NCTest is a web browser-based testing system that relies on Adobe/Macromedia Flash to display test content. Except for the Online Test of Computer Skills, the NCTest web application will be used to deliver online assessments for the North Carolina Testing Program for the 2007-08 school year.

Notes About the NCTest:

View the test interface by accessing the EOC Online Test Simulation (also use to test technical compatibility).

• Training
  • Regional Accountability Coordinator (RAC) and Local Education Agency (LEA) training will be conducted in fall 2007.
• Tests that can be accessed with NCTest:
  • English I
  • Civics & Economics
  • U.S. History
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Biology
  • Physical Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics (Online ONLY) [View Student Reference Tables in FlashPaper]
• Purpose
  • To provide assessments in an online format. The Physics test is required to be administered in this online format. All other EOC tests are available in this format, but are NOT required to be administered online.
• Registration
  • The eligible participants are students currently enrolled in the course either at the school or through a virtual online course for which the test is required.
  • Registration and SIQ entry of participants in NCRegistration for FALL opened November 26, 2007.
  • Scheduling of testing sessions in NCRegistration for FALL opened November 26, 2007.
  • No scores will be reported from any field testing.
  • Participants must be registered, SIQs entered, and sessions scheduled in NCRegistration at least one day prior to the administration.
• Administration Details
  • Students taking the test will have to be registered in NCRegistration at least one day before an administration.
  • SIQs must be completed before testing.
  • Standard administrations must be completed on the same day. If they are not closed by the student, then the system will force completion during overnight processing.
  • The fall window opens initially on December 3, 2007.
  • The fall window closes on February 1, 2008.
  • The spring window opens on TBD.
  • The spring window closes on June 20, 2008.
  • Scrap paper is required
  • A Flash-based scientific calculator will be provided within the test interface for tests where calculators are appropriate. Physical calculators are also required and procedures for using located in the appropriate Test Administrator's Manual must be followed.
  • Students MUST NOT open another web browser, local application, or other Internet-based service application (Instant Messager, etc.) while taking an online assessment.
  • For Physics ONLY: If necessary, test takers can receive assistance with getting the simulations to work, but not working the simulations.
  • For Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics ONLY: Flashpaper virtual Reference Tables (see Physics example) are provided within the test interface for physical science, chemistry, and physics. Physical copies of the reference tables are also required for these test administrations.
• Technology
  • Browser-based online assessment - should work with recent versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox (these browsers have been used during development work)
  • Adobe/Macromedia Flash 9 or better required
  • JavaScript must be allowed in browsers used to access the test(s)
  • Session state cookies must be allowed in browser used to access the test(s)
  • LEAs/schools must allow all web traffic from data.ncsu.edu (standard and secure).
  • Pop-up windows have to be allowed from data.ncsu.edu in order to force the browser into full-screen mode
  • Pop-up windows must be allowed to open in a new window. Pop-up windows must NOT open in a tabbed window.
  • Test takers WILL NOT have to move to windows outside of the test administration window.
  • Bandwidth Footprint (at this time): See Technote
  • Soft section breaks
    • unlike the Online Test of Computer Skills
    • test takers can navigate forward and backward across the entire test until completed
  • Virtual Simulations (Innovative/Interactive Response Items) used in the Physics Test.
• Materials Required
  • TBD (likely to be specific for each assessment type)
  • Computer(s) for participants and network connected to the Internet meeting or exceeding technical requirements
  • Pencils
  • A supply of blank paper
  • Calculators (for tests requiring calculators -- see specifics concerning calculator requirements within each Test Administrator's Manual)
• Operational Reporting
  • Winscan output