Once you have selected the assessment to administer, decided on knowledge-based and/or skill-based assessment options, determined delivery method (online or paper/pencil), and selected your proctors and evaluators, it is time to begin preparing for the actual administration. This section is provided to assist you with your planning and to help reduce the likelihood of confusion or error during or after test administration.

Administration Conditions
To accurately measure an individual’s proficiency, NOCTI assessments must be administered under well-controlled conditions. As the ATC Coordinator, it is your responsibility to ensure all sessions are conducted properly and that each participant has an equal chance of demonstrating his/her skills and occupational knowledge. It is very important that conditions are consistent for all participants. Our standardized assessments are developed to be given in their entirety, under the same conditions, each and every time. 

Another key factor that needs to be stressed is that NOCTI standardized assessments are created to measure the critical core competencies of the occupation being assessed. NOCTI standardized tests are based on national and/or industry-based standards.

Budgeting and Costs
The ATC Coordinator is responsible for budgeting costs and has discretion in terms of the adjustments needed to meet local conditions. Many institutions, state agencies, and corporations recognize the importance of technical assessment and may provide supplies and/or make equipment, shops, and laboratories available without costs.   

Order Timelines
Teacher testing orders will be processed within two business days of receipt.  Orders requesting quicker turnaround than two business days will be subject to rush processing fees.

Paper/pencil assessments and performance assessments will be shipped regular UPS GroundTrac unless other shipment methods are requested.  An email will be sent when the order is shipped, including a tracking number to use for tracking the location of the package, and the estimated date of arrival.

Online orders are also processed within two business days of receipt.  The ATC Coordinator will receive an email when online user codes are available at the Client Services Center.   

User codes for online tests are valid for six months from the date they are created.  After six months, the codes will become unavailable if not used.

Ordering Assessment Materials
The ATC Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the ordering of NOCTI assessments through the Client Services Center.  The following steps should be taken to ensure a timely and accurate delivery of materials:

  • Identify an accurate count of tests needed; this number is important when placing an order because NOCTI customizes each order to meet your specific needs
  • Place orders well in advance of the test date; orders will be processed within two business days
  • For paper/pencil and performance test orders, be sure to allow time for shipping 
Return Policy
A complete copy of the Return Policy can be downloaded at the Client Services Center.  In summary:

  • All returns must be accompanied by a completed Request for Return for Credit form (available at the Client Services Center); all requested information must be provided, including site code, invoice number, etc. to process for credit
  • Shipping charges will not be refunded 
  • Remote proctoring sessions are not eligible for return
  • Credits for returns are placed on the customer’s account and will be applied to future invoices
  • All returns are subject to a handling fee
Receipt of Assessment Materials 
Paper/Pencil Administration
As the ATC Coordinator, the entire shipment of assessments and related materials will be sent to your attention. Immediately upon receipt of the materials, examine and inventory the contents to make sure you have received your entire order.  Make certain that the number of booklets and answer sheets received agrees with the packing slip and your order. It is important to verify you have all the materials ordered. If there are any discrepancies, contact NOCTI immediately. 

The following items will be included in your shipment:

  • Knowledge-based and/or skill-based test booklets (one for each participant for paper/pencil administrations)
  • Evaluator Guide (one for every 5 skill-based tests ordered per occupation; additional guides are available at an extra cost)
  • Supplemental booklets or media, such as a flash drive or DVD (applicable for some skill-based tests)
  • Demographic Information Sheets (one for each participant, paper/pencil administrations only)
  • Proctor Guide: Instructions for Assessment Administration (one for each title ordered)
  • NOCTI Answer Sheets (one per participant for paper/pencil administrations only)
  • Coordinator Cover Sheet (NOCTI will provide at least one cover sheet with each order for paper/pencil administrations only)   
Online Administration
The ATC Coordinator will be notified via email when online user codes are ready for pick up at the Client Services Center. ATC coordinators should immediately verify test codes ordered, quantity, and specifications of user codes for each test code are accurate. If there are any discrepancies, contact NOCTI immediately.

Skill-based assessment materials ordered as "online" will be shipped; package(s) will include the following:

  • Skill-based test booklet (one for each participant);
  • Evaluator Guide (one for every five skill-based tests ordered per occupation, additional guides are available at an extra cost); and
  • Proctor Guide: Instructions for Assessment Administration (one for each title ordered).
Supplemental materials or media, such as forms, video or software files (applicable for some skill-based tests), are to be downloaded from the Client Services Center.  Instructions are provided in the Evaluator Guide for those tests which have supplemental materials.

User codes will be provided for skill-based assessments ordered as "online".  The performance ratings must be entered into the online system through either the Client Services Center or the online testing system upon completion of performance test administration.  Instructions for entering performance ratings can be downloaded from the Client Services Center.

Securing Assessment Materials
Upon receipt of your shipment, the assessments and related materials are to be put in a safe, locked cabinet or closet to which only the ATC Coordinator or specifically authorized individuals have access. Should there be a security breach, the ATC Coordinator must be able to determine when it occurred, how it occurred and who was responsible. NOCTI must be contacted immediately. 

Client Services Center login credentials as well as online user codes and passwords should be treated as secure assessment materials.  The ATC Coordinator must report any unauthorized access to the Client Services Center or online user codes to NOCTI immediately. 

Distributing Information
The ATC Coordinator should plan to meet with proctors/evaluators prior to administration to allow them an opportunity to review guides/procedures that will be necessary for administration. It is essential that the proctors have time to review the materials in advance to make sure they understand the policies and procedures outlined in the proctor guides provided by NOCTI. 

Skill-based test evaluators should also review the Evaluator Guide for the specific assessment. For security purposes, materials should be returned to the ATC Coordinator after they have been reviewed. The materials should then be distributed to the proctors and/or evaluators on the day of the assessment session.