Before the Test

Never attempt to complete a test using a hotspot or low bandwidth Internet connection. Locate a secure and reliable connection before beginning your test.

Your instructor will let you know when you can access the test, although this notification may come early in the form of a schedule or suddenly through the form of an announcement. Do not enter a test site before you are ready, as many online tests are set to only allow you to access the test once for a score.

If your test is being remotely proctored, make sure you follow the instructions provided explicitly. 

You must also turn off a pop-up blocker program if you are using one before taking a quiz or be sure that your pop-up blocker permits access to all the pages in the course. If you are using special Toolbars such as Google or Yahoo Toolbars, you may need to disable the pop-up blocker there as well. To disable or modify your pop-up blocker, please read How to Allow Pop-ups from Specific Websites.

Before you take the test, review the objectives for the module you will be tested on. Make sure you have mastered them before your assessment. Read any study guides your instructor has provided, and re-read your notes and documents as necessary.

Mail the instructor any questions you may have about what will be on the test or the format of the test. Tests may include multiple choice, true/false, matching, ordering, short answer, and essay questions.

Occasionally your instructor may require a face-to-face PROCTORED exam. They will let you know in time to make those arrangements.  

During the Test

Find a time to take the test in which you will be free of interruptions.

Don't cheat. Remember taking shortcuts in education deprive you of the education for which you are paying. If that isn't enough to stop you, consider there are many subtle ways you might be caught. All of the honor codes of your institution apply, and that may lead to consequences like failed courses and even expulsion.

Sometimes online tests will be "open book," but if your instructor does not explicitly tell you that you can use other people or materials when taking the test, then they are off limits. If you have questions about this, then ask via email in advance - a misunderstanding could result in a poor grade, and in this case asking beforehand is wisdom!

When you first access the test, read the directions carefully. Find out if there is a time limit, can you return to unanswered questions, and other important details you must know to be successful.

Don't close the window of the test for any reason unless the test specifically states that it can be saved and returned to later. This option will be noted in the test description or instructions. If you are using a Dial-up connection, or an AOL server, make sure you download a free program called "Stay Alive" which should keep you from getting disconnected due to "apparent" inactivity while taking quizzes. Download the program FREE from this url: http://www.stayaliveonline.com/ . If something goes wrong, send email to your instructor immediately documenting the exact problem and asking them how you should proceed.

When you have marked all your answers, read them once more before submitting. Make sure you haven't accidentally changed your response to a question or made bad typographic mistakes. When you are satisfied with the result (or have done the best you can) make sure you remember to finish by clicking the "Save and Submit for marking" button.

After the Test

After you submit, you may receive a score for all the items the software could correct, although essay questions and most short answer questions will have to be graded by your instructor. You may also receive feedback on the test. Pay attention to this feedback, and use it as a way to learn the answers to the questions you missed. Your grade will be posted in the gradebook immediately unless the entire quiz was essay or short answer.  HOWEVER, grades and feedback may be reserved until after the test closes.  Your instructor will provide details on how this may be reviewed.

If you found errors in the test, send your instructor a message immediately. Let him or her know if some questions were unclear. This will allow him or her to adjust your grade if needed or fix the test for other students. He or she may even reward you for your watchfulness!

If you encountered any technical issues, make sure to notify your instructor by phone immediately.