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Frequently asked
Questions
UPAY
1. What is UnionBank Payments and Collections Solution also known as “UPAY”?
UPay is a payment platform consolidating several payment methods and providing a single integration point for your collection needs. It offers a white-label payment page hosted and operated by UnionBank to enable immediate collection of payments from your payors.
2. What are the payment options available in UPAY?
◉ Unionbank Online
◉ Instapay using bank transfers or E-wallet
◉ PCHC Paygate
◉ Over-the-Counter
3. What is the list of banks participating in Instapay?
◉ Instapay Transfers
☉ AllBank, Inc.
☉ Asia United Bank Corporation
☉ BDO Unibank, Inc.
☉ BPI Direct BanKO, Inc.
☉ Bank of Commerce
☉ Bank of the Philippines Island
☉ CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corporation
☉ Card Bank, Inc.
☉ Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, Inc.
☉ China Bank Savings, Inc.
☉ China Banking Corporation
☉ DCPay Philippines, Inc.
☉ Dungganon Bank, Inc.
☉ East West Banking Corporation
☉ East West Rural Bank, Inc.
☉ Equicom Savings Bank, Inc.
☉ G-Xchange, Inc. (GCASH)
☉ Grab Pay
☉ ING Bank N.V.
☉ Land Bank of the Philippines
☉ Malayan Bank Savings and Mortgage Bank, Inc.
☉ Maybank Philippines Inc.
☉ Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
☉ PayMaya Philippines, Inc.
☉ Philippine Bank of Communications
☉ Philippine National Bank
☉ Philippine Savings Bank
☉ Philippine Trust Company
☉ Queen City Development Bank, Inc.
☉ Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
☉ Robinsons Bank Corporation
☉ Rural Bank of Guinobatan, Inc.
☉ Security Bank Corporation
☉ Starpay Corporation
☉ Sterling Bank of Asia, Inc.
☉ Sun Savings Bank, Inc.
☉ United Coconut Planters Bank
◉ Instapay QR
☉ AllBank, Inc.
☉ Asia United Bank Corporation
☉ Bank of the Philippines Island
☉ Card Bank, Inc.
☉ China Banking Corporation
☉ DCPay Philippines Inc.
☉ G-Xchange, Inc. (GCASH)
☉ Land Bank of the Philippines
☉ Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
☉ PayMaya Philippines, Inc.
☉ Philippines Savings Bank
☉ Queen City Development Bank, Inc.
☉ Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
☉ Robinsons Bank Corporation
☉ StarPay Corporation
4. Over-the-Counter
◉ Bayad Center
◉ Cebuana Lhuillier
◉ ECPay
◉ Palawan Pawnshop
5. Is there a limit on each transaction?
◉ Instapay – 50,000 per transaction
◉ Bayad Center – 20,000 per transaction
◉ Cebuana Lhuillier – P80,000 per transaction
◉ EC PAY – P20,000 per transaction
◉ Palawan Pawnshop – P20,000 per transaction
6. Is there a Bank Charge?
◉ For Union Bank there is a convenience charge of P10
◉ For Instapay there is a convenience fee of P15 plus your bank may charge additional Instapay charges.
◉ For over-the-counter payment there is a convenience fee of P20 plus your payment channel may charge additional fees.
7. Is there any guideline on how to use UPAY?
Under the “Others” tab, select “Walkthrough.” Then, click the “How to Pay using UPAY.
NCLEX
1. What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a test for nurses who want to become licensed to practice in the US, Australia, and Canada. Moreover, it’s created and managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
2. What types of NCLEX exams are there?
There are two types of NCLEX exam:
a. NCLEX-RN: For those aiming to be registered nurses.
b. NCLEX-PN: For those who want to be practical nurses.
3. Where do I take the NCLEX exams?
You take the exams in person at various NCLEX International Test Centers around the world. In the Philippines, you can take the exam at Pearson Vue located in Makati City.
4. What’s the purpose of the NCLEX exams?
The NCLEX exams are designed to make sure you can provide safe patient care and make good nursing decisions. They test your understanding of nursing practices and your critical thinking skills.
5. How do I apply for the NCLEX US Exam?
The process typically has four steps:
a. Assessment of Prerequisites: We start by checking if you meet the requirements to take the NCLEX in your chosen US state.
b. Eligibility Examination: The State Board of Nursing (SBON) reviews your documents to see if you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll send you an Authorization to Test (ATT).
c. Exam Proper: Once you have your ATT, you can schedule your exam. After taking the exam, you might get unofficial results in two days, but you’ll need the official results to start working as a nurse.
d. Licensing: If you pass, you’ll get your wall certificate and license parchment from the New York Board of Nursing in about two months.
6. What are the requirements for applying?
The requirements vary by state. We’ll help you figure out what’s needed for the state where you want to take the exam.
7. What’s an Authorization to Test (ATT)?
An ATT is a notification from the State Board of Nursing that lets you know you’re eligible to schedule your NCLEX exam within a certain timeframe.
8. How long does it take to get my official NCLEX results?
You’ll get unofficial results in about two days, but the official results and your license will arrive in roughly two months.
9. How can IPASS Processing help me?
We make the whole application process stress-free, from handling paperwork to scheduling your exam. Plus, we offer a free call consultation to discuss your needs.
10. How can I contact IPASS Processing for more questions?
You can email us at [email protected] or message our Facebook page for any further questions or clarifications about the NCLEX Application.
NCLEX AUSTRALIA
1. Where can I take the NCLEX-Australia?
The NCLEX-AU is available in the Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, USA, and many other countries. No testing center for the NCLEX in the Middle East is available.
2. What if I failed? Can I retake the NCLEX examination?
Those who do not pass are allowed to retake it 45 days after the original test date. Retesting is allowed up to eight times per year for candidates.
3. Where can I take the OSCE?
The RN OSCE Examination is held in Adelaide at the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health Simulation Centre.
4. What if I failed? Can I retake the OSCE examination?
Candidates who failed the OSCE can apply to retake the examination as soon as they have received their result notification.
5. What is the difference between NCLEX and OSCE?
NCLEX is multiple choice while OSCE is an actual exam. OSCE will simulate a clinical environment and patient scenarios which Registered Nurses are likely to encounter when they assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate care.
6. How long is the validity of my ATT (Authorization to Test)?
ATT validity is 90 days.
7. When can I receive my NCLEX results?
Individuals who take the NCLEX can expect to wait as much as 6 weeks to get their NCLEX test results.
8. Can I work in Australia after passing the NCLEX?
We can endorse you to our partner recruitment agency after passing your NCLEX as long as you have a clinical experience for at least 3 years for the past 5 years.
9. What is the validity of NCLEX?
NCLEX results have no expiration. However, transferring your score will depend on the rule of the board of nursing where you want to transfer your score. Australia’s Board of Nursing rule for NCLEX-Exam exemption is: applicant must be an NCLEX passer for the past 10 years.
10. When can I receive my OSCE result?
Individuals who take the OSCE can expect to wait as much as 6-8 weeks to get their OSCE test results.
11. How long is OSCE in Australia?
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination consists of 10 stations, each one of which is conducted in a timely manner. Only 2 minutes are allotted for reading, and 8 minutes are allotted for performance.
12. Can I use my OSCE result in the UK?
No. OSCE in the UK has different standards than OSCE Australia.
13. Can I declare my married name even though all of my requirements are still under my maiden name?
The female applicant is required to submit a marriage certificate and declare her married name only if one of her requirements has been changed to her married name like a passport.
14. Can you assist me with my tourist visa for Australia?
IPASS can assist with your visitor visa in Australia when you take the OSCE. A granted visa is needed before the AHPRA provides the OSCE schedule.
15. Can you assist me with my accommodation in Australia?
Candidates who will take OSCE in Australia are responsible for finding accommodation.
16. Can you assist me with my working visa?
NO. IPASS can only assist with your licensure examination. A working visa will be processed by your employer.
17. Can I bring my family to Australia
If you are coming to Australia on a migrant worker or business visa, any dependent family members are eligible to join you including Spouse or de facto partner. However, IPASS does not provide any further details about immigrant visas. Only the MARA (migrant adviser) can provide you with the information.
18. I just passed my licensure examination in my home country and have no work experience yet as a registered nurse. Can I apply to NCLEX Australia?
YES. Work experience is not required in the NCLEX-AU application. It is only required during the license registration process, after passing the NCLEX and OSCE.
19. Does English Language Proficiency require during the NCLEX Australia-OBA Pathway process?
NO. English Language Proficiency is not required during your application and examination process. English proficiency will only be required during the license registration. You may take IELTS, OET, PTE or TOEFL. OET is the recommended one because the questions are related to your profession.
20. What are the required band scores for the English Proficiency Test?
◉ IELTS (International English Language Testing System – academic module) – must have a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components.
◉ OET (Occupational English Test) – must have a minimum score of B in each of the four components.
◉ PTE (Pearson Test of English-academic) – must have a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills.
◉ TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – must have a minimum total score of 94 in each section of the test. They also need to achieve a score of 27 for writing, 23 for speaking, and 24 for listening and reading.
VISA RETROGRESSION
1. What is Visa Retrogression?
Visa retrogression refers to a temporary backward movement or slowing down of the issuance of immigrant visas for certain categories of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. It occurs when the demand for visas in a particular category exceeds the supply of available visas based on the US government’s annual limits.
Retrogression typically occurs toward the end of the fiscal year as visa issuance approaches the annual category or per-country limitations. Sometimes, a priority date that meets the cut-off date one month will not meet the cut-off date the next month. When the new fiscal year begins, a new supply of visas is made available, usually returning the dates to where they were before retrogression.
2. Can I push with my application while retrogression is ongoing? Will I encounter any problems regarding my NCLEX application?
It’s fine to proceed with your NCLEX application during a Visa retrogression period. That is because the credentialing services and the US Board of Nursing handle the NCLEX applications while the US Embassy processes the visas. Moreover, the NCLEX processing time typically takes about a year, including the review preparation.
The NCLEX examination is the first step to achieving your American dream. Right after you pass the NCLEX, you still need to look for a recruitment agency that will assist you in filing your immigrant visa application. In addition, you still need to take the English test for the Visascreen certification process, or you may still need to process your license endorsement later if you are employed in another state other than the state where you were initially licensed. In summary, you can still submit your NCLEX application during visa retrogression.
Note that your i140 will still be submitted or filed by your recruitment agency, even if there is a retrogression. You should be able to complete all necessary documentation, such as the NCLEX, VisaScreen, and License Endorsement, so you just have to wait for your priority date to be current.
3. Will the visa retrogression affect my eligibility for NCLEX, or is retrogression only for the VISA application?
Retrogression only affects the availability of visas. It does not affect the eligibility of foreign-educated nurses to take the NCLEX exam and other prerequisite procedures, such as taking the English exam and the VisaScreen. Moreover, it will not affect the processing time frame or the evaluation of the credentialing agencies or the state board of nursing for you to be eligible to take the NCLEX.
Additionally, it will not affect the issuance of your ATT or the distribution of your license after you pass the NCLEX, as these procedures will not be done by the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Note that your i140 will still be submitted or filed by your recruitment agency, even if there is a retrogression. As advised by employers and recruitment agencies, you should be able to complete all necessary documentation, such as the NCLEX, VisaScreen, and License Endorsement, so that all you have to do is wait for your priority date to be current.
4. Will you still advise me to proceed with VisaScreen even if there’s retrogression?
Yes, it is still advisable to complete the VisaScreen certification even if there is a visa retrogression. The VisaScreen certificate is required for all foreign-educated healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States. Once issued, the certification is valid for five (5) years. The VisaScreen certificate verifies that you have met specific academic and English language proficiency requirements and certain health and security standards.
Even if visa retrogression is ongoing, completing the VisaScreen certification is still essential to obtaining an immigrant visa to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. So, it’s best to be prepared and have all the necessary documentation ready. Once the visa bulletin is current again, your employer or recruitment agency will already have your complete requirements.
Due to the massive demand for a nursing workforce in the USA, this concern will hopefully be resolved soon. As your employers and recruitment agencies advised, completing all the necessary procedures is best. Thus, when your priority date becomes current again, you have completed all the required procedures and requirements.
5. Will my IELTS expire even if I already have a VisaScreen Certificate? Will I need to reprocess my VisaScreen if visa retrogression lasts for five (5) years? Will I need to retake my IELTS, considering its validity of 2 years?
The validity of your IELTS exam and VisaScreen certificate are separate and do not affect each other. The IELTS and other English language proficiency exam results are typically valid for two (2) years from the exam date, while the VisaScreen certificate is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
If your IELTS has already expired (more than two years from the date of the examination), but you already have the VisaScreen certificate, you are not required to retake another IELTS so long as your US embassy interview date is within the 5-year validity period of your VisaScreen.
In addition, if your IELTS has already expired and you intend to work as a Registered Nurse in another English-speaking country that requires it, you need to retake it.
Suppose the VisaScreen certificate expires (after more than five (5) years), and you are required to attend your interview date in the US embassy. In that case, you need to reprocess an application for the VisaScreen.
6. Can I proceed to VisaScreen after the Score Transfer even though there is a Visa retrogression in the US?
Yes, you can proceed with your VisaScreen application even if there is a visa retrogression in the United States. The VisaScreen program is a requirement for all foreign-educated healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, seeking to obtain an occupational visa to work in the United States.
It’s important to note that completing the VisaScreen certification is still essential to obtaining a work visa to practice as a registered nurse in the United States, even if there is a visa retrogression. As advised by employers and recruitment agencies, applicants are encouraged to complete all the necessary documentation so that when their priority date becomes current, they have completed the required procedures.
Additionally, the VisaScreen certificate is valid for five (5) years.
7. Can I still process my License Endorsement application even if there’s an ongoing visa retrogression?
There are two considerations for the license endorsement as an implication of the ongoing retrogression.
a. If your state does not require you to be physically present in the United States to complete the requirements before the issuance of your license, meaning the state where we will endorse your license will issue the license even if you are still outside of that particular state, then, by all means, we should continue the license endorsement application. It will be advantageous if you have completed all the necessary documentation. As advised by employers and recruitment agencies, applicants are encouraged to complete all the processes required so that when their priority date becomes current, they have already completed the required procedures.
b. If the state board you applied for your license endorsement, you will need USA documentation (submission of a US visa during application). If there is a timeframe that we need to consider, such as the applicant being physically present in the USA for the license issuance, then kindly seek the advice of your employer or recruitment agency if we can proceed with your license endorsement application.
VISASCREEN
1. Can I start VisaScreen without taking NCLEX first?
Yes, you can take the VisaScreen even if you still need to take the NCLEX. The VisaScreen is designed to evaluate the qualifications of internationally educated nurses to practice in the United States. Moreover, it’s a separate certification from the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which is required for licensure in the US.
2. Can I start the VisaScreen process without the English Language Assessment?
You can order VisaScreen service even if you haven’t taken your English Language Test yet.
However, please note that the order will expire after one (1) year. Hence, completing the English Language assessment and achieving the required band score within this timeframe is important.
Please do so to avoid the service expiring, which could prevent you from proceeding with your visa credential assessment. Thus, we strongly recommend completing your English Language test before purchasing.
3. Do I need to have an employer before I can start the Visa Screening?
No, you do not need an employer to start your VisaScreen process. As soon as you pass the NCLEX, you can actually start it.
4. How long is the validity of the VisaScreen certificate?
Another thing you need to know about VisaScreen applications is the Visa Credentials Assessment requirement. After completing it, you’ll receive a certificate valid for five (5) years.
You do not need to worry about the validity of the English Language test as long as your VisaScreen Certificate has been issued. Unless your VisaScreen expires and you aren’t in the US yet, then you have to retake your IELTS.
5. Can I use my VisaScreen certificate in any state?
Yes, you can! The VisaScreen is mandated by immigration law. Hence, it is a requirement for any state before you can be issued an occupational visa.
KAPS
1. What is KAPS?
The KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam tests your knowledge and understanding of pharmaceutical sciences. Passing it confirms that you know enough to practice safely and effectively in an Australian setting.
2. Is there a testing center in the Philippines?
Yes, the testing center here in the Philippines is located in Makati.
3. How many KAPS examinations are in a year?
Every year there are 2-3 exams.
4. How many items are in the KAPS exam?
The KAPS exam includes 2 separate papers. The client must sit both papers on the same day. Each paper includes 100 multiple-choice questions that cover both theory and practice. They’ll have 2 hours to complete each paper, with a 30-40-minute scheduled break between papers 1 and 2. An additional 15 mins are allowed to familiarize yourself with the exam tutorial, and 5 minutes at the end of the exam to complete a feedback survey.
The 2 papers that make up each KAPS exam are:
◉Paper 1: 30% Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 70% Physiology and Pharmacology
◉Paper 2: 30% Pharmaceutics and 70% Therapeutics.
5. Do you offer a KAPS review?
As of the moment, we don’t have our own KAPS review center but we have a partner agency that can assist you in preparation for the KAPS examination.
6. How long is the waiting time for the examination result?
We will wait for 5 to 10 business days to receive a copy of your result. If you pass, the outcome will be valid for 3 years from the date they issue it. But if the client were unsuccessful in one or both of the exam papers, they will see a breakdown of their results in their candidate portal.
The client may sit an unsuccessful paper again as many times as they need to. If the client passed 1 paper of the KAPS, they will have 2 years to pass the unsuccessful paper. If they do not pass this paper within 2 years, they’ll need to register to sit both papers again. They’ll need to pay the full fee again when they register.
7. What is the next step after passing the KAPS exam?
After passing your KAPS exam, you may now process the internship visa for 1 year in Australia. After your internship program, you need to undergo two exams which are oral and written to validate your learnings in your internship training. Once you pass we can now apply for license registration in AHPRA.
8. Is Australia a good place for pharmacists?
Pharmacist is one of the most trusted professions in Australia and it has had a strong presence in the community for about 150 years. A pharmacy is something more than preparing or dispensing drugs and taking care of their patients.
UK-NMC
1. How long is the waiting time to get the OSCE results?
OSCE results will be emailed to candidates within five working days of taking the examination.
2. What is a CBT exam?
A Computer Based Test (CBT) is required for registration, and it can be taken at any of the test centers across the world. There are 120 multiple-choice questions in the test.
3. Is an English exam required?
Yes, the English exam is required after the CBT exam, NMC accepts both the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Test System (IELTS).
4. What are the required scores for the English exam?
Academic IELTS – 6.5 in writing and 7 in remaining areas or OET – C+ in writing and B in remaining areas.
5. Can I retake the CBT exam?
Applicants have a maximum of two chances to pass the CBT (an initial sitting and a re-sit), with a minimum of 28 days between each attempt. Applicants who fail both tries will be required to reapply.
6. What is the OSCE exam?
The OSCE is a clinical knowledge assessment that can only be performed in the United Kingdom. The OSCE simulates a clinical setting and patient scenarios that all registered nurses and midwives would encounter when assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care.
7. Can I retake the OSCE exam?
If unsuccessful at their first OSCE, applicants must wait a minimum of 10 working days before they can take the examination again. If unsuccessful at their second OSCE, they must wait a minimum of three months, from the date of their second attempt, before they can take the OSCE for the third time.
8. Can I take my CBT exam in the Philippines?
Yes, CBT is available in Cebu City and Makati City.
CVS-NCNZ
1. Does completing CVS-NCNZ guarantee registration?
No, the NCNZ makes the final decision based on your verified documents and may require additional steps like the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP). Moreover, there will still be a chance that the NCNZ may decline your application. So, make sure that you have all the necessary documents so that there will be a smooth verification process.
2. Who can use the CVS?
Employers, recruitment agencies, lawyers, insurers, educational institutions, and organizations needing to verify a nurse or midwife’s credentials can use the Credential Verification Service.
3. What information does the CVS provide?
The CVS provides information like:
◉ Registration Status
◉ Practicing certificate details
◉ Scopes of practice
◉ Any current conditions on practice
4. Is there a fee to use the CVS?
Yes, there is a small administrative fee per verification. Moreover, the costs depend on whether requests are made online, by email/fax, or by phone.
5. How do I request a credentialing verification check?
You can submit CVS requests through the online portal on the Nursing Council website. In addition, you can request it through email, fax, or phone call.
6. How long does a CVS check take?
Online and email requests are usually processed within one (1) working day. Faxed, posted, or phone requests can take five (5) working days. Furthermore, urgent requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
AUSTRALIA TOURIST VISA
1. How long is the validity of the visa?
Australian tourist visas are valid for one year and allow a maximum stay of 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the applicant’s background. This type of visa is a Multiple Entry document, which means you can enter Australia as often as you like within the valid visa period.
2. How much is the show money required?
The requirements to show money or financial documents for Visitor Visa Australia generally include bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least 5,000 AUD per applicant.
3. How long is the allowable stay?
The immigration officer might grant you multiple entries and an allowable stay of 3, 6, or 12 months. And there are some instances where immigration might grant you a single-entry visa; in that case, you can enter Australia only once.
4. Can I work in Australia if I am holding a tourist visa?
A tourist visa holder cannot work in Australia. Anyone who doesn’t follow the conditions and gets caught faces severe consequences.
5. Can I extend my tourist visa?
A visiting visa or electronic travel authorization cannot be extended. If your current visa has expired and you still want to travel to Australia, you must apply for a new one.
6. Can I switch my visa?
You can switch your current visa class, but in some situations, a visitor visa holder cannot convert his or her visa to another type of visa, whether student, work, or another visa subclass.
7. Is there any chance to be refused?
Yes, there is a chance that the visa application will be refused the moment you apply for an Australian visa, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get one. Regardless of how meticulously you fill out the visa application, you could still overlook anything crucial or misunderstand what was requested of you. The refusal can even be an error in some circumstances.
8. What is the reason for refusal?
Reasons a visa application might be turned down. The refusal may be based on a number of grounds, such as ineligibility, lack of supporting proof or documentation, character concerns, medical issues, or falsified documents.
9. Can I re-apply my application?
Yes, you can re-apply for your visa application after refusal, either by making a new application or reappearing your denied application.
OTHERS
1. What are the services offered by IPASS?
IPASS Processing offers numerous services for various medical professionals, including licensure exam applications, license endorsements, license renewals, visa applications, and more. Our major services comprise NCLEX Applications, Middle East Licensure Exam Applications, the NCLEX Online Review and Mentoring Program, VisaScreen, USA License Endorsements, USA License Renewals, UK-NMC, Australia Tourist Visas, CGFNS Qualifying Exams, and PRC Processes. Please visit our Services Page for the complete list of services we offer.
2. How to start my exam application ONLINE?
To start your application online, message us directly on our Facebook Page, where you can share more details about your needs. Hence, we can better assist you and your needs. Moreover, if you’re interested in learning more about our services and process, subscribe to our newsletter, where we email weekly news, promos, and updates.
3. Why choose IPASS Processing?
IPASS Processing is a pioneer in processing international medical licensure examination applications in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. In addition, IPASS has been in the industry for over eight (8) years and has more than 200 workers to provide superb customer assistance. Moreover, IPASS has four branches located in Cebu City, Manila City, Baguio City, and the main branch in Davao City to better assist our clients all over the Philippines. Choose IPASS Processing because we offer high-quality, fast, reliable, and simultaneous processing with budget-friendly fees.
4. Where can we contact you?
You can contact IPASS Processing through our official Facebook Page, send us an email, or call us at the contact numbers indicated below. (Click the image to enlarge.)
Get your applications done with EASE
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