Exam website 'only' uses new browsers

STUDENTS WHO have encountered problems accessing an online Leaving Cert exam appeals facility in recent days should check that their computers have the correct software, the State Examination Commission has said.

Rejecting suggestions that there was a fault with its website, a spokeswoman for the commission said it received some calls from candidates and their parents who claimed that the online payments facility was not working. However, she said this was due to the applicants not having the appropriate software on their computers.

“Only the most up to date version of your internet browser will allow you to make the payment. You need to upgrade your browser in order to securely access the payments facility.”

Several exam candidates seeking to appeal results were unable to access the commission’s online facility to pay the €40 per subject recheck fee. Users said they entered their examination number and pin code, but the site would not process the information. Students had until this morning to return completed application forms and confirmation of payment to their school, so they could be received by the commission by tomorrow’s deadline.

The problem had nothing to do with the website, the commission spokeswoman said. “The appeals website is working perfectly. We have tested and stress tested the system.”

The number of people paying for appeals online was far smaller than the number of candidates who had used the site to seek their exam results and the site had not broken down the day the results were published, she said.

The commission’s website explains that an updated browser is needed and provides links to the websites of five popular browsers.

Recheck fees can also be paid through banks, and while the commission’s website provides a payment facility, it allows appeal applications to be made. All appeal forms must be returned to the school or examination centre where the exams were taken.

“Nobody who had difficulty accessing the online facility would have been precluded from appealing,” she said.