ExamSoft Student Information

Who is ExamSoft?

ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc. is a software company specializing in computerized

assessment and exam administrative programs.

What is SofTest from ExamSoft?

SofTest is a high stakes assessment program developed and licensed by ExamSoft that enables

exam takers to securely take examinations downloaded to their own laptops by blocking access

to files, programs and the Internet during an exam. ExamSoft’s solution is an internet-based

exam delivery option. Using SofTest, you will download your exam(s) prior to or on exam day

and upload your answer(s) after the exam via the Internet. You WILL NOT require internet

connectivity during your exam(s). You WILL require internet connectivity to download your

exam(s) and upload your answer(s).

Will SofTest work on my computer?

SofTest operates on any PC running Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, as well as

Mac. SofTest is not compatible with any virtual machine software such as VMware Fusion or

Parallels. Please note that while iPads and similar devices can be productive tools, they do not

meet the requirements of the university. The minimum recommended system requirements are:

Windows PC

• CPU = 2 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent

• RAM = 2 GB

• Hard Drive = 160GB

• OS = English 32-bit versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista

and Windows 7 (virtual operating systems will not be supported)

• Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher

• CD-RW/DVD-ROM optical drive

• 1024x768 resolution display

• 10/100 Ethernet network adapter

• 6’ Ethernet cable

• 802.11a/b/g wireless network adapter

• 1 USB port

• Universal 110-240V power supply

Apple Mac

• CPU = Intel Processor

• RAM = 2 GB

• Hard Drive = 160GB

Student Information

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• OS = MAC OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard, Snow Leopard & Lion)

• CD-RW/DVD-ROM optical drive

• 1024x768 resolution display

• 10/100 Ethernet network adapter

• 802.11a/b/g wireless network adapter

• 6’ Ethernet cable

• 1 USB port

• Universal 110-240V power supply

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.

What is the registration process?

The registration process involves the 3-steps needed to acquire SofTest. They begin on our

ExamSoft Custom Home Page located at www.examsoft.com/sgu and they are as follows:

Step 1: Log in – Enter your My SGU member center username and password in the “Exam

Taker” field

Step 2: Download SofTest – Downloading SofTest takes minutes on high-speed internet

connections, so please allow sufficient time for the process. If ExamSoft directs you to also

download .NET Framework x4, then you should do so

Step 3: Reboot & register SofTest – Once rebooted you will be prompted to register. You

must enter your username using the prefix “sgu.edu\” (e.g. sgu.edu\jsmith) and your

password. You will be notified on-screen that you have completed the process and you will

also receive email confirmation. If you have any questions or issues with registration, you

will need to send a SHOR ticket to the IT Help Desk

Can I practice using SofTest before the exam?

Yes. You have two options:

1. Mock exam

Your course director will create a mock exam so that you can practice and become

familiar with the online exam environment before you take an actual exam. After

registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on your

desktop. Click “DOWNLOAD EXAM FILES”, enter your username and password, choose

“Mock Exam” from the dropdown menu and click download. After the file is

downloaded click the “Take Exam” button, select the mock exam from the dropdown

menu and click “Start” to begin the exam. This enables you to familiarize yourself with

the SofTest exam environment.

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2. Practice exam (built into the SofTest)

After registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on

your Windows Desktop. Click the “LAUNCH SOFTEST” button. On the SofTest Start

Window, select the “Practice Exam” button. Click “Yes” to take the practice exam and

then “Yes” again to take it in secure mode. This enables you to familiarize yourself with

the SofTest exam environment. You may use the practice exam as many times as you

wish. NOTE: Your ExamSoft Administrator will send out an email to inform you when

the Practice Exam will be available for download

What should I do prior to exam day?

• Register SofTest on the computer you intend to use on exam day by the deadline

• Ensure that your computer:

a. Meets the specifications listed above

b. Has at least 1GB of free hard drive space

c. Is virus free

d. Is free of disk errors. (E.g. Windows PC users can check by running

SCANDISK - Click Start Button --->Programs --->Accessories --->System

Tools --->Scandisk or Disk Cleanup)

If you are unsure of any of the above, please contact the IT Department for assistance

• Once you have installed and registered SofTest, familiarize yourself with the software by

taking the mock exam or utilizing the built-in practice exam

• SofTest’s opening screen asks for a username and password. You will need to enter the

username (e.g. sgu.edu\jsmith) and password that were used to register SofTest in this

ID field

• Download the exam when you receive notification of its availability by the faculty. If you

have problems with downloading the exam, notify your faculty

• Locate your AC/battery power indicator light on your laptop to determine which light

indicates you are running on AC power (i.e. power from a wall outlet). This is to make

certain that you are connected to AC power during the exam

• Ensure that your battery is fully charged prior to the exam in the event there is a

temporary power outage

• If you encounter issues in your use of SofTest, visit http://support.examsoft.com

What must I do on exam day?

• 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 download exams you must have the sgu.edu\username and password used to

register SofTest

Student Information

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• Arrive at the exam room at least 30 minutes early, 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

• Take the time to become familiar with your laptop computer and the exam software.

No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software

Warning

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.

Obtaining a Loaner

Conditions for Requesting a Laptop

A student will only be considered for a loaner if he or she has a laptop that meets the

minimum system requirements but it is deemed non-functional for the exam by the IT

department. Students requesting use of a loaner must first have their laptops serviced by

the IT department. Once a laptop is deemed non-functional, an IT technician will issue the

appropriate documentation to the student confirming same. The student must take this

receipt to Examination Services, OIA to request a loaner.

Distribution & Collection

1. Loaner laptops will be used solely for taking computer-based examinations.

2. Laptops will be distributed to students on a first come, first served basis. Laptops

may not be reserved in advance. Loaners are provided to students for a period not

to exceed 24-hours.

3. Students who require the use of a loaner for a period in excess of 24-hours may

contact the Dean of Students Office and request a loaner through their loaner

program.

4. Students needing a loaner will be required to present to Examination Services a

current student ID along with the appropriate documentation received from IT.

Students requesting a loaner will be required to sign a Loaner Laptop Agreement

confirming receipt of the laptop and accessories.

Student Information

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5. Laptops will be issued by Examination Services, OIA only between the hours of 9:00

am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday.

6. Once a loaner has been issued, the student is responsible for verifying that it is fully

functional before leaving the Examination Services office.

7. Students are required to return the laptop and accessories to Examination Services,

between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, no more than one

business day after the exam.

8. All loaners will be inspected upon return to ensure that they are in the same physical

and operating conditions as when they were loaned.

9. In accordance with existing university regulations, a student must not:

• Install any software or use software not provided by IT

• Use licensed software in a manner inconsistent with the licensing agreement

• Copy, rename, alter, examine, or delete any files or programs on the computer

• Use the computer for inappropriate purposes, including, but not limited to,

sending offensive messages, setting up an “ad hoc” wireless network anywhere

on campus, using peer-to-peer file sharing or engaging in commercial activities

of any kind

• Create, disseminate, or run a self-replicating program (“virus”), whether

destructive in nature or not

• Use the computer for non-university work, such as for private business, or clubs/

organizations not sanctioned by SGU

• Tamper with switch settings, or move, remove, reconfigure or do anything that

could interfere with workstations, printers or other equipment