In a context where digital transformation is rapidly advancing across all industries, CHILECAP (Center for Training and Technical Certification) has become a benchmark in technical training and certification for Chile’s industrial and mining sectors.
Accredited by ChileValora and with more than 23 years of experience, the institution has trained over 20,000 people, actively participating in more than 12 major mining projects in the country.
Its story is that of an organization committed to excellence and integrity, which found in SMOWL’s proctoring a key ally to maintain the highest standards in its assessments, even in 100% online formats.
The need to ensure reliable, borderless assessments for technical certifications
The digitization of training and assessment processes has brought countless advantages, from reducing logistics costs to expanding access to education. However, it has also posed significant challenges, especially in critical sectors like mining, where safety and performance depend on workers truly possessing the certified competencies.
As Gustavo García Salina, General Manager of CHILECAP, explains:
“The need to maintain the integrity and traceability of our online assessments led us to seek a solution that would let us minimize the time required from clients without sacrificing exam reliability.”
Before adopting SMOWL, CHILECAP conducted its assessments in person, which involved high logistics costs, geographic limitations, and long lead times to organize each assessment process. This limited opportunities both for the company and for candidates who had to travel to testing centers.
Why SMOWL?
CHILECAP’s decision to integrate SMOWL as a proctoring tool was no coincidence. According to Gustavo, several key factors influenced the choice:
- Ease of integration: SMOWL adapted seamlessly to the e-learning platform CHILECAP was already using, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Regulatory compliance: The solution meets the regulatory requirements applicable to the sector. In fact, CHILECAP applies the criteria set forth in the Guide and Operational Standards for Mining Projects.
- Hybrid system: The combination of artificial intelligence with human review ensures comprehensive monitoring while keeping the user experience as natural as possible. This was especially relevant for a sector that demands high standards of control and traceability.
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How SMOWL transformed their technical certification process
Today, CHILECAP uses SMOWL to:
- Authenticate participants through biometrics.
- Prevent fraud during online assessments, even with devices as basic as a laptop’s built-in camera, which can detect subtle attempts to tamper with the process.
- Enable assessments from anywhere, at any time, with no need to book specific dates, for maximum flexibility.
- Support 100% online training and certification, eliminating traditional travel and logistics costs.
- Create a fair, transparent, and secure environment for all test-takers.
The impact has been significant: the assessment process has been streamlined, saving time and money for both the institution and participants. User experience has also improved notably thanks to the flexibility and accessibility of the online model.
Thanks to the implementation of this technology, CHILECAP’s training and certification services are expanding into other areas of industry, helping to deliver various related projects.
The value of technical support and clear reports
For the CHILECAP team, reliability, technical support, and the transparency of SMOWL’s reports are the most valued aspects.
“SMOWL allowed us to ensure the integrity of our technical certifications without giving up the flexibility of online education,” summarizes Gustavo García Salina.
This support has been essential to consolidating the trust of CHILECAP’s clients—mostly large mining and industrial companies—who require absolute guarantees regarding the competence of certified workers.
User perception
Far from generating resistance or concern, the addition of a proctoring tool like SMOWL has been well received by test-takers. In fact, a growing share of users prefer online exams, highlighting the convenience, time savings, and seriousness of the process.
The CHILECAP team also notes that most examinees appreciated the system’s ease of use and the perception that it is a rigorous process capable of granting a certification with greater prestige.
A curious anecdote
Gustavo highlights an interesting detail that pleasantly surprised his entire team:
“We were struck by the fact that, using only a laptop’s built-in camera, it was possible to detect items or behaviors that could compromise the integrity of the participant’s knowledge assessment. This raises confidence in the system to very high standards.”
The future: more online technical certifications supported by proctoring
CHILECAP plans to continue expanding its online course and certification offerings, with SMOWL remaining a key piece to guarantee transparent and efficient processes.
With more than 23 years in the market and thousands of people trained, the institution not only maintains its leadership in the field, but strengthens it by adapting to the needs of the digital world without compromising the quality or rigor that define it.
Tips for other organizations
Finally, Gustavo shares some recommendations for companies or centers considering implementing proctoring solutions like SMOWL:
- Provide clear, early onboarding for students, explaining how the system works and addressing questions before the exam.
- Involve the technical team from the outset, ensuring both integration and ongoing support run smoothly.
A message that transcends the sector
CHILECAP is clear that its story can inspire many other organizations, even beyond the field of technical or mining education. As they put it:
“We understand that this tool is applicable to countless areas, not only training, but to any institution that needs to validate and authenticate through biometrics, trusting digital solutions without sacrificing quality or traceability.”
General Manager of CHILECAP
In a world where trust in digital processes is increasingly crucial, CHILECAP’s case shows that technology, when used well, is not an obstacle but a strategic partner to raise quality standards and open new possibilities.
If, like CHILECAP, you want to take the integrity and quality of your assessments to the next level, we invite you to explore our proctoring plans tailored to all types of institutions and needs.
With SMOWL, you can offer secure, flexible, and fully reliable online exams, ensuring the authenticity of every process without sacrificing the convenience of the digital format.
Take the step toward fairer, more efficient, and more modern assessment. Contact us and discover how we can help!
