Technical Requirements for Home Use

  • 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. Test out this functionality with NCTest prior to administering assessments.
  • 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 assessments - See Supported Systems for NCTest Home Use 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 Supported Systems for NCTest Home Use for operating systems and devices supported
  • 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.
  • The network 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.

Supported Systems for NCTest Home Use

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 2024-25 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. Download and install this free app on each device (or make available through mobile/domain device management) before the student completes 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 2024-25 school year and the Chromebook must also meet all technical and settings requirements. Chromebooks must be managed by the school 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. (or android app., once available).

iOS/iPadOS <14.0 and OS X 11 and below use for 2024-25: 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 2024-25.

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 between the PSU/school and parents or legal guardians 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 https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/testing-and-school- accountability/testing-policy-and-operations/testing-students-disabilities.

Platform Browser Required Type of Install and Availability Locally Managed Requirements and Restrictions Minimum Tech Specs
Windows 10
Windows 11
Mac OS X 12+		 NCTest Secure Browser For NCTest Secure Browser: Obtain NCTest Secure Browser from LEA Test Coordinator or via https://center.ncsu.edu/ncinstruct/index.php 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.
  • Processor introduced in 2012 or later,
  • 4GB 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 3.82 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 (android 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.
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).

iPad page - https://center.ncsu.edu/ncinstruct/index.php?platform=ipad

update versions allowed

add:

  • 9.5" or larger screen

Windows page - https://center.ncsu.edu/ncinstruct/index.php?platform=windows

Update versions allowed

Update SEB versions

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Macintosh Computers - https://center.ncsu.edu/ncinstruct/index.php?platform=macintosh

Update versions allowed

Update SEB versions

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