Webinar Usage FAQs

Joining an NCSC hosted Zoom Webinar

Joining a Zoom Webinar as an attendee is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Webinar Registration Link: Once you locate the webinar invitation email or check on www.ncsc.org/webinars, click on the provided link to register for the webinar. The link will redirect you to the Zoom Webinar registration page or directly to the webinar session, depending on the host's settings.

Complete the Webinar Registration: You will be prompted to fill out a form with your name, email address, and any other required information. After completing the registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar. Please make sure the email address: no-reply@zoom.us is whitelisted, otherwise look for it in your Spam folder.

Launch Zoom App or Web Client: If you have the Zoom app installed on your computer, clicking the webinar link will automatically launch the Zoom app and take you to the webinar. If you don't have the Zoom app, you can join the webinar via the Zoom web client by clicking the link provided.

Test Your Audio Settings: Before joining the webinar, make sure your audio settings are properly configured. You can test your audio by clicking on the "Test Computer Audio" or "Test Speaker and Microphone" option in the pre-meeting window.

Join the Webinar: Once your audio settings are confirmed, click the "Join Webinar" or "Join Meeting" button to enter the session. You will be placed in the webinar waiting room until the host starts the session.

Engage with the Webinar: Once the webinar begins, you can interact with the host, speakers, and fellow attendees using various features. You can participate in Q&A sessions, ask questions through the chat function, and even use the "Raise Hand" feature to get the host's attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I test my Zoom setup before the webinar?

It’s a good idea to test your Zoom setup beforehand to ensure your audio and video settings are current. To test your Zoom settings at any time, visit https://zoom.us/test to join a test meeting, where Zoom will step you through checking your camera, speakers, and microphone. If you are unable to complete the Zoom test, you will likely have difficulty joining the NCSC webinar. Also, be sure to test your set-up from the same location that you will be joining the webinar. (Your internet or computer set-up at home may differ from your set-up at work.)

What should I do if my audio is not working?

If you are having audio issues, it may be possible that the solution is as easy as your computer volume is muted. However, it may also be possible that there are some settings you may have to change on your computer. Please visit Zoom’s support page for possible solutions.

How do I join by telephone?

If you would like to use your phone instead of computer speakers, you can join via telephone. In your confirmation email, you will see call-in instructions. Please be sure to dial the ten-digit number, the webinar ID, and your participant ID. Please visit Zoom’s support page for more information.

I’m clicking on the link for the webinar, but I’m unable to join!

If you are unable to join a Zoom webinar, your Zoom Desktop Client may be out of date. Instructions on how to update the Desktop Client can be found here.

It is also possible that your organization has blocked Zoom. You may have to talk to your internal team to get the proper permissions to allow Zoom on your computer or device. Take note, you can also listen to the webinar by calling in via telephone (see previous bullet on call-in instructions).  The majority of NCSC’s webinars are recorded and posted within 24-48 hours after a webinar’s conclusion. Recordings are posted at www.ncsc.org/webinars.

How do I unmute myself?

NCSC’s webinars do not allow attendees to unmute their microphones. If you have any questions during the webinar, please use the Q&A function.

What/Where is the Q&A?

If you are joining from a computer, you will see the Q&A Icon at the bottom of the Zoom window. Click it, and you will be able to type a question during the webinar. You will also be able to see questions from fellow attendees. If you see a question you like or that you want to ask, click on the Thumbs-Up icon so that the presenters can take note. Typically, questions with the most “likes” take priority during the Q&A portion of webinars.

How come I can’t turn my camera on?

As an attendee, you will be unable to turn your camera on. That option is only enabled for the presenters.

I registered for the webinar, but something came up. Where can I watch the recording?

The majority of NCSC’s webinars are recorded, and the recordings are available to the public. You will be able to find an archive of past webinars at www.ncsc.org/webinars. Materials referenced in past webinars can be found at www.ncsc.org/webinar-materials.

Does NCSC give continuing education for their webinars?

NCSC does not send certification for continuing education credits. However, if you join our webinars, Zoom will send you a confirmation email of attendance 24 hours after the webinar’s conclusion. You may be able to apply for continuing education credits with that email. Please ensure that no-reply@zoom.us is white-listed in your email settings, or keep an eye on your Spam folder.

You will not receive a confirmation email of attendance if you:

  • Used someone else’s link to join the webinar. Please be sure to register and use your own link.
  • Called into the webinar but did not enter your participant ID.