Case Study: How AIM Group Brought Ofqual-Regulated Assessments Online

Digital transformation in assessment isn't as simple as swapping a classroom for a video call. It requires purpose-built technology and strong partnerships to get it right. AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, a leading UK Awarding Organisation, recognized that online assessments would soon become the norm, but needed a solution that met Ofqual's strict standards without adding complexity for learners or administrators.

{{post-block-quote}}

Key Outcomes

• Full regulatory compliance and alignment with Ofqual's assessment standards
• Seamless accessibility with no plug-ins or installations required
• Mobile-friendly and user-focused, working on any device
• Scalable and cost-effective across multiple UK testing centres
• Minimized technical issues through pre-exam system checks and clear instructions

Challenge

Bringing regulated assessments online comes with high stakes. Security, compliance, and accessibility all need to align without creating unnecessary barriers for test-takers. AIM Group needed a solution that upheld assessment integrity while making the process seamless for learners and administrators alike.

In-person exams were costly and difficult to scale, requiring dedicated invigilators and significant administrative overhead. Most proctoring tools on the market weren't flexible enough, many required plug-ins, lacked tablet compatibility, and introduced unnecessary hurdles for learners. And compliance was critical: every assessment had to meet strict integrity standards to ensure qualifications remained credible in a digital format.

"We were addressing two very specific issues, the tablet issue and the plug-in issue, which were making it impossible to bring one of AIM's largest clients onboard," said John O'Sullivan of Coelrind.

Why Compliance Matters

As an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, AIM Group must meet the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation's high standards for fairness and security, whether assessments are delivered in person or online. That meant adhering to evolving guidelines covering the responsible use of AI in assessment security, strict invigilation requirements to prevent misconduct, and technical standards ensuring online exams remain as rigorous as traditional assessments.

Solution

AIM Group worked with Coelrind and Integrity Advocate to tailor a remote assessment system that removed technical barriers while ensuring exam integrity. Coelrind provided the technical foundation through its learning and assessment platform, enabling AIM Group to manage exam delivery across multiple testing centres. Integrity Advocate ensured security and compliance with a no-install, mobile-friendly proctoring solution aligned with Ofqual's regulations. User experience remained a top priority throughout, with built-in system checks, clear instructions, and cross-device accessibility ensuring every learner could complete their exam without frustration.

"The main goal was to make this user-friendly, for the end users... to make sure that when they get to the live exam, it all works swimmingly," Bailey said.

Results

Now fully implemented, AIM Group's system has transformed assessment delivery. "It all seems to be working well. Everyone's got a great new asset to support their learners with," Bailey said.

"Integrity Advocate is really easy to work with, really fun to work with and very responsive," Bailey added. "There's always a quick turnaround for change requests; they've kept us updated with their progress. I would recommend them 100%."

AIM Group's experience highlights the complexity of getting online assessment right, especially when working with regulated qualifications. With the right technology and strong partnerships, it's possible to deliver a solution that's easy to use, cost-effective, and puts learners first.

{{post-cta}}