Topic outline
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The Technical Outreach for Public Schools (TOPS) provides access to secure state test materials to non-public schools through the Non-Public Schools Testing Program (NPSTS). This program is sanctioned by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and is operated on a cost recovery basis.
Spring 2025 Reports Training has Concluded.
Spring 2025 Registration is Closed.
All EOG and EOC tests must be administered online. The only exceptions to the online testing requirement are for individual students with disabilities who have documented accommodations that dictate a paper test format is necessary for accessibility purposes. Separate training from the NCDPI and the NPSTS is required for paper test administrations.
Contact Information
Brian Swiger
Phone: 919-515-4624
Fax: 919-515-4622
Email: brian_swiger@ncsu.edu -
Security Agreements may be faxed to 919-515-4622 or emailed to group-topsdocs@ncsu.edu
NPSTS Test Coordinator Security Agreement
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- NCTest Installation Instructions
- NPSTS Catalogue
- NCTest Admin Guide
- Online Assessment Administration Guidance for Non-public Schools (2025)
- Help Desk Email: ncdesk@ncsu.edu
- Help Desk Phone: 919-515-1320
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References:
- Online Assessment Administration Guidance for Non-public Schools (2025)
- Non-Public Schools NCTest Training Powerpoint
Two-Factor Authentication:
Four Steps to Prepare for Testing
- Set up Test Coordinator and Test Administrator Accounts in NCAuth
- Complete the Student Upload Spreadsheet and Enter Students into NCTest
- Install the NCTest Secure Exam Browser on All Testing Devices and Ensure All Testing Devices Meet Technology Specifications for the Browser
- Make Sure Students and Teachers Take the SEB Tutorial
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Reports Training
Accessing Online Resources for Summative Assessments Guide
Accessing Online Resources for Summative Assessments Training Video
DPI Training Materials
Admin Guides:
Highlighted Test Coordinator’s Handbook
Testing Security Protocol and Procedures
Training Videos:
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Participation in the NPSTS program requires attendance to training session(s) related to assessment(s) given. Each participating school must receive training through the Non-Public Schools Testing Service. No other training options are available.
**Please note: The General Policy Session is a mandatory part of the training. Everyone must attend this part of the training as well as the training for their individual test(s), in order to comply with all of the training requirements. Approval will be required, prior to the training session, if your school desires more than one person in attendance per training session. The only exception to this policy will be for training sessions involving Online testing.
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Testing requirements for non-public schools, written by the Director of the NC Division of Non-Public Education, outlines the testing requirements for non-public schools. For more detailed information about policies governing non-public and home schools contact the N.C. Division of Non Public Education. Information about the North Carolina Public Schools, including the 2016-2017 North Carolina Testing Program Required Tests and Testing Calendars, can be obtained from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
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Test security is a top priority. It is the responsibility of all participants in the program to fully understand and abide by the rules and regulations established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instructions. Information regarding test security can be found in the Testing Code of Ethics and in other publications distributed to participants. Test security will be fully explained at the required training sessions.
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Non-public school test administrators must report in writing to the non-public school principal and non-public school test coordinator any irregularities or violations of test procedures (e.g., cheating, random marking, disruptions, illness during testing) using the Non-Public Schools Testing Service (NPSTS) Report of Testing Irregularities form. Non-public school test coordinators must report testing irregularities, breaches of test security, and their findings from subsequent investigations to the NPSTS Test Coordinator, FAX (919) 515-4622. Failure to report testing irregularities or breaches of test security to the NPSTS may result in the forfeiture of a non-public school’s right to further participation in the North Carolina Testing program.
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Special Note: If you will be testing students using accommodations during testing, you will need to submit the NPSTS Testing Students with Accommodations form along with your order form. For information about using accommodations, refer to the appropriate Test Administrator’s Manual and to the Testing Students with Disabilities document.
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Calculators: Please check your Test Administrators Manual for specifics about which type of calculator may be used on certain tests. This chart should help you make that determination.