Dear reader,

We have collected a number of interesting topics for you in this newsletter of the month of April. For example, the VCA exams will have a new layout, the Secure Browser must have the latest version, we have said goodbye to Soraya and we can increasingly be found abroad.

For our Dutch and foreign exams we are looking for extra hands who can do the work, so you will also find that vacancy in this newsletter.

Enjoy reading,

Team of Ascend examengroep B.V.

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New exam layout

Previously, the questions were on the left and the timeline on the right during the exam, but that has change after March 18, 2023. All information can be found at the right part of the screen, so that on the left screen the candidate can be fully focused on the question.

The start screen is expanded with a better explanation of the exam and the functions that can be used within it. The previous and next buttons disappear from the screen. The candidate can navigate through the program by clicking on the number.

The famous yellow button at the end of the exam will no longer be yellow. The button to close the exam will be a blue button.

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Secure Browser against fraud prevention

It is important that everyone has the latest version of the Secure Browser on their laptops. Secure Browser is the software that helps fight fraud. Important security issues were resolved in version 6.1.27 and therefore older versions should not be used.

We recently updated all laptops at the office and checked again whether the 6.1.27 version is on the laptops. If we use laptops on location, we ask you to check whether the correct version of the Secure Browser is installed. It is also important for the trainers of the SOG exams to check this. The theory exams may only be taken with the latest version.

If there is a new update and we inform you about it, we expect it to be adjusted. There is a chance that you will not be able to take a theory exam during the SOG in an older version. We will not issue the exam again if you cannot take the exam due to an outdated version.

The SSVV will monitor more strictly that the latest version is used. If an exam agency uses a version that is older than one year, the exam agency will receive a deviation from the highest category. We obviously do not want this to happen at Ascend exam group B.V. We thank everyone for your cooperation.

 

 

Foreign exams

For years, foreign employers have known where to find us, which is why we regularly fly to Poland and Portugal. Last year we added Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, England and Turkey. We regularly receive requests for the ABC Islands and Dubai. Unfortunately, this is always rejected for financial reasons.

We hope that in the future more will be possible for distant destinations. It would be fantastic if we could serve foreign customers even better. If your company wants to request exams abroad, you can send an email for more information.

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ID check for exam

We see a lot of different identity cards and passports passing by. Identity cards within Europe come in so many colours, sizes and types that it is sometimes difficult to find out whether it is genuine. There are even countries where they come with a plasticized paper pass.

The SSVV gave the tip to look at the Prado (Public online register of authentic travel and identity documents). We will use this tip at Ascend examengroep B.V. and will check even better for the authenticity of the foreign identity cards and passports.

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Passes and diplomas remain included

Each exam agency is free to choose how they make the price classification. There are exam agencies that only count from a number of candidates and that calculate passes and diplomas separately. At Ascend examengroep B.V. we have always include the passes and diplomas included in the price. We often hear from employment agencies that a lot of value is attached to diplomas, while the petrochemical industry considers the passes important. In this way, employees can quickly identify upon arrival that they have a VCA diploma. We therefore continue to supply the passes and diplomas for the successful candidates and do not charge a separate price for them.

If you, as an employer, are unsure whether your employee has actually obtained a diploma, check the CDR. The CDR is leading.

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See you until the next newsletter.