Most recent changes shown in this format.

NCTest Secure Browser Required for Desktops and Laptops: The NCDPI requires the use of the NCTest Secure Exam Browser for Windows/Apple desktop and laptop computers for the 2023-24 school year. Google support for the NCTest Chrome App on Windows, Mac and Linux has ended, but, at present, the NCTest Chrome App can still be used for Chromebooks.

iPad App Required: The NCDPI requires the use of a free app for iPads. Schools using iPad devices during the 2023-24 school year will be required to download and install this free app on each device (or make available through mobile/domain device management) before students complete the Online Assessment Tutorial requirement.  The latest version of the native tablet app will be required to access NCTest. 

Chromebooks: Chromebooks must use the NCTest Chrome App for the 2023-24 school year and the Chromebook must also meet all technical and settings requirements. Schools are required to use managed chromebooks with settings and login processes that restrict a student’s ability to access additional resources during the test administration. Details of the approved procedure for Chromebooks is provided below. Chromebooks must be set to use the NCTest Chrome App.

iOS/iPadOS  <12.0 and OS X 10.15 and below use for 2023-24: These OS are no longer supported by their publishing companies. Therefore, computers running these OSes will not be allowed for online testing and data collection for 2023-24 and beyond.

BYOD Requirements: Schools permitting the use of devices NOT owned or leased by the PSU/school to be used for state online assessments must have a plan in place that addresses security concerns including ability and permission to: 1) monitor device use, 2) install and uninstall programs or apps for testing and security monitoring/enforcement, 3) secure the device before and after testing as needed to install or uninstall programs or for close inspection.  Additionally, LEAs/schools permitting use of devices NOT owned or leased by the LEA/school to be used for state online assessments must have Acceptable Use Policies that include detailed provisions that address state online testing security and student/parent consequences for tampering and violation.

Virtual Environments: Virtual Machines managed by the LEA/school either remote or locally run that meet the requirements of device environments listed here are permitted to be used for state online assessments.

Assistive Technology (AT) Devices for Students with Disabilities: If an AT Device is used within NCTest, test administrators must ensure the software is compatible with the NCTest App or Browser and does not cause the App or Browser to close when the technology is used. The functionality of the software can be tested through the use of the Online Tutorial and/or Online Released Items for the assessment. Any program or software that sends information presented on the screen to a third party vendor’s server must not be used in conjunction with NCTest.

Additional information on all accommodations allowable on NC State Assessments can be found in the NC Testing Program Testing Students with Disabilities Manual located on TNN.


NOTE: Devices running Linux or Microsoft Windows RT, XP, Vista will NOT be supported during the 2023-24 school year.

Platform

Browser
Required

Type of Install
and Availability

Locally Managed 
Requirements and
Restrictions

Minimum
Tech Specs

Windows 8
Windows 10
Windows 11

Mac OS X 11 +

NCTest Secure Browser

For NCTest Secure Browser:  Obtain NCTest Secure Browser from LEA Test Coordinator via TNN (Testing News Network)

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce minimum number of locally running applications running at the same time as the NCTest Secure Browser.  Only minimum OS, antivirus, security tools, etc. should be running on computers for the best performance. Antivirus and security software must be set to permit the NCTest Secure Browser to install and run.
  • Pentium 4 or newer for Windows and Intel for Macs,
  • 1GB of RAM,
  • 350MB of available file space
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • 1024 horizontal screen resolution
Linux NOT SUPPORTED for 2016-17 and beyond
iPad iOS

iPad NCTest App (latest version)

 Download from Store.

iPad NCTest App supports AAC (Automatic Assessment Configuration) to place the iPad in a secure testing mode.
  • Latest version available
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • The NCTest tablet apps are designed for the use of the touch interface to respond to technology-enhanced items and access online tools.   Physical keyboards and optional touch devices may be used by students if proven by local technical and accountability staff to create no advantage or cause no technical issues. Keyboards and optional touch devices selected for use by an LEA must be tested locally for functionality through the Online Assessment Tutorial well in advance of test day.

Chromebook

Chrome with NCTest Chrome App version 3.8 or higher

 No install necessary as Chrome browser is required for Chromebooks. NCTest Chrome App 3.8 will require set up and configuration.

NCTest Chrome App version 3.8 is available in the Chrome App Store. Updated information regarding use of the NCTest Chrome App will be posted here when available.

Screen Resolution Adjustment: Chromebook  models come with a pre-set single screen resolution. On some models, the resolution will be unacceptable for NCTest use. In order to "change" the resolution, local administrators/technicians must use the Settings option (from the menu in the top right hand corner), and click on 'Show Advanced Settings...'. Once the advanced settings are visible, adjust the Page Zoom lower than 100%. Some experimentation may be required to find what value works best; the width of the pre-set Chromebook model resolution divided by 1024 is a reasonable starting place. NOTE: The reverse is also true. If your resolution is correct by default, zooming in may make the resolution too low.

Set up instructions as a Kiosk Chrome App (highly recommended)

Chrome Device Management Required:

  • Chromebooks must be managed by the PSU or school.  See http://support.google.com/chrome/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1289314 for more information from Google about management of Chrome devices.
  • Administration uses the Google Control panel "URL Blocking" setting to set the user to access only data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu.
  • There is an exploit named SKIOVOX that leverages the presence of kiosk apps (including NCTest) to gain access to a browser that operates free of security restrictions established by the managing organization.  Until Google patches this bug, PSUs can prevent this exploit by setting "Kiosk accessibility shortcuts" to "Disable kiosk accessibility shortcuts" within the Google Admin console for your organization.

Chrome must be allowed to take updates for itself and the NCTest app and should not take updates to other Chrome apps (which must not be enabled during testing).
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • Version 58 of Chrome/Chromium or higher required.  Latest version is recommended.
  • NCTest Chrome App 3.8 or higher
Last modified: Thursday, 7 December 2023, 10:45 AM