SCIO

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Terms and conditions

In accordance with the provisions of Section 1751(1) of Act No. 89/2012 Coll., Czech Civil Code (hereinafter referred to as the "Civil Code" or "CC"), these Terms and Conditions regulate the mutual rights and obligations of the Parties arising in connection with or under a contract (hereinafter referred to as the "Contract") concluded between Scio, which is the operator of the online shop and service provider, and the customer, through the online shop on the website located at www.scioexams.com. The customer is notified of these terms and conditions sufficiently in advance of the order and has the opportunity to read them on the website www.scioexams.com. These terms and conditions are available in the version current at the date of each order.

 

Content of the Terms and Conditions

General part of the Terms and Conditions - common for all Scio products

Special section of the Terms and Conditions - specific terms and conditions for certain Scio products

For other products (e.g. Printed Tests, Test Sets, Internet Courses, Online Tests, Physical Products Toys and Board Games) there are no specific provisions of the Terms and Conditions. )

 

General section of the Terms and Conditions

1) General provisions and definition of terms

1.1 Internet shop operator, service provider

www.scio.cz,s.r.o. (hereinafter also referred to as Scio) The company is registered in the Commercial Register maintained by the Municipal Court in Prague, Czech Republic, Section C, Insert 100551: Pobřežní 34, 186 00, Prague 8, Czech Republic, Phone.: CZ +420 234 705 555
e-mail: scio@scio.cz ID: 271 561 25 Tax ID (VAT): CZ 271 561 25

Account Czech Republic:
Bank: Komerční banka
Account number: 8120277 / 0100 
IBAN: CZ73 0100 0000 0000 0812 0277 
SWIFT: KOMB CZ PP

Account Slovak Republic:
Bank: UniCredit bank Slovakia, a.s.
Account number: 8999776010/1111
IBAN: SK98 1111 0000 0089 9977 6010 SWIFT: UNCR SKBX

Scio is acting within the scope of its trade or other business activities when concluding and performing the contract. This is a business that supplies products or services to a customer directly or through other businesses.

1.2 Customer

The customer is a consumer and does not act in the course of his/her trade or other business when concluding and performing the contract. It is a natural person who purchases products or uses services for purposes other than to conduct business with those products or services.

For the purposes of providing services in the National Comparative Exams (NCE), also "NCE participant"or "aprospective participant in the NCE".

1.3 Consumer contract

A consumer contract is a contract where the contracting parties are the consumer (customer) on the one side  and the supplier of goods or a provider of services on the other side, in particular a purchase contract, a work contract or other contracts under the Civil Code. These Terms and Conditions govern the terms of the service contract and/or the terms of the purchase contract.

1.Validity of the Terms and Conditions

The customer is notified of these Terms and Conditions sufficiently in advance of the order and has the opportunity to familiarize himself with them.

Provisions deviating from the Terms and Conditions may be agreed in the contract. Deviating provisions in the contract take precedence over the provisions of the terms and conditions.

The provisions of the terms and conditions are an integral part of the contract.

The wording of the Terms and Conditions may be changed or supplemented by Scio. This provision does not affect the rights and obligations arising during the validity of the previous version of the Terms and Conditions. For each legal relationship established by a contract between Scio and the customer, the wording of the Terms and Conditions in force on the date of conclusion of the contract shall apply. 

1.Scio products

A description of each Scio product is available in the online shop at www.scioexams.com, or at other web addresses listed later in these Terms and Conditions.

The web interface of the shop contains information about goods and services, including prices of individual goods and services. Prices include value added tax and all related fees. Prices remain valid for as long as they are displayed in the web interface of the shop. This provision does not limit Scio's ability to enter into a contract on individually negotiated terms.
The web interface of the shop also contains information about the costs associated with the packaging and delivery of the goods, if not specified in these terms and conditions.

1.Order information

Scio provides all notifications and information regarding the order to the customer electronically, via e-mail and personal profile. Scio is not responsible for cases where the delivery of the sent e-mail message does not occur due to the operator of the transmission network or the customer's e-mail box.

2) Customer registration, product ordering and contract conclusion

2.Registration in the Scio online shop, Personal profile

Before sending the first order, the customer registers in the online shop at the web address www.scioexams.com.

Registration is a condition for the customer to be able to operate his/her personal profile, in which he/she can monitor the current status of his/her order, cancel it or change some data according to Article 5) of these Terms and Conditions. Any additional information about the selected product is also displayed in the customer's personal profile.

The system itself guides the customer to a registration form where the customer fills in the data necessary for the purposes of the product (delivery of goods, provision of services). The data entered by the customer must be correct, otherwise Scio cannot guarantee that the order will be processed correctly and on time.

The successful registration of the customer is confirmed by Scio in the form of an e-mail message sent to the e-mail address provided by the customer during registration. 

The customer only has to register once. Each subsequent order is placed under the registration details assigned in the first order. Access to your personal profile is secured with a username and password. The customer is not entitled to allow third parties to use his/her personal profile.

Scio may cancel a customer's personal profile, in particular if the customer has not used his/her personal profile for more than 2 years or if the customer breaches his/her obligations under the contract (including the Terms and Conditions).

The customer acknowledges that the personal profile may not be available continuously, especially with regard to the necessary maintenance of hardware and software equipment of Scio or third parties.

2.Personal Data

More information about the processing of personal data are available here

2.3 Order

To order goods, the customer fills in the order form in the web interface of the shop. The order form contains information about:

  • the ordered goods or services (the customer "inserts" the ordered product into the electronic shopping cart of the web interface of the shop),
  • the method of payment of the price, details of the required method of delivery of the ordered goods and
  • information on the costs associated with the delivery of the goods 

(hereinafter collectively referred to as the "order").

Before sending the order to Scio, the customer is allowed to check and change the data he/she has entered in the order. The customer sends the order to Scio by clicking on the "Confirm Order" button. The information provided in the order is believed by Scio to be correct. Immediately upon receipt of the order, Scio shall confirm receipt of the order to the customer by e-mail to the customer's e-mail address provided in the customer's personal profile or order (hereinafter referred to as the "customer's e-mail address").

Depending on the nature of the order (quantity of goods, price, estimated shipping costs), Scio is always entitled to ask the customer for additional order confirmation (for example, in writing, by e-mail or by telephone).

2.Conclusion of the contract

The customer order (for an NCE product in the text of the Terms and Conditions also "NCE application") is a proposal for the conclusion of a contract and the contract itself is concluded at the moment of receipt of the service provider's binding consent to this proposal (binding confirmation of the order by the service provider).
From this moment on, Scio and the customer have mutual rights and obligations, which are defined by the contract and the terms and conditions that are an integral part of this contract. The concluded contract is archived by Scio for the purpose of its successful execution and is not accessible to non-interested parties. The customer agrees to the use of remote means of communication when concluding the contract.

3) Price and payment of product prices

3.The price of the products

The price of the products is determined by Scio and published in the online shop at www.scioexams.com. The price is valid in the amount published at the time of ordering. Together with the price, the customer is also obliged to pay Scio the costs associated with the packaging and delivery of the goods in the agreed amount within the meaning of paragraph 4.3 of these Terms and Conditions. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the price shall also include the costs associated with the delivery of the goods.

Scio is entitled to withdraw from the concluded contract in the event that the price of the product was incorrectly stated in the e-shop, which was clearly disproportionate to the value of the product, and the customer purchased the product at this unreasonable price.

3.2 Date and method of payment

Unless otherwise stated in these Terms and Conditions or on the specific product page, payment for the order (for the goods or service and any costs associated with the delivery of the goods) can be made as follows:

  1. a) Payment by bank transfer - it is necessary that the customer correctly fills in the variable symbol of the payment when entering the order for payment, which will be received together with other payment details in an e-mail message from Scio. The date of payment is the date on which the relevant amount is credited to Scio's bank account under the correct variable and specific symbol.
  2. b) Online payment by credit card - after completing the order, the customer is redirected to PayMuzo's payment gateway. The date of payment is the day on which the payment is successfully authorised (usually immediately after payment).
  3. c) Cash on delivery - if the customer chooses cash on delivery in the order, the customer pays the price including postage and cash on delivery upon delivery of the product. Cash on delivery is only possible in exceptional cases, it cannot be selected as a standard.

 

3.Customer's obligation to pay for the ordered product

The customer is not obliged to pay a deposit or any other similar payment, however, according to the chosen method of payment (i.e. except for goods sent on delivery), Scio will, with exceptions, require payment of the full price in advance before sending the goods or providingthe service to the customer. The provisions of Section 2119 (1) CC do not apply.
The price is payable within 14 days of the conclusion of the contract, but no later than the start of the provision of the ordered service.

4) Delivery of ordered products

4.Online products

Online products are deemed to have been delivered when the login details (password, code) for the relevant online application are sent to the e-mail address provided by the customer during registration.

In the event that the customer uses the login data and accesses the purchased online product before the expiration of the 14-day withdrawal period within the meaning of paragraph 5.4 of the Terms and Conditions, the customer expressly agrees that Scio has commenced performance under this contract before the expiration of the said withdrawal period, which willresult in the impossibility of exercising withdrawal from the contract after such commencement of performance within the meaning of Section 1837 (l) of the Civil Code .

4.2 Services

Information and materials related to services ordered through the online shop at www.scioexams.com are sent by Scio to the e-mail address provided by the customer during registration.

In the event that the customer has chosen the date of performance of the ordered service earlier than after the expiration of the fourteen-day withdrawal period within the meaning of paragraph 5.4 of the Terms and Conditions, the customer expressly agrees that Scio shall commence performance under this contract before the expiration of the said withdrawal period, which shall result in the impossibility of exercising withdrawal from the contract after such commencement of performance within the meaning of Section 1837, letter a) of the Civil Code.

4.3 Goods 

The goods are sent by Scio on the next working day, but no later than five working days after payment by the customer or in the case of cash on delivery within the same period of time from the confirmation of the order to the address specified by the customer when ordering through the chosen transport company, in the Czech and Slovak Republic. If the customer wishes to send the goods outside the Czech and Slovak Republics, this must be arranged in advance by phone at the Scio call centre.

The cost of delivery of goods ordered through the online shop to www.scioexams.com shall be borne by the customer. The customer is informed of the cost of delivery (shipping cost)  before completing the order when selecting the mode of transport.

The price of delivery outside the Czech and Slovak Republics will be determined on a case-by-case basis according to the actual cost of delivery.

5) Change and cancellation of orders

5.Change of order

The order cannot be changed after it has been sent. The only exceptions are certain changes that are available in the personal profile for each product.

5.2 Cancellation of an order by the customer

The customer is entitled to cancel the order at any time before payment of the price of the ordered product. Only the customer can cancel the order via his/her personal profile, due to the need to ensure the legitimacy of such cancellation request.

5.Cancellation of an order by the customer

After paying the price of the ordered product, the customer is entitled to cancel the product order only in the cases and under the conditions expressly set out for individual products in the Special Section of these Terms and Conditions relating to the product in question. Cancellation of an order can only be made through your personal profile on www.scioexams.com by completing and submitting a cancellation form, due to the need to ensure the legitimacy of such cancellation request. If the cancellation option is not indicated on the product, the order cannot be cancelled after payment.

5.Withdrawal from the contract by the customer

The customer has the right to withdraw from the concluded contract without stating a reason in accordance with the provisions of Section 1829 (1) of the Civil Code, with the exception of:

  • a Scio product that consists in the provision of a service (including online products), if the performance of the product has been started with the customer's consent before the expiry of the period of 14 days from the acceptance of the performance (the date of commencement of the provision of the service is explicitly stated for such product or is directly dependent on the customer's action),
  • a Scio product customised by or for the customer,
  • a Scio product that is an audio or video recording or computer program if the customer has damaged the original packaging,
  • for the delivery of digital content, unless it was delivered on a tangible medium and was delivered with the prior express consent of the customer before the expiry of the withdrawal period.

The customer has the right to withdraw from the contract within fourteen (14) days. The period for withdrawing from the contract ends after 14 days from the day following the date

  • (in the case of the purchase of goods) when the customer or a third party designated by him (other than the carrier) takes delivery of the goods
  • (with regard to the provision of services) conclusion of the contract, but in that case no later than the day before the day before the provision of the purchased service will be started in terms of these terms and conditions

The customer may withdraw from this contract by any unequivocal statement addressed to Scio, i.e. www.scio.cz, s.r.o., registered office: Pobřežní 34, 186 00, Prague 8, Czech Republic, ID number: 271 561 25, e-mail: scio@scio.cz ( e.g. by letter sent via the postal service provider or via e-mail). To withdraw from the purchase contract, the customer can use the sample form provided by Scio, which he can find in his personal profile in the order section and which he can send directly from his personal profile.

Consequences of withdrawal from the contract

If the customer withdraws from the contract, Scio will refund to him without undue delay, no later than 14 days from the date on which Scio withdraws from the contract, all monies received by Scio under the contract, including delivery costs (except for additional costs incurred as a result of the customer's chosen delivery method, which is different from the cheapest delivery method offered). Refunds will be made using the same means of payment that the customer used to make the initial transaction, unless the customer has specifically specified otherwise. In no case will this incur additional costs for the customer.

Funds received for the purchase of a physical product will be refunded upon receipt of the returned goods or upon proof that the goods have been shipped back, whichever occurs first.

In the case of the purchase of a tangible product, the customer will send the goods back without undue delay, no later than 14 days from the day on which the contract was withdrawn. The period is considered to have been observed if the goods are sent back before the expiration of 14 days from the withdrawal from the contract. The customer will bear the direct costs associated with returning the goods. The customer is only responsible for the reduction in the value of the goods, which occurred as a result of handling these goods in a way other than what is necessary with familiarization with the nature, properties and functionality of the goods.

If the customer withdraws from the contract, the subject of which is the provision of services, and Scio has started performance on the basis of the consumer's express request before the expiry of the withdrawal period, the customer shall pay Scio a proportionate part of the agreed price for the performance provided up to the moment of withdrawal from the contract.

5.5 Cancellation of an order by Scio

Scio is entitled to cancel the customer's order or withdraw from the contract if the price has not been paid within 14 days of its conclusion (order confirmation) according to paragraph 2.4 of these Terms and Conditions. In the case of sending the goods as cash on delivery, Scio is entitled to withdraw from the contract if the customer does not accept the goods.

Scio is also entitled to cancel the customer's order if the performance of the contract is not possible for objective reasons (e.g. due to an epidemiological situation) under the same conditions under which the order was placed. 

5.Refund procedure in case of cancellation of an order or withdrawal from the contract

Upon receipt of a completed withdrawal form or order cancellation form, and Scio's evaluation of the validity of the request, Scio will refund the amount paid or part thereof in accordance with the cancellation terms set out in these Terms and Conditions to the customer.

In the event that the order has been paid by bank transfer, Scio will send the customer a request to  provide the account number to which the relevant amount is to be refunded.

If the order is paid by credit card, the amount will be refunded automatically to the credit card.

Refund procedure in the event of withdrawal from the contract
 In the event of withdrawal from the contract according to paragraph 5.4 of these Terms and Conditions, Scio shall refund the funds received from the customer within fourteen (14) days of the customer's withdrawal from the contract If the customer withdraws from the contract, Scio shall refund the amount corresponding to the price of the goods and the amount corresponding to the cost of delivery of the goods to the customer, but if the customer has chosen a more expensive postage than the basic postage, Scio shall refund the amount corresponding to the basic postage offered for delivery of the goods.

Refund procedure in case of order cancellation
  In case of cancellation, the money will be refunded to the customer within 30 days of the cancellation.

Common Provisions
Scio shall not be obliged to return the received funds to the customer before the customer returns the goods to Scio or proves that he/she has sent the goods to Scio.
Scio is entitled to unilaterally offset the complaint for reimbursement of damages to the goods against the customer's complaint for reimbursement.

In the event that the customer requests a refund to a bank account of a bank located outside the Czech or Slovak Republic, the customer shall bear the costs associated with the refund to such account. 

6) Complaints and Complaints Procedure - rights arising from defective performance

6.1 Complaints Procedure

The Complaints Procedure sets out the procedure for the customer in the event that, despite Scio's best efforts to ensure the high quality of the products provided, a cause of action for liability for defective performance arises on the part of the customer. The rights and obligations of the parties with regard to rights arising from defective performance are governed by the relevant generally binding provisions (in particular, Sections 1914 to 1925, 2099 to 2117 and 2161 to 2174 of the Civil Code).

6.2 Product defect, warranty period

Scio shall be liable to the customer that the goods are free from defects on receipt. A product defect means that the product sold does not have the characteristics agreed, expressly stated or usual by the parties and/or cannot be used in the usual way and/or does not comply with legal regulations. The customer is not entitled to liability rights in the event of a defect for which the goods are sold at a reduced price, or for reasonable wear and tear if the goods are sold used.
Scio is responsible for product defects that occur within the legal warranty period. However, Scio shall not be liable for defects resulting from the wear and tear of the tangible item or use of the product contrary to Scio's instructions or contrary to normal use.

6.3 Method of exercising Scio's rights under product liability (complaints)

The customer is obliged to inspect the product without undue delay upon receipt.

Upon receipt of the goods from the carrier, the customer is obliged to check the integrity of the packaging of the goods and in the event of any defects immediately notify the carrier. In the event of a breach of packaging indicating that the shipment has been tampered with, the customer may not accept the shipment from the carrier.
The customer shall notify Scio of any defect in the product immediately upon becoming aware of such defect.

Scio is obliged to decide on the complaint and to settle it without undue delay. Scio undertakes to inform the customer of the method of settlement of the complaint within 3 working days of its application. Scio undertakes to resolve the complaint as soon as possible, no later than 30 days from the date of its submission by the customer.

6.Customer's rights under Scio's product liability

In the case of a defect that constitutes a material breach of contract, the customer has the right to have the defect removed by delivery of a new item without defect or delivery of a missing item, to have the defect removed by repairing the item, to have the same service provided again or to have it completed in proper quality and quantity, to receive a reasonable price reduction, or to withdraw from the contract. The customer shall notify Scio of the right he/she has chosen when notifying Scio of the defect or without undue delay after notification of the defect.
If the defect is a minor breach of contract, the customer has the right to have the defect removed or to a reasonable price reduction.

In the event of cancellation, Scio shall refund the price paid for the product to the customer in accordance with paragraph 5.6 of these Terms and Conditions.

7) Copyrights

The customer is obliged to comply with Act No. 121/2000 Coll. on Copyright, on Rights Related to Copyright and on Amendments to Certain Acts (Copyright Act) when dealing with all Scio products. In particular, the customer is not authorized to rent, copy, resell or otherwise distribute any of Scio's products and other materials provided in violation of copyright law. By violating the provisions of the Copyright Act, the customer exposes himself to the risk of recovering damages and unjust enrichment from Scio, and in some cases, such a violation of copyright law may even constitute a criminal offence.

8) Special provisions on the provision of services during anti-epidemic or similar measures 

Taking into account the experience from the period of the covid-19 epidemic, in particular with anti-epidemic measures, the company Scio considers it appropriate to adjust special procedures in these Terms and Conditions in case, as a result of anti-epidemic or other similar measures of public authorities (hereinafter referred to as "measures") it will not be possible to provide services (products) in the form or date ordered by the customer.

8.1  Change in the term or form of services provided

Unless otherwise stated for a specific product in the Special Section of these Terms and Conditions, in the event that, due to an anti-epidemic measure, it is not possible to provide the ordered service (to hold the course or exam) on the specified date in person, Scio shall be entitled to: 

  • change the in-person form of service provision to a distance form (online),
  • change the date of service,
  • change the location of service. 

If more than one of the options under a) to c) is applicable in a given case, Scio shall allow the customer to choose an option. 

A change under this paragraph made as a result of anti-epidemic measures shall not be grounds for cancellation of the order or withdrawal from the contract, since the existence of such anti-epidemic measures and therefore the need for the changes referred to in paragraph 1 can be anticipated for the school/academic year 2023/2024.

8.2 Price difference

Any price difference between the form of the ordered service and the price of the service after the change according to paragraph 8.1 of these Terms and Conditions will be resolved as follows: 

  • in the event that the price of the service changed according to paragraph 1 is lower than the price of the ordered service, the difference will be provided to the customer in the form of a voucher for the purchase of goods or services of Scio, the validity of the voucher will be until the end of June 2024. 
  • In the event that the price of the service changed according to paragraph 2 is higher than the price of the ordered service, the customer will be obliged to pay the difference, the due date of the difference is the same as if the date of the change was the date of the new order. If the price difference is not paid by the customer, Scio is entitled to cancel the order.  

9) Final provisions

9.Validity and Bindingness of the Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all contractual relationships regarding the supply of goods and services between the customer and Scio.

9.   Language of communication

Scio will use the Czech language when communicating with customers in the context of providing services.

9.3      Out-of-court settlement of a consumer dispute

If the customer believes that Scio has breached its obligations under the contract, he/she shall communicate his/her complaint to scio@scio.cz.
In the event that, despite the mutual efforts of the customer and Scio, no agreement can be reached to resolve the dispute, the customer is entitled to file a motion for out-of-court settlement of a consumer dispute on the basis of Act No. 634/1992 Coll., on Consumer Protection.

The Czech Trade Inspection Authority is the subject of out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes between Scio and the customer as a consumer. The customer may submit a proposal to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority via an online form available on the Czech Trade Inspection Authority's website: https://adr.coi.cz/cs. The customer may file a complaint with the Czech Trade Inspection Authority within 1 year from the date on which he/she first exercised his/her right, which is the subject of the dispute, with Scio. Customers can also submit a complaint through the EU's out-of-court consumer dispute resolution platform, which is available online at: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home.show&lng=CS. Only a consumer living in the EU can file a complaint  against a trader based in the EU.

If the disputing parties are not satisfied with the quality of the out-of-court settlement of a consumer dispute and believe that the Rules for the Out-of-Court Settlement of Consumer Disputes have been violated during the proceedings, they may submit a complaint to the Ministry of Industry and Trade or to the e-mail address adr@mpo.cz.
The costs of out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes are borne by the parties themselves.

9.Customer's consent and binding nature to these Terms and Conditions

By checking the box in the order, the customer confirms his/her agreement to these Terms and Conditions.

 

Special Section of the Terms and Conditions

 

  1. National Comparative Exams

I.1) National Comparative Exam Product

I.1.1 What National Comparative Exams are

The National Comparative Exams are a product of Scio, which allows to compare the study prerequisites and knowledge of the participants of the NCE. For this reason,the NCE results are used by many faculties as one of the criteria or even as the only criterion for admission to university. The NCE is held either in-person or online; both forms are fully fledged and the exam results in both modes are fully comparable. 

The subject of Scio's performance under the NCE product is:

  • Logistical security of the customer's participation in the NCE, i.e. assignment of the NCE participant to the ordered date and specific place in a specific classroom and provision of the necessary materials needed to pass the exam / In the case of the online form of the NCE, provision of the ScioLink testing system operated by Scio.
  • Handover of information necessary for the full participation of the NCE participant in the exam ordered by him/her (publication of an invitation to the given NCE date containing all important information about the exact address of the NCE location, about the documents and supplies that the applicant must take to the examination itself; in the case of online NCE, information about the necessary technical equipment and rules for the online exam; information about the publication of the digitized record sheet, public external examination of the test, the result of the examination and other additional communication)
  • Ensuring that the exam is conducted by the administrators and coordinator at the exam location; ensuring that the record is evaluated by the NCE online evaluators
  • The exam itself consists of a test of general study prerequisites, or knowledge, in a pre-agreed manner.
  • Automatic evaluation of the record sheet (scanning and evaluation by special software).
  • Transmission of the result to the faculty of the university on the basis of the participant's instruction, if the faculty accepts this method of transmission of the result within the conditions of the admission procedure).
  • Provision of a Test through which the general study prerequisites or knowledge was tested in the NCE.
  • Specification of the verification of general study prerequisites and knowledge within the NCE.

The general study prerequisites and knowledge are verified within the NCE by means of tests designed for this purpose in a professional manner. The tests used in the NCE meet the statistical standards applicable to the measurement of learning outcomes (see http://scio.cz/tvorba_testu/index.asp). When preparing tests, Scio always takes into account the possibility that some of the tasks included in the test may be flawed. In this case, the task may be excluded from the test or from the evaluation of its solution (see Article 14 of these Terms and Conditions), without affecting the test's value as a whole. The elimination of a task does not disadvantage the participants of a given variant of the test compared to the participants of other variants, given that the result of the test is not determined by the number of points achieved, but by the so-called harmonised percentile. The tests are designed from the outset to be fully fit for purpose even if up to 10% of the items are incorrect, even if these items are discarded in the public external examination or remain in the evaluation. This fact is demonstrated by the values of statistical criteria used to measure the quality of the overall test, such as the average discrimination (the average ability of a single test item to discriminate between test takers with different levels of the ability or knowledge being measured) or the reliability (accuracy of measurement) of the test. Errors in tests up to the number indicated are therefore not a defect in the goods or services provided. To eliminate such errors, an additional service for NCE participants is provided - namely public external examination according to Article 14 of these Terms and Conditions. Any error in the problem that does not affect the solution of the problem or the score achieved is not considered to be an incorrect problem, nor is a problem that has multiple solutions. 

I.1.2 Notification and information about the NCE for the NCE participant

Scio provides all notifications and information regarding the NCE to the NCE Participant in electronic form, through the personal profile of the NCE Participant (Article 2) of these Terms and Conditions). Scio will notify the NCE participant of the placement of the information in the personal profile by e-mail. Scio is not responsible for cases where the delivery of the sent e-mail message does not occur due to the transmission network operator or the e-mailbox of the subscriber of the NCE.

I.2) Registration of an applicant for participation in the NCE

I.2.1 Obligation to register in Scio's online shop

Before submitting the first application (order) for the NCE exam, the applicant is obliged to register in the online shop at www.scioexams.com. Registration is a prerequisite for a person interested in participating in the NCE to be able to operate his/her personal profile, to log in to the NCE and to place orders for other products.

A registered NCE participant has the possibility to monitor the current status of his/her application or to make changes to the application. Registration must be done at the time of initial registration (or when ordering other goods or services). The system will direct the NCE applicant to the registration form, where the applicant will fill in the necessary data. Successful registration of an applicant for participation in the NCE is confirmed by Scio in the form of an e-mail message sent to the e-mail address provided by the applicant during registration. In the same way, any application for exams or any other order of an NCE participant is confirmed. The applicant is obliged to fill in all mandatory data correctly and truthfully - if incorrect or incomplete data is entered, Scio does not guarantee that the application for the examinations (or any other order) will be processed correctly and on time.

The registration of an applicant for participation in the NCE is done only once. Each subsequent application for the exam (or other order) is done under the registration data assigned in the first order, i.e. under the login name and password.

I.2.2 Additional information on the processing of personal data is available here

I.3) Application for an NCE

The application for an NCE is an order for services consisting in enabling participation in an NCE and related services. For more details see paragraph 2 .3 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.3.1 Proper application

It is standard practice to apply for the NCE exam(s) no later than the application deadline for each of the NCE dates published on www.scioexams.com. This can be done through the online shop on the website www.scioexams.com, or by phone via Scio's customer service (tel. 234 705 555), if the customer cannot place the order viathe online shop. The deadlines for the receipt of applications for the individual NCE dates are set at least 15 days before the examination.

I.3.2 Application after the deadline

This is an additional registration for NCE exam(s). This can be done after the closing date for applications for individual NCE dates, but no later than the fifth day before the exam. This can be done through the online shop on the website www.scioexams.com or by phone via Scio's customer service (tel. 234 705 555), if the customer cannot place the order via the  online shop. If the application is submitted after the deadline, Scio charges an extra fee according to the valid price list published on the date of the order on www.scioexams.com. This surcharge covers the cost of the necessary individual processing of the application and the additional placement of the applicant in the NCE for the examination.

I.3.3 Extraordinary application

In exceptional cases, it is possible to register for the examination in person at the examination location on the given date, at least 20 minutes before the examination starts. However, such registration will only be possible if the current situation (capacity and organizational possibilities) at the location of the exam allows it and at an extra charge according to the price list valid on the date of the order. This surcharge covers the costs of the necessary individual processing of the application form and the additional placement of the applicant in the NCE for the exam, as well as the organisation and logistics at the exam location.

This option is not available for online NCE. 

I.3.4 Legal validity of the application

The application becomes legally binding at the moment when the application is delivered to Scio (see the method of application in paragraphs I.3.1, I.3.2 and I.3.3 of the Terms and Conditions). Scio will then confirm the successful application for the exam by e-mail to the registered e-mail address of the applicant. The report contains complete information about the application. In case of an extraordinary application at the NCE location, a written confirmation is given to the NCE participant. Upon confirmation of the application, a service agreement is concluded between the applicant for participation in the NCE and Scio.

Attention: A regular or post-closing application can only be submitted via Scio's online shop or by telephone (see paragraph I.3.1 and I.3.2 of the Terms and Conditions) if the customer cannot place an order via the online shop. A university applicant who applies to the university and pays the university's administrative fee for the admission process is not automatically entered for the exam.

I.4) Requirements for the NCE application

I.4.1 Mandatory application requirements (marked with an asterisk in the application form)

In the application for the exam/examinations within the NCE, the person interested in participating in the NCE is obliged to provide the information marked as necessary in the application form.

I.4.2 Consequences of omitting or incorrectly stating one of the mandatory elements of the application

If an applicant for participation in the NCE does not fulfil his/her obligation and all the above-mentioned information is not properly provided in the application form, he/she runs the risk of limited opportunities within the NCE or unsuccessful registration for the exam (s) (e.g. if an applicant for participation in the NCE provides an incorrect e-mail address, does not receive an invitation to the exam, does not give instructions to provide results including other personal data, the results cannot be forwarded to the faculties, if he/she does not provide his/her birth number, he/she cannot receive a certificate with the result of the exam(s)).

Attention: If an applicant for participation in the NCE does not agree to provide the above personal data, in particular the birth number, he/she can take the exam(s) in a special mode for an additional fee, in which the provision of personal data will not be required. See Article 15) of these Terms and Conditions.

I.4.3 Change of data in the application for the NCE

The data provided in the application form for the NCE can only be changed by the participant in his/her personal profile at www.scioexams.com. The NCE participant acknowledges that the application is non-transferable to another person and therefore no changes are possible regarding the identification of the person applied for. Incorrect data can only be corrected using the form in your personal profile.

I.5) NCE price

I.5.1 The amount of the exam price within the NCE

The price of the exam and other services provided is determined by the price list published on www.scioexams.com valid on the date of sending the application form to Scio and consists of the price of the exam and the price of services provided in the context of the implementation and evaluation of the test.

The price of the exam depends on the chosen variant according to the NCE form:

  • online NCE
  • face-to-face NCE with the possibility of changing to an online NES up to 5 days before the exam

I.5.2 Delivery costs

The cost of delivery and mailing of information and materials related to the application for the NCE exam(s) is borne by Scio.

The exam can always be delivered only in the context of passing the exam, so the participant picks it up in person at the place and time of the NCE. In the case of the online NCE, the test is made available to the participant in the ScioLink application. No other method of delivery is possible. After the exam, the test is also available for download in the participant's personal profile.

I.6) Reimbursement of NCE

I.6.1 Payment in case of a valid application

When submitting a proper application, the applicant for participation in the NCE is obliged to pay the price of the exam(s) within the NCE within 14 days from the date of conclusion of the contract (according to paragraph I.3.4 of these Terms and Conditions), but no later than on the 12th day before the date of the exam to which the payment relates. An exception may be listed on the website www.scioexams.com. The price of the exam is deemed to be paid on the date specified for each method of payment in paragraph 3.2 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.6.2 Payment in the event of an application after the closing date

If an application is submitted after the closing date, the applicant is obliged to pay the price of the NCE exam(s) together with the administration fee no later than on the 2nd day before the date of the exam to which the payment relates.

I.6.3 Payment in the event of an exceptional application

If you register only at the place of the exam(s) on the given date of the NCE, the applicant for participation in the NCE is obliged to pay the price of the exam(s) within the NCE together with the extraordinary surcharge in cash at the time of registration (conclusion of the contract).

I.6.4 Payment of the fee for a "change of application for the NCE location"

In case of a change of the exam location according to paragraph I.7.3 of these Terms and Conditions made on the spot, the NCE participant is obliged to pay the administrative fee in cash at the time of the change. If the NCE participant fails to make the required payment, the change will not be made and the NCE participant may only take the test at the location specified in the invitation in accordance with the application form, otherwise the procedure is similar to the non-participation of the NCE participant according to paragraph I.10.3 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.6.5 Date and method of payment

Unless otherwise provided in these Terms and Conditions, payment for the application for the exam(s) within the NCE may be made by one of the methods specified in paragraph I.3.2 of these Terms and Conditions.

You can track the status of your order (including payment) in your personal profile on www.scioexams.com.

I.6.6 Non-payment of the price for the application for the NCE

If the payment of the exam is not made properly and on time, Scio will notify the applicant in his/her personal profile and also via e-mail message and provide him/her with an additional period of three days from the date of the notice of non-payment in the personal profile. However, even in this case, the payment must be credited to the account no later than the 12th day before the exam date in case of a regular application and no later than the 2nd day before the exam date in case of an application after the deadline.

If the payment is not made even after this period, Scio is entitled to withdraw from the contract with the applicant for participation in the NCE. Scio will notify the prospective NCE participant of the cancellation of the contract (cancellation of the order) by e-mail.

If Scio does not cancel the contract and allow the customer to take the exam, the exam participant will not receive the exam result until all outstanding debts owed to Scio are paid in full.

I.7) Change of the form and location of the NCE

I.7.1 Location (city) of the examination(s)

The location of the in-person examination is chosen by the participant when filling in the application form. Location means the city where the exam is held. It is not possible to choose a specific building within the city for logistical and organizational reasons. The building of the examination location within a city can only be changed by following the procedure for changing the location of the examination as described in the following paragraphs.

I.7.2 Time limitations for changing the location of the NCE

In the application form for the exam(s) within the NCE, it is possible to change the chosen location for the NCE on the given NCE date. This can be done no later than the 12th day before the date of the examination to which the change relates, via your personal profile on www.scioexams.com.

I.7.3 Change of the location of the on-site NCE

If a participant arrives at a different location (address) than that specified in the invitation in accordance with the application form (without changing the location in the manner described in paragraph I.7.2), he/she will be allowed to take the exam only if the current situation (capacity and organisational possibilities) at the location permits. For on-site changes to the exam location, Scio will charge the fee shown on the following page, taking into account the higher costs associated with the organisation and logistics of the change www.scioexams.com (see also paragraph I.6.4 of theseTerms and Conditions).

I.7.4 Change of NCE location by Scio

Scio reserves the right to change the location of the exam(s) (to the nearest available NCE location) if necessary. Participants of the NCE will be  informed by Scio about such a change immediately,at least 2 days before the exam by e-mailand they will also find this information in their personal profile on www.scioexams.com. The NCE participant is informed about the possibility of making such a change for a specific NCE location when filling in the application form.

I.7.5 Change from in-person NCE to online NCE / online NCE to in-person

In the event that face-to-face and online NCE are held on the given date, participants can change the form of NCE from in-person to online and vice versa, even after ordering. A participant who ordered an online NES can change the form of the exam to a in-person NCE up to the 12th day before the date of the exam to which the change applies.

A participant who has ordered a in-person NES with the option of changing to an online NES can change the form of the exam to an online NCE up to 5 days before the date of the exam to which the change applies. Since Scio starts the preparation of the in-person exam immediately after the order is placed (reserving a place in the classroom, printing the test, etc.), the difference between the price of the in-person NCE and the online NCE is not refunded to the customer in the event of such a change.

The participant will make the change via their personal profile at www.scioexams.com.

I.7.6 Scio's change from in-person to online NCE / online to in-person

In the event that face-to-face and online NCE are held on the given date, participants can change the form of NCE from face-to-face to online and vice versa, even after ordering.

A participant who ordered an online NCE can change the form of the exam to a face-to-face NCE up to the 12th day before the date of the exam to which the change applies. 5 the day before the exam.

A participant who has ordered a face-to-face NCE with the option of changing to an online NCE can change the form of the exam to an online NCE up to 5 days before the date of the exam to which the change applies . Since Scio starts the preparation of the face-to-face exam immediately after the order is placed (reserving a place in the classroom, printing the test, etc.), the difference between the price of the face-to-face NCE and the online NCE is not refunded to the customer in the event of such a change.The participant will make the change via their personal profile at https://eshop.scio.cz/Profile.

I.7.7 Change of online NCE to on-site exam by Scio due to violation of online NCE rules by the participant

Scio reserves the right to change the online NCE to a on-site exam to a participant who is found to have violated the obligations of the NCE participant and the rules of the online NCE in any of the previous dates, regardless of whether the violation of the rules led to obtaining an unauthorized advantage for such participant or not. In the event that such a change occurs, the Scio company will invite the participant to choose the place where the NCE will take place within the specified period. The choice of venue for the exam in such a case is limited to places where Scio has available capacity. If the participant does not choose a place within the specified period, it will be determined by Scio.

I.8) Change of the date of the NCE

I.8.1 Change of the date of the exam(s)

An NCE participant has the right to change the date of the examination within the same place. You can change the date no later than on the 12th day before the date of the NCE via your personal profile on www.scioexams.com. Information on the dates of the NCE is available there.

I.8.2 Time constraints for the implementation of the change of the NCE date

The date may be changed in this way no later than the 12th day before the date of the examination(s) to which the change relates.

I.8.3 Change of the date of the NCE by Scio

Scio reserves the right to change the date of the NCE to a later date in case of an unfavourable epidemiological situation or for other serious objective reasons (whether it will not be possible to hold the NCE in person at all or in case of capacity limitations of individual exam sites), even repeatedly if necessary. NCE participants will always be immediately informed by Scio of such a change by e-mail and will also find this information in their personal profile at www.scioexams.com. This change as a result of the anti-epidemic measures is foreseeable already at the time of conclusion of the contract with the participant and therefore cannot be a reason for withdrawal from the contract by the participant. 

 

I.9) NCE invitation delivery

I.9.1 NCE invitation

For each NCE participant who has duly booked and paid for the exam(s), Scio will place an invitation to the exam(s) in his/her personal profile, at the earliest 10 and at the latest 2 days before the date (day) of the exam(s), in case of registration in the mode of "after the deadline" at the latest 2 days before the date of the exam. Scio will notify the participant of the invitation in his/her personal profile by e-mail. The invitation will be in electronic form only.

 

I.10) Cancellation of the NCE application, withdrawal from the contract by the customer

I.10.1 Cancellation of an NCE application by an applicant for participation in the NCE

The applicant is entitled to cancel his/her application for the exam(s) within the NCE at any time before the payment of the price of the ordered examination(s) within the NCE. Only the NCE participant can cancel the NCE application via his/her personal profile, due to the need to ensure the legitimacy of such cancellation request.

I.10.2 Cancellation of the NCE application by the NCE participant

After paying the price of the ordered exam(s), the NCE participant is entitled to cancel the application for the exam(s) within the NCE (i.e. cancel the already paid application). An NCE order can only be cancelled via your personal profile on www.scioexams.com by completing and submitting a cancellation form, due to the need to ensure the legitimacy of such cancellation request.

  1. Cancellation no later than 12 days before the date of the exam(s)

If the NCE participant cancels his/her application for the exam at least 12 days before the date of the exam(s), then the NCE participant will be refunded 65% of the amount paid for the relevant examination and related products. Scio is entitled to charge the remaining 35% of the amount paid as reimbursement for the costs associated with the preparation of the exam organisation and for the exam with the correct answer key, which the customer will receive after the exam date.

  1. b) Cancellation within 11-0 days before the date of the exam(s)

In the period from the 11th day before the exam until the exam takes place, Scio provides exam preparation (services) to all participants equally, regardless of whether the participant finally takes the exam or not. Therefore, in the event of cancellation within this period, no part of the price paid will be refunded to the participant. Within 14 days of the exam date, the customer will receive an exam with a key of correct solutions.

 

  1. c) Cancellation due to technical reasons 8-3 days before the exam date

In the event that the online NCE participant meets the minimum technical requirements according to paragraph I.20.1 of these Terms and Conditions for the equipment from which he/she wants to take the exam, and attempts to pass the Mandatory Equipment Check pursuant to paragraph I.20.4 of these Terms and Conditions in a timely manner and even with the assistance of Scio's technical support does not pass the Mandatory Equipment Check with a positive result, he/she shall be entitled to

  • either cancel their application and then 65% of the amount paid for the relevant exam and related products will be refunded to the NCE participant. Scio is entitled to charge the remaining 35% of the amount paid as reimbursement for the costs associated with the preparation of the exam organisation and for the exam with the correct answer key, which the customer will receive after the exam date. .
  • or upon payment of the additional fee according to the price list on the page www.scioexams.com to come to the location of the full-time NCE and take the exam in person. However, Scio cannot always guarantee availability at the location chosen by the participant.

I.10.3 Failure of the registered participant to attend the exam

In the event that the registered participant does not attend the NCE exam, the provisions of paragraph I.10.2, letter b.shall apply to the rights and obligations of the parties  accordingly (i.e., the same procedure as in the case of cancellation 0 days before the examination date). This also applies if the participant is unable to attend the in-person date due to quarantine/isolation. 

I.10.4 Withdrawal from the contract by an NCE participant

In accordance with the provisions of Section 1829, paragraph 1 of the Civil Code, the participant has the right to withdraw from the concluded contract without giving any reason within 14 days of its conclusion, or from the receipt of the goods, but no later than 12 days before the date of the National Comparative Exams. On the twelfth day before the date of the NCE, Scio will start providing services consisting in the organisational preparation of the NCE. At this time, Scio will also individually prepare a exam for each participant to take as part of the exam (the exam will be marked with a unique code). The NCE participant expressly agrees to this date for the commencement of NCE-related services and to the exam adjustment for each individual NCE participant.

Withdrawal from the contract must be done by the NCE participant in a manner that does not raise any doubt that he/she is withdrawing from the contract, such withdrawal being made by filling in the form found in his/her personal profile. The effectiveness of other means of withdrawal from the contract due to the severity of the possible consequences of such an act (non-attendance at the NCE, failure to meet the conditions for admission to the selected university) will be assessed by Scio individually and in case of doubt, the NCE participant will be asked to fill in the form according to the previous paragraph or another sufficient form of withdrawal.

I.10.5 Refund procedure in case of cancellation or withdrawal

In the event of withdrawal from the contract pursuant to paragraph I.10.4 of these Terms and Conditions or cancellation of the application pursuant to paragraph I.10.3 of these Terms and Conditions , Scio shall return the funds received from the NCE participant within fourteen (14) days of the withdrawal from the contract by the NCE participant, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 5.6 of these Terms and Conditions.

 

I.11) Course of the NCE, photography at the examination / recording from the online NCE, objection to the examination

I.11.1 NCE Rules

The participant will be informed about the course of the exam (s) in the in-person NCE via a document "Information on the course of the NCE" which contains the Rules for the in-person NCE. The participant of the online NCE will be instructed on the rules to be followed when taking the exam in the online mode "Online NCE Rules" (hereinafter collectively referred to as "NCE Rules"). The participant will receive the Rules together with the invitation to the NCE. The course of the NCE exam(s) is predefined and is exactly the same for all participants. The participant is obliged to accept all actions and rules related to the proper conduct of the NCE (checking one’s ID, photography, prohibition of copying or using a mobile phone, prohibition of the presence of a third person or prohibited objects during the online NCE, etc.) in accordance with the Rules, otherwise he/she cannot participate in the exam. In the event of non-compliance with the Rules, the result of the exam will be deemed invalid (paragraph I.12.4 of these Terms and Conditions), the participant may be excluded from the in-person examination and the result will not be evaluated.

A participant may request in advance an exemption from any of the NCE Online Rules only for compelling reasons (health limitations, special educational needs). At Scio's request, the existence of such a compelling reason shall be documented in an individually agreed manner. 

ScioLink can provide applicants with ongoing feedback on the quality of the recording (e.g. brightness, contrast, luminosity, recording quality). In addition, ScioLink can provide feedback on rule violations (for example, the presence of unauthorized items in the room or multiple people) and on unauthorized programs running. This feedback is always for information only and is intended to instruct the applicant to ensure the best possible conditions for compliance with the online exam. However, it is the participant's responsibility to follow the rules, i.e., the fact that ScioLink does not alert the participant to a violation of the rules during the exam does not mean that the violation cannot be found later when the record is evaluated. All records are always subsequently evaluated by Scio's trained evaluators.

I.11.2 Penalties for violation of NCE rules

Violation of the Rules under paragraph I.11.1of these Terms and Conditions will be considered a material breach of the contractual obligations and conditions of the exam, in which cases the participant will not be allowed to complete and pass the exam.

In the event of a violation of the rules in the online NCE, Scio may proceed according to paragraph I.7.6.

I.11.3 Taking photographs

Part of the provision of the NCE service in attendance mode is also taking photographs or video footage of the rooms in which the NCE exams take place in order to ensure and verify the regularity of the exam in the future. The provision of the NCE service in the online mode includes making a video and audio recording of the exam and a recording of the participant's computer screen during the exam. For more information, please visit our privacy page.

I.11.4 Objection to the conduct of the exam

After the exam, each participant has an objection form available in his/her personal profile. In order for the evaluation of the objection to be taken into account in the evaluation of the exam itself, it is necessary that the objection be submitted no later than 2 days after the date of the NCE to which it relates. An objection lodged later cannot be taken into account in the evaluation of the exam. Objections to the conduct of the exam made in any other form cannot be taken into account either.

The submission of an objection may be the basis for a later complaint or for a decision on the validity or invalidity of the result due to a violation of the NCE Rules. 

 

I.12) Result of NCE

I.12.1 Preliminary results

After the exam is taken, the preliminary result is made available to the participant immediately after the record sheets are processed in the case of an in-person NCE or the exam results from the exam application in the case of an online NCE. This result takes the form of a preliminary percentile. This result is not definitive, as it does not take into account the results of the public external examination and, in the case of the online NCE, the evaluation of regularity (compliance with the rules for taking the exam online). This result is not applicable for faculty admissions. This is a paid service over and above the NCE itself and its final outcome. 

I.12.2 Time of publication of final results

Final results will be made available no earlier than 14 days after the date of the exam(s) and no later than 20 days after the date of the exam(s). The results will be available in your personal profile until 31. 8 of the year in which the admission procedure in which the results of the NCE are to be used ends. After this date, only the summary results will be available in the archive in your personal profile.

I.12.3 Form of the final result

The result of the exam itself takes the form of a score. The result of the NCE exam(s), which is valid for the faculty admission procedure, will be in the form of a percentile or a recalculated ( = harmonised) percentile.

In the General Study Assumptions, General Study Assumptions and Foundations of Social Sciences exams, the recalculation will be done for each section of the exam separately. For each exam (or section of a exam) and term, a conversion table between score and percentile will be created. These tables will be published together with the final results according to paragraph I.12.2 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.12.4 Invalid result 

The results of the NCE, as they are transmitted to the faculties and as they are used in the admissions procedure, must meet strict criteria for the correctness and mutual comparability of the knowledge and abilities of the individual participants of the NCE. Scio guarantees the faculties and all participants that the NCE results have such characteristics. And in the event that Scio cannot guarantee that the result has such characteristics, such result cannot be used in the admissions process. In such a case, Scio will decide on the invalidity of the result.

The result is always invalid if during the exam (both online and face-to-face) there is a violation of the Obligations of the NCE participant and/or the Rules (paragraph I.11.1 of these Terms and Conditions), as a result of which Scio cannot guarantee that the participant did not obtain or could not obtain an unauthorized advantage over other participants. In order to detect violations of the Participant's Obligations of the NCE and the Rules, supervision at the presence of the NCE, records from the online NCE, but also other procedures for evaluating the course of the exam (e.g. analysis of the participant's answers) are used in particular.

The Scio company informs the participant about the invalidity of the result immediately after the evaluation of the course of the exam and at the same time informs him of the violation of the rules. The company Scio reserves the right to decide on the invalidity of the result for serious reasons at any time later, if it discovers a violation of the NCE Participant's Obligations or the Rules subsequently.

If the participant does not agree with the decision on the invalidity of his exam result, he has the option to request a review of the invalidity decision by the evaluation committee. The request for review of the invalidity decision must then be submitted within 48 hours of receiving the decision on the invalidity of the result. In this application, the participant shall state all the essential circumstances and reasons for submitting the application. To submit an application, use the form in the participant's personal profile, through which the application is delivered directly to the evaluation committee. This form is necessary so that all applications are properly and timely evaluated by the evaluation committee. A late request for review will not be considered.

Based on the request for a review, the Commission will re-evaluate the record of the exam and evaluate all the circumstances and reasons stated by the participant in the application and decide again on the regularity or irregularity of the exam. The decision of the committee is final.

In the event that the exam is evaluated as irregular, the participant will be issued with a certificate of participation in the exam and its result, with a justification as to why the exam was evaluated as irregular and why it was decided to invalidate the result. This confirmation will be made available to the participant through their personal profile.
An invalid result will not be forwarded by Scio to the faculty.

Attention: Since an essential feature of the NCE result as a service provided is its correctness and comparability with the knowledge and abilities of other participants, for which Scio guarantees, Scio must mark as invalid any result for which it finds that these characteristics cannot be guaranteed.

 

I.13) Delivery of the NCE result

I.13.1 Scores and publication of record sheets

Each NCE participant who has duly ordered and paid the payment for the NCE exam application and participated in the NCE, will be sent an e-mail message by Scio about the access to the NCE participant's record sheets and the score achieved in the personal profile. Record sheets and scores will be accessible on the website www.scioexams.com via a personal profile on the dates indicated on www.scioexams.com and will remain accessible until 31 8 of the year in which the admission procedure in which the results of the NCE are to be used ends.

I.13.2 Exam results

The results (percentile or harmonised percentile) will be accessible on the website www.scioexams.com on the dates indicated on www.scioexams.com. The results are accessible via your personal profile. The participant will be informed about the availability of the results by e-mail to the addresshe has provided in the application form.

I.14) Public External Examination of the Exam Assignment and the Correct Answer Key

I.14.1 The process of the public external examination of the exam assignment or the correct answer key

On the dates listed on www.scioexams.com the exam assignments and the correct answer keys will be published in the personal profiles of the participants during the period of the public external examination. If a participant of the NCE is convinced that the exam assignment or the correct answer key contains an error, he/she can participate in the public external examination via his/her personal profile. The public external examination is usually opened on the day of the exam and closed on the 3th day after the date of the exam. 

I.14.2 Activities and conclusions of the independent Expert Commission

If the Expert Commission finds that the complaint is justified and that the problem statement or the key to the correct solutions is indeed incorrect, it may recommend either eliminating the problem from further assessment or accepting more than one answer as correct (this is the only exception to the rule that each problem has only one correct solution). The method of dealing with the objection shall be chosen by the Expert Commission according to its suitability in the particular case and shall be valid for all participants in the exam. In the case of an objection to a problem duplicated in more than one version of the exam, the solution will be valid for all of them.

The recommendation of the Expert Commission will be placed in the personal profile of all participants of the NCE term together with the final results. The Commission's recommendation is final and unalterable. Scio undertakes to accept and follow the Commission's recommendation, failing which Scio is obliged to give proper reasons for its action.

I.14.3 Resolving an exam error outside of the public external examination

If Scio discovers an error in the assignment of an exam in the NCE at a time when the assignment cannot be changed, then Scio will remove the assignment from the assessment for all NCE participants in the relevant term.

Attention: Public external examination within the NCE is not a complaint, nor is it intended to replace a complaint. Public external examination is a service to the participants of the NCE and a way to make testing within the NCE more transparent. An error in a test is not necessarily a defect in the service provided; the whole concept of testing allows for the possibility of a certain number of errors (see paragraph I.1.1 of these Terms and Conditions). These are therefore two independent and separate processes. For more information on complaints, see paragraph I.19.3 of these Terms and Conditions. Public external examination is also not the same as submitting a request for review against a faculty's decision not to admit a student to study.

I.15) Protection of personal data.

All information on the processing and protection of personal data of Scio customers and NCE participants in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is available on the data protection page.

Attention: If the NCE participant does not agree to provide his/her birth number or other personal data to Scio, he/she can take the exam(s) in a special mode where no personal data will be required for an additional fee. The surcharge is CZK 1,000 per exam and is intended to cover Scio's increased administrative and other costs. The results of an exam conducted under this special (anonymous) regime will never (even after the additional provision of the participant's identifying data) be passed on to any HEI faculty or any other entity where the result of the NCE could play a role. Such a result serves only the needs of the test taker. The test that takes place in this special (anonymous) mode is not certified. If you wish to take the exam in this mode, please contact us.

I.16) Instruction to provide the results of the NCE

I.16.1 Instruction to provide test results

The NCE participant within the framework of the electronic application to the NCE (see Article I.4) of these Terms and Conditions) may instruct Scio to provide the third party (university), which he/she has indicated in the application, with the result of the exam(s), including its identification data. Granting the instruction obliges Scio to process as well as provide the participant's identification data and his/her exam results to the relevant third party (university). The above instruction is valid and effective for all examinations taken by the NCE participant.

I.16.2 Modification of an instruction

The instruction to provide the results of the exam(s), including personal data, may be changed by the participant. It is only possible to change an instruction within your personal profile on the website www.scioexams.com. The participant can make the change no later than 4 days after the test.

I.16.3 Transmission of the result to the faculties of HEIs

Scio will pass on to the faculties of the HEIs that accept applicants on the basis of the results of the NCE examination(s) the results of those NCE participants who have explicitly instructed it to do so. Without this instruction, the result cannot be forwarded to the faculties of the HEIs.

Scio does not guarantee that the submitted result will be taken into account in the admission procedure of a particular university faculty. On www.scioexams.com there is basic information on the conditions that must be met for the result to be taken into account. Up-to-date and complete information should always be checked on the websites of the individual faculties. The current list of faculties using the NCE results is available at www.scioexams.com.

I.16.4 Use of an invalid result in the admission procedure for a faculty of an HEI

Invalid results will not be forwarded by Scio to the faculty. If the participant in the admission procedure submits it to the faculty and the faculty asks Scio to comment on the reasons for the invalidity decision, Scio will provide the faculty with such a statement. 

 

I.17) Archiving of NCE participants' data

Information on archiving and shredding periods can be found at the data protection page.

I.18) Social discounts in the NCE

I.18.1 Conditions for granting and amount of the social discount

Scio undertakes to provide a social discount to those interested in participating in the NCE who, in accordance with the social security legislation (Act No. 117/1995 Coll., on State Social Support, as amended), prove their social need and meet other criteria set out in these terms and conditions. The discount will be provided to the following extent: each individual exam will be provided without a registration fee (i.e. the set "mini" for free - for kits with additional services the price will be reduced accordingly); for all other Scio products and services the discount is 100% of the current price, the social discount provided in this way is limited to the subscription of additional products and services up to CZK 2,000/school year. The discount cannot be applied for repeatedly and can only be applied once (only within one order/application for the NCE).

I.18.2 Requirements for applying for a discount

Scio will decide on the granting of the social discount on the basis of the application of the applicant for participation in the NCE. The applicant is obliged to submit the following with the application: 

  • the decision (or a certified copy) of the competent state administration authority in the field of social security on the granting of child benefit (see Section 17, 18 c) of Act No.117/1995 Coll.) as currently listed on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - Child Benefit (for participants from the Slovak Republic in accordance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Act on aid in material need). In the case of other state social assistance benefits , the application including the necessary documents will be assessed by Scio on an individual basis.
  • a payment schedule issued by the Labour Office showing that the applicant was a recipient of the benefit in the month preceding the month in which he/she applies for the social discount

Documents must be sent by registered mail to www.scio.cz, s.r.o., Pobřežní 34, Prague 8, 186 00, Czech Republic or by e-mail to scio@scio.cz in electronic form, whereby Scio may request an authorised conversion of the documents into electronic form.

I.18.3 Deciding on the granting of a social discount

Once the above conditions have been met, Scio will decide whether or not to grant the social discount. The applicant will be informed of this decision within 14 days by phone or e-mailand will be informed of the procedure for applying the discount when ordering in the e-shop.

Attention: The NCE participant is not legally entitled to the social discount and it is granted on the basis of Scio's decision, depending on the fulfilment of the conditions set for its granting. The social discount can only be granted before the order is placed. Social discounts cannot be applied retroactively, i.e. to products and services already ordered. Similarly, social discounts will not be granted on already discounted products (so-called "packages").

I.19) Complaints and Complaints Procedure

Unless otherwise stated in these Terms and Conditions, the provisions of the general section of Scio's Terms and Conditions on Complaints and Complaints Procedure (Article 6) and the corresponding provisions of applicable lawshall apply mutatis mutandis to complaints within the scope of the NCE . This Article only regulates specific situations within the NCE.

I.19.1 Complaints about the exam itself

In the event that any problem occurs during the test that could be considered a defect in the service provided, the NCE participant is entitled to complain about the test.

The NCE participant can make a complaint in two ways:

  1. a)Complaints about the examination process itself by objecting to the exam process in the participant's Protocol on the exam process, or in the case of online NCE by filling in the form after the examination (hereinafter referred to as "Protocol")

Scio recommends this method of filing a complaint to the NCE participant, as it will allow Scio to review the course of the exam and resolve the complaint more efficiently than if the complaint is filed after a time delay. Therefore, if the NCE participant marks the option "Yes - I object to the exam" in the Participant's Protocol of the examination, then Scio will review the objection immediately, before the exam is evaluated, and will inform the NCE participant of the result of the review immediately by e-mail.

Scio's method of resolving such complaint:

  • if Scio finds that the objection stated in the protocol is not justified (especially if the objection could not have influenced the course and result of the exam), then the objection will be rejected and the test will be evaluated as standard
  • if Scio finds that the objection is justified in the sense that a circumstance occurred during the exam which Scio could not control but which may have had an impact on the course and outcome of the exam, then Scio will offer the NCE participant a choice - either the exam will be marked as standard or the exam will not be marked and a new date will be given free of charge
  • if Scio finds that the objection is justified in the sense that Scio's misconduct may have affected the conduct and outcome of the exam, then the participant and the exam will still be evaluated and offered a new date free of charge

Attention: Complaints made in this way will therefore always be dealt with as a priority, even before the results are processed and the exam is evaluated. The other protocols will be checked and evaluated in turn later.

(b) complaints about the exam itself at any later time

In the event that a participant checks the option "no - I do not object" in the "Participant's Protocol on the course of the examination" and nevertheless fills in the Protocol with objections to the course of the exam, Scio will deal with such objections in the Protocol after the evaluation of the exam.

Scio will follow a similar procedure if the participant makes a complaint about the exam at any later time.

In the case of such a complaint relating to the conduct of an examination within the NCE without a "yes - I object" indication in the "Protocol on the course of the Exam" , it may happen that despite Scio's best efforts, the situation during the exam can no longer be reviewed and the complaint would have to be rejected for that reason.

If the complaint is justified and accepted as justified by Scio, the participant’s exam will not be evaluated. He/she will also be refunded his/her exam fee. The participant will also be offered a new exam date free of charge.

I.19.2 Complaint - Objection to the exclusion of a participant from the in-person exam

The conditions for excluding a participant from the exam are set out in the document "Information on the course of the NCE" (see Article 11 of these Terms and Conditions). If a participant is excluded, an exclusion report will be completed by the exam administrator. In most cases, this protocol will be practically the only evidence for the assessment of a possible complaint, and it is therefore in the interest of the NCE participant to include all relevant facts in the protocol and to sign the protocol, or to file a complaint - an objection against the exclusion of the participant from the exam.

If the complaint is justified and accepted as justified by Scio, the participant's exam will not be evaluated. He/she will also be refunded his/her exam fee. The NCE participant will also be offered a new exam date free of charge.

I.19.3 Complaint about an exam error

Given that Scio precisely determines in advance the qualitative characteristics of the exam, in particular the number of tasks that may be incorrect and as such possibly discarded without compromising the quality and integrity of the service provided, and given that the exam sold is intended for use primarily in the NCE exam, Scio warns NCE participants that in the event of a complaint of a task within the specified number of possible incorrect tasks, it is likely that the complaint will be rejected as unjustified. However, each such complaint will of course be dealt with individually.
If the complaint is justified and accepted as justified by Scio, the participant's exam will not be evaluated. He/she will also be refunded his/her exam fee. The NCE participant will also be offered a new exam date free of charge.

Notes: The difference between the resolution of errors in the exam by complaint and the elimination of the task on the basis of the decision of an expert commission in a public external examination (according to Article I.14) of these Terms and Conditions): in the case of a complaint for review by an expert commission and the elimination of the task by this expert commission, the results of the examination of all participants of the given examination date will be affected, the resolution of the alleged error in the exam is therefore part of the service provided. A complaint challenging an error in the exam will always be resolved only in relation to the NCE participant, a successful complaint can only result in a refund and the possibility of taking the exam on a new date, the complaint cannot result in a change of the exam result.

I.19.4 Complaints about the processing of a record sheet

The participant records his/her answers during the examination on a so-called record sheet. After the examinations are completed, the original record sheet of the participant is automatically converted (digitised) into electronic form (scanned and then automatically converted into text format data) and the score is calculated.
If the participant is convinced that his/her answers in the record sheet have been incorrectly evaluated, or that his/her score has been incorrectly calculated, he/she should inform Scio and request an individual evaluation of the record sheet (complain about the processing of the record sheet).

Complaints can only be made through your personal profile on the website www.scioexams.com. If the individual evaluation differs from the automatic evaluation due to Scio, the result will be changed according to the findings of the individual evaluation. The result of the individual evaluation of the record sheet overrides the automatic evaluation, and this result is final and immutable.

Warning - Objection due to the faculty's failure to acknowledge the result of the NCE:

The objection that a particular faculty did not take into account the result of the NCE cannot be addressed as a complaint, since it is not a defect in the service provided or the goods sold. As Scio does not and cannot guarantee that the submitted result will be taken into account in the admission procedure of a particular HEI faculty (see Article 16.3 of these Terms and Conditions), Scio advises participants of the NCE that it is not grounds for a refund if a participant takes a term or course of the NCE whose results are not recognised by the faculty in the admission procedure or if the faculty does not open a programme to which it accepts on the basis of the results of the NCE.

I.19.5 Complaints about the evaluation of the regularity of the online NCE

In the event that the participant's online NCE is evaluated as irregular (i.e. Scio finds a violation of the rules under paragraph I.11.1 of these Terms and Conditions), the Participant may request a reconsideration of this decision in accordance with paragraph I.12.4. of these Terms and Conditions.

 

I.20) Special provisions for online NCE

I.20.1 Minimum technical requirements of the equipment for completing the online NCE

The online NCE can be held on equipment that meets the minimum technical requirements, which are listed on the page https://www.scioexams.com/national-comparative-exams-online. and with which the participant is familiar during the ordering of the online NHS (hereinafter referred to as "Minimum Technical Requirements").

I.20.2 Procedure before the online test

The participant is obliged to install the Proctoring Desktop application before the exam (during the Mandatory Equipment Check or before the online exam) according to the instructions in the personal profile.

It is entirely the responsibility of the Participant to ensure that it has or is able to procure equipment that meets the Minimum Technical Requirements in accordance with paragraph I.20.1 of these Terms and Conditions. Scio does not guarantee the availability of the service if the applicant does not have equipment meeting the minimum requirements.

I.20.3 Access data for completing the online NCE

Access to the ScioLink application will be placed in the participant's personal profile, together with the invitation to the online NCE and instructions, no later than 8 days before the exam. 

I.20.4 Mandatory inspection of equipment, verification of compliance with minimum technical requirements

The participant is obliged to  complete a Mandatory Equipment Check no later than on the third day before the exam, which serves to check the compatibility of his/her equipment, verification of compliance with the Minimum Technical Requirements pursuant to paragraph I.20.1 of these Terms and Conditions and the readiness for the online exam. The Mandatory Equipment Check includes an initial identification using a facial photograph and a photo ID. The participant is required to complete a Mandatory Equipment Check prior to each NCE date for which he/she is registering. 

The participant is obliged to perform the Mandatory Equipment Check on the equipment on which he/she will subsequently take the test. The fact that a participant passes the Mandatory Equipment Check means that, at the time of the Mandatory Equipment Check, their equipment meets the requirements for the online exam itself. However, it should be kept in mind that a change in equipment configuration between the Mandatory Equipment Check and the test itself may result in the inability to pass the test, as the equipment will lose compatibility with the test system as a result of such configuration. 

If the participant does not perform the Mandatory Equipment Check within the specified time (at least 3  days before the exam), Scio is not obliged to provide technical support during the exam and if the participant is unable to pass the exam, no refund or reimbursement is due.  

A successful Mandatory Equipment Check is considered to be one in whichthe participant passes all steps of the Mandatory Equipment Check up to the submission of the trial test. 

The applicant is obliged to notify Scio within 3 days after the login data is made available, but no later than 3  days before the exam itself, if the equipment on which he/she plans to take the exam does not pass the HW check. The Mandatory Equipment Check is an automated operation processed only by ScioLink and is not evaluated by  Scio evaluators, therefore if the participant has any doubt about the Mandatory Equipment Check, they shouldcontact Scio Customer Service to resolve any issue. If the participant fails to do so, he/she is not entitled to support from Scio in solving the problem during the exam.

I.20.5 Exam time

The exam can only be taken at the time specified in the invitation and in the personal profile. If the participant does not log in on time, the exam will not be made available to him/her retroactively. Scio does not provide any compensation for such a failed exam.

I.20.6 Identification of the participant 

Prior to the start of the test, the participant will be identified using a webcam photo and a photo ID. Prior to the start of the exam, the participant will be asked to take a 360° scan of the room in which they are taking the exam using a webcam. The exact terms and conditions of the online exam, including the requirements for the scan room, are set out in the NCE Online Rules in accordance with paragraphI.11.1 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.20.7 Procedure in case of incompatibility of the participant's equipment for completing the online NCE

The participant may request a change of the date of the NCE in case the equipment on which the participant intended to take the online NCE does not successfully pass the verification of compliance with the minimum technical requirements according to paragraph I.20.4 of these Terms and Conditions and the problem cannot be solved even with the support of Scio, only if the participant has complied with the deadline for the Mandatory Equipment Checkaccording to paragraph I.20.4 of these Terms and Conditions, i .e. the inspection was carried out no later than 3 days before the test itself. A condition for rescheduling the NCE for this reason is that the participant cooperates with Scio administrators to resolve the issue. The request must state that the participant is requesting a change in the deadline due to failure to meet the minimum technical requirements. If these conditions are met, the participant will be rescheduled to the next exam date after the NCE date for which he/she is not yet registered. If no such date is available for the participant (the participant is registered for all remaining dates), 100% of the exam fee will be refunded.

I.20.8 Evaluation of the regularity of the online NCE

The regularity, i.e. compliance with the NCE Online Rules, of each online exam is evaluated by trained Scio evaluators within 10 days of the exam. In the event that a violation of the NCE Online Rules is found, Scio will decide that the result is invalid. The Participant is informed about the invalid result in his/her personal profile and by e-mail and receives a confirmation of the invalid result of the test according to paragraph I.12.4 of these Terms and Conditions.

I.20.9 Technical problems with online NCE and their solutions

In the case of technical problems complicating the proper conduct of the online examination, which are proven to be caused by a fault in Scio's technical solution, Scio will decide on the appropriate solution, taking into account the nature of the technical problems and how, whether and to what extent they may have affected the outcome of the exam, and will offer the participant the choice of either retaining the exam result and refunding 100% of the exam fee in the case where the technical problems may not have significantly affected the outcome of the examination, or refunding 100% of the examination fee in the case where the technical problems may have significantly affected the outcome of the examination. In this case, the applicant must file an objection to the online NCE according to paragraph I.19.1 of these Terms and Conditions. The applicant's complaint will be reviewed by Scio's technical support staff no later than 7 days after the NCE deadline. 

In the event of technical problems preventing the online exam, which are demonstrably caused by a fault in Scio's technical solution, the applicant is entitled to a refund of 100% of the exam fee. In this case, the applicant must file an objection to the online NCE according to paragraph I.19.1 of these Terms and Conditions. The applicant's complaint will be reviewed by Scio's technical support staff no later than 7 days after the NCE deadline.