About admissions equipment

Admissions equipment refers to the technologies used for measuring and analyzing human characteristics such as voice patterns, facial patterns, and hand measurements, typically for authentication purposes. Signature devices and other admissions equipment consist of a reader or scanning device and software that converts the scanned information into digital form. The admissions data are then stored in a database along with other data about a person. When the person's identity needs to be verified, the newly captured admissions data can be compared to the stored admissions data. The software uses sophisticated algorithms to compare the two sets of data and determine whether it matches.

Some exam sponsors require Pearson to collect admissions data from candidates when they are admitted for exams. To facilitate this, test centers must have a system of hardware and software that allows administrators to capture the necessary data. Currently, exam sponsors can choose to have a test center collect a candidate's digital signature, digital ID authentication, palm scan, palm vein, and/or photo. Exam sponsors may want all this data to be collected or may choose to collect only one or two of them.

To collect this data, you will admit a candidate using Admissions Manager as you normally do. If an exam sponsor requires admissions data, Admissions Manager automatically incorporates the necessary steps into the admission process. The devices that capture the data are controlled from within the Admissions Manager software; you do not need to manipulate the hardware or launch any other software applications. The admissions data are automatically sent to Pearson with the candidate's exam results after you have run RMA at the end of the day.

Pearson uses the term "enhanced security equipment" to refer to the system of hardware and software installed at a test center for collecting admissions data.

Not all test centers are required to install each piece of admissions equipment (signature pad, DIA device, admissions tablet, palm vein device, and camera). Pearson contacts your test center if you must have certain pieces of admissions equipment installed.

This equipment consists of the following items:

Digital signature device (also called a "signature pad"): The digital signature device consists of an electronic pad and a stylus (pen) and connects to the administration workstation. Candidates provide an electronic signature by using the stylus to sign the pad.
Camera: Test administrators use the camera to take candidate photos. This camera is mounted in a stationary position near the administration workstation and focuses on a chair where candidates sit while being photographed.
Admissions tablet: Test administrators use the admissions tablet to capture a candidate's palm scan as part of the admission process. If the test center has a proctor workstation with a second admissions tablet, the candidate must provide another palm scan through Entry Monitoring each time they enter or exit the testing room. This palm scan is compared to the previous palm scan and used to authenticate the candidate's identity. The administration workstation (and proctor workstation, if applicable) must have an Ethernet switch to connect both the admissions tablet and the workstation computer to the local area network. Only use the admissions tablet to capture a palm scan if the exam sponsor requires it.
Palm vein device: A candidate's palm vein pattern is captured as part of the admission process and stored electronically. If the test center has a proctor workstation with a second palm vein device, the candidate must provide another palm vein pattern through Entry Monitoring each time they enter or exit the testing room. This palm vein pattern is compared to the original palm vein pattern and used to authenticate the candidate's identity. The palm vein device connects to the administration workstation (and proctor workstation, if applicable) via USB port. Only use the palm vein device if the exam sponsor requires it.
Digital ID authentication (DIA) device: Test administrators use the DIA device to scan a candidate's ID. This device recognizes the ID it scans and compares the ID to others in its database. It then confirms whether the ID is authentic, valid, and unaltered. The DIA device connects to the administration workstation via USB port and is controlled by Admissions Manager. Only use the DIA device if the exam sponsor requires it.
Scanner: A scanner is not admissions equipment, but test centers use scanners in backup procedures if the digital signature device is not working. The scanner connects to the administration workstation. Pearson does not supply the scanners for test centers. Because not all test centers use the same type of scanner, this guide does not provide detailed information about using the scanner. If you need help, refer to the user guide that you received with your test center's scanner.
Webcam: The webcam is used as a method of taking candidate photos. This camera also connects to the administration workstation.

For details about the admissions equipment, see Admissions and candidate monitoring equipment.