Examination News

February 28, 2025 - Message from Humber Polytechnic

Extended Registration Period

Humber is pleased to announce that the registration period for booking examinations is being reduced from 21 days to 14 days, effective March 1, 2025. This enables candidates to register for upcoming examinations up to 14 days in advance of the examination date and offers scheduling efficiencies across our network of in-person testing centres.

 

 

February 20, 2025 - Message from Humber Polytechnic

Upcoming Changes for OBC Exams: Virtual Proctoring Update

As of December 1, 2024, Humber Polytechnic moved the Ontario Building Code Examinations to a new virtual proctoring service platform. This transition was made following the retirement of the previous platform.

The implementation of the new system caused difficulties for some examination writers. As a result, Humber has implemented changes so that you can connect with your proctor and start your examination quicker. Please note, set-up on the day of your online examination can take up to 30 minutes, which is comparable to the in-person examination set-up time.

Today, we are reaching out to highlight the following:

  • Effective February 24, 2025, a mobile phone will only be used as an option to complete the room scan. It will no longer be required as a second camera during an examination. Candidates still have the option of using their mobile phone to conduct a room scan, if they do not wish to use a webcam or camera on their laptop. Please note: The Proctortrack mobile phone app is required if using the mobile phone for room scans.
  • First-time examination writers will still need to complete the onboarding process before they can start their examination on their scheduled examination date. You can onboard as soon as you receive an email from Proctortrack, usually within 3 business days after registering for an examination, but you should complete the onboarding process at least 48 hours before your examination date. 
  • The onboarding profile is valid for one year. Candidates who have already taken a virtual examination and have successfully passed the onboarding process do not need to complete it again until it expires. 
    Please note:
    • Candidates who switch computers between examination attempts are advised to complete their onboarding again with the new device to ensure compliance with system checks. 
    • Candidates who register for an examination using a different email address will need to repeat the onboarding process.
  • The Building Code Compendium (Volumes 1 and 2) may be used in hard copy and/or in PDF format. It is recommended however that you have a hard copy Compendium available during your scheduled examination session, in case you experience technical difficulties with the PDF format.

Your exam experience is important to us. We strive to offer support to all candidates for a smooth examination experience.

The OBC Testing office is excited to announce a dedicated Proctortrack Support Line! 

The dedicated Proctortrack Support Line is a direct response to your feedback and insights from your interactions with Proctortrack.

Dedicated Proctortrack Technical Support Number
1 (844) 966-1155

Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday       8 am to 9 pm ET
Saturday to Sunday   8 am to 7 pm ET

Humber Polytechnic is committed to the security and integrity of our program examinations, including the Ontario Building Code Examinations.

Efforts have been made to increase in-person testing capacity at test centres across Ontario. In-person testing at these locations is available as an alternative to virtual proctoring. If you cannot complete the Proctortrack onboarding process within 30 minutes, we recommend writing your examination at a test centre.  Please check our website for availability of in-person examination dates and locations.  To explore other location options not listed, please email us.

Please visit our website often to review the options as they are updated regularly.

 

 

November 1, 2024 - Message from Humber Polytechnic

Upcoming Changes for OBC Exams: Transition to Proctortrack for Virtual Proctoring

Beginning December 2nd, 2024, remote virtual proctoring services will be provided by Proctortrack.

Why the Change?

This change is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the online examination experience by providing a more seamless, secure, and user-friendly platform. Proctortrack offers advanced features that include:

  • Enhanced Security
    Proctortrack provides robust AI-based identity verification and monitoring to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a smoother experience for both Candidates and administrators.
  • Detailed Reporting
    Proctortrack delivers comprehensive reporting and analytics, allowing administrators to efficiently review flagged events and maintain examination delivery standards.

Listed below are some notable changes:

  • Smart Phone
    Required to complete room scans and to operate as a second camera during the full duration of examinations. A Proctortrack Mobile App must be installed on the smart phone.
  • Onboarding Process
    An onboarding profile must be completed and approved at least 24 hours prior to scheduled examinations.  It should NOT be attempted on the scheduled examination date as it may take several hours for approval.  An approved onboarding profile is valid for one year.
  • Proctortrack Desktop Application 
    Required to be downloaded and installed during Onboarding for use during live virtual proctoring.

Detailed instructions on how to access and use Proctortrack will be provided prior to the transition date. Please review the Proctortrack Student Manual, and ensure your system meets the technical requirements in advance to avoid any issues on examination day.

Support: Our support team is ready to assist you during this transition. For any questions, please contact OBCTesting@humber.ca.

Resources: The new virtual proctoring requirements are available on our Ontario Building Code website.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we make this transition. We are confident that Proctortrack will provide an improved virtual proctoring experience for our Candidates.  

 

 

October 30, 2024 - Message from Humber Polytechnic

Changes to the OBC Website: Streamlined Registration Checkout and Account Access Changes

To streamline the examination registration checkout process, the OBC website was updated to remove the option to create an account during checkout.   And on December 1st, 2024, the OBC website will be further be updated to remove access to existing accounts.  Candidates will use Guest Checkout only for all purchase transactions.

What's Changing?

  • Guest Checkout Only:  Authenticated checkout feature will be removed.
  • Account Access Discontinuation: After December 1st, 2024, previously created accounts will no longer be accessible. This means order history and stored information will no longer be available on our website.

Why the Change?

  • Simplified Checkout:  A single checkout method for all Candidates will offer a seamless and smoother experience.
  • Security:  We are committed to maintaining secure transactions while reducing the complexity of account management. 
  • Important Note:  If you have an existing account, be sure to retrieve your order history before December 1st, 2024.

Please contact us via email, if you have any questions.

 

 

March 13, 2024 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Maintenance Notice

The QuARTS website will be unavailable from March 20th at 5:00 pm until March 28th at 9:00 am for essential maintenance. The ability to apply for a BCIN for an individual or an organization will be unavailable during this planned outage. Results for BCIN exams written after March 15 will be available beginning March 28. 

Sign up for your My Ontario account before March 20th and avoid delays accessing your exam results by visiting the QuARTS website: https://app.quarts.mah.gov.on.ca.

For urgent inquiries, contact the Qualification and Registration Unit at obc.qualification@ontario.ca.

Note: This does not impact examinations. Examinations will continue to take place between March 20th and 28th.

 

 

October 10, 2023 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Updated Digital 2012 Building Code Compendium for use in Building Code Examinations

The digital 2012 Building Code Compendium has been updated to include amendments made as of May 12, 2023. Humber College will provide this updated 2012 digital Building Code Compendium at the beginning of each examination for candidates that choose to use it for reference purposes.

You can view these changes to the Building Code by reviewing Ontario Regulations 30/23, 31/23, and 89/23.

Learn more about preparing for Building Code exams

 

 

June 5, 2023 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Enhancements to Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) Qualification Examinations

As of July 4, 2023, candidates taking any of the 16 Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) Qualification Exams administered by Humber College will be allowed more time per exam question, as the number of questions per exam will be reduced from 75 to 70.

 

 

April 24, 2023 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Use in Building Code Examinations

As of May 8, 2023, a digital 2012 Building Code Compendium, provided by Humber, can be used while taking Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) qualification exams.

Learn more about preparing for Building Code exams.

 

 

April 4, 2022 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Building Code Examinations to Reflect Current Building Code Requirements Effective January 1, 2022

Effective Monday, May 9, 2022, Building Code examinations will be updated to reflect updates for stairs, handrails and guards that came into effect in the Building Code as of January 1, 2022. 

Humber College will continue to administer Building Code examinations on behalf of the ministry.

The Syllabi on the ministry's website already reflects the current requirements.

For further information, visit the ministry's website or call 416-585-6666.

 

 

January 28, 2020 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Amendment to the 2012 Building Code

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing amended Ontario’s Building Code (O. Reg 332/12) to further harmonize Ontario’s Building Code with the 2015 National Codes. The amendments are based on code change proposals the ministry consulted in 2016 and 2017.

Changes come into effect on:

  • May 2, 2019: requirements to the Building Code came into effect in the following areas:
    • removal of technical requirements related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in houses and non-residential large buildings, such as workplaces
  • January 1, 2020: the majority of the amendments come into effect, including:
    • fire safety measures that include fire prevention and early detection and warning systems
    • structural sufficiency of buildings to withstand external forces and improve resilience
    • water conservation improvements to plumbing fixtures
    • public health and safety requirements
    • accessibility requirements for barrier-free access
    • updated standards referenced in the Building Code

The self-study/participant manuals are currently being updated and will be available for purchase on April 13, 2020.

The Ministry Building Code examinations will include the above noted amendments effective June 1, 2020. There are also amendments related to stairs, guards, and handrails, that come into effect on January 1, 2022, however, the June 1, 2020 examinations will not include these amendments.

 

 

August 9, 2018 - Message from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs

Building Code Examinations to Reflect Current Building Code Requirements Effective September 4, 2018

Effective Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Building Code examinations will be updated to reflect the Building Code as of January 1, 2018. They will also reflect amendments to Supplementary Standards SB-10 and SB-12 that took effect on January 1, 2017.

Humber College will continue to administer Building Code examinations on behalf of the ministry.

The Syllabi on the ministry's website will also be updated to reflect the current requirements.

For further information, visit the ministry's website or call 416-585-6666.