You are in: Home > Information for Current Students > Exams > Use Of Laptops

Information for Current Students: Exams

Section Banner

ExamSoft FAQs

Visit the ExamSoft Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Web page for more information.

Will SofTest work on my computer?

SofTest may only be used with a Windows Operating System. It is only compatible on Macintosh computers with the ability to run Windows on a partitioned hard drive. ExamSoft may not be used with PC emulation software. The minimum recommended system requirements are:

  • CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
  • RAM = 1 GB
  • Drives = 50 MB of free space
  • Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. SofTest cannot be used in virtual operating systems.
  • Software = Internet Browser
  • Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload
  • AOL Users - Version 6.0 or higher required
  • Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure Practice Exams.

Apple Macintosh Users:

Users with Apple's Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5) or Mac OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) laptops can run SofTest in Windows XP or Vista installed via Apple's Boot Camp.

How reliable is SofTest?

SofTest has a considerable number of safety features to ensure that answers typed into SofTest cannot be lost. They include:

  • An AutoSave feature that automatically saves your exam every sixty seconds.
  • Multiple encrypted backup copies of the exam answer file are saved.
  • The ability to undo up to 50 of the previous actions per essay question window.
  • At times, just as computers freeze/lock for no apparent reason while using any Windows-based software programs, some computers freeze during an examination. You can restart the computer and re-enter the exam in the amount of time it normally takes to reboot Windows. Simply power off your computer and when you restart it, you will be given the opportunity to “RESTART” your exam or “Exit” into Windows. Choose “RESTART” and you will return to within 59 seconds of where you left off.
  • Even if your are unable to re-enter an exam for the purpose of allowing you to complete taking it on your computer, the portion of the exam that was completed prior to the freeze will almost certainly be recoverable for grading purposes. You will be provided an opportunity to complete your exam by hand.

Return to Top

What do I need to do in order to use my laptop computer?

  • Already possessing a USD email account, go through the registration process at www.examsoft.com/usdlaw, if you have not already done so this academic year.
  • Download specificExam Files by the specified deadline for courses in which you are enrolled.

What is the registration process?

The registration process for SofTest need only be done once every academic year. You must have an active USD email account in order to register. The registration process involves the 3 steps needed to sign up to use and register SofTest. They begin on our ExamSoft Custom Home Page located at www.examsoft.com/usdlaw and they are as follows:

Step 1: Log In – (30 seconds) Enter your 9-digit USD Student ID# and password. Your password will be the last six digits of your social security number. If you are unable to log in, it probably means that you did not have an active USD email account at the time the most recent student file was provided to ExamSoft. Get an email account at http://toreromail.sandiego.edu and notify the Records Office immediately of your situation; you will then be told what to expect next.

Step 2: Download – Downloading SofTest takes minutes on high-speed Internet connections and considerably longer on dial-up connections.

Step 3: Register SofTest – (1 minute) Register with your 9-digit USD Student ID# and the last 6-digits of your SSN. Once registered, you will be notified on-screen that you have completed the process and you will also receive a confirmation email to your USD email address. If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact ExamSoft technical support at support@examsoft.com or call toll-free 866.429.8889.

What Student ID number do I use in Step 1?

Sign up with ExamSoft in Step 1 using your 9-digit USD ID number as your Student ID number (i.e. 003071234).

Will I need this number after I register?

Yes. You will need your ID number and password to download your personal Exam Files or electronic bluebooks. However, you can change your password on the ExamSoft website if you like.

How do I know the software has been properly installed and registered?

After registering SofTest, you will receive a registration confirmation email at your USD email address from support@examsoft.com and the Registration number along with the registration date will be recorded. Additionally, when SofTest is launched, the Start Window will indicate that your “Registration” is “Complete”.

Return to Top

Can I practice using SofTest before an exam?

Yes. After registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on your Windows Desktop.

  • Click the “Download Exam Files” button. Please log in with your 9-digit USD Student ID# and the last 6-digits of your SSN.
  • Skip past the screen asking for a "Download Password".
  • Download the "Mock Exam".
  • Once the Mock Exam has been downloaded you will be returned to the Main Menu. Select "Launch SofTest".
  • On the SofTest Start Window, select the “Find Exam” button.
  • Select the "Mock Exam" and open this file.
  • Enter any 4-digit number into the "ID" field and click "Begin Exam".

This enables you to familiarize yourself with SofTest as well as see how your computer handles being re-booted into the secure exam environment. You may use the Mock Exam as many times as you wish. Note that the Mock Exam cannot be printed.

If I used SofTest last year, do I have to perform all steps again?

Yes. You must download the most recent version of the ExamSoft software each academic year. In addition, you will have to downloadyour Exam Files for each of the exams for which you wish to use your computer.

How Can I Download Exam Files?

  1. Connect to the Internet
  2. Double-click the “SofTest” icon on your Windows Desktop. The “SofTest Launcher” window should appear.
  3. Click the “ Download Exam Files ” button
  4. Enter your “9-digit USD Student ID” and “Password” then click “Next”.
  5. On the Download Password screen, leave the download password field blank and click “Next”.
  6. Select an exam from the list and click “Download”. If there is a second exam in the list, do the same. When you have downloaded your exam file(s), click “Close”.

What should I do prior to Exam Day?

  • Register SofTest (if you haven't already done so this academic year) and download Exam Files (electronic bluebooks) by the appropriate deadlines. (You must have an active USD email account before you register.) Note that you can re-download the SofTestprogram on additional computers for use as backups, however, you can only download each Exam File once, so only do so on the computer you intend to use on exam day.
  • Ensure: (1) that your PC meets the specifications listed above, (2) that there is plenty of free hard drive space, (3) that your PC is virus free, and (4) that your PC is free of disk errors by running SCANDISK (click Start Button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk or Disk Cleanup).
  • Once you have installed and registered SofTest, familiarize yourself with the software by utilizing the built-in Practice Exam feature.
  • SofTest's opening screen asks for an ID#. This is your mid-term or final exam number. Be sure to acquire this number prior to exam day. You will need to use your anonymous mid-term or final exam number, as appropriate, in this ID field.
  • Locate your A/C – battery power indicator light on your laptop to determine which light indicates you are running on A/C power (i.e. power from a wall outlet).
  • Ensure that your battery has at least 20 minutes of charge in it prior to the exam in the event there is a temporary power outage.
  • If you encounter issues in your use of SofTest, visit www.examsoft.com/faq

Return to Top

What must I do on exam day?

  • If you have downloaded a particular Exam File, you will need to report to the Laptop room specifically designated for your use, even if you change your mind and decide not to use your laptop computer for the exam.
  • Bring your power cord, battery (in the event of power loss) and an extension cord. If you normally use an external keyboard and mouse or if you need earplugs, you may bring those as well.
  • To open your exam file, you must have your USD Student ID number and password – the last six digits of your social security number.
  • Arrive to the exam room at your appointed time, plug your computer into a power outlet, turn on the computer and follow the instructions provided by the proctor.
  • Do not uninstall SofTest until you receive your exam scores at the end of the academic year.
  • Immediately before SofTest launches the exam, you will be provided a warning screen with RED STOP SIGNS indicating that you should not begin the exam until instructed to do so. Heed this warning.
  • Exams will not be delayed or suspended due to computer problems.
  • During the exam, use care when highlighting and deleting.
  • Students who do not take the time to become familiar with their laptop computer or with word processing functions, should consider handwriting their exams. No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software.
  • Once you register your copy of SofTest, the school will be charged the license fee.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE COMPUTER ISSUES ON YOUR OWN. ASK FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF A PROCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
  • ANY ATTEMPT TO DISABLE OR TAMPER WITH SOFTEST'S SECURITY FEATURES WILL BE CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT HONOR CODE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT AND THE SOFTEST SOFTWARE AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY EXAMSOFT ON ITS WEBSITE PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR EXAM. PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF SUFFICIENT TIME TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LAPTOP AND THE APPLICATION. COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAM WILL NOT BE DELAYED DUE TO A HARDWARE PROBLEM WITH YOUR LAPTOP.
  • Once you have finished the exam, saved and exited the program, your computer will immediately re-boot, search for an answer for your exam, and transmit it over the wireless Internet. Once it is received you will be sent a confirming email notice (usually within 10 minutes). Note: It is your responsibility to be sure that you have transmitted your answer successfully. DO NOT leave campus until you have received your confirmation email notice to your USD email account. If confirmation hasn't arrived within 15 minutes of the end of the exam, bring your computer to the Office of the Law School Registrar.

Return to Top

For questions about this page, please contact the Office of the Law School Registrar.

Share/Save/Bookmark