021 is available on the EQE webpages.

Currently, the page provides the following (cited in full, emphasis added).

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EQE goes digital – update for candidates and tutors

In order to maintain continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions around the world have been implementing digital solutions for both the classroom and examinations.

Following the cancellation of the EQE 2020, and in view of the ever-increasing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Supervisory Board decided in July that the EQE 2021 would be conducted online. An e-EQE task force was set up, along with a working group consisting of EPO staff and epi members to oversee and support progress.

The transition to the new e-EQE began with a market study aimed at identifying the product which best meets EQE requirements. The most promising ones are currently being tested.

Once a decision on the product has been made, further tests will be carried out with a larger group of test persons, mostly professional representatives. Further details on how the examination will be conducted will then be announced. The aim is to enable candidates to start familiarising themselves with the software as of January next year.

Security is a key element in any online examination, and we understand that there may be some concerns with regard to privacy. Here, too, candidates may rest assured that all possible steps are being taken to ensure that the e-EQE complies with the most stringent data protection requirements.

If you have any questions about any aspect of the e-EQE, please contact the EQE helpdesk (helpdesk@eqe.org). We will use your questions as the basis for FAQs, which will be published in due course.

In the meantime, watch this space for updates on the e-EQE.

• Decision of the Supervisory Board for the online EQE 2021

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Also note the message on the epi website, "epi supports e-EQE in 2021".

Please feel free to provide your comments.

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Update 30.09.2020: 

a first version of the FAQ is now also available on the EQE website (here)

Today, the FAQ provides  (30.09.2020; emphasis added), a.o.: