Preparing for Test Administration
Effective test administration begins with strong preparation. Coordinators should schedule and lead a pre-administration meeting with all Proctors and Evaluators before the testing date. This meeting should be used to review procedures, clarify expectations, and ensure all testing staff understand the Proctor and all Evaluator instructions.
For skill-based performance assessments, Evaluators must also review the content-specific Evaluator Guide prior to testing. To maintain test security, all materials must remain under the supervision of the Coordinator during this review process.
Approved Testing Materials
To ensure consistency across testing sites, only approved materials may be used during testing. Formula sheets are not permitted unless they are specifically included as part of the assessment. When formulas are needed, they are provided within the test items.
Each site must have a clear, structured process for preparing, distributing, collecting, and securing testing materials.
Online Administration Materials
For online testing, Coordinators should establish a consistent process for distributing user codes. Test takers may be assigned user codes in advance. The Client Services Center provides tools to easily print labels with each test taker’s credentials to support organized distribution.
For sites managing large groups, the Data Upload Tool can be used to assign user codes quickly and accurately.
Paper/Pencil Administration Materials
For paper/pencil testing, Coordinators should take a structured approach to organizing and securing materials.
Before test day:
- Organize materials after inventorying the shipment.
- Group materials by test title, including all required components such as booklets, answer sheets, guides, and rosters.
- Align testing plans with local procedures, including policies for early finishers, breaks, and emergency protocols.
- Store all materials in a locked, secure location until test day.
On the day of administration:
- Distribute materials from a secure, monitored location.
- Require all Proctors and Evaluators to sign in before receiving materials, using the Check In/Check Out form.
- Issue organized testing packets.
- Have Proctors and Evaluators verify receipt of materials using an inventory sheet.
After testing:
- Collect all materials immediately.
- Require Proctors and Evaluators to verify the return of materials using the inventory sheet.
- Reinventory materials to confirm all items are accounted for.
- Secure materials in a locked location until final processing is complete.
Return and finalize materials promptly:
- Ship completed answer sheets to NOCTI for scoring.
- Destroy or return used test booklets and Evaluator Guides according to program requirements.
- Return any unused materials for credit, following the NOCTI Returns Policy.
Maintaining Security During and After Testing
- During testing, only authorized Proctors and Evaluators may handle or access assessment materials. The testing environment should be monitored to help ensure administration procedures are followed.
- After testing, all used and unused materials should be accounted for immediately, secured according to NOCTI guidelines, and prepared for proper return, destruction, or next steps.
Consistent attention to detail before, during, and after testing helps support a smooth administration and protects the integrity of the assessment process.