SimCapture Enterprise with the Exam System allows institutions to run structured clinical exams using dedicated exam stations. This guide walks you through how to register a PC as an exam station-either for a Student or a Standardized Patient (SP)-using the SimCapture Cloud interface or the optional tray application.

What Is an Exam Station?

An Exam Station is a configured computer used during Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs). Each station is assigned a role:

• Student Station: Used by the learner to log in, complete pre- and post-encounter tasks (e.g., Honor Code, Door Note, EMR), and possibly start the session recording.
• Standardized Patient (SP) Station: Displays encounter instructions, timers, and allows the SP to complete evaluations after the session.

Using the Cloud Exam System Tray App

Note: The tray app must be installed beforehand. Contact the SimCapture Support Team to ensure that has been done correctly, if unclear.

Understanding the Tray App

The Tray App provides quick access to essential terminal functions and status indicators. Below is an overview of each component:

• Version: Displays the current version of the Tray App installed on the system. This can be helpful for troubleshooting or verifying compatibility.
• Connection Status: Indicates the current connection state with the Exam Service. It will show either:
• "Exam Service: Connected" - The terminal is actively connected and ready.
• "Exam Service: Disconnected" - The terminal is not currently connected.

Note: The exact conditions that trigger a change in this status may vary depending on network availability and system configuration.

• Open: Launches the terminal interface. This is useful if the terminal is not functioning as expected and needs to be manually accessed.
• Configure Terminal: Opens the configuration panel where you can set the station's identity, including:
• Role: SP (Standardized Patient) or Learner
• Room ID: Assigns the terminal to a specific room
• Reconfigure: Allows reassignment or update of the terminal with correct Region and Site settings—typically during setup or relocation—and opens the API configuration page to modify server (regional) endpoints.
• Exit: Closes the Tray App completely. Use this option when shutting down or restarting the terminal.

Registering a PC as a Student/Patient Station

1. Right-Click the "Exam Service" icon in the Windows system tray, and select "Configure Terminal"
2. In the SimCapture window that opens, log in as a System Administrator.
3. Select the gear icon in the global navigation bar to access System Setup.
4. Select Exam Stations under the Exams section.
5. Select + Register.

In the registration form:

1. Choose the Exam Room where this device will be used.
2. Select the Station Type: either Student or SP.
3. Select Save.

Once saved, the exam tray app will open the appropriate interface for the selected station type.

Optional Integrations

SimCapture supports additional integrations for enhanced exam workflows, including:

• EMR access for learners
• Countdown timers for SPs
• Session auto-start options
• Evaluation routing to the correct participant role

These can be configured during the exam setup phases.

Using the SSO Back Button in the SimCapture Tray App

The SimCapture Tray App offers a user-friendly feature designed to enhance navigation during Single Sign-On (SSO) login: the SSO Back Button. This functionality allows users to return to the previous screen when accessing non-SimCapture pages. For instance, if a learner encounters issues such as a forgotten or expired password while on the SSO login page at an exam station, the SSO Back Button provides a quick way to return to the SimCapture login page, improving accessibility and reducing login friction.

What Is the SSO Back Button?

The SSO Back Button is a context-sensitive option that appears when a user right-clicks within the Tray App interface. It is designed to help users navigate back from SSO login pages, which are the only pages the Tray App accesses that are not hosted on simcapture.com.

When Does It Appear?

• The Back Button only appears when the user is on a page that is not part of simcapture.com.
• This typically includes SSO login pages such as those hosted by your institution's identity provider.
• Right-clicking on these pages will reveal a simple back-navigation option.

Why Is This Useful?

• SSO pages often redirect users to external login portals.
• If a user navigates incorrectly or needs to switch accounts, the Back Button provides a quick way to return without restarting the Tray App.
• It enhances the user experience by reducing friction during login.

How to Use It

1. Launch the Tray App and proceed to the login screen.
2. If redirected to an SSO page (e.g., your institution's login portal), right-click anywhere on the page.
3. A Back Button will appear.
4. Click the button to return to the previous screen.

Note: The Back Button is only available during SSO login flows and will not appear on any pages hosted on simcapture.com. This feature is built into the Tray App and requires no additional configuration.

Exam Day Tips

• Test Stations in Advance: Always test each station before exam day to ensure proper configuration.
• Have a Backup Plan: Keep a spare device ready in case of hardware failure.
• Contact Support Early: If issues persist, reach out to SimCapture Support well before the exam begins.  

Troubleshooting Tips

General Checks

• Network Access: Ensure the device is connected to the institution's secure network and can access SimCapture Cloud.
• Permissions: Confirm that the logged-in user account on the Exam Station has System Administrator privileges.

Registration Issues

• Wrong Exam Room or Station Type: Double-check that the correct room and role (Student or SP) are selected during registration.
• Station Already Registered: If the device was previously registered, try unregistering it first or contact support to reset the station.
• URL Not Loading: Ensure pop-up blockers or firewall settings aren't preventing the registration page from opening.

Tray App Issues

• App Not Installed: The tray app must be installed by SimCapture Support. If it's missing, contact them for installation.
• App Not Launching: Try restarting the computer and running the app as an administrator.
• Incorrect Configuration: If the wrong interface loads, re-run the tray app and verify the selected room and station type.

Note: If the room is not configured in the Control Interface, the Exam Interface will not launch because the system assumes there is no active session to manage. Once the room is properly configured, the Exam Interface becomes available and ready for use.