What is Exam Mode?

Exam Mode is a dedicated toggle-on/off feature designed specifically for high-stakes assessments. When activated, it transforms Inspiration into a secure word processor by disabling non-permitted assistive features while retaining the powerful visual planning tools that neurodivergent students rely on.

• Visible Compliance: A bright red 'Exam Mode' bar appears at the top of the screen, providing instant visual reassurance to exam invigilators that the software is in a restricted state.
• Secure Locking: Access to settings is protected by a 4-digit invigilator PIN, ensuring the mode cannot be deactivated by the candidate during the session.

JCQ Compliance Made Simple

Inspiration’s Exam Mode is engineered to meet the stringent requirements for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments. It ticks every box for a standard word processor used in exams:

• No Spelling Support: Instantly disables spell-check, thesaurus, and word guide functions.
• Restricted Speech: Option to disable text-to-speech functionality to comply with standard reading/writing regulations, where the student doesn't have computer reader arrangements.
• AI-Free Integrity: Inspiration contains no built-in AI tools, ensuring all work is the student’s own.
• Offline Reliability: Inspiration for Windows works completely offline—no internet connection required, no risk of external data access.
• The "Normal Way of Working": Because students use Inspiration daily for study, using it in exams provides a seamless, stress-free experience that mirrors their classroom habits.

The Power of Visual Planning in Exams

Unlike basic text editors, Inspiration allows students to tackle complex essay questions using the methods that work for their brains.

• Diagram & Map Views: Conquering the Blank Page - Most word processors start with a flashing cursor on a blank page—a common trigger for "brain freeze." Inspiration allows students to start with a Diagram or Mind Map. They can quickly capture ideas, group themes visually, and see the "big picture" of their argument before they write a single paragraph.
• Outline View: The Bridge to Writing - The magic of Inspiration lies in its one-click transition. Once a student has mapped out their answer, they can instantly flip to Outline View. Their visual map is transformed into a clear, linear structure. This provides a robust scaffolding for their essay, ensuring they stay on track, cover all points, and maintain a logical flow under timed conditions.
• Effortless Submission: Export to Microsoft Word - Once the exam is complete, Inspiration ensures the submission process is professional and seamless. With the Transfer tool, students can export their work directly to Microsoft Word. This creates a perfectly formatted transcript of their essay - ready for immediate printing or digital submission to the exam board. It removes the stress of manual formatting, ensuring the focus remains entirely on the quality of the student's work.