Check mobile support by task type
Talview’s candidate manual and candidate guide describe mobile support for automated video and multiple-choice tasks. They direct essay, coding, VEPT, Versant, or unsupported tasks to a laptop or desktop. The technical-support page also lists essay tasks as mobile-supported. These official pages do not fully agree about essay support.
Do not resolve that conflict by assuming every phone will work. Follow the current requirements in your invitation and assessment. If a section reports Not Supported, use the instructed computer setup or ask official support before the deadline. A device that works for one video task may not support the full assessment.
Use the current prerequisites for your session
The linked online-assessment prerequisites list current Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, a Windows or macOS computer, and camera and microphone checks. They also provide official speed-test and video-diagnostic links. Older candidate pages show lower connection figures and obsolete browser versions. Use the current prerequisites and any stricter session-specific requirements; do not treat an older minimum as a guarantee of reliable recording.
Test the same device, browser, network, and audio input you plan to use. A successful speed test is only one check: a connection can still be unstable. Use a reliable private connection, connect power, and close unneeded applications before the session. Keep required assessment or security software active.
Listen to what the microphone records
Allow camera and microphone access at both operating-system and browser level. In the camera preview, select the intended camera if more than one is connected. For the audio test, speak the requested lines and listen to the playback. The hardware test’s Record Again control is not a promise of another assessed answer.
Check that the recording contains your voice, not just that a microphone icon is visible. Listen for low volume, distortion, keyboard noise, and a distant voice. If a headset fails, test a compatible input and follow the official microphone guidance. Do this before a timed section, not by changing equipment repeatedly while an answer is active.
Light your face and keep the room usable
Place a window or soft light in front of you or slightly to the side. A bright window directly behind you can make your face dark. Check the preview rather than trusting how the room looks to your eyes. Put the camera near eye level on a stable surface, with your face comfortably visible.
Use a quiet space and a simple background. Tell other people when you need quiet. Wear clothing suitable for the role and comfortable enough to let you focus. These are communication choices, not Talview scoring rules. If a proctored session asks for a room scan or a different camera position, follow that instruction.
A useful final check is to record a short neutral sentence, play it back, and confirm that your face and voice are clear. Use an available official practice link for the assessment flow. A personal test recording can reveal setup problems but does not certify that the official assessment is ready.
- Confirm support for every section and read current prerequisites.
- Connect power and check the network.
- Allow permissions and select the correct camera and microphone.
- Check preview, audio playback, lighting, and background.
- Complete required official checks before starting real answers.
Worked examples
These scenarios are hypothetical teaching examples. Use your own facts and decisions.
The camera preview shows a dark face and a bright window.
Weak answer or plan
The room is bright, so the recording must be clear.
Improved answer or plan
I will move so the light falls on my face, then check the preview again. I will keep the camera stable and listen to the test audio.
Why this works
A visible room is not the same as a clearly lit face.
Put it into practice
Run a camera and audio check
Test your actual setup before the assessment. Record observations, not passwords or access codes.
Notes are not saved or sent. They clear when you leave or reload this page. Copy any notes you need before you leave.
Check your work
- Is your face clear without a bright background?
- Can you understand every word in playback?
- Have all required checks passed on the intended device?
