NCTest

Most recent changes shown in this format.

• For the 2024-2025 school year NCTest will undergo a change in architecture impacting Read Aloud functionality. Content that is read aloud will be rendered locally, as opposed to being composed of audio files downloaded to the student's device during the test. This is based on the Web Speech API, currently supported on Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Please test out this new functionality with NCTest prior to administering assessments.
• If an assessment is given at school on a Chromebook, the Chromebook must be set to use kiosk-mode per these instructions:  https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/kb/how-to-deploy-kiosk-app-on-chrome-os-000005358
• NCTest content is NOT allowed to be cached via web proxy, content delivery networks, local client, or other cache technologies longer than the period needed to deliver the test to the student.
• A Chrome App, an iPad app, and a Secure Browser are available for online assessment - See NCTest Support for details and requirements for each platform supported.
• 1024 x 768 Screen resolution for best performance.  Lower vertical resolutions for some devices are possible, but will increase the amount of scrolling and other user interface adjustments (changing the size of screen display areas) to fully access items.
• Screen size must be 9.5" or larger
• See NCTest Support for operating systems and devices supported
• PSUs/schools using iPads must use AAC in order to restrict the iPad to only be able to run the NCTest app.  The current version of the NCTest iPad app will automatically use AAC if it is supported on your device.
  
• PSUs/schools must allow all web traffic (including JavaScript, mp3, ogg, mp4 files, images, etc.) from center.ncsu.edu and data.ncsu.edu (standard and secure).
• NCTest Chrome App maximizes to full screen and does not use pop-up windows so there is no requirement to allow pop-up windows.
• NCTest must retain focus during test administrations so screen savers, sleep mode, or other program notification pop-ups or other tools that may interrupt the current application running (NCTest) must be disabled.
• Test takers must not move to other system windows.
• Other Apps, add-ons, system tools must be disabled prior to beginning a secure test administrations.
• Emoji keyboards should be disabled.
• Classroom Remote Management software that allows computer lab managers/teachers or tech staff to remotely control a student desktop are NOT to be used during secure test administrations.
• Gesture controls must be disabled on computers used to test, except those using the Secure Browser as this feature can cause NCTest to loose focus and students would encounter the unexpected exit dialog.
• Beta versions of operating systems for desktops and tablets and the Chrome browser are not approved for use for secure test administrations.
• Screen capture capabilities must be disabled.  Please reference the NC Testing Students with Disabilities Manual for details concerning appropriate screen sharing scenarios.
• Bandwidth footprint per student test session is similar to many other Internet applications.
  • See NCTest Capacity Testing Architecture, Methodology, and Results by NCSU’s Institute for Next Generation IT Systems (ITng).