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ExamSoft FAQs

ExamSoft FAQs

 

Will SofTest work on my computer?

SofTest may only be used on a PC. It is not compatible with any Macintosh operating system nor may it be used with PC emulation software. The minimum recommended system requirements are:

  • CPU = 200 Mhz
  • RAM = 64 MB
  • Drives = 50 MB of free space
  • Operating System = English versions of Windows 98, ME, 2000 (Pro), and XP (Home, Pro & Tablet PC)
  • Software = Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater
  • Internet Connection: An Internet connection is required to download SofTest (AOL must have AOL 6.0 or higher) and, effective fall 2005, a wireless card is required to upload examination answers from the examination room.

 

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.

 

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

  • Already possessing a USD e-mail account, go through the registration process at www.examsoft.com/usdlaw, if you have not already done so this academic year.
  • Download specific exam templates 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 e-mail 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 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 e-mail account at the time the most recent student file was provided to ExamSoft. Get an e-mail account in Serra 205 and notify the Records Office immediately of your situation; you will then be told what to expect next. If you are unable to log in because it is past the deadline to do so, there is no recourse and you will have to hand write your exam.

Step 2: Download – Downloading SofTest takes minutes on high-speed Internet connections and 30 – 60 minutes on dial-up connections.

Step 3: Register SofTest – (1 minute) Once registered, you will be notified on-screen that you have completed the process and you will also receive a confirmation e-mail to your USD e-mail address. Note that you must register SofTest by the established deadlines or you must hand write your exams. 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 you USD ID number as your Student ID number.

 

Will I need this number after I register?

Yes. You will need your ID number and password to download exam files. You can change your password on the ExamSoft website.

 

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

After registering SofTest, you will receive a registration confirmation e-mail at your USD e-mail 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”.

 

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 “Take an Exam” button. On the SofTest Start Window, select the “Practice Exam” button. This enables you to familiarize yourself with the SofTest exam environment. You may use the Practice Exam as many times as you wish. Note that the Practice Exam cannot be saved, cannot be used until SofTest is registered, but can be printed during the practice exam.

 

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

No. You will only have to download the exam templates by the specified deadline for 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 “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 (templates) by the appropriate deadlines. (You must have an active USD e-mail account before you register.) Note that you can re-download SofTest on additional computers for use as backups, however, you can only download each exam file (template) 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
 

What must I do on exam day?

  • If you have downloaded a particular exam template, 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.
  • 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. Once it is received you are sent a confirming e-mail notice (usually within 10 minutes). Note: You will not be able to use your computer until you have transmitted your answer successfully. Do not leave campus until you have received your confirmation e-mail notice. If confirmation hasn't arrived within 15 minutes of the end of the exam, bring your computer to the Records Office.