Delivering assessments in ATLAS Cloud
ATLAS Cloud is the cloud-based test platform used for all AAT assessments, as well as the computer-based assessment components of the End Point Assessments. This includes scheduling, invigilating, and for students, sitting assessments.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessments are marked in a secure marking platform called OSCAR.
PDF guidance documents
This page gives you a quick guide to accessing ATLAS Cloud, installing the relevant software and delivering assessments, but you may prefer the full PDF guidance documents.
- ATLAS Cloud scheduling and invigilation guide
- ATLAS Cloud troubleshooting guide
- ATLAS Cloud guide for sitting assessments (for students)
- Instructions for conducting AAT computer-based assessments (CBAs)
- PSI Bridge Secure Browser minimum specifications and installation guide
This page links to these documents where you need to refer to them, and tells you which section you need to consult.
Install the PSI Bridge secure browser
Your ICT team should install the PSI Bridge secure browser in advance of assessments taking place, using the guidance on the PSI Bridge Secure Browser installation page.
They must also ensure that all minimum and supporting specifications listed below and within section 5.3 of the PSI Bridge Secure Browser minimum specifications and installation guide (PDF) are fully met.
ATLAS Cloud minimum technical requirements
All computers on which students sit AAT assessments must meet these.
Failure to meet these requirements will prevent candidates from taking their assessments.
Links, guidance and important further supporting specifications for installing and running the software, as well as for running the Management Accounting Techniques (MATS) assessment, are in the PSI Bridge Secure Browser minimum specifications and installation guide (PDF).
| Technology | Minimum and supporting specifications |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Supported: Windows 10, Windows 10 Enterprise, MAC OS 10.14 and higher Not supported: Chromebooks, iOS, Android, tablets and mobile devices, Linux |
| Screen resolution | 1368 x 769 or higher |
| Bandwidth | Minimum 300kbps |
| Supported browsers | PSI Bridge Secure Browser and an active, stable internet connection. Chrome (latest version). Note Chrome will update to the latest version automatically when you close and reopen it. If you don't close it regularly you might see a pending update notification in the top right-hand corner. Close and reopen Chrome to install it. |
| Memory | Minimum: 8GB RAM |
| Free hard disk space | At least 2GB of available hard disk space throughout the duration of the assessment |
| CPU | Minimum: Intel i3/SSE4 compatible processor Minimum: 1.30 GHz – minimum 2 core/4 thread |
| .NET | For Management Accounting: Techniques (MATS) assessment only: .NET Framework 3.5 must be installed |
| Plugins | For MATS assessment only: PSI InApplication plugin and Chrome plugin, installed and enabled |
| Microsoft Office | For MATS assessment only: a supported and installed version (not cloud-based) of Windows Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office for Mac is not supported. Macros must be enabled in Excel. |
Test Centre Admin (TCA)
This is the area of ATLAS Cloud where you schedule and invigilate assessments. You'll be required to create a test session, in which you can select assessments and schedule students.
The link to access TCA is https://aat.psionline.com. Access it using the latest version of Chrome.
- Your username is your AAT ID, which is the number under your name in the top right of your MyAAT dashboard.
- If you've forgotten your password, reset it.
- Use the Sessions tab to schedule and invigilate.
If you're a new member of staff you'll need to be set up on AAT's system as a Main Contact, Exams Officer, Tutor, or Independent Assessment Venue staff. Please ask your Main Contact to request this in their MyAAT account.
Introduction, accessibility and navigation
This covers the assessment introduction page, accessibility features including use of contrast, screen magnification, the highlighter tool and access to reference material. Students will also be shown how to navigate throughout their assessment.
Step by step guides to common issues
If you encounter any challenges during installation, scheduling or running assessments, refer to the ATLAS Cloud troubleshooting guide (PDF).
Login problems: follow these steps if the student, or an assessment centre staff member, can't log into ATLAS Cloud.
Offline submission and test recovery: use this if the student gets the error message "Unable to save responses as you appear to be offline" or "Timeout waiting for the results to complete".
Management Accounting Techniques (MATS) assessment: go through these steps for any issues specific to this assessment.
PSI Bridge Secure Browser didn't pass the initial security checks: use this guide to resolve this issue.
Incident reports
You must record all incidents, such as technical problems, fire alarms, etc in an incident report and email it to cba@aat.org.uk by the end of the next working day after the assessment.
The exam invigilator/administration staff must complete and submit the form on behalf of the assessment centre to notify AAT of:
- events that disrupted or disadvantaged students immediately before or during an assessment
- incidents where an assessment couldn't be submitted, after the test recovery process was followed. This process is in Section 5.5.6, "Assessment submitted whilst PC is offline", of the ATLAS Cloud troubleshooting guide (PDF).
Incident reports will be accepted only if they're completed by assessment centre staff and submitted on time. No one else should complete an incident report on their behalf.
If AAT's investigation of the incident confirms that, through no fault of the student, they were unfairly disadvantaged, we'll take this into account when their performance is reviewed.
