Computer Based Testing (CBT) Information

Transcription

1 Computer Based Testing (CBT) Information The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners Please read this informational brochure carefully! DO NOT bring this brochure with you to the examination room. You will be provided with all necessary instructions at the examination.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... i CBT OVERVIEW AND BASIC PROCEDURES... 1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS... 2 QUESTIONS ON SIGNING UP FOR CBT... 2 How do I sign up for CBT?... 2 How can I verify that I have requested CBT?... 2 Did I pay for CBT when I requested it?... 2 Can I still sign up for CBT after I have submitted my application for the bar examination?... 2 QUESTIONS ABOUT EXAMSOFT AND THE SOFTWARE... 2 What is ExamSoft?... 2 What is Examplify?... 2 How reliable is Examplify?... 3 What is FlexSite?... 3 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS... 3 What are the minimum system requirements for using Examplify?... 3 Does it matter what type of PC\Mac I use?... 3 Do I need any external media to save my answers (i.e. a flash drive)?... 3 Can I bring an external mouse or keyboard?... 3 Will spelling or grammar checking be enabled on Examplify?... 3 Can I hide my screen during the exam?... 3 Can I use more than one computer for the examination (a backup computer scenario)?... 3 Where can I get further technical information on the hardware requirements and software?... 3 QUESTIONS ON REGISTERING YOUR COMPUTER FOR CBT... 4 What is the Examplify registration process?... 4 What address will be used for notifications?... 4 When will I receive notice that I can download and register the software?... 4 How should I ensure I will receive proper notice on downloading the software?... 4 How can I check to make sure I have registered successfully?... 4 Do I have to register before the day of the examination?... 4 Will my law school version of Examplify work for this examination?... 4 What is dual examination registration, and how do I register my computer for this scenario?... 5 PRE-EXAMINATION TESTING QUESTIONS... 5 What is the Mock Exam?... 5 How do I get a copy of the Mock Exam?... 5 How will I know if my Mock Exam answer file was returned?... 5 May I practice with the software by taking multiple mock exams?... 5 Are CBT personnel present to test my computer prior to the bar examination?... 5 Can I re-download Examplify prior to the exam if I have technical issues?... 5 EXAMINATION DAY QUESTIONS... 5 Will technical help be available on the day of the examination?... 5 What if I have not successfully downloaded the software and exam files by the examination date?... 5 What if I have a technical issue during the examination?... 5 Will power be provided at the exam site?... 5 Will the essay/pt questions appear on my screen at the time of the examination?... 5 Can I take the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) on my computer?... 5 Can I take my computer out of the testing room over the lunch break or if I finish early?... 6 POST-EXAMINATION QUESTIONS... 6 Will Internet access be provided at the test site?... 6 When do I have to upload my examination answers?... 6 How long does exam file upload take?... 6 Should I call the Board office after the examination to check on my answer files?... 6 How will I know my answer files have been uploaded?... 6 What if I have problems or questions with the software or uploading?... 6 CHECKLIST FOR COMPUTER USERS... 7 INFORMATIVE PROMPTS FOR THE AM ESSAY/PT SESSION OF THE EXAMINATION... 8 INFORMATIVE PROMPTS FOR PM ESSAY SESSION OF THE EXAMINATION... 9 EXAMSOFT S INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUAL BAR EXAM REGISTRATION... 10

3 CBT OVERVIEW AND BASIC PROCEDURES Bar exam applicants have the option to provide answers to the written (i.e., Performance Test and essay) portions of the PA bar examination using their own personal computer. This method of test taking is known as Computer Based Testing or CBT. The essay/pt questions are provided in booklet format (they do not appear on screen), while the responses may be entered via the applicant s computer. Applicants must download and register a program known as Examplify, developed by ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc. (ExamSoft), in order to participate in CBT. The software prevents a test taker from accessing any program other than Examplify while it is running. CBT applicants should read/complete the following steps for CBT: 1. Read the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS portion of this document to ensure you have a good understanding of the CBT procedures. 2. Ensure that you have access to a dependable computer which meets the minimum requirements as discussed in the TECHNICAL QUESTIONS section. 3. Indicate on your application to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination that you wish to use CBT for the essay/pt portions of the examination. A non-refundable/non-transferable fee for CBT is required and added to your total application cost upon the submission of your application. 4. Approximately six weeks prior to the examination, you will receive specific instructions regarding downloading and registering the Examplify software. Follow these instructions to complete the registration process. 5. Following the completion of the examination on Tuesday, you will be required to upload your examination answer files. Instructions for uploading your answer files, will be provided at the examination. NOTE: Your essay/pt answers MUST be uploaded by 11:00 p.m. on the essay/pt day of the bar examination (Tuesday). Failure to upload may result in disqualification.. 05/21/14 PABLE

4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ON SIGNING UP FOR CBT How do I sign up for CBT? Applicants should answer Type on the online application for CBT (see Figure 1). When this option is selected, an additional fee is required (see Figure 2). Applicants may pay for CBT by credit card with other bar fees at the time they submit their application. Those that pay for their application by certified check, cashier's check, law firm check, or money order should be sure to submit the cost of CBT with the application fee or they will be subject to late fees according to the information in this link: Figure 1 Figure 2 How can I verify that I have requested CBT? You can verify that you requested CBT by reviewing your application. Your application will display Yes/No indicating your selection (see Figure 3). Figure 3 Did I pay for CBT when I requested it? If your application shows that you requested CBT and you paid by credit card, you will have already submitted the request and fee. If you paid by check or money order, review your payment voucher to see an itemized list of fees and compare it with the amount of your payment. Can I still sign up for CBT after I have submitted my application for the bar examination? Yes, you can still sign up for CBT after your application has been submitted. To do this, send an amendment form to the Board office requesting CBT with the required late fee according to the appropriate deadline. Review the CBT fees/deadlines at this link: CBT enrollment will not be permitted after the final deadline. QUESTIONS ABOUT EXAMSOFT AND THE SOFTWARE What is ExamSoft? ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc. is the name of a software development company, specializing in computerized assessment and assessment administration software. The Board of Law Examiners contracts with ExamSoft to provide CBT software for the bar examination. What is Examplify? Examplify is the CBT software developed and licensed by ExamSoft. It provides a secure test taking environment on an applicant s personal computer by blocking access to other files, programs and the Internet once it is operating.

5 How reliable is Examplify? Examplify is used by most jurisdictions for bar exam testing, as well as many law schools for law school exams. Because of this prominent use, it is consistently maintained for all aspects of CBT, resulting in a high-reliability factor. As well, the software has several save features built in to ensure any answer content loss due to unforeseen technical issues is minimized. What is FlexSite? FlexSite is ExamSoft s Internet-based exam delivery system. This system is the system by which users can download and upload exam answer files via an Internet connection. Internet access DURING an examination is NOT required. TECHNICAL QUESTIONS What are the minimum system requirements for using Examplify? Examplify works with both Windows and Macintosh based operating systems. Please consult the list of minimum system requirements for the most current information on Examplify compatibility. PC Minimum System Requirements Macintosh Minimum System Requirements Does it matter what type of PC\Mac I use? No, the specific model or make of your PC\Mac does not have a direct impact, provided you meet the minimum system requirements. It is imperative that you make sure you are using a dependable computer, and that you test the software on your machine several times prior to the examination. Do I need any external media to save my answers (i.e. a flash drive)? No, you do NOT need any external media to take CBT. The FlexSite method ensures that you have both a primary copy of your exam file, and multiple reliable backup copies on your hard drive. Therefore, any external media drives (i.e. CDRW drive, flash drive, zip drive, etc.) are not required. Can I bring an external mouse or keyboard? Yes, you can bring an external mouse or keyboard. Will spelling or grammar checking be enabled on Examplify? Yes, spell checking is enabled on the PA Bar edition of Examplify. Grammar checking features are unavailable. Neither spelling nor grammar are considered when grading answers. Can I hide my screen during the exam? If you need to leave your seat at the examination site, you can hide the text on your screen with a built in screensaver. Please consult information on how to hide your exam under the Exam Day information on ExamSoft s support site. Can I use more than one computer for the examination (a backup computer scenario)? No, you can use ONLY one computer for CBT. This computer will be the one you must bring with you to the examination site on the day of the examination. If you have followed all of the steps in the CHECKLIST FOR COMPUTER USERS properly, your computer should function adequately for the examination and a backup will not be necessary. If you have problems with Examplify prior to the examination, contact ExamSoft. Where can I get further technical information on the hardware requirements and software? ExamSoft offers further advanced technical support answers on their website at the following location: This page answers many more advanced computer and software setup questions, such as: 1. how to install Examplify for use with more than one jurisdiction 2. common errors which happen during the examination and trouble-shooting 3. how to check on exam uploads 4. how to take a mock exam

6 QUESTIONS ON REGISTERING YOUR COMPUTER FOR CBT What is the Examplify registration process? The Examplify registration process confirms that you have downloaded and installed Examplify, and that your computer meets the minimum guidelines to operate the software properly. During the process, both Mock Exam files and exam essay answer files are downloaded to your computer. You will receive notification when your computer has passed this registration process, and when you have successfully complete the Mock Exams. This process can ONLY be completed on one computer, so make sure you have a reliable computer ready before downloading Examplify. What address will be used for notifications? The address used for all examination related notices will be the address you provided when you completed your bar examination application (see Figure 4). Make sure it is an address that you will have continuous access to until results are released. You can change this address to another by managing your account (see Figure 5). Figure 4 Figure 5 When will I receive notice that I can download and register the software? You will receive electronic notice approximately six weeks before the examination date with instructions on downloading and installing Examplify. How should I ensure I will receive proper notice on downloading the software? The Board office will send out electronic notices to all applicants who have signed up to use CBT and who have not yet registered their computers. These notices will be sent once a week starting approximately six weeks before the examination, and will continue until the Wednesday before the examination. If you do not receive any notices in this time, check the following: 1. Ask your service provider if they are blocking SPAM. 2. If you are using client software, such as Outlook, make sure you do not have a SPAM blocker enabled. If you do, you can add the following address to the list of allowable addresses: webmaster@pabarexam.org 3. Ensure that you have provided the board office with a valid address. 4. If you have not received notice by the time you receive an admission ticket for the examination (sent out approximately three weeks before the examination), contact the Board office for the download information. How can I check to make sure I have registered successfully? Once you register Examplify, you will be advised on-screen and via that you have done so successfully. Do I have to register before the day of the examination? Yes, you must register Examplify on your computer prior to the examination. If you have not done this by the Wednesday before the examination, you will be required to handwrite your answers for the entire essay/pt portion of the examination. Your CBT fee will not be refunded. Will my law school version of Examplify work for this examination? No, while the law school version is essentially the same version as what is used for the bar exam, Examplify MUST be updated for the bar exam. You will need to follow the instructions in the message you receive from the PA Board of Law Examiners to download and install the bar edition of Examplify when it is available.

7 What is dual examination registration, and how do I register my computer for this scenario? Dual examination registration occurs if you are taking CBT in Pennsylvania, AND following the PA exam, you plan to IMMEDIATELY sit and use CBT in another jurisdiction which also uses ExamSoft. Since both jurisdictions use Examsoft, special registration procedures must be followed in order for Examplify to work properly. Consult instructions here, or contact ExamSoft at for assistance with this if needed. PRE-EXAMINATION TESTING QUESTIONS What is the Mock Exam? The mock exam is file that is downloaded upon completion of computer registration. It is a simulated exam file. If the file can run properly on your computer, this helps to confirm that your computer is compatible with Examplify. A mock exam is also a good tool to familiarize yourself on opening, typing and uploading answer files. Mock exams must be completed prior to the bar examination. Failure to do so may require you to handwrite your exam(s). How do I get a copy of the Mock Exam? Two copies of the mock exam will be automatically downloaded after you have registered your copy of Examplify. You will receive an confirmation when the download has occurred. Detailed instructions on taking a mock exam can be found on ExamSoft s support site. How will I know if my Mock Exam answer file was returned? When the upload is complete, a success message is displayed. An confirmation is then sent to your address. May I practice with the software by taking multiple mock exams? Yes, additional copies of the mock exam are available to further familiarize you with Examplify. For further details, please consult ExamSoft s instructions on mock exams. Are CBT personnel present to test my computer prior to the bar examination? No, the Board of Law Examiners will not provide a technical support session prior to the examination. Can I re-download Examplify prior to the exam if I have technical issues? Yes, you may re-download Examplify prior to the exam if you have technical issues. Contact ExamSoft at for assistance with this. NOTE: Vendor fees will apply for re-downloads. EXAMINATION DAY QUESTIONS Will technical help be available on the day of the examination? Limited technical support will be available ONLY for exiting of the software on the day of the examination. ExamSoft provided technicians will be available to help with these issues, but they will NOT help with installing the software, registering your computer, starting Examplify, or resolving issues during the exam. It is your responsibility to ensure that your computer is in optimum operating condition with Examplify PRIOR to the examination. What if I have not successfully downloaded the software and exam files by the examination date? You will be required to handwrite the exam if you have not completed the download/registration process prior to the exam. Proctors will issue the appropriate answer books to you at the exam if this is the case, and you will remain in your assigned seat and section. What if I have a technical issue during the examination? If you experience a malfunction with your computer or software for any reason, do not panic. Examplify saves your essay typed answers in regular intervals minimizing any significant data loss. Calmly raise your hand, and request that a proctor assist you. Should you be given handwriting materials, please begin handwriting without distraction to others. You should start handwriting your answer from the point you stopped typing you answer on your computer. The saved portion of your answer will be retrieved after the examination session is completed. Remember, you will not be permitted to make up any lost time due to the failure of your computer, the software, or your failure to immediately comply with the instruction to handwrite. Will power be provided at the exam site? Yes, power is provided at all sites for CBT applicants. However, it is recommended that all computers can function on battery power for at least 1 hour in the event of an unforeseen power loss. Will the essay/pt questions appear on my screen at the time of the examination? No, essay questions are not visible in Examplify. All essay/pt examination questions are provided in a paper booklet, which is distributed to each applicant by proctors on the day of the examination. Can I take the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) on my computer? No, the MBE is provided in paper format.

8 Can I take my computer out of the testing room over the lunch break or if I finish early? No, your computer must remain in the testing area the entire length of the examination. Over the lunch break or if you should finish the exam early, you may leave the area, but your computer must remain at your table. If you left the exam area early, you will be allowed back into the room once the examination has finished. This is done to ensure a minimum of disruption during their exam experience. POST-EXAMINATION QUESTIONS Will Internet access be provided at the test site? No, Internet access is not provided by the Board of Law Examiners at any test site. It is your responsibility to find an Internet connection (hotel, Internet Café s, wireless hotspots, etc.) and upload your answer files by 11 p.m., the Tuesday of the exam. However, if you ARE able to establish an Internet connection at the test site, there is NO penalty for uploading the answers immediately following any testing session. When do I have to upload my examination answers? You will have until 11:00 p.m. on the Tuesday of the exam to upload your answer files. How long does exam file upload take? The upload process should take only a few minutes, but factors such as your Internet connection speed, and your computer s performance may increase your upload time. Should I call the Board office after the examination to check on my answer files? No, you should not contact the Board office to check on your answer files. A Board staff member will contact you if a problem has occurred with your answer files. How will I know my answer files have been uploaded? When the upload is complete, a success message is displayed. Two separate confirmations (AM and PM) are sent to the address provided when you signed up on ExamSoft s website. You can find further instructions on confirming answer file uploads on ExamSoft s support site. What if I have problems or questions with the software or uploading? Consult the technical support information on ExamSoft s Frequently Asked Questions web page located at ExamSoft s support portal.

9 CHECKLIST FOR COMPUTER USERS The following checklist is provided as a convenience for applicants to ensure they have met the adequate basic requirements for CBT. All items on this checklist should be completed by the Tuesday of the time the exam. Procure a compliant computer Ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the guidelines defined in the TECHNICAL QUESTIONS section. You must be able to have access to this computer until results are released for the examination. You will be allowed to download the software to ONLY this computer. For this reason, please make sure your computer is in optimum operating condition before requesting CBT. Sign up for CBT with the Board Office When completing your online application to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination, you must indicate that you wish to take the essay/pt portion of the examination on computer. After your application is submitted, you will receive notification approximately six weeks before the examination with further instructions. Consult the information in the SIGN UP FOR CBT section for further details. Determine If You Need to Register Examplify for Two Bars: - If you plan to take the bar examination in another jurisdiction immediately following the Pennsylvania bar examination, consult with that jurisdiction to see if they also use ExamSoft. If they do, you will need to register your computer for two bar examinations following the instructions defined in the DUAL BAR EXAM REGISTRATION section. Download and Install Examplify When Examplify is available, you will receive instructions on how to download and install Examplify. Your user ID and password required to log into the web site will be provided in the instructions. Register Examplify Enter your applicant ID number and password into Examplify when prompted to complete the registration process. If prompted for an institution ID, enter pabar Take the Mock Exams - Complete and upload two mock exams. Take the Bar Exam Bring your registered computer with you to the bar examination, and complete the essay/pt portion of the exam on your computer as instructed at the exam site. Ensure that you answer each question in the appropriate screen. Upload Answer files - You will be instructed at the exam site on the proper procedures to follow for uploading your files. These procedures must be completed each time you sit for the bar examination, regardless of any previous ExamSoft registrations you may have completed. Applicants who have not downloaded and registered Examplify with the applicable exam files will not be allowed to use their computer for the examination, and they will be required to handwrite their answers.

10 INFORMATIVE PROMPTS FOR THE AM ESSAY/PT SESSION OF THE EXAMINATION The following prompts will be displayed after you open your AM answer file on the day of the examination. Notice 1 I understand that I am not required to use a computer to take this examination and that I may handwrite my answers. In NO EVENT will I hold the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners or ExamSoft Worldwide Inc., their partners, staff, employees, officers, directors, or affiliates liable to me for any and all damages arising from the use of this software, including any loss of my examination answers or any effect it may have on my examination score. I understand that I have a duty to ensure my computer is in proper working condition before the examination and that I followed all installation instructions. I accept the foregoing by clicking NEXT at the bottom of this screen Notice 2 If you want to reformat your computer, do not do so until after results are released. Examplify will save and back up your work EVERY minute Examplify will BLOCK access to all other applications on your computer. Examplify will AUTOMATICALLY format all margins, line spacing, appropriate headings and page numbers. Your examination questions are printed in the booklet you received from the examination proctor you WILL NOT see the examination questions on the Examplify screen. Use the arrow keys at the top of the Examplify screen to navigate through the examination questions. Notice 3 The ExamSoft file you are using has been formatted for a total of three (3) questions, essay questions #1 and #2 and the Performance Test (PT). Please answer each question and all its corresponding parts in the appropriately numbered Examplify window. Use the arrow keys to navigate among the Examplify question windows. Notice 4 DO NOT TURN OFF your computer without an ExamSoft Site Engineer present. If your computer malfunctions, place it in the top corner of your table area and leave the power on. Notify a proctor immediately, and you will be provided answer books to handwrite the remainder of the essay/pt examination. Your answers will be collected by a technician following the completion of the session. Your work should be safely stored in an encrypted format on your computer's hard drive. Notice 5 When you have completed the AM and PT essay questions, you will be required to exit the software. Once the software has completed its exit cycle, you may see a prompt to upload your examination answer files. You do NOT need to upload your answer files until after the examination has completed for the day.. If you want to reformat your computer, do not do so until after results are released.

11 INFORMATIVE PROMPTS FOR PM ESSAY SESSION OF THE EXAMINATION The following prompts will be displayed after you open your PM answer file on the day of the examination. Notice 1 I understand that I am not required to use a computer to take this examination and that I may handwrite my answers. In NO EVENT will I hold the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners or ExamSoft Worldwide Inc., their partners, staff, employees, officers, directors, or affiliates liable to me for any and all damages arising from the use of this software, including any loss of my examination answers or any effect it may have on my examination score. I understand that I have a duty to ensure my computer is in proper working condition before the examination and that I followed all installation instructions. I accept the foregoing by clicking NEXT at the bottom of this screen Notice 2 If you want to reformat your computer, do not do so until after results are released. Examplify will save and back up your work EVERY minute Examplify will BLOCK access to all other applications on your computer. Examplify will AUTOMATICALLY format all margins, line spacing, appropriate headings and page numbers. Your examination questions are printed in the booklet you received from the examination proctor you WILL NOT see the examination questions on the Examplify screen. Use the arrow keys at the top of the Examplify screen to navigate through the examination questions. Notice 3 The ExamSoft file you are using has been formatted for a total of four (4) questions, essay questions #3, #4, #5, and #6. Please answer each question and all its corresponding parts in the appropriately numbered Examplify window. Use the arrow keys to navigate among the Examplify question windows. Notice 4 DO NOT TURN OFF your computer without an ExamSoft Site Engineer present. If your computer malfunctions, place it in the top corner of your table area and leave the power on. Notify a proctor immediately, and you will be provided answer books to handwrite the remainder of the essay examination. Your answers will be collected by a technician following the completion of the session. Your work should be safely stored in an encrypted format on your computer's hard drive. Notice 5 When you have completed the PM essay questions, you will be required to exit the software. Once the software has completed its exit cycle, you may see a prompt to upload your examination answer files. You do NOT need to upload your answer files until after the examination has completed for the day.. If you want to reformat your computer, do not do so until after results are released.

12 EXAMSOFT S INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUAL BAR EXAM REGISTRATION This guide will help you install and register Examplify to enable you to take two exams for two different Bars using the same computer. (For Example: NY and MA Bar Exams) REGISTERING EXAMPLIFY FOR TWO BARS 5. Click Add New Account. Select the second Bar state from the Institution ID list. Click Next. Consider the first Bar referred to in this guide as the first exam you will sit for or will take. 1. Log in to the ExamSoft Home Page for the first Bar using your assigned ID & password, and pay for the license fee if required to activate your account. 6. Enter your assigned ID and password for the second Bar. Click Next. 2. Download and register Examplify. Then, take the Mock Exam. You will be prompted to upload the answer file for the first Bar. This is exactly what you will do on exam day. 3. Login to the ExamSoft Home Page for the second Bar using the corresponding ID & password, and pay the license fee (if required) to activate your account. DO NOT download Examplify a second time. 7. Take the Mock Exam for the second Bar and upload the answer file. 8. On exam day, open Examplify, and select the correct exam for the jurisdiction you are sitting for that day per the instructions given to you by the Bar. To switch accounts, select Switch Accounts from the Home Menu and select the account for the jurisdiction you are currently sitting for. 4. Launch Examplify, and select Switch Accounts from the Home Menu.