NCTest Support for 2017-18
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 2017-18 school year. Google support for the NCTest Chrome App 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 2017-18 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. Model 4 iPads have been confirmed to not play audio sent through NCTest. If you have students who require audio, please test on different devices and remember to test all devices before the day of testing to confirm features are working.
Chromebooks: Chromebooks must use the NCTest Chrome App for the 2017-18 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.
Windows XP, Vista, iOS7, and OS X 10.7 and below use for 2017-18: 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 2017-18.
Systems NOT supported beyond the 2017-18 academic year include: Mac OS X 10.8 and 10.9
BYOD Requirements: Schools permitting the use of devices NOT owned or leased by the LEA/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 2017-18 school year.
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Platform |
Browser | Type of Install and Availability |
Locally Managed |
Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Windows 7 Mac OS X 10.8 + |
Google Chrome Browser 43+ with NCTest Chrome App version 3.7 OR NCTest Secure Browser |
For Chrome
OR 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 Chrome Browser with NCTest Chrome App (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 Chrome Browser to install and run and load the NCTest Chrome App or to allow NCTest Secure Browser to install and run. 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). |
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|
Windows RT, XP, Vista |
NOT SUPPORTED for 2016-17 and beyond | |||
| Linux | NOT SUPPORTED for 2016-17 and beyond | |||
| iPad iOS v.8+ |
iPad NCTest App (latest version) |
Download from Store. |
Place iPad into Guided Access. See iPad Restrictions for information concerning Guided Access. If Guided Access is not used, iPads must be restricted per the iPad Restrictions. |
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Chromebook |
Chrome with NCTest Chrome App version 3.7 or higher |
No install necessary as Chrome browser is required for Chromebooks. NCTest Chrome App 3.7 will require set up and configuration. |
NCTest Chrome App version 3.7 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 Managment Required:
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). |
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