Niagara College Canada

Planning for a Test

• Determine when the test will be available for your class and how long you will have to complete it once you start.
• Plan for when you will complete your test and try to choose a quiet space that will let you minimize distractions or interruptions and that provides stable Internet access.
• Check with your instructor to clarify what software, tools, and class materials are allowed or not allowed during the test. Get organized early. Be sure to check your Internet connection and gather together any resources that you will need, including a computer, power cable, class materials, note-taking tools, and water.

Preparing to Take a Test

• Review all of the test parameters so you understand how long you will have to complete the test and any restrictions that are in place.
• Use a desktop, or laptop, computer rather than a mobile device. If you do not have a computer, you may want to use one of Niagara College’s open access computer labs.
• Use a wired Internet connection, where possible, instead of wireless / wi-fi. Wi-fi Internet connections are less consistent than wired connections and more prone to causing test problems. Cellular data connections should be avoided altogether. If you do not have consistent access to wi-fi, you may want to use an open access computer lab or campus wi-fi.
• Restart your computer prior to beginning your test to start in the most predictable state possible.
• Close any applications running on your computer that will not be used during the test prior to logging into Brightspace.
• Ensure that you are using a supported browser, which generally means the most current version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. If you usually use browser extensions or add-ons, consider using a supported browser that does not have any additional tools installed while you complete your test.

Taking the Test

• Do not start any new applications that are not required to complete the test while you are taking it. 
• If allowed, you may consider using a notepad or other text application for composing long answers.  This can also serve as a backup copy of your answers.  
• Avoid opening any unnecessary additional browser windows or tabs when taking your test. 
• Once a test is accessed, remain within it until completed.  Leave the browser and window that the test is being completed in open for the duration of the test.   
• If you are allowed to use additional resources, stay on the exam website and open another tab or window to access permitted materials. 
• Do not refresh the page, close the window, or use the browser’s navigation buttons (e.g., back, forward) when taking your test. 
• Avoid using the Enter or arrow keys when taking your test. This can select or change answers that you did not intend to. If you do use these keys, confirm that you have selected the answers that you intended before submitting the test. 
• Use a single click to interact with test links or buttons and give the system a few seconds to respond if things are loading slowly. Double-clicking can cause your browser to request an operation be performed twice, which can lead to problems. 

Submitting the Test

• If you have the option, you may wish to review your test to confirm your answers before submitting. 
• If your test prevents backtracking to previous questions, confirm each answer before saving it. 
• When you are finished, choose to save and submit the test by clicking the button once. On a slow Internet connection, it may take several minutes before you receive a message indicating that your submission was received.