Prep work:
Browser
I used Google Chrome (Safari is also ok)
I uninstalled all the add-ons/plug-ins like Adblock, Popup Blocker, VPN etc. from the browser (use a clean version of the browser if possible)
Make sure no other tabs are open during the test
Clear all cookies and temp files from your browser & system (I use Ccleaner)
If you have an external Camera plugged in, make sure to allow this camera to access your browser (usually there is a popup)
Check if your camera is working fine by running a test using some of these links; https://webcamtests.com/check or https://webcammictest.com
Internet/Wifi
I have a shared wifi so I didn’t want to take any chances.
I use a laptop without a Ethernet port so I purchased a “Ethernet to USB” converter from Amazon (~ $17).
If you don’t have a ethernet cable you can purchase this from Amazon for about $12-20 depending on length.
I turned on hotspot on the cellphone as a backup incase there is an outage.
If you get disconnected during the test you can resume back however the timer will keep running once you have commenced.
Once I had the adapter, plugged it to the laptop and the other end of the ethernet cable into the modem directly and ran a speed test and there were no lags/jitter. Worked like a charm.
I did this additional step to ensure there are no interruptions as Wifi can be intermittent and I have read articles and posts of people whose tests were invalidated due to technical glitches or the photo of ID not being legible. I rather spend $20-$30 on ensuring a stable connection rather than the headache of redoing the test.
Test/Registration
There are about 9 steps in the process, once you enter your credentials you will be emailed a test link. 2 of the steps involve taking photo of your ID(PR card, DL etc).
This was the most time consuming step for me as you only get 15 mins to complete the registration steps from the time the link is emailed to you. If you take more time in getting a clearer photo of the ID, don’t worry, you can restart the steps and you will get a new link. You can try multiple times until you get a clear photo.
Photo of ID & Yourself
I have a very basic built in webcam so the photo quality was not great however I took some steps to get a clear photo. It is not possible to get a 100% clear photo with a basic webcam but as long as most of the text is clear and legible and photo on the ID is clear, you should be good.
Avoid light facing your back from behind as this will cause a glare on your screen and Photo of the ID
Avoid bright light facing you from the front as this will also cause a glare.
Try to be in a moderately bright room with natural light if possible.
Practise taking photos with your camera on the laptop/PC and on the webcam test sites mentioned above.
Make sure your background is clear of any objects or items/personal effects as much as possible.
I turned around with my back facing the wall so the background was clear with only me in sight.
Test
The test was relatively straightforward for the most part, I would say 16 questions were easy and around 4 were tricky.
There was nothing pertaining to names of local politicians.
You might be asked about what the resources the provinces are known for.
You might be asked about the series of historial events (which happened first or last)
For the preparation I started early even before I got the test invite so I had sufficient lead time. I read Discover Canada twice, practised tests on Apna Toronto, Toronto Public Library and Richmond public library and some of the tests mentioned in this thread.
After doing multiple practise tests I would say there were 2 questions which were like a curve ball and not anticipated for me that the practise tests did not cover.
Once the test is over your results are displayed right away. You have the option to email your test results, this is not automatically emailed. I would highly recommend emailing yourself the result for reference.
That was it, hope this helps those who are going to take the test. Good luck!
