IDAT Test Taker Handbook - Secure 360 Home Test (APP Version)
This page is for the IDAT Secure 360 Home Test with IDAT APP only.
About IDAT
The International Diagnostic and Admissions Test (IDAT) is revolutionising schools’ admissions and diagnostics for beginning students. As the world becomes more international and students are global citizens, it is less and less likely that a student will complete all of his/her schooling in one learning environment. As families search for the best learning opportunities for their students, who are increasingly becoming global citizens, it becomes more difficult for schools to select students who are a good fit for their institutions, and how best to meet the students’ learning needs.
1. Structure of the Test
4 sections of the test
ENGLISH CURRICULUM
GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY
20-25 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
The student does one question at a time and cannot return to the question after submitting the answer, so please check work before hitting the button for the next question.
READING
2 READINGS, UP TO 10 QUESTIONS PER READING
Students must read a passage and answer comprehension and contextualised vocabulary questions as required for the reading. There are up to 10 questions per reading and time limits are indicated at the top of the page.
The time limit is based upon the length of the reading and how many questions there are to answer.
WRITING
2 QUESTIONS
With visual stimulus, students are required to type an extended prose about what they see in the picture. Students should answer all the prompting questions and explain themselves in full sentences. Students need to self-edit their own work. The computer system will not allow for autocorrect or spellcheck. Students are given ample time to read over their prose and self-correct. Students are marked on the complexity of writing, accuracy and ideas.
INTERVIEW （LISTENING AND SPEAKING）
10 QUESTIONS
The interview is conducted by an avatar and students spoken answers are recorded.
The questions are asked by an avatar. Students can push a button to have the question repeated, asked in another way, or asked more slowly. They can only use each of these buttons once, but it will deduct 1 point each time it is used. The student can take notes on blank paper before speaking but the paper must stay in the room. Students are encouraged not to read off the paper when they speak, as it will not help the student to make eye contact and a good impression. The student presses a button when he or she is prepared to answer, and this will video record their answers. Students are expected to give lengthy answers (limited to 2 minutes per answer) which provide insight into who they are and show the school their speaking and comprehension skills for listening.
When a student has finished recording their answer, they push the button for the next question. No answer or speaking can be erased and tried again. There is one try only.
Prospective or current schools allocated by the student may view this interview with a one-time login password when results are available.
MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM
MATHEMATICS
24-48 MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH QUESTIONS
- 24-48 multiple-choice questions, depending on the test stage.
- 2-3 questions per type of math topic. Please refer to the outlined stage tests for details.
- For questions requiring a calculator, the calculator will appear on the screen for students to use.
- Blank paper and a pencil will be provided by test centres. The pencil and paper must not be taken out of the test room.
- The student cannot return to the question after submitting the answer, so please check work before hitting the button for the next question.
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE CURRICULUM
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE
18 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
- Total of three (4) parts included in the Global Knowledge section: Logic, Critical Thinking, Science and Technology.
- All questions are multiple choice.
- Logic questions consist of IQ testing questions such as transformation, patterns, problem-solving and deduction. The purpose of this is to show a student's ability to think critically about a variety of questions. Critical thinking is an important part of global studies.
- Critical Thinking is multiple choice for Stages 3-6 only (not for Stages 1-2) and looks at assumption, deduction, interpretation, inference and evaluation of sources.
- The Science and Technology sections are based upon topics taken from a survey of global school curricula and are appropriate to age and level.
- Please refer to ‘Prepare for the test’ page for the current list of topics. Students are encouraged to study and commit to memory facts, figures, dates and definitions that pertain to this topic. Not only will this demonstrate school learning and retention, it will also show that a student is able to study and learn in a school environment for assessment purposes.
CHARACTER
36 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
- There are a total of 36 multiple-choice questions, which demonstrate a student’s skill level and appetite for risk-taking, collaboration, self-awareness, communication and creative thinking.
- There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers, and the student’s character is assessed in terms of skills and tendencies. There is no judgement element in this assessment; it is simply a way for schools to get to know the executive skills of students.
SELF-AWARENESS
Self-awareness helps kids learn that how they see themselves may be different from how others see them, and allows them to recognise their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Self-awareness is the thinking skill that focuses on a child’s ability to accurately judge their own performance and behaviour and respond appropriately to different social situations. Self-awareness helps an individual to tune into their feelings, as well as the feelings of others.
RISK-TAKING, ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
This will look at how students view opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury or risk. It will look at how the student engages in things where there is the possibility that something bad or unpleasant will happen and how they face challenges and uncertainties within the environment. The test will ascertain how students learn, how they manage their own learning, and what they do when they encounter risk.
CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING
The ability to produce original or unusual ideas, or to make something imaginative. This will look at the mental characteristics that allow a person to think outside the box, which results in innovative or different approaches to a particular task or problem.
COMMUNICATION AND EMPATHY
This is looking at the skills needed to use language (spoken, written, signed or otherwise communicated) to interact with others, the student’s ability to convey their ideas and function in different environments, and whether they have the capacity to place oneself in another’s position. This is about a person’s standards of behaviour or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do.
2. Find Your Test Stage and Format
6 Stages based upon the year of study
Stage 1 – 120 minutes
Students applying for Aus/US/Can Year 1, 2 or beginning Year 3. UK Year 2, 3, beginning Year 4
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 30 mins + 20 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 25 mins |
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Stage 2 – 135 minutes
Students applying for Aus/US/Can Year 3, 4 or beginning Year 5. UK Year 4, 5, beginning Year 6
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 35 mins + 25 mins | 15 mins | 20 mins | 15 mins | 25 mins |
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Stage 3 – 155 minutes
Students applying Aus/US/Can Year 5, 6 or beginning Year 7. UK Year 6, 7, beginning Year 8
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 35 mins + 30 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins |
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Stage 4 – 160 minutes
Students applying Aus/US/Can Year 7, 8 or beginning Year 9. UK Year 8, 9, beginning Year 10
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 40 mins + 30 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins |
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Stage 5 – 185 minutes
Students applying Aus/US/Can Year 9, 10 or beginning Year 11. UK Year 10, 11, beginning Year 12
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 45 mins + 35 mins | 25 mins | 35 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins |
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Stage 6 – 190 minutes
Students applying Aus/US/Can Year 11, 12. UK Year 12, 13
| English: Vocabulary，Grammar, Reading and Writing | English: Listening & Speaking | Mathematics | Global Knowledge | Character |
| 50 mins + 35 mins | 25 mins | 35 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins |
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4. Register Your IDAT Account
If you have an account already, please log in to book your text.
Guardian Registration
Enter Test Taker's Details
Fill in all required sections. Make sure you upload a valid photo ID.
Create Your Account
Enter your email as the account user name and set up the password.
5. Schedule Your Test
Once You've registered, please follow the below instruction to make the booking.
Enter School Information
Fill in the information of your current school and the schools you are applying for.
Select Test Location & Time
Select IDAT Secure 360 as your test location, and choose the available test session that suits you the most.
Confirmation
Confirm the details that you have entered and make sure all information is correct.
Make the Payment
Make your payment ini full to secure your booking. If anything is wrong, please email info@idat.org as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT!
- ONCE YOUR BOOKING IS CONFIRMED: You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it within two business days, please check your junk or spam email folders. Review your confirmation email to ensure your name is listed EXACTLY how it is on the identification you intend to show on the day of your test.
- Please make sure you go through the booking information email carefully, follow the instructions and read through the IDAT Secure 360 Test instruction attached with your confirmation email PRIOR to your test date.
VERY IMPORTANT!
- STUDENTS must trial the system at least 7 days prior to their test to make sure they have accurately and correctly set up the IDAT Secure 360 system.
6. Download the Application and check the system
STUDENTS must trial the system at least 7 days prior to their test to make sure they have accurately and correctly set up the IDAT APP and Secure 360 system.
Please click on one the following to view the instructions. We recommend you open these on a device or mobile phone you WILL NOT use on test day. To trial the set up you need your computer and a secondary device free and ready to use for the test set up, and not one being used to view instructions.
Have Your Test Devices Ready
Find Your Link in Your Account to Download the IDAT APP
Complete the Trial Setup
8. Preparing For Your Test
Find the tips that can help you do well in the scholarship test.
Get to know the IDAT for scholarship students
Go to https://www.idat.org/prepare-for-the-test/ to read free information for test preparation. Please refer to the subject curriculum on our website for detailed testing areas and expected outcomes.
Become familiar with the structure of the test, including:
- Question types
- Things to remember
- Useful English Vocabulary
- Frequency sentence pattern
- Example questions
Click each section to learn useful tips:
Log in your account and take a practice test (optional)
• Practice tests are OPTIONAL and fees (USD $5 – USD $35) apply.
• You will find speaking and listening (interview) under the English test. Please be advised these components DO NOT apply to Tintern Grammar scholarship test.
• Keep in mind that the training test is designed to familiarise students with the format and functions of the IDAT scholarship test. The training test is shorter than the actual IDAT scholarship test.
• Please ONLY practice your training tests via Google Chrome web browser. Please do not use any tablet devices to carry out the training test.
• Please be aware that the training test occurs outside the formal test conditions. Your performance on this test does not guarantee an equivalent level of performance on your formal test day.
9. Test Requirements
Try Secure 360 Home Test Setting before Your Test Start
A reliable internet connection
Ensure the internet is well connected during the test.
Computer with HD Camera
A fully charged laptop or computer connected with external power, with an HD camera.
A Quiet and Well-lit Room
Ensure that there is no interruption during the test.
A Mobile phone & Tripod
360 system is UNABLE to run on Huawei mobile phones. Apple mobile phones’ IOS system must be updated to IOS13 or above.
10. On Your Test Day
Please make sure your read through this part before the test day.
IMPORTANT
- ⚠️ IDAT Secure 360 students should set up their computer and smart device at least 20 MINUTES before test time.
- ⚠️ You must REMOVE everything from your area of sight and reach that could assist with the test.
- ⚠️ You MUST enter the test page within 30 minutes after your scheduled test starts, otherwise, your test will be cancelled.
- ⚠️ You MUST pre-trial the Secure 360 home test setting prior to your scheduled test time. Failure to connect test and proctoring devices as instructed, will negate test results. For any technical questions, please contact the IDAT team as soon as possible.
Have Your Test Devices and IDAT APP Ready
Log in and Set up for Your Test
Start Your Test
STEP 1: Have Your Test Devices Ready
⚠️ If your IDAT APP is NOT READY for the test, please click the following written instructions to download and open the IDAT APP.
STEP 2: Open the IDAT APP, Log in & Set up for the IDAT Test
Setting Up Your IDAT 360 Test
Once you successfully open the IDAT App, you will be directed to the 360 Test entry page.
1: Log In and Access Your Test
- Click “Enter the Test with Account“ to begin setting up your devices.
- Log in using your IDAT account, ensuring it is the same account used to register for the test.
- Navigate to: Home Page > My Booking > Find Your Registered Test, then click “Start 360 Test“ to proceed.
2: Set Up Your Proctoring Devices
- Computer Camera: Main proctoring camera.
- Mobile Device Camera: Secondary proctoring camera.
⚠️ Important for Apple Users:
If you see an alert on your mobile device stating,
“Connected to Your MacBook/Mac: You can disconnect to remove this iPhone/iPad from the Mac camera list,”
please tap “DISCONNECT” to stop using your iPhone/iPad as the main proctoring camera.
Computer (Main Test Device)
- The camera will activate automatically. If not, grant Camera and Microphone access to the IDAT App:
- Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone > Allow IDAT to access
- Windows: Windows should automatically allow access to the cameras. You just need to accept. If it does not, you will need to adjust your security settings.
- If you see the below icon on your main camera, it means multiple cameras are detected (including potential virtual cameras you may not be aware of), click the “Set Main Camera” in the upper-left corner of the IDAT APP to select your main camera.
- The camera will activate automatically. If not, grant Camera and Microphone access to the IDAT App:
- Mobile Device (Proctoring Camera)
- Scan the QR code on the setup page to activate your mobile device as the secondary proctoring device.
- Position your mobile device appropriately for proctoring.
3: Start Your Test
Once the online proctors confirm your test devices are correctly set up, you may begin your test.
If you have any questions, please reach out via the chatbox on the page (bottom-right corner).
11. During Your Test
The test taker MUST follow Secure 360 test rules.
• The test has 4 sections: English, Mathematics, Global Knowledge and Character. Mathematics / Global Knowledge / Character are multiple choice only. The English part also includes writing. You are encouraged to write as much as possible, but please be aware of the time remaining.
• The remaining time will be shown on the screen. Once you complete the sections, you may jump to the next part. Keep an eye on the timer as you this is your responsibility.
• You MUST NOT use your own calculator as calculators will be provided online whenever needed. It will appear on the screen automatically.
• For each question that requires calculation, the test system will automatically turn on the calculator function. Be careful not to turn it off since it will not be displayed for the second time.
• Students have an optional 5-minute break after English section. You are ONLY allowed to go to the bathroom during the 5-minute break.
Test Rules
The test taker MUST follow Secure 360 test rules. You must not engage in any form of deception or malpractice which may damage the integrity or security of the IDAT. The test taker who cheats or attempts to cheat will not be eligible for a refund for any fees paid. The student may be banned from taking future tests.
• Must be alone in a quiet, well-lit room, ensure that there is no interruption or noise during the test.
• Face, ear and head must be visible and unobscured, no heavy make up, otherwise you may fail the facial recognition.
• Blank paper and pencil are allowed. MUST be approved by the online proctor.
• Eating is not allowed, but you can drink water.
• You will not be allowed to record your responses or questions by using any device, copy work from anywhere, disrupt the test, or attempt to alter data or results of the test.
• Do not look away from the screen, you must keep staying on your seat during the test, you are not permitted to leave the room.
• You cannot use any other electronic devices during the test. Once found, your test will be CANCELLED.
• Your proctor can hear you during the test, however they are only able to communicate with you by sending you messages online.
• You MUST not open any other web pages during the test, the system will give you a warning if you are off your test page more than 10 seconds. Test will be CANCELLED if you receive 3 warnings.
• Any student or family member of the student engaging in malpractice will not be allowed to complete the test.
Unforeseen Circumstances
1. Why can’t I open the testing system?
Please make sure you have used the GOOGLE CHROME web browser and it has been updated to the latest version.
2. What if I close the testing system accidentally?
Please re-open the IDAT APP and log back in. The system will bring you back to the question of where you dropped out. Countdown on times will NOT be stopped, therefore, please log back in as soon as possible.
3. What if I click the backward button accidentally?
You can NOT go back to your previous question. Once you have submitted your answer you will NOT be able to see it again. If you click the backward button, just REFRESH the page and you will be fine.
4. What if my screen is frozen and does not respond to anything?
It could be caused by fluctuations in the internet connection; however, it rarely happens during the test. If your screen is frozen:
• In the writing section, refresh the page and click “submit” again.
• All other sections, refresh the page, re-select your answer and then submit again.
If any other accidents, uncontrollable factors occur, please contact your proctors IMMEDIATELY via Chat Box on the test page.
For students in Stage 1 Only:
- For students in Stage 1 only, a parent or guardian may assist them to set up the test. They can show them the method to submit and answer the FIRST QUESTION ONLY. Then the guardian or parent MUST leave the room. The proctor will contact the parent or guardian to re-enter the room if additional help is required. However, the guardian or parent cannot help the student or re-enter the room without the expressed permission of the remote proctor. When permission is granted, the guardian can help the student with words and scripts from the proctor only. The guardian/parent must leave the room again when advised to do so.
- All other students require that the parent/guardian or any other person vacate the test taking room before the test begins and for the duration of the assessment. Failure to do so will be considered a breach of test terms and conditions.
- The proctor’s chat warning will be used ONCE as a warning, if test conditions are not adhered to. IDAT reserves the right to terminate any test in progress after one warning for any student or IDAT Secure 360 situation that has not adhered to the strict test conditions. There is no refund for the test fees, if the test or its results are cancelled due to a failure to follow test terms and conditions. Students may reschedule the test in a secure testing facility at their own expense, but students will not be allowed to retake the test in an IDAT Secure 360 proctored environment.
- The IDAT proctor and team reserve all rights to determine which students have breached terms and conditions. Student or parents who wish to appeal proctor decision can do so via the test results appeal processes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The proctor can see and hear you through the proctoring cameras during the test, if any of the fraudulent behaviour is caught and the proctor judges the test is invalid, a report will be sent to the IDAT office, and an official notice will be sent to the test taker. No re-examination or refund request will be granted.
12. After the Test
Results are typically available within 2 business days of testing and students can review results and send results to their schools at that time. Login to your account and click “view score” to see your score report
Sending your result to schools
Your results will automatically be sent to selected schools in a secure way. You will also be able to send results to additional schools if you have booked this test independently.
- Log in to your account.
- Click ‘View Score Reports’.
- Click ‘Send Scores’.
- Type the name of your chosen schools in the field and click ‘Search’.
- Please tick the box next to the school’s name when it appears in the list.
- Review your details, then scroll down the page and click ‘Next’ to confirm.
- Your results can be sent to up to three schools for free. A fee of USD $10 will apply to each additional school you choose to receive your results.