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AQA
Guide to Installing
and Running On-
screen Tests
November 2008 onwards
Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Assessments, V1.0
Copyright Assessment & Qualifiications Alliance and RM Education plc
The owners acknowledge the rights of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
(“QCA”) in those parts of this document that are derived from the QCA’s
publications entitled Installation and Technical Guide, Pupil and Test Management
Guide, Test Administration Guide, Quick Reference: Installation and Technical,
Quick Reference: Pupil and Test Management and Quick Reference: Test
Administration.
The content of the on-screen tests is owned and developed by AQA.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is an exempt charity
under Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 1993.
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
83 Piccadilly
London W1J 8QA
Telephone: 020 7509 5556
Assessment & Qualifications Alliance
Devas St
Manchester
M15 6EX
AQA Centre Support Telephone: 01483 556 208
E-testing Customer Services Team: 0845 123 7820 option 1
Email: aqatests@rm.com
Fax. 01235 854391
E-testing Technical Support Team: 0845 123 7820 option 2
Please note down any error messages when calling the Technical Support Team. This
will help greatly with the time taken to deal with any enquiry.
Contents
SECTION ONE – INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION ...........................................vii
Introduction .....................................................................................................................viii
About this guide ................................................................................................................ viii
Related guides ..................................................................................................................... x
Support ................................................................................................................................ x
Conventions ........................................................................................................................ xi
Flow diagram and checklist of activities ............................................................................. xii
Flow Diagram ..................................................................................................................... xii
Checklist of Activities ........................................................................................................ xiii
Configuration Log Sheet ................................................................................................... xiv
CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................................................................ 1
Installation overview.......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 The delivery software overview diagram – CPS, APS and DPS ................................... 1
1.2 The installation process ................................................................................................. 3
1.3 The upgrade process ..................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................ 5
Before you start ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Pre-installation considerations ....................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Providing network security ...................................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Choosing your APS server ...................................................................................... 7
2.1.3 Meeting Internet requirements ................................................................................ 7
2.1.4 Maximising performance ......................................................................................... 8
2.2 Pre-requisites ................................................................................................................. 9
CHAPTER 3 ...................................................................................................................... 11
Installing the Admin Point System software .................................................................11
3.1 How to install or upgrade the APS from a CD .............................................................12
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests i
Contents
CHAPTER 4 ...................................................................................................................... 21
Registering your centre .................................................................................................. 21
4.1 How to register your software ..................................................................................... 22
4.1.1 Part 1: Submit registration .................................................................................... 22
4.1.2 Part 2: Registration received ................................................................................ 26
4.1.3 Part 3: Registration approved ............................................................................... 27
4.2 How to test the APS connection to the CPS ............................................................... 33
CHAPTER 5 ...................................................................................................................... 35
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software ...................................... 35
5.1 Deploying the DPS software automatically ................................................................. 35
5.1.1 Obtaining software for deployment ....................................................................... 36
5.1.2 How to deploy the .NET Framework .................................................................... 36
5.1.3 How to deploy the DPS software .......................................................................... 38
5.1.4 How to deploy an upgrade to the DPS software .................................................. 40
5.2 Installing the DPS software manually ......................................................................... 41
5.2.1 How to install the DPS manually .......................................................................... 41
5.2.2 How to upgrade the DPS software manually........................................................ 50
CHAPTER 6 ...................................................................................................................... 51
Navigating the APS ......................................................................................................... 51
6.1 Logging onto the APS ................................................................................................. 51
6.2 Using buttons and menus and selecting items from menu list.................................... 53
6.3 Logging off from the APS ............................................................................................ 54
CHAPTER 7 ...................................................................................................................... 57
Configuring the system .................................................................................................. 57
7.1 Configuring centre details ........................................................................................... 57
7.2 Configuring the APS Scheduler .................................................................................. 58
7.3 Configuring APS workstations .................................................................................... 60
7.4 Configuring DPS workstations .................................................................................... 61
7.4.1 Configuring a connected workstation ................................................................... 62
7.5 Configuring workstations for candidate access .......................................................... 63
7.6 Configuring workstations for SEN requirements ......................................................... 64
CHAPTER 8 ...................................................................................................................... 65
Setting up and managing users .................................................................................... 65
8.1 Roles and responsibilities of users ............................................................................. 65
8.1.1 Technical Manager ............................................................................................... 66
8.1.2 Test Manager ....................................................................................................... 68
8.1.3 Pupil Manager ...................................................................................................... 68
8.1.4 Test Administrator ................................................................................................ 69
8.2 Creating and maintaining users .................................................................................. 70
8.2.1 Adding a new user ................................................................................................ 70
8.2.2 Modifying a user ................................................................................................... 72
8.2.3 Deleting a user ..................................................................................................... 72
8.3 Informing your users ................................................................................................... 72
8.4 Dealing with user access problems ............................................................................ 73
8.4.1 Changing a user’s password ................................................................................ 73
ii AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Contents
8.4.2 Changing a user’s role ..........................................................................................73
8.4.3 Unlocking a user account ......................................................................................73
CHAPTER 9 ...................................................................................................................... 75
Installing tests and software updates............................................................................75
9.1 Installing tests ..............................................................................................................75
9.1.1 Checking which tests are available on the APS server .........................................75
9.1.2 Checking which tests are installed on a DPS workstation ....................................76
9.1.3 Deploying tests automatically ................................................................................77
9.1.4 Installing tests manually ........................................................................................79
9.2 Installing software updates ..........................................................................................80
9.2.1 APS software updates ...........................................................................................80
9.2.2 DPS software updates ..........................................................................................80
CHAPTER 10 .................................................................................................................... 81
Setting up SEN requirements .........................................................................................81
Providing for SEN requirements ........................................................................................81
CHAPTER 11 .................................................................................................................... 89
Managing test data ..........................................................................................................89
11.1 Backing up the APS ...................................................................................................89
11.1.1 Dealing with skipped files ....................................................................................89
11.2 Using the audit log .....................................................................................................90
11.2.1 Viewing the audit log ...........................................................................................90
11.3 Managing file storage ................................................................................................91
CHAPTER 12 .................................................................................................................... 95
Reconfiguring the system after installation ..................................................................95
12.1 Adding and removing DPS workstations ...................................................................95
12.2 Adding a proxy server ................................................................................................95
12.3 Changing your IP address .........................................................................................95
CHAPTER 13 .................................................................................................................... 97
Uninstalling tests and software ......................................................................................97
13.1 Uninstalling the APS software ...................................................................................97
13.2 Uninstalling the DPS software ...................................................................................97
13.3 Uninstalling tests ........................................................................................................98
CHAPTER 14 .................................................................................................................... 99
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................99
14.1 Problem: Cannot access APS website ......................................................................99
14.2 Problem: Connectivity to the CPS server fails .........................................................101
14.3 Problem: Insufficient space on a DPS workstation ..................................................101
14.4 Problem: Need to install the DPS on a workstation without a CD drive ..................102
14.5 Problem: Connectivity from a DPS workstation fails ...............................................102
14.6 Problem: Forgotten School Key Password ..............................................................102
14.7 Problem: There has been a problem while contacting the CPS to perform centre
registration .......................................................................................................................103
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests iii
Contents
SECTION 2 - CANDIDATE AND TEST MANAGEMENT .............................................. 105
CHAPTER 15 .................................................................................................................. 107
Test types and delivery options .................................................................................. 107
15.1 The testing process ................................................................................................. 107
15.2 Connected tests ...................................................................................................... 107
CHAPTER 16 .................................................................................................................. 109
Managing candidate details ......................................................................................... 109
16.1 Identifying candidates using UPNs and Candidate Ids ........................................... 109
16.2 Centre entry file ....................................................................................................... 110
16.2.1 Importing an entry file ....................................................................................... 110
16.2 Importing a CSV file of registration group, subject, teaching set ........................ 110
16.3 Manually maintaining candidate details .................................................................. 115
16.3.1 Adding a candidate ........................................................................................... 115
16.3.2 Viewing or modifying a candidate ..................................................................... 117
16.3.3 Deleting a candidate ......................................................................................... 119
16.3.4 Using the Set Year Group Function ................................................................. 119
CHAPTER 17 .................................................................................................................. 121
Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets ............................. 121
17.1 Registration Groups ................................................................................................ 121
17.1.1 Creating a registration group ............................................................................ 121
17.1.2 Allocating candidates to a registration group ................................................... 122
17.1.3 Modifying a registration group .......................................................................... 123
17.1.4 Deleting a registration group ............................................................................ 124
17.2. Teaching sets ......................................................................................................... 125
17.2.1 Creating a teaching set..................................................................................... 125
17.2.2 Allocating candidates to a teaching set ............................................................ 125
17.2.3 Modifying a teaching set ................................................................................... 126
17.2.4 Deleting a teaching set ..................................................................................... 127
CHAPTER 18 .................................................................................................................. 129
Catering for SEN requirements.................................................................................... 129
18.1 Specifying a candidate’s SEN requirements ........................................................... 129
18.2 Allowing additional time for a test ........................................................................... 130
CHAPTER 19 .................................................................................................................. 135
Scheduling tests ........................................................................................................... 135
19.1 Allocating candidates to a test ................................................................................ 135
19.2 Creating test sessions and assigning candidates ................................................... 139
Planning test sessions ................................................................................................. 141
How to create test sessions ......................................................................................... 141
19.3 Viewing and modifying test sessions ...................................................................... 145
19.4 Rescheduling test sessions .................................................................................... 146
19.5 Deleting test sessions ............................................................................................. 147
19.6 Resetting the session timetable .............................................................................. 148
19.7 Printing candidate test passwords .......................................................................... 148
19.8 Running Unscheduled Tests ................................................................................... 151
iv AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Contents
19.9 Viewing the tests to which a candidate is allocated .................................................152
19.10 Viewing the test sessions to which a candidate is assigned .................................152
19.11 Viewing candidate test statuses ............................................................................153
SECTION 3 – RUNNING PRACTICE TESTS .................................................................157
CHAPTER 20 .................................................................................................................. 159
Unscheduled practice tests ..........................................................................................159
SECTION 4 – RUNNING LIVE TESTS ...........................................................................161
CHAPTER 21 .................................................................................................................. 165
General Notes of guidance when managing test sessions .......................................163
Printing candidate test passwords ..............................................................................165
CHAPTER 22 .................................................................................................................. 171
Running connected tests ..............................................................................................171
22.1 Test security.............................................................................................................172
22.2 What to do before, during and after a test ...............................................................172
22.3 Logging on to the DPS .............................................................................................174
22.4 Running connected test sessions using the Flight Deck .........................................181
CHAPTER 23 .................................................................................................................. 187
Pausing and resuming tests .........................................................................................187
23.1 Pausing and resuming individual candidates on their workstations ........................187
23.2 Pausing and resuming individual candidates from the Flight Deck .........................188
23.3 Pausing and resuming all candidates from the Flight Deck ....................................188
CHAPTER 24 .................................................................................................................. 189
Shutting down and recovering tests ............................................................................189
24.1 Shutting down individual candidates on their workstations .....................................189
24.2 Shutting down selected candidates from the Flight Deck ........................................190
24.3 Shutting down all candidates from the Flight Deck..................................................190
24.4 Recovering a candidate’s test ..................................................................................191
CHAPTER 25 .................................................................................................................. 193
What happens after the test ..........................................................................................193
25.1 Returning candidate response files .........................................................................196
25.2 Results Distribution ..................................................................................................196
25.3 Viewing and printing practice test results ................................................................196
25.4 Viewing and printing the result distribution for a practice test .................................197
CHAPTER 26, ................................................................................................................. 199
Appendix A .....................................................................................................................199
The DPS configuration file ...............................................................................................199
CHAPTER 27 .................................................................................................................. 201
Appendix B .....................................................................................................................202
Logging on and off ...........................................................................................................202
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests v
Contents
Glossary ......................................................................................................................... 207
Index ............................................................................................................................... 211
vi AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
SECTION ONE – INSTALLATION AND
CONFIGURATION
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests vii
Introduction
Introduction
About this guide
This guide introduces you to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority delivery
software, which is used for the AQA on-screen tests and describes how to install,
configure and maintain the software at your centre.
The guide is primarily aimed at network managers and ICT technicians. It contains the
following information:
Section 1
Chapter 1: Installation overview
Provides a brief introduction to the test delivery software and outlines the installation
process.
Chapter 2: Before you start
Discusses the important considerations you will need to make before using the
delivery software. It details the networking considerations, Internet requirements and
pre-requisites (the minimum specifications for your server and workstations along with
the operating system and software requirements).
Chapter 3: Installing the Admin Point System software
Tells you how to install the Admin Point System (APS) on a suitable server at your
centre. The APS software holds all the candidate data, tests and test data for your
centre, makes the necessary data available to workstations as required, and receives
test responses from workstations as candidates take tests. It is the centralised part of
the delivery software at your centre. It forms the link between the remote Central Point
System (CPS), which holds the test data for all centres, and the Delivery Point System
(DPS) installed on workstations at which candidates take tests.
Chapter 4: Registering your software
Tells you how to register your software with the CPS and, once registered, test that
the link from your APS to the CPS is working correctly.
Chapter 5: Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
Tells you how to install the DPS software on the workstations at which candidates
take tests.
Chapter 6: Navigating the APS
Tells you how to log on, navigate around the APS, using buttons and menus,
selecting items within a list and how to successfully log off the APS.
Chapter 7: Configuring the system
Tells you how to maintain the configuration details for your centre (the number of
workstations used for taking tests and the location of files), control the link to the CPS
server, configure workstations for APS access, configure the DPS software on
workstations, and configure workstations to cater for candidate SEN requirements.
viii AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Introduction
Chapter 8: Setting up and managing users
Outlines the roles and responsibilities that centre staff will need to take on and how to
set up and maintain appropriate users for the different user roles.
Chapter 9: Installing tests and software updates
Tells you how to install tests and software updates on DPS workstations.
Chapter 10: Setting SEN requirements
Tells you how to cater for SEN requirements.
Chapter 11: Managing test data
Tells you how to secure and manage test data, including how to transfer post-test
data to the CPS server, back up and restore the system, and use the audit log (which
records all activity on the system).
Chapter 12: Reconfiguring the system after installation
Tells you how to make technical changes to the system after installation, for instance
to add proxy servers, switch to a leased line/broadband connection, change your IP
address or add additional DPS workstations.
Chapter 13: Uninstalling tests and software
Tells you how to uninstall the APS software from the server, and how to uninstall the
DPS software and tests from workstations, should it be necessary.
Chapter 14: Troubleshooting
Tells you how to deal with common problems.
Section 2
Chapter 15: Test types and delivery options
Outlines the process you need to go through to manage and run the delivery software
and the on-screen tests at your centre.
Chapter 16: Managing candidate details
Describes how to import candidate details onto the system, and how to maintain
candidate details thereafter e.g importing an entry file and csv file of registration
group, subject and teaching set.
Chapter 17: Allocating candiates to registration groups and teaching sets
Describes how to group candidates in registration groups and teaching sets, which
greatly eases the test scheduling process.
Chapter 18: Catering for SEN requirements
Describes how to specify SEN requirements for individual candidates.
Chapter 19: Scheduling tests
Describes the activities you need to carry out to allocate candidates to tests and
schedule the required test sessions.
Section 3
Chapter 20: Unscheduled practice tests
Describes the activities you need to carry out to run unscheduled practice tests with
candidates.
Section 4
Chapter 21: Printing candidate test passwords
Tells you how to print the passwords that candidates need to enter when they log on
to take a test.
Chapter 22: Running connected tests
Describes how to run tests that candidates take in connected mode.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests ix
Introduction
Chapter 23: Pausing and resuming tests
Tells you how to pause and resume candidate tests, which may be necessary if
candidates experience temporary problems.
Chapter 24: Shutting down and recovering tests
Tells you how to shut down and recover candidate tests, which may be necessary if
an individual candidate has a serious problem or there is a major disturbance and you
need to abandon the test session and restart it at a later time.
Chapter 25: What happens after the test
Describes how ensure candidate test responses are returned to the central server and
how to view test results on the system and distribute them to candidates.
Chapter 26: Appendix A: The DPS Configuration File
Tells you how to use the DPS Configuration file, DPSConfig.ini, to configure DPS
workstations during installation of the DPS software.
Chapter 27: Appendix B: Logging on and off
Describes how to log on and off from the system as a candidate or as a member of
staff with a particular role.
Glossary of terms
Definitions of terms and concepts, which may be new to you.
Related guides
This guide is one of two provided to support centres introducing AQA on-screen testing.
The other guide is:
AQA Administering on-screen tests Instructions for centres May 2008 onwards
This guide is the starting point for anyone involved in managing and administering
AQA on-screen tests. It introduces the test and outlines the activities that centres
need to carry out. This guide is despatched to centres via post from AQA.
Support
If you cannot find the information you require in either of the guides, please contact 0845
123 7820 and choose the appropriate option:
press 1 for enquiries about test dates or other non-technical enquiries. This will connect
you with the E-testing Customer Services Team.
press 2 for technical enquiries, for example problems with installation and use of the
delivery software or connectivity issues. This will connect you with the E-
Testing Technical Support Team.
x AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Introduction
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this guide:
Convention Meaning
Bold Indicates the actual commands, words, or characters that
you type in a dialog box.
Italic Indicates a placeholder for specific information that you
must provide. For example, if the procedure asks you to
type filename, you must type the actual name of the file.
Italic also indicates titles of sections of this guide and other
books.
Indicates a list of related information, but not procedural
steps.
task start Highlights the start of a sequence of actions to carry out a
task
task end Highlights the end of a sequence of actions to carry out a
task
Select Indicates that you must highlight an item.
Choose Indicates that you must activate or run an item.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests xi
Introduction
Flow diagram and checklist of activities
This section provides you with:
a flow diagram of the activities centres must carry our in order to become
accredited test centres.
a checklist of activities centres must carry out to prepare themselves for
running tests.
Flow Diagram
Centre registers entries with AQA for the AQA on- The centre uploads their candidate entry file (E-
screen tests and provides AQA with a nominated file) that contains candidate test data. This file can
Main Contact and Technical Contact at the centre normally be obtained from your Exams Officer.
along with an e-mail address for both contacts.
The practice test material is allocated to the Admin
Point System and an e-mail is sent to the
AQA provides a list of participating centres to the nominated contacts advising them of their
E-testing Customer Services Team. availability.
The E-testing Customer Services Team e-mails Centre deploys the practice test to the necessary
the centre with a link to the network audit tool and workstations.
instructions on how to complete the audit.
Centre schedules the practice test on the Admin
Point System.
The centre runs the network audit tool on the
server and each workstation that they wish to use
for the AQA on-screen tests. A message is Centre runs the scheduled practice tests with the
displayed on the screen advising whether the candidates due to participate in the live tests.
equipment meets the required specification.
The live test material is allocated to the centre’s
The network audit results are automatically sent Admin Point System and an e-mail is sent to the
back to the Customer Services Team’s central nominated contacts, advising them of the
server. availability of the test.
If the network meets the required specification, the The centre deploys the live tests to the necessary
Customer Services Team will despatch the test workstations.
delivery software and registration key.
The centre schedules the live tests on the Admin
Point System.
The centre installs the test delivery software and
registers it using the registration key.
The centre runs the scheduled live tests with the
candidates.
Centre upgrades their software to the latest
version available.
The centre closes the test session and ensures all
test response packages are uploaded to the
central server.
ARs
xii AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Introduction
Checklist of Activities
Task When this should be
Task Chapter Page Time
No. completed.
Install the test delivery software Admin Point System (APS) on the
1 3 11 5 weeks prior to live test window
server (if not already done)
1.5
Register the test delivery software Admin Point System (APS) on hours
2 the server (if not already done). Please be aware that this could 4 22 5 weeks prior to live test window
take up to 24 hours.
3 Create users’ accounts on the Admin Point System (APS) 8 65 15 mins 5 weeks prior to live test window
Encourage a connection between the Admin Point System (APS)
4 7 58 10 mins 5 weeks prior to live test window
and Central Point System (CPS) to look for software updates
You will identify an Admin Point System and Delivery Point System upgrade once task 4 has been completed.
Apply Admin Point System (APS) software update to ensure you
are running the latest version. Please refer to email 0.5
5 3 12 5 weeks prior to live test window
communication received by the E-testing Customer Services hour
Team which will confirm the latest APS software version.
Install the Delivery Point System (DPS) software on the
workstations you wish to use for the onscreen test session. Use
6 the latest version of the DPS software. Please refer to email 5 35 1 hour 5 weeks prior to live test window
communication received by the E-testing Customer Services
Team which will confirm the latest DPS software version.
On receipt of email advising you of
7 Install the tests on your workstations 9 75 1 hour
test availability
We strongly advise all centres to make use of the practice material. You must ensure that all staff is familiar with scheduling tests and running a test using the
flightdeck. Please refer to the AQA Administering on-screen tests instructions for centres guide.
Prepare and import your candidate data via E-file/candidate entry
8 16 110 30 mins 4 weeks prior to live test window
file
9 Create a teaching set 17 125 2 weeks prior to live test window
10 Allocate candidates to teaching set 17 125 2 weeks prior to live test window
1 hour
11 Allocate candidates to test 19 135 2 weeks prior to live test window
12 Create test sessions 19 139 2 weeks prior to live test window
13 Print candidate test passwords 19 148 10 mins 1 week prior to live test window
Session
duration
14 Run practice tests with staff and candidates 20 159 1 week prior to live test window
+ 10
mins
Session
duration
15 Run connected live test sessions 22 181 During live test window
+ 10
mins
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests xiii
Introduction
Configuration Log Sheet
During the installation, you need to record various items of information. A Configuration
Log Sheet is provided opposite for this purpose. This is also provided electronically on the
delivery software installation CD.
You can either photocopy the paper copy of the Configuration Log Sheet that is provided
here, record the required information then store it in a safe place, or use the electronic
version and store it on a protected network drive.
xiv AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Introduction
AQA on-screen tests
Configuration Log Sheet
Folder for APS software
APS website IP address
APS website port
IP address ranges with access
to the APS website
Initial APS website user name
Initial APS website password
APS website URL
Proxy server IP address
Proxy server port
Authenticated proxy server
user name
Authenticated proxy server
password
Authenticated proxy server
domain
Path for DPS configuration file
(DPSConfig.ini)
School key password
Please photocopy this log sheet, fill it out and keep in a safe place. Alternatively, use the
electronic version provided on the delivery software installation CD.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests xv
C H A P T E R 1
Installation overview
1.1 The delivery software overview diagram – CPS,
APS and DPS
From a technical point of view, it is most important to understand the main components of
the system, as illustrated in the following diagram:
Central Point System (CPS)
Remote Server Central database
Candidate responses Tests,
results return
Admin Point System (APS)
Centre Server
Centre
DPS Delivery Point System (DPS) DPS
Centre Workstation
Candidate
The software comprises three separate, but linked, systems as follows:
a Central Point System (CPS): this software is installed on a remote centrally-
hosted server responsible for sending out the tests to all the centres and for the
receipt of the test response data. It holds the centre data for all participating centres.
It also maintains the central CPS test database, containing practice and live test
package sets to be distributed to centres. Centres communicate with the CPS via the
local APS software.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 1
Installation overview
the Admin Point System (APS): this software is installed on a network server at
each centre. The APS holds all the candidate and test data for your centre. You use it
to manage candidate data, allocate candidates to tests, assign candidates to test
sessions, and transmit test responses to the CPS. The APS makes regular contact
over the Internet with the CPS to check for and download test package sets and
software updates.
the Delivery Point System (DPS): this software is installed on the workstations on
which candidates take tests.
The CPS and the APS are both web applications, accessed using a suitable web
browser, whereas the DPS is a standard desktop application. For security reasons, APS
access is restricted to workstations on your local centre network.
Centres have direct access to the APS and DPS only, not the CPS.
2 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installation overview
1.2 The installation process
The following flowchart shows the activities you need to carry out to prepare for and carry out a
new installation of the APS and DPS software in the order you need to do them.
Check required network security is in place Chapter 2
Choose and prepare a suitable APS server Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Set up Internet connection
Chapter 2
Configure network and server to maximise
performance
Check conformance to pre-requisites:
Ensure that your APS server and all DPS workstations meet the
minimum technical specification and have enough free space.
Verify that outbound HTTPS requests are permitted via port 443
using TCP/IP.
Ensure that the browser on the server and all workstations is Chapter 2
configured not to use a proxy server when accessing the APS.
For a new installation, not an upgrade, remove or rename any
existing users on your network with the names postgres and
tomcat, and any existing services with the names postmaster
and tomcat.
Ensure that there is a current backup of all servers on your centre’s
network.
Ensure networ.k patches and virus definitions are up to date.
Ensure that there are no startup issues on the server on which
you intend to install the APS software.
Ensure that disk quotas are turned off for the drive on which you
intend to install the APS software.
Install the APS on the designated server Chapter 3
Register your centre with the CPS server and test Install the DPS on each workstation on which you
the link between your APS server and the CPS intend pupils to sit tests
server
Chapter 4 Chapter 5
Configure the system
Chapter 7
Set up your users Chapter 8
Install tests Chapter 9
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 3
Installation overview
1.3 The upgrade process
The following flowchart shows the activities you need to carry out to upgrade the APS
and/or the DPS software, in the order you need to do them.
APS Upgrade
Log on to the existing APS and check that it is working
Check which version of the APS you are currently running. To do this,
log on to the APS and choose the About APS option from the Help
menu. A pop-up window is displayed and this provides details of the
software version
Re-check conformance to pre-requisites:
Ensure that your APS server meets meet the latest minimum
specifications published on
http://www.rm.com/ks3ict/mainpage.asp?contentref=QCAP82656
and has enough free space
Verify that outbound HTTPS requests are permitted via port 443 Chapter 2
using TCP/IP
Ensure that the browser on the server is configured not to use a
proxy server when accessing the APS
Ensure that there is a current backup of the APS server
Ensure network patches and virus definitions are up to date
Ensure that there are no startup issues on the APS server
Follow the instructions on the support note to run the APS upgrade
file that has been downloaded by your APS,. Chapter 3
Note: APS upgrades may be issued with
accompanying DPS upgrades, or APS and
DPS upgrades may be issued
independently. If an APS upgrade is DPS Upgrade
issued with an accompanying DPS
upgrade, carry out the APS upgrade first
If you are not sure, check which version of the DPS you are
currently running on each workstation. To do this, start the DPS
on each workstation and at the pupil logon screen press A while
holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously. An
information box displays the current DPS version
Re-check that each workstation meets the latest minimum
specifications published on the pilot website at
www.ks3ictpilot.com and has enough free space
Copy the new DPS software to a shared location for deployment.
The new software will be downloaded into the
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\Software\TDS Chapter 5
folder on your APS server
Deploy the new version of the DPS to workstations. This
uninstalls the existing version of the DPS on each workstation
Chapter 5
and replaces it with the new version
4 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
C H A P T E R 2
Before you start
This section contains advice on the things you need to consider before installing and
using the delivery software.
Before you carry out the installation, you should refer to the documentation for your
computer network.
If in any doubt, your centre should refer to the Becta guidelines for operating centre
networks and security considerations at www.becta.org.uk.
2.1 Pre-installation considerations
2.1.1 Providing network security
The APS running on your centre network will exchange data with the CPS over the
Internet. Any network connected to the Internet is open to possible abuse unless security
measures are in place. To protect against possible abuse, the delivery software uses the
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol to provide a secure link between your centre APS
server and the CPS server, and when DPS workstations access your centre APS server
locally.
The following diagram shows a typical setup.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 5
Before you start
CPS Server
SSL
Port 443
Internet
Proxy Server
+ Firewall
APS Server
Port 5432
8005
Port
Database Web service
Port 8443
Centre LAN
DPS DPS DPS DPS DPS
Workstation Workstation Workstation Workstation Workstation
Access to your centre’s APS system is secured via an authorised user name and
password, which is encrypted at logon.
In addition, you should consider the following extra measures to protect your network:
Firewall
A firewall separates your internal network from the Internet and prevents
unauthorised access. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network
supplier for more information about making your network more secure.
The installation process for the APS defaults to port 443 for outbound SSL requests
to the CPS server. This is the standard port for SSL use, and you cannot change it. If
you have a firewall already in place, typically it will already be configured to allow port
443 traffic outbound.
If your Internet service is delivered via a broadband grid rather than direct from an
ISP, you will need to follow your usual change request process to ensure that port
443 is open outbound.
6 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Before you start
Virus protection
You must ensure that you have adequate virus protection procedures in place before
installation of the delivery software.
Passwords
To guard against unauthorised use of the delivery software, advise your users to
keep their passwords secret, and to change them if they suspect their password has
become known.
The password policy for all centres using the delivery software is controlled from the
CPS server and covers:
the minimum password length
what type of characters the password must contain (letters, mixed case and
numbers).The password must not contain special characters
how many days a specific password will remain valid
the password history (how many different passwords have to be used by a
specific user before they can re-use a password)
how many unsuccessful attempts at logging on a user can make before their user
account is locked. When a user account becomes locked it requires your centre
Technical Manager to unlock it.
Guidelines for the current password policy appear on the ‘Change My Password’
screen within the APS, once installation has been completed.
2.1.2 Choosing your APS server
The APS installation installs web server software and creates a new website on one of
your centre network servers. You must select an appropriate server.
You should not install the delivery software on any dedicated application server (for
example, a mail server) as there may be a conflict of resources.
We recommend that you install the APS on a server that has sufficient disk space and
can handle the additional resource requirements during testing. For a reminder of the
minimum network specification, check the 2.2 Pre-requisites on page 9 and the Minimum
Network Specification website.
The server on which you install the APS must be in a secure location (that is, a lockable
room).
Usually the APS can co-exist with an existing web server installation and should not affect
your other sites (for example, your intranet) on your chosen server.
2.1.3 Meeting Internet requirements
Your centre’s APS server makes scheduled Internet connections to the CPS server via
port 443 every day to download tests, transmit test responses and check for software
updates.
You can control the times your centre APS server connects to the Internet. For more
information, see 7.2 Configuring the APS Scheduler on page 58.
To use the delivery software your centre network needs to be connected to the Internet
via either a broadband connection or an ISDN connection with a router.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 7
Before you start
Internet access via an ISDN line
If your centre is connected to the Internet with a router and ISDN line under a restricted
tariff such as the School Internet Caller, you must do one of the following to prevent
unnecessary charges arising as a result of the test software:
install a 7-day timer switch on the socket used by your router’s power supply to limit
the operating hours for your router
restrict Internet access by the test software as described in 7.2 Configuring the APS
Scheduler7.2 Configuring the APS Scheduler on page 58.
An ISDN connection must provide at least 128Kbps.
Internet access via a proxy server
If your APS server accesses the Internet via a proxy server, you will need to provide the
proxy server details during installation of the APS.
2.1.4 Maximising performance
The performance of the delivery software depends on the speed of your centre’s Internet
connection and the amount of activity on your LAN.
The key time when you need good performance is when candidates are taking tests and
are accessing your centre APS server across your centre LAN.
For most of the school year, the load that the APS will place on your server will be limited.
However, during actual test sessions the level of traffic across your centre LAN from the
DPS workstations will be high. The number of candidates that can take the test
simultaneously depends upon the available bandwidth and level of traffic on your
network, and the server specification. If you encounter frequent lost connections between
DPS workstations and the APS, as evidenced on the Flight Deck screen on the APS, we
advise you to plan sessions for no more than 60 candidates at a time.
Where possible, you should try to minimise the number of other applications that will be
running on both the server and the workstations used for the test during the test window.
It is a good idea to reschedule backups and anti-virus scans to times when tests are not
being taken, such as outside your standard centre hours.
For best performance we advise use of switched network connections and no hubs, so
that each workstation is allocated the maximum available bandwidth as required. If
shared connections through hubs are necessary, refer to the minimum network
specifications on the website at Minimum Network Specification for guidance.
The speed of test downloads and test response uploads are also dependent on the
general performance of the Internet at the time of access.
For further guidance on maximising performance of the test software at your centre,
check the 2.2 Pre-requisites on page 9 and the network specifications on the website at
Minimum Network Specification.
8 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Before you start
2.2 Pre-requisites
Prior to installation of the delivery software, please ensure that the following
pre-requisites have been met:
Verify that port 443 is open (outbound) from the server on which you intend to install
the APS. You can do this at the server by browsing to www.rm.com/verifyssl and
clicking on the link presented to you. If a page with the title ‘RM.COM is a Secure
Site’ displays, showing the VeriSign Secured logo, then the test has been successful.
If you are unable to access this link, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Ensure your network security patches and virus definitions are up to date. If
necessary, please contact your network support provider for advice on how to do this.
Ensure that the server on which you have chosen to install the APS meets the
recommended minimum technical specification. For a reminder of what this is, visit
Minimum Network Specification
Do not carry out the installation via terminal services or remote desktop.
Ensure that there is a current backup of all servers on your network.
Check disk quotas are not enabled on the installation drive. Refer to Chapter 14
Troubleshooting for advice on how to check this.
If practicable, we recommend that you restart the server on which you are installing
the APS in order to verify that there are no existing server startup issues. To do this,
log on to the server under a user name with full administrative rights, typically as the
network manager. Check for any error messages on startup, and also check the
Event Log for errors. If you get any errors that you are unsure about, contact your
support provider for assistance. If you have any concerns at all about the operation of
your network, do not attempt the installation until these have been resolved using
your normal support route.
Ensure that on the server and all relevant workstations, an appropriate proxy
exception is specified to stop the browser using a proxy server when accessing the
APS. Do not disable use of the proxy server entirely. This is described in 7.3
Configuring APS workstations on page 60.
Ensure that the workstations onto which you have chosen to install the DPS meet the
recommended minimum technical specification. For a reminder of what this is, visit
Minimum Network Specification
Ensure that you have sufficient free hard disk space on your server and workstations.
We recommend that you have at least 2Gb of space on your server for the APS
software plus a minimum of 75Mb of storage space per candidate to store test data
(equating to 9Gb for an average cohort of 120 candidates), and 250Mb of space on
each workstation.
For an upgrade, ensure that the existing version of the APS is functioning. To do this,
check that the postmaster and tomcat services are running, then log on to the APS as
described on page 202.
Ensure that all those people involved in running on-screen tests within your centre
are clear about their roles and responsibilities and have access to the information
they need, including the relevant parts of the provided user documentation. If you
need a reminder of what the responsibilities of each of the required roles are, see 8.1
Roles and responsibilities of users on page 65.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 9
Before you start
Note: Microsoft .NET Framework v1.1 is required on each DPS workstation. If this is not
already present, then the manual DPS software installation process will install it
automatically for you. Alternatively, if you are deploying the DPS software
automatically to all workstations, you can install it using the MSI (Microsoft
Installer) package that is provided on the delivery software installation CD. See
Chapter 5, Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software, for more
details.
10 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
C H A P T E R 3
Installing the Admin Point System
software
This chapter describes how to install the APS software onto a suitable Windows server on
your centre network and also how to upgrade to a new version from CD. Information
about installing electronic APS and DPS software updates can be found in Chapter 9
Installing tests and software updates.
An upgrade using a new version of the delivery software CD is essentially the same as a
new install, but a database backup and an uninstall of the old version of the software take
place automatically before installation of the new version commences. An upgrade retains
all your existing test data.
You should set aside up to four hours to complete either a new install or an upgrade, at a
time when you have no scheduled events (for example, backups or anti-virus scans) due
to occur.
Before you start the installation you must have carried out all the checks and
activities described in Chapter 2, Before you start.
The APS installation creates the following:
New subfolders in your chosen installation folder:
DBScripts
FILE_STORE
postgres<version>
Jre<version>
tomcat<version>
New services (which start automatically when you install the APS application):
tomcat (web server service in which the APS runs)
postmaster (postgres database service)
New local password-protected users created on the server:
postgres (for postmaster service)
tomcat (for tomcat service)
Important: For a new APS installation, if there are already users on your network with
the names postgres and tomcat, their accounts will be overwritten during
the installation process. Also, if there are already services with the names
tomcat and postmaster, the APS installation will fail. You must either
remove or rename the existing users and services in advance of the APS
installation.
For an upgrade, do not touch the existing users and services used by the
delivery software, as they are required by the upgrade process.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 11
Installing the Admin Point System software
By default, port numbers 8443 and 8005 are used by the tomcat service, and port 5432 is
used by the postmaster service. The installation process checks to see if these ports are
currently in use, and if they are it looks for other available ports and uses these instead. If
alternative ports are used, services currently using ports 8443, 8005 and 5432 are
unaffected. In the case of port 8443, you are given the opportunity during the installation
to choose the port to use.
Before you start a new installation, ensure you have the following available:
proxy server details.
Before you start an upgrade, also ensure that you have the following information
available:
the IP address for the APS website used in the previous installation. It is important to
use the same IP address for the upgrade.
list of existing usernames and passwords for the delivery software.
During the installation you will need to note down various items of information and keep
them in a safe place. A Configuration Log Sheet for this purpose is provided on the last
page of the Introduction chapter of this guide.
3.1 How to install or upgrade the APS from a CD
The following instructions describe how to install the APS for the first time or upgrade to a
new version using a software update provided on CD. The installation wizard
automatically detects whether a first time installation or an upgrade is required and takes
you through the appropriate steps.
Note: Most software updates will not be provided on CD and will be provided as an
electronic download to your APS; they are handled as described in 9.2 Installing
software updates on page 80. Instructions for each electronic upgrade are
separately provided via the support website, but if you are in any doubt, please
contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on
0845 123 7820 option 2.
task start
Log on to the server under a user name with full administrative rights, typically as the
network manager.
Insert your delivery software CD into the CD drive.
Browse to H:\APS\Windows (where H: is the drive letter of the CD drive) and run APS
Setup by double-clicking the file APSsetup.exe.
If this is the first time you have installed the APS on this server, proceed to step 5.
If an existing installation of the APS is detected, the following message displays:
12 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing the Admin Point System software
Click Yes to continue. A Welcome screen displays.
A number of messages display telling you that various activities are in progress,
including a database backup and installation of the previous version of the APS.
These activities may take a few minutes. When complete, the Welcome screen for
APS setup displays, and you are taken through the same installation process as for a
new install, as described in steps 5 onwards below.
The Welcome screen for APS setup displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 13
Installing the Admin Point System software
Click Next to continue. The ‘Choose the Admin Point System location’ screen displays:
14 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing the Admin Point System software
Whether you are carrying out a new installation or an upgrade, you can change the
default location for the software if you wish.
To change the default location (C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Admin Point System)
click Browse and choose an alternative drive and/or folder on the server. You cannot
choose a network location on another machine. If you do change the location on the
server, bear in mind the following:
The APS must be installed on a disk drive where disk space quotas are
disabled. If this is not the case, refer to Chapter 14, Troubleshooting, for advice.
We recommend that you do not install the APS on the same disk drive as the
Windows operating system files, because it can be difficult to free up more space
if the disk becomes full.
You can view the available disk space on the selected drive by clicking Check
Space. We recommend that there is a minimum of 2Gb of available space on the
selected drive for the software, plus a minimum of 75Mb of storage space per
candidate to store test data as candidates complete practice and live tests. This
storage space figure assumes that each candidate takes one practice test and the
live test, and also allows some contingency for storing unfinished test data. For
example, for an average cohort of 120 candidates, you will need approximately 9Gb
of storage space.
If you do change the location, we suggest you record the new location on the
Configuration Log Sheet provided on the last page of the Introduction chapter of this
guide .
Click Next to continue. The ‘APS Website Settings’ screen displays:
You can select the IP Address for the APS website from the drop-down list, and
modify the port setting as required (the default is 8443). The IP address on which the
software is installed should be an existing address of a network card that is on the
same subnet as the workstations. The IP address on which the software is installed
should be an existing address of a network card that is on the same subnet as the
workstations.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 15
Installing the Admin Point System software
For an upgrade, the IP Address must be the same as that used for the existing
version of the software.
If the server is already using the port the installation process is looking to use, the
installation will look for an available alternative and display it for you to confirm.
If the server on which you install the APS is on more than one network, and therefore
has multiple IP addresses, you must ensure that the DPS workstations can access
the IP address where you locate the APS.
The Subnet Mask is automatically detected from your network settings, but if you
wish you can make it either less or more restrictive.
The combination of IP Address and Subnet Mask limits APS access to workstations
on your local centre network, as shown in the IP restrictions box at the bottom of the
screen. For example, if the selected APS IP Address is 163.122.29.82 and the
Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0 (where 255 means match the value in the APS IP
address and 0 means no restriction), the IP Restrictions box will show 163.122.29.0 –
163.122.29.255.
Any machines not covered by the range displayed in the IP restrictions box will not be
able to access the APS.
We suggest you record all this information on the Configuration Log Sheet provided
on the last page of the Introduction chapter of this guide.
Click Next to continue. The installer displays details of the initial APS user it will
create. This user will have Technical Manager rights (see 8.1 Roles and
responsibilities of users on page 66).
A suggested User Name and Password for the initial user displays.
For a new installation, by default a new user with the username qcaaps and an
automatically generated password is created. You can edit both of these fields, or
alternatively leave them as they are and change them as required after installation.
16 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing the Admin Point System software
For an upgrade, you can either use this screen to create a new username and
password or you can enter an existing username and password. By default, a new
user with the username qcaapsup and an automatically generated password is
created, but you can edit both the username and password if you want. Alternatively,
if you do not want to create a new user, enter an existing username along with either
the existing password (to retain this password) or a new password.
If you do change either the User Name or Password, bear in mind the following rules:
The User Name must be at least four characters long, and consist only of letters
and numbers (no special characters or spaces). It is not case sensitive.
The Password is case sensitive and must:
be at least 8 characters long
contain at least one number
contain at least one upper case letter
contain at least one lower case letter.
Special characters such as apostrophes and hyphens as well as spaces are
allowed in passwords.
We suggest you record the user name and password for the initial user on the
Configuration Log Sheet provided on the last page of the Introduction chapter of this
guide.
Also select your School Type. This defines the terminology that will be used on APS
screens (School / Pupil or Centre / Candidate). You can change this at any time after
installation (see 7.1 Configuring centre details on page 57).
Click Next to continue. The ‘Proxy Settings’ screen displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 17
Installing the Admin Point System software
This step is optional. It depends on your centre network’s precise set up, but most
centres, especially if the network has more than one server, use a proxy server.
If you do use a proxy server to connect to the Internet:
The current proxy server address and port number are displayed. If they are not
correct you can change them.
If Internet Access at your centre server is via an authenticated proxy server, you
must enter the relevant User Name and Password for a valid user in the
appropriate fields. You may want to create a new user specifically for this.
If your proxy server uses NTLM authentication (also known as Windows NT
Challenge/Response or Integrated authentication), you will also need to specify a
logon Domain. This will be the domain in which the proxy server resides. If your
proxy server runs Microsoft ISA (Internet Security and Acceleration server) or
Microsoft Proxy Server 2, then you are likely to be using NTLM authentication.
Please check with your network manager if you are unsure.
If you do not use a proxy server to connect to the Internet, delete the address and
port number if present.
We suggest you record the information requested on this screen on the Configuration
Log Sheet provided on the last page of the Introduction chapter of this guide.
Note: You can change your proxy server configuration at any time after the
installation using the APS Proxy Configuration application, accessed via the
Windows Start menu under QCA Testing.
When you have entered the required details, click Next to continue.
You have now provided all the required information for the installation, and this
screen gives you the opportunity to review and if necessary change the information
you have supplied. If required, click Back to go back and change previous settings,
otherwise click Next to start the installation.
18 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing the Admin Point System software
The installation wizard begins the installation of the APS. Progress messages appear on
screen to keep you informed as to what is happening.
It will take approximately half an hour to copy the required files, configure the server and
complete the APS installation, but the exact time will vary from system to system.
Note: At some points the installation may pause; this is normal behaviour.
After successful installation of the APS software, the screen below displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 19
Installing the Admin Point System software
We suggest you make a careful note of the three items of information shown on this
screen on the Configuration Log Sheet provided on the last page of the Introduction
chapter of this guide.
You will need the DPS configuration file for installation of your DPS workstations, as
described in Chapter 5, Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software.
Click Finish to complete the installation. It is not necessary to restart the server.
task end
Following completion of the installation process, a screen will appear which provides
information about how to access the APS from a DPS workstation, along with some
troubleshooting advice relating to accessing the APS from a workstation.
The installation creates two shortcuts with the name ‘QCA Testing - Admin Point System’
– one on the server’s desktop and another on the Start menu, both using the following
icon:
QCA Testing - Admin Point System
However, before you can log on to the APS and proceed to use it you need to register
your centre with the CPS server, as described in Chapter 4 Registering your centre. This
is only necessary for a new install of the APS, not for an upgrade.
Since it takes one working day to achieve Centre Registration, you may choose to start
the process to register your centre with the CPS server, then begin to install your DPS
workstations, as described in Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
Chapter 5. These two activities can run concurrently.
20 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
C H A P T E R 4
Registering your centre
Once you have installed the APS system onto your centre’s server, as described in
Chapter 3, you can proceed to register your centre with the CPS server. The purpose of
this is to initiate a secure connection between your APS server and the CPS server.
Things to note:
You will need to carry out the registration over two working days as you will need
to wait up to one working day after submitting your registration request for it to be
received and processed.
Registration is only necessary for a new installation of the APS. If you have
upgraded to a new version of the APS, you can ignore this chapter.
Once registration is complete, you should test the connection between your APS system
and the CPS system.
This chapter describes both the registration and connection testing tasks.
Before you start, ensure you have the following available:
Your Registration Key. For security reasons, this 16 character key is sent to you
separately from your software. The Registration Key you enter is validated against
the Accredited Centres list maintained on the CPS server. You only need to use it
once, during the registration process. The Registration Key is sent to the nominated
main contact at your centre, but in a separate envelope.
If you believe that your centre has not received the Registration Key please
check with your colleagues and your centre office before contacting the E-testing
Customer Services Team.
If you haven’t received your Registration Key, please chjering the E-testing
Customer Services Team on 0845 123 7820, and select Option 1.
A secure location where you can back up your School Key, for example a protected
network drive or a blank, formatted floppy disk or CD. Note that the School Key is
entirely different from the Registration Key. The School Key is a computer file used to
decrypt the encrypted test data that your centre receives from the central CPS server.
You cannot access your School Key directly but when prompted you need to enter
the associated School Key Password. You set and maintain the School Key
Password yourself. You set the initial password during registration.
We recommend that you record your School Key Password on the Configuration Log
Sheet, provided on the last page of the Introduction to this guide, and keep this log in
a secure place.
You can at any time back up your School Key using the Manage School Key /
Backup School Key option under the School menu within the APS.
You can also change your School Key Password whenever you choose using the
Manage School Key / Change School Key Password option under the School menu
within the APS.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 21
Registering your centre
Note: If you do change your School Key Password, you must immediately back up
the School Key again to a different location from the previous backup. Each
backup of the School Key is encrypted using the password that is current at
the time, and will only work with that password.
The registration process is split into three parts as follows:
Part 1: Submit registration
Part 2: Registration received
Part 3: Registration approved
It is in three parts because you may need to wait up to a day between parts, and will most
likely want to log off then log on again.
Part 1 tasks should only take about 15 minutes. However, it takes one working day for
confirmation of the connection to the CPS server to complete before you can proceed to
Part 2. Approval for Part 2 can take up to 30 minutes before you can proceed to Part 3.
4.1 How to register your software
4.1.1 Part 1: Submit registration
task start
1. On a suitable workstation with access to the server and IP address where the
APS is located, ensure that you configure the browser not to use a proxy server
when trying to access the APS website, as described in 7.3 Configuring APS
workstations on page 60. Do not disable use of the proxy server entirely.
If you are at the server on which the APS is installed, double click on the ‘QCA
Testing - Admin Point System’ shortcut on your desktop or by choosing it from the
Start menu:
QCA Testing – Admin Point System
If you are at any other workstation, browse to:
https://serverIPaddress:port/qca
where serverIPaddress is the IP address of your APS server and port is the port
used for APS access (usually 8443). For example:
https://172.24.25.81:8443/qca
Note: If you cannot access the APS, see 14.1 Problem: Cannot access APS website
on page 99.
The APS logon screen displays.
22 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Registering your centre
Fill out the APS logon screen as follows:
i. In the User name box, type the user name for the initial APS website user
created at the end of APS installation (see the end of Chapter 3)
In the Password box, type the password for the initial APS website user created at the
end of APS installation (see the end of Chapter 3). Note that the password is case
sensitive, so make sure that you do not have CAPS LOCK on and that you enter the
correct mix of upper and lower case letters and numbers
Click Log On. The ‘Admin Point System Installation – Admin Point System Setup’ page
displays:
Things to note:
You may encounter the following error message on the above screen “There has
been a problem while contacting the CPS to carry out centre registration.” In this
scenario please refer to the Chapter 14, Troubleshooting.
Click Start. The ‘Admin Point System Installation: Register School (Step 1 of 6)’ page
displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 23
Registering your centre
Fill out this screen as follows:
i. In the School Name box, type your centre’s name.
In the School DCSF Number box, type your centre’s DCSF number. This must be seven
digits.
In the School Key Password box, type a School Key Password of your choice. This
password must only contain letters and numbers. The password is case sensitive and
must contain a minimum of eight characters with at least one upper case letter, one lower
case letter and one number.
The School Key Password is very important as you will need to enter it in order to carry
out certain important tasks, including printing candidate test passwords, opening and
running test sessions. We recommend that you record your School Key Password
manually on the Configuration Log Sheet provided on the last page of the Introduction
chapter of this guide and keep the log sheet in a very secure place.
In the School Key Password Confirmation box, retype your School Key Password.
In the Registration Key box, type your Registration Key. This is the 16 character
alphanumeric key that was posted to you.
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Installation: Register School – Sent (Step 2 of 6)’
page displays:
24 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Registering your centre
Your registration details will be checked against the registration information held for
accredited centres on the CPS server. Since this can take up to one working day to
complete before you can proceed to Part 2, we recommend you log off. On the APS
menu bar, click Log Off. Please note part 2 is an automated process and could take up to
30 minutes to process.
Things to note:
If you don’t log off, your APS session will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 25
Registering your centre
4.1.2 Part 2: Registration received
Log on as in Part 1, step 1. You will be automatically returned to the ‘Admin Point System
Setup: Register School – Sent (Step 2 of 6)’ page.
Click Check Status. When your centre registration request is ‘Received’, the ‘Admin
Point System Setup: Register School – Received (Step 3 of 6)’ page displays:
If your centre registration request is ‘Rejected’, the ‘Register School: (Rejected)’ page
displays instead of the above screen.
ii. Click Next to return to the ‘Admin Point System Installation: Register School
(Step 1 of 6)’ page.
Repeat from step 7 carefully using the correct details for your centre.
Things to note:
If you get repeated failures, please contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on
0845 123 7820, and select Option 2.
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Register School – Submit Approval (Step 4
of 6)’ page displays:
26 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Registering your centre
In the School Key Password box, type your School Key Password. Be sure to type the
same case sensitive School Key Password that you typed in the ‘Admin Point System
Installation: Register School (Step 1 of 6)’ page.
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Register School – Approval Pending
(Step 5 of 6)’ page displays:
Approval for Part 2 can take up to 30 minutes, so if you choose you can log off before
continuing with Part 3. On the APS menu bar, click Log Off.
Note: If you don’t log off, your APS session will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
4.1.3 Part 3: Registration approved
Log on as in Part 1, step 1. You will be automatically returned to the ‘Admin Point System
Setup: Register School – Approval Pending (Step 5 of 6)’ page.
Click Check Status. When your centre registration status is ‘Approved’, the ‘Admin Point
System Setup: Register School – Approved (Step 6 of 6)’ page displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 27
Registering your centre
28 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Registering your centre
If your centre registration status is ‘Rejected’, the ‘Register School: (Rejected)’ page
displays instead of the above screen.
i. Click Next to return to the ‘Admin Point System Setup: Register School – Submit
Approval (Step 4 of 6)’ page.
Repeat Part 2 from step 10 carefully using the correct details for your centre.
Things to note:
If you get repeated failures, please contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on
0845 123 7820, and select Option 2.
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Backup School Key’ page displays:
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Backup School Key – Step 1 of 2’ page
displays:
In the Enter School Key password box, type your School Key password. Be sure to
type the same case sensitive School Key password that you typed in the ‘Admin Point
System Installation: Register School (Step 1 of 6)’ page.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 29
Registering your centre
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Backup School Key – Step 2 of 2’ page
displays:
Click School Key data. A message box asks you whether you want to open or save the
file containing your School Key.
Click Save. A pop-up dialog box appears asking you to enter a name and location for the
backup file.
30 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Registering your centre
You can either use the default file name, SchoolKeyData.pkcs8, or type a file name of
your choice (but be sure to retain the file suffix .pkcs8). Depending upon your preference,
the location for the backup file should be either on a protected network drive or on a CD
or floppy disk which you can keep locked away securely. Click Save on the ‘Save As’
dialog box to save the backup file. The ‘Download Complete’ message box displays.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 31
Registering your centre
Click Close. The ‘Admin Point System Setup: Backup School Key (Step 2 of 2)’ page
redisplays.
Click Next. The ‘Admin Point System Setup – Complete’ page displays:
Click Next. You return to your APS Home Page.
task end
Your centre registration is now complete and you can test the connection between your
APS server and the CPS server.
Note: Your tests and any software updates will be downloaded automatically to your APS
on the next working day.
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Registering your centre
4.2 How to test the APS connection to the CPS
Your centre’s APS server carries out regular scheduled connections with the central CPS
server to check for the presence of test packages or software updates, and to transmit
test session responses to the CPS.
After installation of the APS and registration, or at any other time, you can check that the
APS link to the CPS is active as follows:
task start
1. If you are testing the link at the end of the registration process as described above,
you will already be logged on to the APS with Technical Manager rights, so you can
jump straight to step 2.
If you are not already logged on, log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager
rights, as described in Appendix B on page 202.
From the School menu on the APS menu bar, choose Change School Details. The
‘Change School Details’ page displays.
Click Test Data Transfer. The current status of the connection displays. If all is well this
will be ‘Test Successful’.
If the test fails, see 14.2 Problem: Connectivity to the CPS server fails in Chapter 14,
Troubleshooting on page 101.
task end
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 33
C H A P T E R 5
Installing or upgrading the Delivery
Point System software
After installing the APS on a server at your centre as described in Chapter 3, you need to
install the DPS on every workstation you intend candidates to use to take their on-screen
tests.
Note: The DPS software does not include the tests themselves (the practice tests and
the live tests). You need to separately install these onto each DPS workstation as
they become available, as described in Chapter 9, Installing tests and software
updates.
There are two ways of installing or upgrading the DPS software onto DPS workstations:
Automatically deploy the DPS software to all workstations using MSI (Microsoft
Installer) packages that are provided on the issued delivery software CD or (in the
case of a software upgrade) are provided electronically as a download to your APS.
Instructions on how to deploy an upgrade to the DPS software are on page 35.This is
the recommended method, as it is the quickest and easiest.
Manually install, a workstation at a time.
Whichever method you choose, it is easiest to configure each DPS workstation during
installation using the version of the DPSConfig.ini file created during APS installation (see
page 11) if you don’t do this, you will need to configure each workstation manually when
you first run the DPS on it; this is described in 7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page
61.
For a reminder of the minimum specification for workstations, see 2.2 Pre-requisites on
page 9 and on the Minimum Network Specification website.
5.1 Deploying the DPS software automatically
The precise method you use to achieve automatic deployment depends upon the network
management tools you are using. For assistance you should contact your network
supplier.
Separate installation files are provided for the DPS software, for Microsoft .NET
Framework 1.1, and for each test and software update.
You need to deploy these files in the following sequence:
task start
1. Deploy Microsoft .NET Framework MSI 1.1 (this is a pre-requisite for successful
DPS installation)
2. Deploy DPS software
3. Deploy test(s)
task end
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 35
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
Thereafter, you need to deploy tests and DPS software updates as they are released.
You will need to create and share a folder on your server which will store the files
required to install each software package. For example, you might create and share a
folder called Delivery on your server. Ensure all workstations have access to this folder.
Also ensure that the correct NTFS permissions are on the delivery folder and all
subfolders i.e. Windows ‘users’ group has read, read and execute, list folder contents.
Within the shared folder you should create a separate subfolder for each type of software
package: a subfolder for the Microsoft .NET Framework, a second for the DPS software
package and a third for the test packages. The folder structure may look like this:
\Delivery\
NET\
QCA Testing Delivery Point System\
QCA Tests\
We advise that you install onto a single workstation first and verify its operation before
continuing to deploy to the remaining workstations. If you are using multiple operating
systems (for example Windows 2000 and Windows XP) then you should carry out this
check once on each operating system.
5.1.1 Obtaining software for deployment
Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1
The Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 software is available from the delivery software CD or
directly from Microsoft.
From CD
The Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 installation is located on the delivery software CD at
H:\DPS\Windows\dotnetfx.exe (where H: is the drive letter of the CD drive)
From Microsoft
You can install the Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 software using Windows Update at
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
Alternatively, you can download the installation file from www.microsoft.com/downloads.
DPS software
The DPS software installation is available from the delivery software CD in the folder
H:\DPS\Windows\ (where H: is the drive letter of the CD drive). Hereafter this folder will
be referred to as the DPS Installation folder. DPS software updates will be downloaded
electronically to your APS. Please see page 35 for instructions on deploying DPS
updates.
5.1.2 How to deploy the .NET Framework
The following instructions tell you how to deploy .NET Framework 1.1 on vanilla Windows
2000/2003. If you are using other network products, please consult your network supplier.
task start
1. At a workstation, log on as an administrator user and insert the delivery software
CD.
2. Click on Start / Run and click Browse.
3. Browse to the H:\DPS\Windows folder (where H: is the drive letter of the CD
drive), select the dotnetfx.exe file and click Open.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
4. Edit the command line so that it will extract the files to the folder where you will
be deploying the .NET Framework software. For example:
H:\DPS\Windows\dotnetfx.exe /T:\\Server\Delivery\NET /C
where the /T:path is the location of the server, share and folder where the files
will be extracted to, note: the /T is a switch and does not refer to a drive letter.
5. At a domain controller, log on as an administrator user.
6. Open the ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ window from Start / (All)
Programs / Administrative Tools.
7. Browse to the Organisational Unit (OU) which contains the workstations you will
be using for the delivery software.
8. Right click on the OU containing the workstations and select Properties then
click on the Group Policy tab.
9. Click on the New button then type a name for the new Group Policy Object
(GPO), for example Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1.
10. Highlight this GPO and click on Edit.
11. Browse to Computer Configuration \ Software Settings and right click on
Software installation.
12. Select New then Package.
13. Browse through My Network Places to the network path of the Delivery share, for
example \\Server\Delivery.
14. Open the NET folder and select the netfx.msi file then click Open.
15. Select the Assigned deployment method and click OK.
16. The new Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 package should now show in the right
hand window.
17. Close the Group Policy Object Editor window.
18. Highlight the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 GPO and click Properties, then
select the check box for Disable User Configuration Settings.
19. Click Yes to confirm disabling this setting.
20. Click on the Security tab and confirm that the appropriate security group has the
Read and Apply Group Policy settings selected, then click OK.
21. Click Apply then OK to confirm the new settings.
22. Close the ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ window to complete the
configuration settings.
23. Reboot each workstation contained within the OU selected in step 8.
24. The GPO changes should be automatically detected and the workstation should
install the software.
25. Confirm that .NET Framework is installed within Start, Control Panel,
Add/Remove Programs.
26. If the software does not install there may be a delay in applying the group
policy. To force the installation, log on to the workstation as an administrator
user.
27. On a Windows XP client, click on Start / Run then type:
gpupdate /force
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the
workstation.
28. On a Windows 2000 client, either reboot again or click on Start / Run then type:
secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the
workstation.
29. On reboot the .NET Framework will install.
30. Log on as a network administrator and confirm that the .NET Framework is
installed using Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs.
task end
5.1.3 How to deploy the DPS software
Deployment using DPSInstaller.msi
If your network management tools support the distribution of MSI packages to
workstations, then you can install the DPS software automatically by deploying the file
DPSInstaller.msi. You will find this file in the DPS Installation folder on the delivery
software CD. For details of how to deploy DPS updates refer to page 35.
The following instructions tell you how to use the DPSinstaller.msi file to deploy the DPS
software on vanilla Windows 2000/2003. If you are using other network products, please
consult your network supplier.
task start
1. Log on to your APS server as an administrator and insert the delivery software
CD.
2. Browse to the \DPS\Windows folder.
3. Copy the entire contents of this folder to the QCA Testing Delivery Point
System folder created within your Delivery share, as described above.
4. Browse to APS_installation_directory\DPSConfig\DPSConfig.ini file and edit
the entries that are relevant to your centre and network. You may well need to
consult with other staff in your centre to ensure that the entries in this file are as
required. Please see Appendix A, Appendix A on page 199 for an explanation of
the contents of this file.
5. Once you have checked and confirmed the details, save the file and close it.
6. Copy the APS_installation_directory\DPSConfig\ DPSConfig.ini file to the
same QCA Testing Delivery Point System folder as step 3, so that these
settings will be used by default during the DPS application installation. If
prompted, select to replace the existing file.
7. Open Active Directory Users and Computers from Start, (All) Programs,
Administrative Tools.
8. Browse to the Organisational Unit (OU) which contains the workstations you will
be using for the delivery software.
9. Right click on the OU containing the workstations and select Properties then
click on the Group Policy tab.
10. Click on the New button then type a name for the new Group Policy Object
(GPO), for example QCA Testing Delivery Point System.
11. Highlight this GPO and click on Edit.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
12. Browse to the folder Computer Configuration \ Software Settings and right
click on Software installation.
13. Select New then Package...
14. Browse through My Network Places to the location of your Delivery share, for
example \\Server\Delivery.
15. Open the QCA Testing Delivery Point System folder and select the
DSPInstaller.msi file then click Open.
16. Select the Assigned deployment method and click OK.
17. The new ‘QCA Testing Delivery Point System’ package should now show in the
right hand window.
18. Close the Group Policy Object Editor window.
19. Highlight the QCA Testing Delivery Point System GPO and click Properties,
then select the check box for Disable User Configuration Settings.
20. Click Yes to confirm disabling this setting.
21. Click on the Security tab and confirm that the appropriate security group has the
Read and Apply Group Policy settings selected, then click OK.
22. Ensure that the QCA Testing Delivery Point System GPO appears above the
Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 GPO in the list, using the Up or Down button as
appropriate.
23. Click Apply then OK to confirm the new settings.
24. Close the ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ window to complete the
configuration settings.
25. Reboot each of the DPS workstations contained within the OU selected in step 8.
26. The GPO changes should be automatically detected and the station should install
the software.
27. Confirm the DPS application runs without error.
28. If the software does not install there may be a delay in applying the group
policy. If this is the case, log on to the workstation as an administrator user.
29. On a Windows XP client, click on Start, Run then type:
gpupdate /force
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the
workstation.
30. On a Windows 2000 client, either reboot again or click on Start / Run then type:
secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the
workstation.
31. On reboot the DPS application will install.
32. Log on as a network administrator and confirm that the DPS application now runs
without error.
task end
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 39
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
Deployment using DPSSetup.exe
If your network management tools allow the distribution of files other than MSI (Microsoft
Installer) packages to workstations, then it is possible to deploy the DPS and its
configuration automatically using parameters to the DPSSetup.exe file. To do this, take
the following steps:
task start
1. Copy the contents of the DPS Installation folder from the CD to a temporary
location on your server
2. Replace the DPSConfig.ini file copied from the CD with the DPSConfig.ini file
produced during your APS installation (see page 20). If you don’t do this, you will
need to configure each workstation manually when you first run the DPS on it;
this is described in 7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page 61.
3. Using your network management tools, distribute the contents of the temporary
folder to workstations and launch the setup using the following command line:
DPSSetup.exe /q /n
This will cause the DPS to be installed and configured in silent mode on each
workstation.
task end
5.1.4 How to deploy an upgrade to the DPS software
The following instructions tell you how to upgrade your DPS software package via Group
Policy on a vanilla Windows 2000/2003 network. If you are using other network products,
please contact your network supplier.
Deployment of Microsoft .NET Framework is not required as the workstations should
already have it installed.
task start
1. Extract the files for the DPS upgrade from a .ZIP file located in the
APS_installation_directory\FILE-STORE\Software\TDS folder on your APS
server, or from the \DPS\Windows folder on a CD if issued, to a shared location
for deployment.
2. Copy DPSConfig.ini from APS_installation_directory\DPSConfig to the same
location, and confirm the settings within the file are correct for your network.
3. Open Active Directory Users and Computers, from Start, (All) Programs,
Administrative Tools and browse to the location of the GPO containing the DPS
software package.
4. Browse to the Organisational Unit (OU) which contains the workstations you will
be using for the delivery software.
5. Right click on the OU containing the workstations and select Properties then
click on the Group Policy tab.
6. Highlight the Delivery Point System object then click the Edit button.
7. Browse to the folder Computer Configuration, Software Settings, Software
installation.
8. Right click on the QCA Testing - Delivery Point System software package
entry, and select All Tasks, Remove. When prompted, select to Uninstall
immediately.
9. Right click on Software Installation, then select New then Package.
40 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
10. Browse through My Network Places to the network path of the Delivery share, for
example \\Server\Delivery.
11. Open the folder from Step 1 and select the DPSInstaller.msi file then click
Open.
12. Select the Assigned deployment method and click OK.
13. The new ‘QCA Testing Delivery Point System’ package should now show in the
right hand window.
14. Close the Group Policy Object Editor window.
15. Reboot each of the DPS workstations contained within the OU selected in step 4.
16. The GPO changes should be automatically detected and the station should
remove the previous version of the software then install the newer version
automatically.
17. Confirm the DPS application runs without error. To check this use Add/Remove
Programs, select the QCA Testing - Delivery Point System program and click
on Click here for support information to confirm the version is correct.
task end
5.2 Installing the DPS software manually
The procedure for installing the DPS software manually varies depending upon whether
you are carrying out a clean new installation or an upgrade, as described in the following
sections.
5.2.1 How to install the DPS manually
If carrying out a clean new manual installation of the DPS software, you should set aside
30 minutes for the first worksation, and then 5-10 minutes for subsequent workstations.
The number of simultaneous manual installations of the DPS will depend on server
performance. If any workstations go into disconnected mode during installation then you
will need to wait for the installation to finish on some workstations before starting the
installation on any further workstations.
The manual installation process requires Microsoft .NET Framework, but the installation
process installs this for you from the delivery software CD. For information on how to
manually install DPS updates please see page 35.
Complete the following steps on each workstation on which you wish to run tests:
task start
1. Log on as a user with administrator rights at the workstation where the DPS
is to be installed.
2. Insert your delivery software CD into the CD drive of the workstation. (If the
workstation does not have a CD drive, see 14.4 Problem: Need to install the
DPS on a workstation without a CD drive on page 102.)
3. Browse to H:\DPS\Windows (where H: is the drive letter of the CD drive) and
run DPS Setup by double clicking the file DPSsetup.exe.
If the workstation already has a compatible version of Microsoft .NET
Framework installed, some .NET Framework setup and configuration
screens display fleetingly then the ‘Welcome to the QCA Testing Delivery
Point System (DPS) Installation’ screen shown on page 43 displays.
If the workstation does not have Microsoft .NETframework installed, it will be
installed from the delivery software CD. The licence agreement screen
displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 41
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
4. Select ‘I agree’ then click Install. The ‘Installing Components’ screen
displays.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
When installation of .NET Framework is complete, the following screen displays:
5. Click OK. A ‘Preparing to install’ screen displays briefly, followed by the
‘Welcome to the QCA Testing Delivery Point System (DPS) Installation’
screen.
6. Click Next to continue. The ‘Choose the Delivery Point System location’
screen displays.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
7. If you wish to check the space available on the target drive, click Check
Space. The following screen (showing example information only) displays:
8. This screen shows the approximate amount of space that will be needed to
perform the initial installation. It does not take into consideration the amount
of space that will be required when you start downloading information from
the APS (for example test packages, test responses, log files, and other
data). We recommend that there is a minimum of 250Mb of available space
on each workstation to allow for expansion as the system is used.
9. Click OK to return to the ‘Choose the Delivery Point System location’ screen
shown in step 6, above.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
10. If the suggested location for the DPS files is unsuitable, click Browse… and
use the dialog box to select the folder where you want the DPS to be
installed. There are no restrictions on this. Click Next to display the ‘Choose
a Delivery Point System configuration file location’ screen.
11. By default, this screen shows the location of the template DPSConfig.ini file
as supplied on the delivery software CD, and this contains blank entries (see
Appendix A, Appendix A). You should only use this version of the file if you
do not want to configure the workstation during installation, and prefer to
configure the workstation manually the first time you run the DPS on it, as
described in 7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page 61.
If you do wish to configure the workstation during installation, click
Browse… to find the version of the DPSConfig.ini file that was generated
during APS installation, which will contain the required configuration
information. The default location for the generated file was displayed at the
end of the APS installation:
APS_installation_directory\DPS Config
where APS_installation_directory is the location where you chose to install
the APS.
Either accept the default template file or browse for the location of the
generated file, then click Next. The ‘Choose the Delivery Point System
connection mode’ screen displays.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 45
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
12. Select the Connected option in the Connection Mode box as the
Disconnected option is not available for AQA on-screen tests.
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
13. On this screen, you specify whether or not you want the DPS to be launched
automatically in silent mode whenever the workstation is booted up and a
user logs on to Windows, so that any candidate response data found on the
workstation can be automatically uploaded to your centre’s APS. If you don’t
permit this, the upload will occur whenever you manually launch the DPS on
the workstation.
We recommend that you do permit auto uploads, to help ensure that all
candidate data is uploaded as soon as possible without your needing to log
on to the DPS.
Either leave the Check for pending data uploads at Windows log-on box
ticked, or clear it, then click Next. The following screen displays:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 47
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
14. You have now entered all the required information for the installation. If
required, click Back to go back to previous pages, otherwise click Next to
continue. The DPS installation program starts installing the application and a
screen showing progress messages is displayed:
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Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
The installation takes several minutes to complete.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 49
Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point System software
15. When installation is complete the following screen displays:
16. Click Finish. Installation of the DPS software on the workstation is complete.
task end
The installation creates two shortcuts with the name ‘QCA Testing – Delivery Point
System’ – one on the workstation’s desktop and another on the Start menu, both using
the following icon:
QCA Testing – Delivery Point System
You may wish to log on to the DPS at the workstation to check it is working correctly. See
Appendix B in this guide on page 204.
You can now continue and install the DPS software on additional workstations.
5.2.2 How to upgrade the DPS software manually
To manually upgrade the DPS software on workstations, carry out the following steps.
Installation of .NET Framework is not required as the workstations should already have it
installed.
task start
1. Run the supplied DPSInstaller.msi file on each workstation. This will uninstall
the existing version of the DPS software and replace it with the new version.
task end
50 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
C H A P T E R 6
Navigating the APS
6.1 Logging onto the APS
To log on to the APS, proceed as follows:
task start
1. If you are at the server on which the APS is installed, double click on the ‘QCA
Testing - Admin Point System’ shortcut on your desktop or by choosing it from
the Start menu:
QCA Testing – Admin Point System
If you are at any other workstation, browse to:
https://serverIPaddress:port/qca
where serverIPaddress is the IP address of your APS server and port is the port
used for APS access (usually 8443). For example:
https://172.24.25.81:8443/qca
Note: If you cannot access the APS, see 14.1 Problem: Cannot access APS website
on page 99.
2. Depending upon your security settings, a security alert may display because the
APS website uses a self-signed digital certificate. You can safely ignore this alert
and click Yes to proceed with the log on. The log on screen displays.
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Navigating the APS
3. Enter your User name and Password. An initial user with Technical Manager
rights is created during installation of the APS, as described on page 16.
4. Click Log On. The Home Page is displayed.
The menus and options available depend upon your access rights. The screen tells
you what user roles you are currently allocated to. In the example above, the user is
allocated to both the Test Management and Pupil Management roles.
If you have Technical Management rights, the screen shows you the last ten events
carried out on the system by any user. If you do not have Technical Management
rights, the screen shows you the last ten events relating to your own user name.
task end
52 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Navigating the APS
6.2 Using buttons and menus and selecting items
from menu list
Please find below and overview of the roles and menu options available on the Admin
Point System (APS).
Technical Manager menu options on the APS
Users School Options
Manage Users Change School Details Change My Password
Add Test Data Transfer Change My Details
Modify Manage Internet Access
Delete
Run Now
Manage School Key
Change School Key Password
Backup School Key
Restore School Key
View Audit Log
Test Manager menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Manage Pupils Manage Tests Change My Password
View/Modify (L) Allocate Pupils Change My Details
Session Summary Session Timetable
Test Summary Print Pupil Test Passwords
Result Summary Results
Result Distribution
(L) Limited update
permissions – most
information is view only
Print Test Protection Code
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 53
Navigating the APS
Pupil Manager menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Import File Manage Tests Change My Password
Allocate Pupils (L) Change My Details
Manage Registration Groups
Results
Add
Results Distribution
Modify
Delete
Allocate Pupils
Manage Teaching Sets
(L) Limited update
Add permissions – most
Modify information is view only
Delete
Allocate Pupils
Manage Pupils
Add
View/Modify
Delete
Test Summary
Session Summary
Result Summary
Test Administrator menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Manage Pupils Administer Tests Change My Password
View/Modify (L) Session Timetable Change My Details
View Flight Deck
(L) Limited update Print Pupil Test Passwords
permissions – most
information is view only Disconnected Tests
6.3 Logging off from the APS
To log off from the APS:
task start
1. Click Log Off in the menu bar on any screen. This returns you to the log on
screen.
2. Close your web browser. This ensures that nobody else can use the Back or
History buttons to retrieve information without authorisation.
task end
54 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Navigating the APS
Things to note
If you don’t log off from an APS session, the session will time out after 20 minutes
of inactivity, but will remain on the current page. When you next attempt to carry
out a task, you will be asked to log in again.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 55
Navigating the APS
56 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Configuring the system
C H A P T E R 7
Configuring the system
7.1 Configuring centre details
After installation, it is a good idea to configure your delivery system to specify the number
of DPS workstations available for each test session. You do not have to keep this figure
up to date, but if you do so then Test Managers will be able to use it as a guide when
assigning candidates to test sessions.
Also, though you should not do so without good reason, you can change the location
where tests and software updates will reside on your centre’s APS server when received
from the remote CPS server.
To view and optionally modify the centre details stored on your centre’s APS server,
follow the steps below:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the School menu, choose Change School Details. The ‘Change School
Details’ page displays.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 57
Configuring the system
3. You can modify one or more of the following centre details:
Number of workstations for conducting test indicates the number of DPS
workstations available at your centre for conducting each test session. If you
have only one room available for conducting test sessions, this figure will equal
the total number of available workstations at your centre, but if you have multiple
rooms available you should enter the minimum number available in each room
(that is, the minimum number available for each test session, since we advise
that test sessions should not span more than one room).
For example, you might have 36 workstations available, but split across two
rooms each containing 18 workstations. In this scenario, you should change the
default of 15 to 18, which is the highest number you can cater for in a single
session – or perhaps to 16, since it is good practice to allow for one or two spare
workstations in each room in case candidates experience problems during a test
and need to switch machines.
The entered figure is only a guide to assist Test Managers with scheduling test
sessions, and is not validated. If your centre does not find it useful in this respect,
you can ignore it.
Staging area for AS/TDS software indicates the location where APS software
updates are held when automatically downloaded from the CPS server. If you
wish you can change the default of
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\Software\AS
Deployment area for TDS software indicates the location where DPS software
updates are held when automatically downloaded from the CPS server. If you
wish you can change the default of
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\Software\TDS
Choose the APS page terminology to use on APS pages, either School / Pupil
or Centre / Candidate.
Diagnostic logging enables the E-testing Technical Support Team to diagnose
problems in your centre’s APS. You should only tick the Enable Diagnostic
Logging checkbox if asked to do so. You also need to enter the Diagnostic
logging password that the E-testing Technical Support Team gives you (this
password is only valid for 24hrs). When you click Save the entered password will
be verified and if successful then diagnostic logging will be turned on and will
remain on until the tomcat service is stopped. To turn on diagnostic logging again
after the tomcat service has been stopped and restarted, you need to enter the
password again. While diagnostic logging is enabled, you should leave the APS
running until instructed otherwise by the E-testing Technical Support Team.
4. Do not use the Revoke School button unless advised to do so by the E-testing
Technical Support Team. This is used in circumstances where your School Key
has been compromised.
5. Click Test Data Transfer to check your connection to the CPS server.
6. If the connection is successful, click Save to update your centre details.
task end
7.2 Configuring the APS Scheduler
The APS Scheduler controls the running of various scheduled data transfers between
your centre’s APS and the CPS via an Internet connection. These data transfers include
returning candidate test responses from your APS to the CPS and downloading software
updates, tests and results from the CPS to your APS.
58 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Configuring the system
The APS Scheduler runs every 15 minutes when Internet access is available, and during
each connection polls the CPS for different scheduled data transfers to take place, each
with their own repeat cycle varying between 15 minutes and 24 hours.
You can control the times when Internet access is available and hence the times when
data transfers are able to run. You can either permit unrestricted access or you can
restrict access to certain days and times. For example, you might choose to restrict
access in order to reduce your Internet charges or if you want to schedule connections to
run outside your standard centre hours.
It is best to permit unrestricted access if possible, so that data transfers can be carried
out when they arise, perhaps during the night. However, if you do need to restrict access,
this will not impact the operation of the delivery software so long as you provide ample
opportunity for access (for example, all day on every weekday).
To modify the times during which Internet access is available, carry out the following
steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the School menu, choose the Manage Internet Access option. The
‘Manage Internet Access’ screen displays.
3. Either select Unrestricted if you wish to maintain unrestricted Internet access, or
select Restricted then select start and end times and indicate whether you want
access on weekdays only or also at weekends.
4. Click Save.
task end
Note that you can run the APS Scheduler immediately any time you wish using the Run
Now option on the above screen.
The Run Now option has the advantage that it overrides the normal repeat cycle for
activities and forces all activities to run immediately. Therefore, if you are waiting for an
activity such as a results download to happen, you can use this button to force it to
happen immediately.
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Configuring the system
7.3 Configuring APS workstations
Depending upon your centre’s requirements, you will need to configure a number of
workstations to access the APS. Your nominated Test Manager needs APS access to
allocate candidates to tests, schedule test sessions, print candidate test passwords, print
the test protection code and view results. Pupil Managers need APS access to import and
maintain candidate details, set up and maintain registration groups and teaching sets.
Test Administrators need APS access to print candidate test passwords and run test
sessions using the Flight Deck.
For security reasons, all workstations that you configure for APS access must be
on your local centre network. This restriction is set during installation.
Ideally, the Test Administrator for each test session will have their own workstation
situated in the same room as the candidates taking the test. The user should
configure a workstation in each test room to access the flight deck, although it is
possible to have the workstations and flightdeck in two different rooms.
Test Administrator workstations do not need to run the DPS.
To configure a workstation for APS access, you need to do two things:
Configure the browser on the workstation not to use a proxy server when accessing
the APS
Set up a favourite or desktop shortcut to the web address for the APS
Configuring the browser not to use a proxy server
On the workstation, specify an appropriate proxy exception to stop the browser using a
proxy server when accessing the APS. To do this, open your browser and, if it is not
already added, add your APS server’s IP address to the list of proxy exceptions. The
following steps are for Internet Explorer.
task start
1. From the Tools menu, choose Internet Options.
2. Click the Connections tab.
3. Click LAN settings….
4. Ensure Bypass proxy server for local addresses is ticked.
5. Click Advanced….
6. Add the IP address of your APS server, for example 172.20.6.248, to the Do not
use proxy server for addresses beginning with field, ensuring all entries are
separated with a semicolon. The IP address of your APS server is displayed at
the end of APS installation (see page 20), at which point you were advised to
note it down on the provided Configuration Log Sheet.
7. Click OK three times to return to your browser screen.
task end
60 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Configuring the system
Setting up a favourite or shortcut
To set up a favourite or desktop shortcut that points to the web address for the APS,
proceed as follows:
task start
1. Open your web browser and type the following address in the address line:
https://serverIPaddress:port/qca
where serverIPaddress is the IP address of your APS server and port is the port
used for APS access (usually 8443). For example:
https://172.24.25.81:8443/qca
2. If APS access is established and the APS log in screen displays, save as a
favourite. To do this in Internet Explorer, from the Favorites menu, choose Add
to Favorites
3. Optionally, also create a desktop shortcut. To do this in Internet Explorer, click
right and drag the favourite from the list of favourites onto the desktop then let go.
On the pop-up menu, choose Create Shortcut Here
task end
7.4 Configuring DPS workstations
You must configure each DPS workstation so that it can connect to your centre’s APS
server when available.
Configuration is most easily accomplished if you do it during installation of the DPS on the
workstation, as described under step 9 of DPS installation on page 45. However, you can
configure or reconfigure the workstation at any time after installation.
Note: A minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 is required to ensure the best
candidate experience.
To configure a DPS workstation, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Start the DPS from the shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
2. If this is the first time you have logged on to the DPS workstation and you did not
use the DPSConfig.ini file to configure the DPS workstation during installation,
the Config screen will appear immediately, and you must enter the configuration
details. You will need to complete the Configuration screen before you are
allowed to log on.
3. If you have previously configured the workstation, either at installation or
afterwards, the candidate logon screen displays. Log on to the DPS workstation
as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in Appendix B on page
204, then click the Configure tab. The Configuration screen displays.
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Configuring the system
4. On this screen, you can see the DPS workstation’s current configuration. So long
as you have local administrator rights on the workstation, you can change the
configuration.
5. If you have not previously configured the workstation, the Workstation name
field displays the NetBIOS name for the workstation, but all other fields are blank.
7.4.1 Configuring a connected workstation
1. If you are configuring the workstation to operate in connected mode, fill out the
Configuration screen as follows:
i. The Workstation name (NetBIOS’ name) is automatically picked up every
time the workstation is booted up. You cannot change it.
In the Workstation location field, enter a suitable location for the DPS you
are configuring. This location is for reference only and does not affect
which workstations can be used together for the same test session, but if
you leave it blank an error message will appear and you will not be able to
save the configuration details.
Tick the Allow anonymous practice tests checkbox to allow candidates
to take anonymous practice tests at this DPS workstation.
Anonymous tests can be taken without a candidate having to select their name
and enter a password when logging on to the Delivery Point System (DPS). Only
unscheduled practice tests can be taken as anonymous tests. A report will be
shown to the candidate at the workstation at the end of an anonymous practice
test, however it will not subsequently be visible at the Admin Point System (APS).
Under Default Connection Details, select ’This Workstation will operate in
Connected mode’.
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Configuring the system
In the Admin Point System server name/address box, check that your centre APS
address (typically an IP address) is correct if it is present. If it is incorrect or not present,
enter the correct address (this was displayed at the end of the APS installation).
In the Port box, check that the port address (typically 8443) is correct if present. If it is
incorrect or not present, enter the correct value (this was displayed at the end of the APS
installation).
Leave unticked the Proxy server settings checkbox if the DPS workstation is on the
same local network as the APS.
Alternatively, if it is necessary for traffic from this workstation to go via a proxy
server in order to reach your centre APS server, tick the Proxy server settings
checkbox. The Address, Port, User name and Password boxes are enabled.
i. In the Address box, type the proxy server address.
ii. In the Port box, type the proxy server port number.
iii. In the User name box, type the proxy user name (only if the proxy server
requires authentication).
iv. In the Password box, type the proxy password (only if the proxy server
requires authentication).
Diagnostic logging enables the E-testing Technical Support Team to diagnose
problems on the workstation. You should only tick the Enable Diagnostic
Logging checkbox if asked to do so. You also need to enter the Password that
the E-testing Technical Support Team gives you (this password is only valid for
24hrs). When you click Save the entered password will be verified and if
successful then diagnostic logging will be turned on for the current test session
only. To turn on diagnostic logging for future sessions you need to enter the
password again. While diagnostic logging is enabled, you should leave the DPS
running on the workstation until instructed otherwise by the E-testing Technical
Support Team.
2. Click Test Connection. A ‘Connection status’ dialog box displays confirming the
current connection status to your centre APS server. This will be one of:
“Connection successful”
“Not connected” (check that the APS address and port are specified correctly on
the configuration screen, the network is available and the APS is running)
3. Click Close on the Test Connection dialog box.
4. Click Save to save this DPS workstation configuration.
5. Click OK. Any previous configuration will no longer be applied to this DPS.
7.5 Configuring workstations for candidate access
You must ensure that candidates have the necessary rights to enable them to create,
modify and delete files in the following folders on the DPS workstations they are using for
tests:
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Backup
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Config
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Bin
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Data
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Temp
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Upload
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Download
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Saved
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Uploaded
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Configuring the system
Candidates will not need to create folders.
Note: If you have any software on the workstations which removes on shutdown any
files the candidate created then this will need to be configured to ensure that
C:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\ and its subfolders are
not affected by this.
7.6 Configuring workstations for SEN requirements
You can adapt the test environment for candidates with SEN requirements by exploiting
Windows Accessibility Options on individual DPS workstations. For example, you might
provide:
customised display
keyboard actions instead of mouse control
audio screen reader
For further details on Windows Accessibility Options, see Microsoft’s website at
www.microsoft.com/enable.
64 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
C H A P T E R 8
Setting up and managing users
8.1 Roles and responsibilities of users
Within the delivery software, four pre-defined user roles are provided. When you create
user accounts for centre staff implementing and administering the on-screen tests, you
can allocate one or more of these user role(s) to each account according to the tasks that
you want the person to carry out.
Important: Depending upon how you want to organise the test at your centre, each user
can have multiple responsibilities and be given rights for a number of the four
provided roles.
You should allocate user roles with care as they control which tasks the user can carry
out and which parts of the system they can access. A user will only see the menu options
associated with the user role(s) they have been allocated.
User roles are not hierarchical, just different, and there is no one user role that can carry
out all possible tasks. However, it is advisable to create at least one user at your centre
who is allocated to all user roles, so they will have access to all available functions
through a single user name and password.
The following four user roles are provided:
Technical Manager
People with this role install and maintain the software, set up and manage users,
prepare and configure DPS workstations and are responsible for all technical aspects
of the system. Typically, people with this role will be a centre’s Network Manager or
ICT Technician.
Test Manager
People with this role use the software to organise and set up tests, which involves
allocating candidates to tests, scheduling test sessions and distributing results
received from AQA to teachers. Typically, people with this role will be exams officers
or other non-teaching staff members.
Pupil Manager
People with this role are responsible for importing and managing candidate details
held on the system, including setting up registration groups and teaching sets as
advised by teachers. If required, they might also assist with the distribution of test
results received from AQA. Typically, people with this role will be exams officers or
other non-teaching staff members.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Setting up and managing users
Test Administrator
People with this role are responsible for controlling and running test sessions. They
are likely to be non-teaching staff or external people. Each centre must decide well in
advance of the test sessions who will act as Test Administrators. Typically, people
with this role will be exams officers or other non-teaching staff members.
People with Technical Manager and Test Administrator responsibilities need to access
both the APS server and DPS workstations to carry out various tasks. The same user
name and password provides them with access to both systems.
People with Test Manager and Pupil Manager responsibilities only need to access the
APS.
While some tasks are unique to a particular role, others are not. For example, Test
Administrators are the only people who can run tests, but both Test Managers and Pupil
Managers can view and print test results.
Where possible, it is a good idea to instigate role sharing to ensure that you have cover in
the case of absences.
The following sections provide a more detailed description of the tasks associated with
each of these roles, and the menu options available.
8.1.1 Technical Manager
The prime responsibility of this role is to install, configure and maintain the delivery
software. The Network Manager, or person with responsibility for management of your
centre network, is the most appropriate individual for this role.
Alternatively, your centre may have a managed network. In this case, the person with
responsibility for maintaining your network may be someone from your Local Authority or
another organisation.
Network tasks
Ensure general backup and security of the centre network is carried out in line with
the centre’s policy and best practice.
Ensure secure, stable communications between your centre APS server and the
remote CPS server to ensure successful implementation of the on-screen tests at
your centre. Most importantly, this includes ensuring that the pre-requisites for
installation (primarily network and Internet connectivity requirements) are met and
your centre’s network is compliant with the minimum specification on the website
Minimum Network Specification.
Maintain network security and Internet connectivity requirements throughout the use
of the delivery software
Ensure space requirements on the APS and DPS are met both prior to installation
and during the use of the delivery software
Check connectivity to the central CPS server, especially at times other than for
scheduled connections
Provide technical support during tests
Provide backup and recovery procedures for test data and the system software
Review your centre APS audit log (see 11.2 Using the audit log on page 90).
66 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Setting up and managing users
Delivery software tasks
Install and configure your centre’s APS server and DPS workstations (see Chapters
3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 in this guide).
Register your centre’s APS server with the central CPS server (see Chapter 4 in this
guide).
Check for and install APS and DPS software updates (see Chapter 9 in this guide).
Check for and install test package sets on each DPS workstation (see Chapter 9 in
this guide).
Set up and manage users, allocate appropriate user roles, lock and unlock user
accounts and reset passwords (described in this chapter).
Decide which room(s) to use for tests, and liaise with the Test Manager(s) and Test
Administrator(s) to ensure all the appropriate resources are available for the tests.
Inform other people involved in the implementation of the delivery software about
their roles and how to use your centre APS server and DPS workstations to carry out
the tasks for which they are responsible.
DPS workstation administration tasks
Prepare workstations for tests. This involves tasks that must be done before a test.
Installing tests and software updates
The CPS server sends tests and software updates to your centre APS server. Before
a candidate takes any test you must install these tests and software updates on all
your DPS workstations.
Technical Manager menu options on the APS
Users School Options
Manage Users Change School Details Change My Password
Add Test Data Transfer Change My Details
Modify Manage Internet Access
Delete
Run Now
Manage School Key
Change School Key Password
Backup School Key
Restore School Key
View Audit Log
Technical Manager menu options on DPS workstations
Configure Update Transfer Data Create Profile
Test Connection Install Selected Disconnected Testing -
Tests and Updates Prepare Workstation
Disconnected Testing -
Return Responses
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Setting up and managing users
8.1.2 Test Manager
People with Test Manager responsibilities co-ordinate the running of the on-screen tests
at your centre. The Test Manager may be the same person as the Technical Manager or
may be another member of staff.
A Test Manager uses the APS to:
allocate candidates to tests
schedule the test sessions for a specific test, and assign candidates to test sessions
print candidate test passwords used by candidates to log on to take scheduled test
sessions
A Test Manager may also be required to:
organise Test Administrators for a test and ensure they are adequately prepared and
trained to use the delivery software, especially the Flight Deck
provide guidance and support during the test itself
distribute test results to teachers after they have been received from AQA.
Test Manager menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Manage Pupils Manage Tests Change My Password
View/Modify (L) Allocate Pupils Change My Details
Session Summary Session Timetable
Test Summary Print Pupil Test Passwords
Result Summary Results
Result Distribution
(L) Limited update
permissions – most
information is view only
Print Test Protection Code
8.1.3 Pupil Manager
The tasks for people with Pupil Manager responsibilities are described below:
Typically, a Pupil Manager will:
import and maintain candidate details on the system, including their Registration
Groups and Teaching Sets.
maintain a candidate’s SEN requirements, as advised by teachers. If required, liaise
with the centre’s Technical Manager to ensure that specific DPS workstations are
appropriately configured prior to the test session to accommodate a candidate’s
specific SEN requirements (see 7.6 Configuring workstations for SEN requirements
on page 63).
68 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Setting up and managing users
Pupil Manager menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Import File Manage Tests Change My Password
Allocate Pupils (L) Change My Details
Manage Registration Groups
Results
Add
Results Distribution
Modify
Delete
Allocate Pupils
Manage Teaching Sets
(L) Limited update
Add permissions – most
Modify information is view only
Delete
Allocate Pupils
Manage Pupils
Add
View/Modify
Delete
Test Summary
Session Summary
Result Summary
8.1.4 Test Administrator
People with Test Administrator responsibilities oversee the smooth running of a
scheduled test. The role may be carried out by someone from outside the centre or a
member of staff.
A Test Administrator’s tasks are described below:
Test Administrator on the APS
A Test Administrator uses the APS, from any workstation with access, to:
print candidate test passwords used by candidates to log on to the DPS workstations
to take test sessions
manage the test session using the Flight Deck. This involves:
starting and ending the test session
monitoring the status of each candidate
pausing and resuming the session for all candidates if necessary
shutting down all candidate tests if necessary.
Test Administrator on the DPS
In addition to carrying out tasks on your centre’s APS server, including running the Flight
Deck during the test, a Test Administrator also carries out the following tasks on the
candidate’s DPS workstations as required:
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 69
Setting up and managing users
Pausing and resuming an individual test
During a test, when a candidate asks for assistance by clicking Call Teacher on their
workstation, a Test Administrator can pause the candidate’s test and try to resolve
the problem. When the problem is resolved the Test Administrator can resume the
candidate’s test on the same workstation.
Shutting down a test
Having paused a test while assisting a candidate, when the Test Administrator cannot
resolve the problem, they must shut down the test on their workstation to enable the
candidate to continue with their test on a different workstation.
Test Administrator – other responsibilities
The Test Administrator is also responsible for:
monitoring candidates during test sessions to ensure security and test protocol are
maintained
ensuring the security of the Test Protection Code
Test Administrator menu options on the APS
Pupils Tests Options
Manage Pupils Administer Tests Change My Password
View/Modify (L) Session Timetable Change My Details
View Flight Deck
(L) Limited update Print Pupil Test Passwords
permissions – most
information is view only Disconnected Tests
Test Administrator menu options on DPS workstations
Create Test
Profile Recovery
Only visible when
an unfinished test
is found on a
disconnected
workstation
8.2 Creating and maintaining users
Only the Technical Manager has the authority to add, modify and delete users, but each
user can change their own password and modify their own details (for example, their
contact telephone number and email address).
8.2.1 Adding a new user
To add a new user, carry out the following steps:
task start
70 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Setting up and managing users
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
From the Users menu, choose the Manage Users option. The ‘Manage Users’
screen displays, which lists all existing users.
Click Add. The ‘Manage Users – Add’ screen displays:
Enter the required user details then click Save.
The User name must begin with a letter, is not case sensitive and can only contain
letters and numbers (no spaces or other special characters).
The Password is case sensitive and can contain special characters such as
apostrophes and hyphens as well as spaces. The password must:
be at least eight characters long
contain at least one number
contain at least one upper case letter
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 71
Setting up and managing users
contain at least one lower case letter.
If you wish you can click Generate random password to generate the initial
password. If you do this then you do not need to enter Confirm password.
The Account locked out option allows you to temporarily prevent the user from
accessing the system until you are ready.
A user account will automatically be locked out if a number of unsuccessful logon
attempts are made. See 8.4.3 Unlocking a user account on page 73. The number
of attempts permitted before lock out occurs is controlled by the password policy
maintained on the CPS server.
5. You can give each user one or more of the Allocated roles.
task end
8.2.2 Modifying a user
To modify an existing user, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the Users menu, choose the Manage Users option.
3. Select the user you wish to modify then click Modify. The ‘Manage Users –
Modify’ screen is displayed.
4. Modify the user details as required then click Save.
task end
8.2.3 Deleting a user
To delete an existing user, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the Users menu, choose the Manage Users option.
3. Select the user you wish to modify then click Delete. A pop-up window is
displayed asking you to confirm the deletion.
4. To delete the user click OK, otherwise click Cancel.
task end
8.3 Informing your users
When you have finished setting up the delivery software at your centre, it is very
important that you inform everyone involved about the responsibilities their role will entail,
as outlined at the start of this chapter. You should make available to staff the relevant
sections from this guide.
It is vital that you advise all users to keep their passwords secret and change them
regularly. An unauthorised user logging on with Technical Manager or Test Manager
rights, for example, could cause extensive damage.
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8.4 Dealing with user access problems
8.4.1 Changing a user’s password
As a Technical Manager you can change any user’s password as required, for example if
they forget it or if there is a security issue. To do this, call the ‘Manage Users – Modify’
screen for the relevant user as described in 8.2.2 Modifying a user on page 72, and enter
the new password.
8.4.2 Changing a user’s role
If a user cannot access the functions they need to carry out their responsibilities, you can
change or add to the roles they are allocated. As a Technical Manager you can modify
the roles allocated to any user, including those for yourself or other Technical Managers.
To modify a user’s roles, call the ‘Manage Users – Modify’ screen for the relevant user as
described in 8.2.2 Modifying a user on page 72. Check which user roles they are
allocated and change as required. Note that if you do make changes to user roles for a
user, the changes will not be activated until you log off then on again.
You can allocate a number of roles to each user. For example, the same user may need
to be allocated both the Test Manager and Pupil Manager roles.
8.4.3 Unlocking a user account
When a user forgets their password it often results in several unsuccessful attempts to
log on. For security reasons, a user is allowed only a restricted number of unsuccessful
attempts to log on. This number is controlled by the password policy maintained on the
CPS server. Once this threshold is reached, their user account is ‘locked out’. As a
Technical Manager, you must reset the user account and provide the user with a new
password so they can log on again.
To reset a user account and supply a new password, call the ‘Manage Users – Modify’
screen for the relevant user as described in 8.2.2 Modifying a user on page 72. Clear the
Account locked out tick box and enters a new (case sensitive) password.
As a Technical Manager, it is sensible to monitor your audit log for unsuccessful logon
attempts.
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Setting up and managing users
74 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Installing tests and software updates
C H A P T E R 9
Installing tests and software updates
This chapter tells you how to install tests at your centre as they become available and
how to install updates to both the APS and DPS software.
Once you have installed the delivery software on your centre network, available tests and
software updates are automatically downloaded to your centre APS server from the
central CPS server on the next working day, ready for installation. You need to install the
downloaded tests onto each DPS workstation as required, and install the downloaded
software updates onto both the APS and DPS workstations. (Please note that tests may
not be available for up to 48 hours depending upon the regularity of connection between
your APS and the CPS).
Reminder: all tests need to be installed on each workstation prior to use.
There are two ways of installing tests and software updates onto DPS workstations:
Automatically deploy to all workstations using MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages that
have been downloaded automatically to your APS server. This is the preferred
method as it is the quickest and easiest.
Manually install, a workstation at a time.
9.1 Installing tests
Before installing tests onto DPS workstations, you need to check which tests are
available on the APS server, and which tests are already installed on each DPS
workstation, as described in the following sections.
9.1.1 Checking which tests are available on the APS server
To check which tests are available on the APS server, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix
B on page 202.
2. From the Tests menu, choose the Manage Tests option. The ‘Manage Tests’
screen displays. This screen lists all tests held on your centre’s APS server.
3. For live tests, the Start Date and End Date indicate the test window during which
candidates must sit the test.
4. The Test Status column tells you whether the test is available for installation
onto DPS workstations and for scheduling. For live tests, Test Status may be one
of:
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Installing tests and software updates
Not released – The test release date is in the future and the test is not yet
available to be installed onto DPS workstations and used. However, in advance
of the test release your centre’s Test Manager can allocate candidates to the
test and schedule test sessions.
Download Pending – The test release date has passed and download of the
test from the CPS to the APS is pending.
Available – The test has been downloaded from the CPS to the APS, and is
available for installation and use.
Expired – The end date has passed and the test is no longer available.
For practice tests, there is no test window, and the Test Status will only ever
show Download Pending or Available.
task end
9.1.2 Checking which tests are installed on a DPS workstation
Before installing tests onto a DPS workstation, you should check which tests are already
installed.
One way of carrying out this check is to select Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove
Programs on the workstation. Installed tests are listed in the displayed table of currently
installed programs.
However, the DPS also provides a way to make this check, as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the DPS workstation as a user with Technical Manager rights, as
described in Appendix B on page 204.
On the DPS opening screen, click the Update tab. The following screen displays.
Click the Installed Tests radio button at the top of the screen. The following
screen displays:
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Installing tests and software updates
This screen shows all tests currently installed on the workstation
.
task end
9.1.3 Deploying tests automatically
Whenever a test is available for use at your centre, the APS server will automatically
download a MSI package that can be used to deploy the test to workstations.
The MSI package for a test will be located on your server in the following folder:
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\TPS\testname
where APS_installation_directory is the location where you chose to install the APS,
TPS stands for Test Package Set and testname is a unique subdirectory with the name
of the relevant test as displayed on APS screens.
The MSI package will be named testname.msi.
As described in 5.1 Deploying the DPS software automatically on page 35, you will need
to create and share a folder on your server which will store the files required to install
each software package, and within this folder create separate subfolders for .NET
Framework, DPS software and tests. The folder structure may look like this:
\Delivery\
NET\
QCA Testing Delivery Point System\
QCA Tests\
The following instructions tell you how to deploy tests on a vanilla Windows 2000/2003
network. If you are using other network products, please consult your network supplier.
task start
1. Log on to your APS server as administrator. Browse to the
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\TPS folder.
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Installing tests and software updates
2. Copy the appropriate test folder from this location to the QCA Tests folder
created within your Delivery share, as described above.
3. Open Active Directory Users and Computers from Start, (All) Programs,
Administrative Tools.
4. Browse to the Organisational Unit (OU) which contains the workstations you will
be using for the delivery software.
5. Right click on the OU containing the workstations and select Properties then
click on the Group Policy tab.
6. If you have already created a QCA Tests GPO then skip to step 8, otherwise click
on the New button then type a name for the new Group Policy Object (GPO), for
example QCA Tests.
7. Highlight the QCA Tests GPO and click on Edit.
8. Browse to the folder Computer Configuration \ Software Settings and right click
on Software installation.
9. Select New then Package...
10. Browse to the location of your Delivery share, for example \\Server\Delivery.
11. Open the QCA Tests folder, then open the folder you copied in step 3 and select
the .msi file, then click Open.
12. Select the Assigned deployment method and click OK.
13. The new test package should now show in the right hand window.
14. Close the Group Policy Object Editor window.
15. Highlight the QCA Tests GPO and click Properties, then select the check box
for Disable User Configuration Settings.
16. Click Yes to confirm disabling this setting.
17. Click on the Security tab and confirm that the appropriate security group has the
Read and Apply Group Policy settings selected, then click OK.
18. Ensure that the QCA Tests GPO appears above the DPS Software GPO in the
list, using the Up or Down button as appropriate.
19. Click Apply then OK to confirm the new settings.
20. Close the ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ window to complete the
configuration settings.
21. Reboot each of the DPS workstations contained within the OU selected in step 5.
22. The GPO changes should be automatically detected and each workstation should
install the test.
23. On each workstation, log on as an Administrator and check that the test has been
installed into the relevant folder (normally c:\Program Files\QCA
Testing\Delivery Point System\TDS\Test\testname).
24. If the test does not install there may be a delay in applying the group policy. If this
is the case, log on to the workstation as an administrator user.
25. On a Windows XP client, click on Start, Run then type:
gpupdate /force
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the
workstation.
26. On a Windows 2000 client, either reboot again or click on Start / Run then type:
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Installing tests and software updates
secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce
and click OK. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to restart the workstation.
27. On reboot the test will install.
28. Log on as an administrator and check that the test has been installed into the relevant
folder (normally c:\Program Files\QCA Testing\Delivery Point
System\TDS\Test\testname).
task end
9.1.4 Installing tests manually
This section tells you how to install tests manually one-by-one onto DPS workstations.
Preparing for manual installation
When tests are received from the CPS server by your APS server, your Technical
Manager receives notification on their Home Page. The test package sets are located in
the following folder:
APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\TPS\testname
where APS_installation_directory is the location where you chose to install the APS,
TPS stands for Test Package Set and testname is a unique subdirectory with the name
of the relevant test as displayed on APS screens.
Installing tests manually onto connected workstations
task start
1. Log on to the DPS workstation as a Technical Manager, as described in
Appendix B on page 204.
2. On the DPS opening screen, click the Update tab. The following screen displays.
3. Click Refresh List to update the display in the table with the list of the latest tests
you can install from your centre APS.
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Installing tests and software updates
4. From the Show only this type of update drop-down list, select either ‘Practice
Tests’ or ‘Live Tests’.
5. Click on the relevant rows to select the test(s) you want to install. You can select
more than one test by holding down the Shift key and clicking more than one row.
Alternatively you can select ‘All’ in the Show only this type of update drop-
down box to install all the tests together with any software updates.
6. Click Install selected tests and updates.
7. When installation is complete a message box displays a list of the tests installed
successfully. Click OK on the message box. The message box closes and you
return to the Update tab, with the tests you installed cleared from the list.
task end
9.2 Installing software updates
9.2.1 APS software updates
You need to apply APS software updates when minor enhancements and patches to the
software are issued. If a major upgrade to a new version of the software is required rather
than an update, you need to follow the process described in 3.1 How to install or upgrade
the APS from a CD on page 12.
Separate installation instructions will be provided via the support website for each update
and upgrade. These instructions will make clear whether an update or an upgrade is
required, but if in any doubt please contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on
0845 123 7820 option 2.
Updates to the APS software will be automatically downloaded to your APS within the
following location: APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\Software\AS. The APS
homepage will display a message advising you that there are new software updates
available.
Before installing any software updates, you need to check which version of the APS
software you are currently running. To do this, log on to the APS then choose the About
APS option from the Help menu. A pop-up window is displayed and this provides details
of the software version.
9.2.2 DPS software updates
As with the APS, you need to apply DPS software updates when minor enhancements
and patches to the software are issued. If an upgrade to a new version of the software is
required rather than an update, you need to follow the process described in 5.1.4 How to
deploy an upgrade to the DPS software on page 40.
Separate installation instructions will be provided via the support website for each DPS
software update. These instructions will make clear whether an update or an upgrade is
required, but if in any doubt please contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on
0845 123 7820 option 2.
Updates to the DPS software will be automatically downloaded to your APS within the
following location: APS_installation_directory\FILE_STORE\Software\TDS. The DPS
update will be a ZIP file with a name in the format DPS_x.x.x.ZIP. For example, DPS
11.2.4.ZIP is version 11.2.4 of the DPS software.
Before installing any DPS software updates, you may wish to check which version of DPS
software is running on each workstation. To do this, at the DPS candidate logon screen
press A while holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously. An information box
displays the current DPS version details. To close the information box, click OK.
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Setting up SEN requirements
C H A P T E R 1 0
Setting up SEN requirements
Access Arrangements
The arrangements described in this section are adjustments that centres must consider in
advance of the AQA on-screen tests and should be primarily based on the history of need
and normal classroom practice for candidates with particular needs. Arrangements must
be approved before an examination or assessment and are intended to allow attainment
to be demonstrated. Please refer to the Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments
and Special Consideration booklet, which can be downloaded from the jcq.org.uk website
for further information.
The arrangements have been designed to ensure that the vast majority of pupils can
access the AQA on-screen tests, and must never provide an unfair advantage –the
support given must not change the test questions and the answers must be the
candidate’s own.
Prior to candidates sitting a test, Pupil Managers can specify their SEN requirements
where necessary. When the Test Manager allocates a candidate with SEN requirements
to a test, they can specify an amount of additional time for each test session. You can
also adapt the candidate’s test environment to suit their needs.
Specifying a candidate’s SEN requirements
To specify a candidate’s SEN requirements, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix B.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils.
3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant pupil then click View/Modify. The
‘View/Modify Pupil Details’ screen displays.
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Setting up SEN requirements
4. If the pupil has SEN requirements, select Yes from the drop-down menu under
SEN provision, then tick the relevant requirements and click Save.
task end
Who may need access arrangements?
To decide whether an individual candidate needs access arrangements, centres need to
consider:
• their assessment needs
• the type and amount of support that they receive as part of normal classroom practice.
The access arrangements may be appropriate for:
• candidates with a statement of special educational needs as described in the Special
Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice (available from DfES Publications on
0845 602 2260 or www.teachernet.gov.uk/sen)
• candidates for whom provision is being made in school at School Action or School
Action
Plus of the SEN Code of Practice, and whose learning difficulty or disability
significantly affects their access to the tests
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• candidates who are unable to sit and work at a test for a sustained period because of a
disability or because of behavioural, emotional or social difficulties
• candidated for whom English is an additional language and who have limited fluency in
English.
What do centres need to consider when making
access arrangements?
The person responsible for making access arrangements for the AQA on-screen test
must:
• read relevant guidance on access arrangements in Access Arrangements, Reasonable
Adjustments and Special Consideration as mentioned above
• make sure that Test Administrators, amanuenses and readers are fully aware of their
responsibilities and what they should do during the tests
• make sure that relatives of candidates who need access arrangements are not involved
in administering the tests
• consider allowing candidates to take the tests in a separate room if they are using
access arrangements such as rest breaks, additional time, amanuenses, readers or
technological aids
• refer any problems immediately to the headteacher.
Optional access arrangements
Centres can make the following access arrangements at their own discretion:
Windows Accessibility Options
On a particular workstation, aspects of the AQA on-screen test environment can be
configured to improve accessibility using Windows Accessibility Options. For example,
you might provide:
• customised display
• keyboard actions instead of mouse control
• audio screen reader.
A wide variety of hardware and software products is available to make personal
computers easier to use for people with Special Educational Needs. Among the different
types of products available for Microsoft Windows operating systems are:
Programs that enlarge the information displayed or alter the colour of information
on the screen for people with visual impairments.
Programs that describe information on the screen in Braille or synthesised
speech for people who are visually impaired or have difficulty reading.
Hardware and software utilities that modify the behaviour of the mouse and
keyboard.
Programs that enable users to type using a mouse or their voice.
Word or phrase prediction software that allows users to type more quickly and
with fewer keystrokes.
Alternative input devices, such as single switch or puff-and-sip devices, for
people who cannot use a mouse or a keyboard.
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Setting up SEN requirements
You can also adjust the appearance and behaviour of Windows to enhance accessibility
for some vision-impaired, hearing-impaired, or mobility-impaired users without requiring
additional software or hardware. For further information see below.
Please note that the use of software other than Microsoft Windows Accessibility options
has not been tested with the delivery software.
Microsoft Windows XP accessibility options
The following Windows Accessibility Options can be set to help candidates with SEN to
access the test:
Narrator - uses text-to-speech technology to read the contents of the screen
aloud. This is useful for pupils who are blind or are visually impaired.
Onscreen keyboard - enable pupils with limited mobility to type onscreen using a
pointing device.
Utility manager - enables pupils to check an Accessibility program's status and
start or stop an Accessibility program.
High contrast schemes-this allows colour combinations that are easier for pupils
to see to be selected.
The following Windows Accessibility feature cannot be used with the delivery software:
Magnifier - this enlarges a portion of the screen for easier viewing. Magnifier is
not currently compatible with the test software. If it is used the magnified display
freezes when test application menus are accessed.
Other accessibility options which are available but have not been tested with the delivery
software include:
Cursor width and blink rate-make the cursor easier to locate, or eliminate the
distraction of its blinking by changing its blink rate.
StickyKeys-allow one key to be pressed at a time (rather than simultaneously) for
key combinations.
FilterKeys-ignore brief or repeated keystrokes and slow down the repeat rate.
ToggleKeys- enable the user to hear tones when pressing certain keys.
MouseKeys-move the mouse pointer using the numerical keypad.
Display and readability
Windows XP includes a wide selection of options to increase visibility of items on the
workstation computer screen. Options that can be adjusted through Display Properties
include:
Font size-make font larger for visibility. When you select large fonts or extra large
fonts, the fonts within the test message box and test menus will display at 11 pt
Screen resolution - this enables the pixel count to be changed so that objects can
be enlarged onscreen.
Keyboard and mouse
In Windows XP you can choose a number of options to make your mouse and keyboard
faster and easier to use. Options you can adjust include:
Mouse options:
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Setting up SEN requirements
Double-Click Speed-choose how fast to click the mouse button to make a
selection.
ClickLock-highlight or drag without holding down the mouse button.
Pointer Speed-set how fast the mouse pointer moves on screen.
SnapTo-move the pointer to the default button in a dialog box.
Pointer Trails-follow the pointer motion on screen.
Hide Pointer While Typing-keep pointer from hiding text while typing.
Show Location of Pointer-quickly reveal the pointer on screen.
Button configuration - Reverse the function of the right and left mouse buttons-
reverse actions controlled by the right and left mouse buttons.
·Pointer schemes-choose size and colour options for better visibility.
Keyboard options:
Character Repeat Rate-set how quickly a character repeats when a key is struck.
Dvorak Keyboard Layout-choose alternative keyboard layouts for people who
type with one hand or finger.
Extra Keyboard Help-get ToolTips or other keyboard help in programs that
provide it.
Additional time
Candidates with a statement of special educational needs can be allocated up to 100 per
cent additional time for the AQA on-screen test at the centre’s discretion. The Test
Manager must specify how much additional time is to be allocated to a candidate when
allocating candidates to a test (see Chapter 19).
Rest breaks
For candidates who are likely to experience fatigue, or suffer concentration problems, the
Test Administrator may deem it appropriate to pause the candidate’s test (which stops the
clock) and give them a rest break. If the candidate is able to continue, the test can be
resumed. If the pupil is not able to continue, the test can be shut down then recovered on
another day, so the pupil can continue where they left off. For details on how to pause
and resume tests, and how to shut down and recover tests, see Chapters 7 and 8 of the
Test Administration Guide.
If the circumstances warrant it, the Test Administrator may use the Flight Deck to pause a
test session for all participating pupils, then resume the session when convenient. In
extreme circumstances, the Test Administrator may also shut down all pupil tests in a
session then restart the session later on the same day or on another day.
Use of amanuensis
It is recognised that, in a small number of cases, an amanuensis assistant who is able to
carry out the keystrokes and/or mouse movements on behalf of the pupil is necessary to
enable the pupil to participate in the test.
An amanuensis assistant must:
• be available to type out and follow the pupil’s instructions, including where
appropriate mouse movements
• be able to use the ICT Toolkit, a suite of software applications provided for use in the
test, as instructed by the pupil
• carry out the exact instructions, as dictated by the pupil
• work at the pupil’s own pace
• note the essence of a pupil’s response, without inferring meaning that was not made
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Setting up SEN requirements
clear.
An amanuensis assistant must not correct any errors, add their own ICT knowledge to
pupil instructions or use the Toolkit in ways other than instructed by the pupil.
Use of readers
Readers must only be used on a one-to-one basis, and only with pupils who regularly
have reading support in the classroom. Readers must not be used for pupils who can
read the test materials on their own.
A reader must:
• be available, on request, to read to the pupil all or any part of the test instructions.
They may also read back to the pupil any part of their responses, where it is possible
to do so
• be able to read accurately and at a reasonable rate
• repeat, as often as necessary, any test instructions
• spell a word, if asked
• be prepared for periods of inactivity as the pupil may require time for reflection.
Use of communicators / signers
A communicator / signer must:
• use a means of communication that is appropriate to the needs of the pupil
• be able to communicate test instructions
• note the pupil’s response, without inferring meaning that was not made clear.
Use of prompters
A prompter can only be used on a one-to-one basis, where a pupil has severe attention
problems, for the purpose of drawing a pupil’s attention back to the task in hand.
A prompter must:
• be familiar with the pupil
• use non-verbal or verbal signing to draw a pupil’s attention back to the task. Verbal
signing must only be used where this is the support usually received by the pupil and
specific reference to the test must not be made.
Suitability of the AQA on-screen test
If in any doubt about the suitability of the AQA on-screen test for pupils with special
educational needs, you are advised to consult your school’s Special Needs Coordinator.
They may be able to make a judgement on the suitability of the test, which they will be
best able to do if they can view the familiarisation materials and/or a practice test.
Providing for SEN requirements
You can improve the accessibility of the test environment for candidates with SEN
requirements by using Windows Accessibility Options. For example, you might provide:
customised display
keyboard actions instead of mouse control
audio screen reader.
For details on the options supported by the on-screen tests and any known limitations see
the FAQ called “What provision has been made for pupils with special
educational needs (SEN)?” on the website at
http://www.rm.com/ks3ict/HelpArticle.asp?cref=hda1010452.
For further details on Windows Accessibility Options, see Microsoft’s website at
www.microsoft.com/enable.
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Setting up SEN requirements
When the Pupil Manager enters candidate details on your centre’s APS server, they can
specify SEN requirements if the candidate has any. When the Test Manager allocates
candidates with SEN requirements to a test, they can specify how much extra time the
candidate should be allowed to take during each test session.
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Setting up SEN requirements
88 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Managing test data
C H A P T E R 1 1
Managing test data
11.1 Backing up the APS
Making backups of your centre network servers, including the delivery software and test
data files is one of the Technical Manager’s most important tasks. A regular backup
schedule minimises data loss if, for example, the system fails, or a disk crashes or
experiences a virus infection.
Important: Once your centre has imported candidate details onto the APS and has
started allocating candidates to tests and scheduling test sessions, it is
essential that you make daily backups up until the point when all your test
response data has been transmitted to the CPS. Your usual backup routine
should suffice at other times of the year. You should check the backup log
every working day to confirm the success of the backup.
Depending upon the backup program you use to back up the APS, several files may be
skipped due to being in an ‘open state’. A full backup of the APS software and data is
therefore not taken, and this is likely to cause difficulties should the APS data need to be
restored at some point in the future. If the backup program you use does skip open files,
or if you are unsure whether it does or not, please follow the section below, 11.1.1
Dealing with skipped files.
For more information on how to carry out backups and restore a file from a backup, refer
to the documentation that accompanies your backup system.
11.1.1 Dealing with skipped files
If the backup program you use skips open files, then you need to stop the following two
APS services prior to performing the backup, then restart them after the backup has run:
tomcat
postmaster.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to use two batch files, one to stop and one to restart
the two services. Sample files are provided within the technical support knowledge library
on the technical support pages of the website, naa.org.uk/ks3ict.
You should schedule the aps-stop.bat batch file to run prior to your backup beginning,
and schedule the aps-start.bat batch file to run after the backup has completed. Check
your scheduler for the start time of your backup, and consult your backup log to gauge
when the backup is expected to stop.
Be sure to give the two new scheduled jobs user credentials to run as an administrative
level user.
If you are not sure how to schedule batch files, please contact your network support
team.
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Managing test data
11.2 Using the audit log
Your centre APS server maintains an audit log enabling you to monitor APS user activity
(for example, logon failures). We recommend that you review the audit log on a regular
basis as a general health check. You should also review it if you have a specific problem
you need to discuss with the E-testing Technical Support Team (0845 123 7820 –
Option 2).
As a Technical Manager, it is sensible to monitor your audit log for unsuccessful logon
attempts.
The audit log retains a full history of all events since you started using the system. You
can select a date range to view events over a particular period, select events by user or
event type, and print selected events as required.
11.2.1 Viewing the audit log
To view the audit log, follow the steps below:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described in
Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the School menu, choose View Audit Log. The audit log is displayed.
3. By default, the Audit Log displays all the events logged on your centre APS
server during the previous week (7 days). The Find drop-down box allows you to
search for events of a specific Event Type or events that relate to a specific user.
Enter criteria as required and specify a date range then click Search to display all
the audit log entries that match your search criteria.
4. To print the current view of the audit log, click Print Preview. This displays the
audit log in a pop-up window.
5. Click Print.
6. A print dialog box appears. Enter the required print parameters then click Print.
task end
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Managing test data
11.3 Managing file storage
At the end of each connected test session, candidate test responses are transferred
automatically to the APS and stored on the centre server. There may be data related to
unfinished practice tests or incomplete live tests that can be removed.
The unwanted data is best removed at the end of the academic year after the live
test results have been distributed. However, if there is an issue with disk space on the
server it may be necessary to review the files stored prior to the live test window.
Use the Manage Disk Usage tool on the APS to review and remove the unwanted data
on the server. You must be sure about what data is required and what data can be
removed before starting this process.
task start
1. Ensure that there are no test sessions running and log on to the APS as a user
with Technical Manager rights, as described in Appendix B on page 202.
2. From the School menu choose Manage Disk Usage. The following screen is
displayed:
3. Click Next to start the process of calculating how much disk space is in use.
This may take a few minutes. The following screen will be displayed:
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Managing test data
4. When the process of calculating disk space has been completed the ‘Manage
Disk Usage – Step 2’ screen shows a summary of the types of data stored on
your server.
5. Check the boxes of the data that you want to remove. As in this case you may
need to scroll down the screen to see the complete list of data.
6. Once you have selected all the data that you wish to remove click Next. You
will see the following warning:
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Managing test data
7. If you wish to make any changes to the data you have selected or are unsure
that it can be removed click Cancel to return to the ‘Manage Disk Usage –
Step 2’ screen. If you are sure that the selected data can be removed click
OK.
8. The ‘Manage Disk Usage – Deleting or archiving data’ screen will display and
refresh until the process is complete. When all the selected data has been
removed you will see the following confirmation screen.
task end
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Managing test data
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Reconfiguring the system after installation
C H A P T E R 1 2
Reconfiguring the system after
installation
12.1 Adding and removing DPS workstations
You can add or remove DPS workstations from your centre network whenever you need
to, in line with your centre’s changing requirements. When you have changed the number
of DPS workstations on your centre network, you should reset the workstation count on
your centre APS server using the Change School Details screen (see 7.1 Configuring
centre details on page 57).
12.2 Adding a proxy server
If you add a proxy server to your centre network after the delivery software is present, you
must reconfigure the APS so that it can use the proxy server to access the CPS. You can
do this using the APS Proxy Configuration application, accessed via the Windows Start
menu under QCA Testing.
12.3 Changing your IP address
Be aware that if you need to change the IP address for your centre APS, this has
implications on the configuration of your DPS workstations. We suggest the following
sequence of actions:
task start
1. Obtain the new IP address from your service provider.
2. Change the configuration for each DPS workstation to your new IP address (see
7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page 61).
3. Change the IP address for your server.
task end
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Reconfiguring the system after installation
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Uninstalling tests and software
C H A P T E R 1 3
Uninstalling tests and software
This chapter tells you how to uninstall the APS software from the server, and how to
uninstall the DPS software and tests from workstations, should it be necessary.
13.1 Uninstalling the APS software
If, for whatever reason, you feel that you need to uninstall the APS, it is
very important that you speak to the E-testing Technical Support Team first
on 0845 123 7820 option 2.
If you have run any tests, you will need the E-testing Technical Support Team’s guidance
to ensure that you do not lose any test data. Also, if you plan to reinstall the APS either
on the same or another machine, the E-testing Customer Services Team will need to
supply you with a new registration key.
Note also that you should not uninstall the APS software prior to receiving test results
from AQA.
13.2 Uninstalling the DPS software
As with installation of the DPS software, there are two ways of uninstalling the DPS
software from workstations:
Automatically uninstall using network management tools. This is the preferred
method as it is the quickest and easiest. For assistance you should contact your
network supplier.
Manually uninstall, a workstation at a time.
To uninstall the DPS software manually from a particular workstation, carry out the
following steps:
task start
1. On the workstation, select Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs.
Installed tests are listed in the displayed table of currently installed programs.
2. Select ‘QCA Testing – Delivery Point System’ and click Remove. A confirmation
window displays.
3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
task end
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Uninstalling tests and software
Things to note:
When you uninstall the DPS software, any test response data held on the
workstation is not removed; it is retained in the folder where you installed
the DPS software in case you wish to reinstall the DPS software and
retrieve it. You can manually remove it if you wish.
13.3 Uninstalling tests
Tests are not automatically uninstalled from workstations. It does no harm to leave them
on a workstation, though each one requires approximately 50Mb to 100Mb of space, so
you may choose to uninstall to release the space for other purposes.
You can safely uninstall a live test when the test window has passed, and you can
uninstall a practice test as soon as you no longer wish to use it.
As with installation of tests, there are two ways of uninstalling tests:
Automatically uninstall using network management tools. This is the preferred
method as it is the quickest and easiest. For assistance you should contact your
network supplier.
Manually uninstall, a workstation at a time.
To uninstall a test manually from a particular workstation, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. On the workstation, select Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs.
Installed tests are listed in the displayed table of currently installed programs.
2. Select the test to be removed and click Remove. A confirmation window displays.
3. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
task end
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C H A P T E R 1 4
Troubleshooting
You can view all relevant technical information as well as articles on
troubleshooting problems at qcda/ks3ict homepage by logging into the site and
going to the technical support section, please note you will need an rm.com
username and password to access the technical support articles.
This will take you to the online knowledge library where you will find up to date
fixes for any known issues and advice on general troubleshooting.
14.1 Problem: Cannot access APS website
There are three main reasons why you might not be able to access the APS website
when it is running.
The browser you are using is configured to use a proxy server when accessing the
APS. To change this, see 7.3 Configuring APS workstations on page 60.
If the APS is installed on a Windows 2003 server, Internet Explorer Enhanced
Security Configuration will only permit access to trusted sites from the server. To
avoid this problem, set up the APS as a trusted site. In Internet Explorer 6.0, choose
Internet Options from the Tools menu, click the Security tab then select the
Trusted Sites icon and click the Sites button. Enter the full path of the APS, for
example https://172.24.25.81:8443/qca, then click Add then OK.
The server has disk quotas associated with user accounts. Carry out the checks
described below.
Ideally, you should not install the APS on a volume where quotas are enabled. If this is
unavoidable, then the postgres and tomcat users should be given unlimited quota on that
volume.
If the postmaster or tomcat service does not start, then you may get the message ‘Page
cannot be displayed’ when trying to access the APS through your browser. The reason
for this may be that the server has disk quotas associated with user accounts.
To check this (in Windows 2000 server):
task start
1. Open My Computer and right click on the disk drive symbol for the drive where
you installed the APS software.
2. Select Properties. A pop-up window is displayed.
3. Select the Quota tab. The following screen displays.
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Troubleshooting
4. If the Enable quota management checkbox is not selected, then you are not
using disk quotas, so this is not the reason why you cannot the access the APS
website. Close the pop-up window and explore other possibilities.
If the Enable quota management checkbox is selected, and a default quota limit
for new users is set, you need to check whether a quota limit is set for the tomcat
and postgres users, as follows:
i. Click Quota Entries. A list of users displays.
ii. Scroll down the list until you find the postgres and tomcat users.
iii. For each of these two users in turn, do the following:
Right click on the user and select Properties.
Under the General tab, ensure that Do not limit disk usage is
selected, then click OK.
5. You now need to use Windows Control Panel to stop the tomcat service on the
server before re-starting the postmaster service.
6. Once the postmaster service has started you need to re-start the tomcat service.
task end
If you have any problems carrying out the above checks, please call the E-testing
Technical Support Team (0845 123 7820) for advice.
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Troubleshooting
14.2 Problem: Connectivity to the CPS server fails
Failure of the connection between your APS server and the CPS server is evidenced by
lack of relevant entries within your audit log. Your Internet Access settings (see 7.2
Configuring the APS Scheduler on page 58) should permit at least one attempt per day
on which you allow Internet access to make a scheduled connection to the CPS.
Carry out the following checks:
task start
1. Ensure your APS server has power and is running, and check the connections.
Check connectivity between your APS and the CPS as follows:
i. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described
in Appendix B on page 202
ii. From the School menu, choose Change School Details
iii. Click Test Data Transfer
iv. If the connection is working correctly, the status should show ‘Test
Successful’. If the test fails, carry out the following checks.
Check your APS scheduler is running correctly as follows:
v. Log on to the APS as a user with Technical Manager rights, as described
in Appendix B on page 202
2. From the School menu, choose Manage Internet Access
3. Click Run Now
4. When complete, the status should show ‘Completed’
Check Internet connectivity:
vi. Can you successfully browse to other websites?
vii. Are you sure you could access these websites before?
5. Check the proxy server configuration settings for Internet access by the APS. If
necessary, change the configuration using the APS Proxy Configuration
application, accessed via the Windows Start menu under QCA Testing.
6. Check your centre IP addressing scheme. Have you made any recent changes to
this?
task end
If you try all the above, can successfully browse to other websites but still cannot make a
successful connection to the CPS server, contact the E-testing Technical Support Team
(0845 123 7820 – Option 2).
14.3 Problem: Insufficient space on a DPS
workstation
DPS workstations have their own space requirements. As part of the DPS installation
procedure you have the opportunity to run Check Space to ensure you have sufficient
space for successful DPS installation.
We recommend that the DPS workstation hard disk should have at least 500Mb of space
available for the installation and the day-to-day use of practice and live tests.
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Troubleshooting
14.4 Problem: Need to install the DPS on a
workstation without a CD drive
To install the DPS on a workstation that does not have a CD drive, copy the following files
from the H:\DPS\Windows folder on your delivery software CD (where H: is the drive
letter of the CD drive) into a single folder at a network location accessible from the DPS
workstation:
dotnetfx.exe
setup.ini
DPSsetup.exe
DPSInstaller.msi
DPSConfig.ini
Note: Rather than using the version of the DPS Config.ini file provided on the CD, it is
best to use the version created during APS installation, as this will contain the
required information. See Appendix A, Appendix A.
To carry out the installation, run DPSsetup.exe from the folder to which you copied the
above files rather than from the CD. The installation process is the same as when you
install from CD, as described in Chapter 5, Installing or upgrading the Delivery Point
System software.
14.5 Problem: Connectivity from a DPS workstation
fails
If the connection from a connected DPS workstation to your centre APS server fails
during a test, the DPS workstation will change into disconnected mode with no
detrimental effect on the candidate’s test. If the connection remains broken at the end of
the candidate’s test, you need to ensure that the candidate’s test response gets
transferred to the APS. If you manage to restore the connection then this transfer will
happen automatically, but if this is not possible then you will need to manually transfer
the candidate’s test response. If you need to carry this out, please contact the E-testing
Technical Support Team on 0845 123 7820 (Option 2) for assistance.
14.6 Problem: Forgotten School Key Password
If you ever forget your School Key Password, you will need to contact the E-testing
Technical Support Team on 0845 123 7820 (Option 2) and ask them to send you a new
copy of your School Key file with a new School Key password.
When you receive the new School Key file, you can use the Manage School Key /
Restore School Key option under the School menu within the APS to deploy the new
file, then use the Manage School Key / Change School Key Password option to
change the password. You must then use the Manage School Key / Backup School
Key option to back up your School Key, since each backup of the School Key only works
with the password that was current at the time of backup.
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14.7 Problem: There has been a problem while
contacting the CPS to perform centre registration
When logging on to the APS for the first time to start registration you may be presented
with the following message. Receiving this message means there is a connectivity issue
with the CPS (Central Point System). You will be unable to carry out registration until the
connectivity issue is resolved.
The most likely reasons for a communication issue between APS and CPS will be:
Internet access is unavailable
To test whether Internet access is unavailable: On the APS server, verify you can browse
to the address https://cps.qcacps.com/. This is a test address allowing you to confirm
that Internet access is available and that you can communicate with the CPS.
If a page with the title 'This server is cps.qcacps.com' is displayed then Internet access
is ok. If you are unable to reach this page then you should contact your Internet Service
Provider for assistance.
the APS has been configured to use incorrect proxy information, for example: IP
address, port, username, password, or domain.
If the APS is configured to use incorrect proxy details: There is a proxy configuration tool
available on the server that allows you to make changes to the setup.
task start
1. On the server run the APS proxy Configuration Tool, navigate to Start > All
Programs > QCA Testing > APS Proxy Configuration.
2. An application entitled APS Proxy Configuration will load.
3. Enter the correct proxy details.
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Troubleshooting
If you are using an authenticating proxy server, check and correct the values
for these entries as necessary.
If you are using a Microsoft® proxy server, it is likely the PROXYDOMAIN
field will need populating. If so, enter the fully qualified domain name.
Otherwise, enter data for the PROXYUSER and PROXYPASSWORD fields.
4. If you no longer use a proxy server to connect to the Internet, delete any values
within each of the boxes.
5. Click Save then Close.
6. A message will appear asking you to restart the tomcat service. This service will
need to be restarted before the new configuration changes take effect.
Log on to the APS website as an APS administrator and attempt to continue with
registration. If problems persist contact the E-testing Technical Support Team on 0845
123 7820 (Option 2) for assistance.
task end
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SECTION 2 - CANDIDATE AND TEST
MANAGEMENT
KS3 ICT Test - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 105
SECTION 2 - CANDIDATE AND TEST MANAGEMENT
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Test types and delivery options
C H A P T E R 1 5
Test types and delivery options
15.1 The testing process
There are two types of test:
Live: tests that are taken once on the test date specified by AQA
Practice: tests that enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the test. These
tests can be taken more than once.
Tests may be either scheduled or unscheduled, as follows:
Scheduled: the candidate is allocated to the test and takes it in a formal setting.
Unscheduled: the candidate is not allocated to the test and takes it informally
whenever is convenient.
Live tests are always scheduled, but practice tests may be either scheduled or
unscheduled.
15.2 Connected tests
Candidates must take both live and practice tests at a centre on a connected workstation.
Connected: the workstation is connected to the APS throughout the test, and the
candidate’s work is constantly being backed up.
Disconnected: the workstation is not connected to the APS during the test, and the
candidate’s test response needs to be transferred to the APS afterwards.
Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-screen tests.
By far the most common scenario and the easiest to manage and administer is for
candidates to take tests on connected workstations; usually one or more scheduled or
unscheduled connected practice tests followed by a scheduled connected live test.
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Managing candidate details
C H A P T E R 1 6
Managing candidate details
The first task in the candidate and test management process is to import details of
candidates who will be taking the on-screen test into your centre APS. The Pupil
Manager is responsible for this activity. To do this your candidate Entry File (E-file)
will need to be imported into the APS. This is the file which was submitted
electronically by your Exams Officer at the time initial entries were made for your
candidates to AQA. This file should be available from your Exams Officer. Any
amendment files (A-file) for the relevant tests that contain new candidates or changes
to an existing candidate’s personal details or component entry should be imported
using the same process used for importing the E-file.
Add details for specific candidates manually.
Once candidate details are on the APS, you can add Registration Group and
Teaching Set data for these candidates. This data is not normally held in an E-file.
There are two ways to add this data: Import a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) file
containing Registration Group and Teaching Set data for selected candidates
Add details for specific candidates manually. Please note that to manually add a
candidate you will need to have a valid UCI for that candidate.
Note: You are strongly advised to use the import facilities to import candidate details in
bulk, and also to import Registration Group and Teaching Set data. This will save
you significant time, since the information will not then need to be entered
manually into the system as described in 16.3 Manually maintaining candidate
details on page 115, in Chapter 16, Allocating candidates to registration groups
and teaching sets on page 121.
16.1 Identifying candidates using UCIs and
Candidate Ids
The delivery software uses the Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) to uniquely identify each
candidate. Before importing details of candidates who will be taking the on-screen test,
you must ensure that all candidates possess a UCI.
LAs, or centres themselves, allocate UCIs to candidates who do not already possess
them.
A UCI will remain with individuals for the duration of their GCE courses, even if the
candidate moves to a different centre.
UCIs have 13 characters in the following format:
Character Description
1-5 Centre number where the candidate enters his / her first unit
6 Board identifier
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Managing candidate details
Character Description
7-8 Year in which the UCI is generated
9-12 Four digit candidate examination number
13 Check digit calculated / allocated automatically
For example: 68199 0 01 2058 G
16.2 Centre entry file
16.2.1 Importing an entry file
Ensure an Entry File (E-file) for the relevant series has been created in your centre’s
Management Information System. For more information on how to create your candidate
entry file (E-File) or amendment file, please refer to the Entry Procedures and Codes
2009-2010 booklet from the AQA website www.aqa.org.uk/entry.
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Management rights, as described in
Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Candidates menu, chose Import File. The ‘Import File (Step 1)’ page
displays.
3. Click Browse to locate the E-file you want to import
4. Click Next. The ‘Import File – Data Check (Step 2)’ page displays, showing brief
details of all candidates in the file. Click the expand/contract list button at the top right
of the table to expand the list to show all candidates in the file.
5. To determine the reason an invlaid row has been rejected, click on the row. The
reason displays in an error message at the bottom of the page.
6. If there are a large number of invalid rows, you might choose to click Back to cancel
the import so you can correct the file before retrying the import.
For advice on correcting the file please contact AQA Centre Support on
01483 556 208.
7. Check through the relevant screens and make selections as required, then click
Next. The data is imported and the ‘Import File – Complete’ page displays.
8. Click Print Preview to print a summary of the candidates you imported, as required.
task end
16.2 Importing a CSV file of registration group, subject, teaching set
Once candidates exist on the APS, at any time you can import a Comma Separated
Values (CSV) file containing Registration Group, Subject and Teaching Set details for
these candidates.
Note: If Teaching Sets, Registration Groups and Subjects included in the file do not exist
on the APS, they will be created. If a Registration Group or Teaching Set does
already exist on the system, the candidate will be added to the existing
Registration Group or Teaching Set.
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Note: The CSV import of UCI, Registration Group, Subject and Teaching Set will only
work once candidate data is already imported via the E-file
CSV file format requirements
The CSV file must contain one line per candidate and each line must be in the format:
UCI, Registration Group, Subject, Teaching Set
The file must also meet the following requirements:
UCI is mandatory
Any one of Registration Group, Subject and Teaching Set can be left blank if the
data is not available for a candidate, but at least one of these fields must be present.
To leave a field blank, enter a comma but no accompanying value in the field’s
position
Subject indicates the subject to which the Teaching data applies.
Example:
E00000503012A,9N,ICT,Ms Brown,5
F00000760334A,9A,ICT,Ms Brown,4
For the format restrictions for each field, see CSV file import problems on page 114.
How to import a CSV file
To import a CSV file, follow the steps below:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Import File. The ‘Import File (Step 1)’ screen
displays.
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Managing candidate details
3. This screen gives you the choice of importing a School Census file; a CSV file
containing Pupil Registration Group, Teaching Set and subject data; or a JCQ file.
The CSV import of UCI, Registration Group, Subject and Teaching Set will only work
once candidate data is already imported.
To import a CSV file, either type the full path and name of the file if you know it, or
click Browse... to locate the file you want to import. This file must have the extension
CSV.
The import will either add or update each candidate’s details as necessary.
If you have difficulty accessing a CSV file in the correct format, contact your
Management Information System (MIS) provider.
4. Click Next. If there is a problem with the file format, an error message displays at the
top of the screen, for example:
You need to correct this error before retrying the import.
If the file is formatted correctly, the ‘Merge Data’ screen displays, showing details of
all candidates in the CSV file.
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5. The message above the list tells you how many candidates are in the file and
whether there are any invalid rows. Each row is assigned a status in the Status
column: Valid or Invalid.
To determine the reason an invalid row has been rejected, click on the row. The
reason displays in an error message at the bottom of the screen.
In the above example, a blank row has been detected in the file.
6. If there is a large number of invalid rows, you might choose to click Back to cancel
the import so you can correct the CSV file before retrying the import.
Alternatively, click Next to import all the valid candidate details. Later on, you can
either correct the file and reimport it, or enter the erroneous candidate details
manually.
If you click Next, the ‘Merge Summary Details’ screen displays.
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Managing candidate details
7. This screen tells you how many valid candidate records have been updated (if a
particular candidate’s data is unchanged, or is invalid, no update will be carried out),
how many matching candidate records were found, the total number of candidates in
the file, and whether any Teaching Sets, Registration Groups and Subjects were
created on the system as they did not previously exist.
task end
CSV file import problems
If you have problems importing a CSV file, first check that the file you are importing has a
.csv file extension and is a valid CSV file.
Here is a list of the error messages you might see for specific rows.
Error message Reason
UCI not valid Check the UCI for unsupported characters. The UCI must be
alphanumeric, up to 13 characters long (which includes a check
digit).
Registration Group Check the Registration Group name for unsupported
not valid characters. Letters and numbers as well as hyphens, brackets,
forward slashes, commas and spaces are permitted. Length up
to ten characters.
Teaching Set not Check the Teaching Set name for unsupported characters.
valid Letters and numbers as well as hyphens, brackets, forward
slashes, commas and spaces are permitted. Length up to 50
characters.
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Managing candidate details
16.3 Manually maintaining candidate details
As an alternative to importing a E-file of candidate details, or to make adjustments to
individual candidate details after an import, you can use the Manage Pupils option on the
Pupils menu within the APS to manually add, modify and delete candidates as required.
You can also set the year group for a number of candiates simultaneously. This allows
you to maintain candidates records on the APS in subsequent years after they have
taken the on-screen test.
16.3.1 Adding a candidate
Please note that following fields are mandatory and must be completed for the
candidate’s data to be added to the system;
UCI
Forename
Surname
DOB (Date of Birth)
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Management rights, as described in
Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils. The ‘Manage Pupils’ screen
displays.
3. Click Add. The ‘Add Pupil Details’ screen displays.
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Managing candidate details
4. Fill out this screen as follows (only the fields marked with an asterisk, as well as
drop-down boxes with a default value, are mandatory):
i. Enter the candidate’s UPN (Unique Pupil Number) does not apply to the on-
screen test. Leave blank.
ii. The UCI (Unique Candidate Identifier) is used by Awarding Bodies and
must be completed.
iii. In the Forename box, type the new candidate forename. This can contain
letters and numbers as well as hyphens, apostrophes, brackets, spaces
and accented European characters such as é, å, ü and ø. Length should
not be greater than 15 characters.
iv. In the Surname box, type the new candidate surname. Format as for
Forename, but may be up to 30 characters long.
v. In the DOB box, type the new candidate date of birth in the format
dd/mm/ccyy.
vi. From the Gender drop-down box, select the new candidate’s gender.
vii. From the Ethnic code drop-down box, select the ethnic code. These are
defined by the DCSF.
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Managing candidate details
viii. From the First Language drop-down box, select the first language code.
These are defined by the DCSF.
ix. From the Year group drop-down box, select the year group code.
x. From the In care drop-down box, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
xi. From the Free meal drop-down box, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
xii. Optionally, from the Registration group drop-down box, select the new
candidate's Registration Group.
xiii. From the Subject specific details drop-down boxes, tick to select at least
one Subject. Optionally, also select Teaching Set for the new candidate.
These are normally provided by the relevant teacher. See the Note below.
xiv. In the SEN provision box, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ indicating whether or not the
new candidate requires SEN provision. If ‘Yes’, check one or more types of
SEN provision.
xv. The Series year UAB is now selected with the relevant test code, from the
current session.
xvi. Details for the field label and the field value are now added. The Series year
UAB is selected first, it is important that Candidate Number/Centre Number
is typed with an upper case ‘C’ and ‘N’. When the field label is populated
with the ‘Candidate Number’, the value will then be added bellow in the field
value box. Next click add, and the value will appear bellow, the fields are
now blank, awaiting the next line of Meta data. The process above is then
repeated with the ‘Centre number’.
5. Click Save to save the new candidate details.
task end
Things to note:
Although you can specify an individual candidate’s Registration Group and
Teaching Set as part of their candidate details, it is quicker to specify these in bulk
when you import candidate details from a E-file or when you allocate candidates to
a test.
16.3.2 Viewing or modifying a candidate
All users can view candidate details, but only Pupil Managers have full rights to modify a
candidate’s details.
To view and optionally modify a candidate’s details carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils.
3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant candidate then click
View/Modify. The ‘View/Modify Pupil Details’ screen displays.
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Managing candidate details
4. Modify the details as required then click Save.
Note that the UCI, Field Label and Field Value fields are used by the on-screen test;
do not leave these fields blank.
task end
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Managing candidate details
16.3.3 Deleting a candidate
Only Pupil Managers can delete a candidate’s details.
You cannot delete a candidate if they are currently allocated to a test.
Note: You should think carefully before deleting a candidate from the system, as you will
lose their test history.
To delete a candidate’s details, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A on page
197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils.
3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant candidate then click Delete.
4. A pop-up window displays asking you to confirm the deletion. To proceed with the
deletion click OK, otherwise click Cancel.
task end
16.3.4 Using the Set Year Group Function
You need Pupil Manager permissions to use this function.
task start
1. Log on to the APS with Pupil Manager rights as described in Appendix A on page
197.
2. From the Pupils menu choose Manage Pupils. The ‘Manage Pupils’ screen
displays.
3. Use the checkboxes to select the candidates that you wish to change the year
group of by clicking in the checkboxes next to the candidate names.
4. Click on Set year group and the Select Year Group pop up box displays.
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Managing candidate details
5. Select the required year group from the drop down box.
6. Click Save and the candidate’s year group will be updated.
task end
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
C H A P T E R 1 7
Allocating candidates to registration
groups and teaching sets
This chapter tells you how to create registration groups and teaching sets, and manually
allocate candidates to them. If you imported a CSV file containing this information, as
described in 16.2 Importing a CSV file of registration group, subject, teaching set.
However, this chapter also tells you how to modify registration groups and teaching sets
as candidate details change.
Candidates do not have to be in registration groups and teaching sets, but it is useful as
you can allocate all the candidates in a particular registration group or teaching set to a
test or assign them all to a test session.
17.1 Registration Groups
Pupil Managers are responsible for creating and maintaining registration groups for
candidates.
At any point in time, candidates can only be in one registration group.
17.1.1 Creating a registration group
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Registration Groups. The ‘Manage
Registration Groups’ screen displays.
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
3. To add a new registration group, enter its name then click Add. The name may
be up to ten characters long and may contain letters and numbers as well as
hyphens, brackets, commas and spaces. The new registration group is added to
the displayed list.
task end
17.1.2 Allocating candidates to a registration group
There are three ways in which you can allocate candidates to a registration group:
Individually by changing a candidate’s details.
In bulk by importing a CSV file, as described in 16.2 Importing a CSV file of
registration group, subject, teaching set
In bulk using the Manage Registration Group option, as described below.
Allocating candidates in bulk
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Registration Groups. The ‘Manage
Registration Groups’ screen displays.
3. Select the required registration group and click Allocate Pupils. The ‘Manage
Registration Groups – Allocate Pupils’ screen displays.
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
4.4.
4. By default the Find drop-down shows All, and the screen lists all candidates who are
currently in the selected registration group (in case you wish to de-allocate them)
along with all candidates who are not currently in any registration group (and hence
are available to be allocated to the selected registration group). Tick the Show
Pupils That Are Already Allocated To Other Registration Groups checkbox to
show all candidates, including those who are currently allocated to other registration
groups.
To filter the displayed candidates by Year Group, Registration Group or Teaching
Set, select Pupil under the Find drop-down, enter the appropriate criteria, then click
Search.
Use the tickboxes next to the candidate names to allocate them to, or de-allocate
them from, the selected registration group. As on all APS screens showing lists of
items with tickboxes, you can use Shift and click and Ctrl and click to select multiple
candidates, and click on the tickbox for any candidate in a multiple selection to toggle
the tickboxes for all selected candidates.
If you allocate a candidate who is already a member of one registration group to
another registration group, they will be removed from the original registration group
(since a candidate can only be a member of one registration group at a time).
5. When you have finished, click Save.
task end
17.1.3 Modifying a registration group
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Registration Groups. The ‘Manage
Registration Groups’ screen displays.
3. Select the required registration group and amend the name of the Registration
group as required, then click Modify. The changed details display on the list of
registration groups.
task end
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
17.1.4 Deleting a registration group
You can only delete a registration group if it has no candidates allocated to it. Before
deleting a registration group, first de-allocate all candidates from it (see 17.1.2 Allocating
candidates to a registration group on page 122).
To delete a registration group, proceed as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Registration Groups. The ‘Manage
Teaching Sets’ screen displays.
3. Select the required registration group and click Delete. A pop-up window displays
asking you to confirm the deletion.
4. Click OK to confirm the deletion or Cancel to abandon it.
task end
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
17.2. Teaching sets
Pupil Managers are responsible for creating and maintaining teaching sets for candidates.
Teaching sets behave very similarly to registration groups; you create and maintain them,
and allocate candidates to them, in a similar fashion.
Candidates can be in a number of teaching sets, one for each subject.
17.2.1 Creating a teaching set
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Teaching Sets. The ‘Manage Teaching
Sets’ screen displays.
3. To add a new teaching set, select the Subject from the drop-down box, enter the
teaching set name in the Teaching Set field, then click Add. The name may be up
to 50 characters long and may contain letters and numbers as well as hyphens,
brackets, commas and spaces. The new teaching set is added to the displayed list.
task end
17.2.2 Allocating candidates to a teaching set
There are three ways in which you can allocate candidates to a teaching set:
Individually by changing a candidate’s details.
In bulk by importing a CSV file, as described in on page 110.
In bulk using the Manage Teaching Sets option, as described below
Allocating candidates in bulk
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Teaching Sets. The ‘Manage Teaching
Sets’ screen displays.
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
3. Select the required teaching set and click Allocate Pupils. The ‘Manage Teaching
Sets – Allocate Pupils’ screen displays.
4. By default this screen lists all candidates who are currently in the selected teaching
set (in case you wish to de-allocate them) along with all candidates who are not
currently in any teaching set (and hence are available to be allocated to the
selected teaching set). Tick the Show Pupils That Are Already Allocated To
Other Teaching Sets tickbox to show all candiates, including those who are
currently allocated to other teaching sets.
Use the tickboxes next to the candidate names to allocate them to, or de-allocate
them from, the teaching set. As on all APS screens showing lists of items with
tickboxes, you can use Shift and click and Ctrl and click to select multiple
candidates and click on the tickbox for any candidate in a multiple selection to
toggle the tickboxes for all selected candidates.
If you allocate a candidate who is already a member of one teaching set to another
teaching set, they will be removed from the original teaching set (since a candidate
can only be a member of one teaching set per subject at a time).
5. When you have finished, click Save.
task end
17.2.3 Modifying a teaching set
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Teaching Sets. The ‘Manage Teaching
Sets’ screen displays.
3. Select the required teaching set and amend the Subject and name of the Teaching
Set as required, then click Modify. The changed details display on the list of
teaching sets.
task end
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
17.2.4 Deleting a teaching set
You can only delete a teaching set if it has no candidates allocated to it. Before deleting a
teaching set, first de-allocate all candidates from it (see 17.2.2 Allocating candidates to a
teaching set. on page 125).
To delete a teaching set, proceed as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Teaching Sets. The ‘Manage Teaching
Sets’ screen displays.
3. Select the required teaching set and click Delete. A pop-up window displays asking
you to confirm the deletion.
4. Click OK to confirm the deletion or Cancel to abandon it.
task end
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Allocating candidates to registration groups and teaching sets
128 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Catering for SEN requirements
C H A P T E R 1 8
Catering for SEN requirements
At any time prior to the canddiate taking the test, Pupil Managers can specify SEN
requirements for a candidate. When the Test Manager allocates a candidate with SEN
requirements to a test, they can specify an amount of additional time for each test
session. You can also adapt the canddiate’s test environment to suit their needs.
The arrangements described in this section are adjustments that centres must consider in
advance of the on-screen test, and should be based primarily on history of need and
normal classroom practice for candidates with particular needs.
The arrangements have been designed to ensure that the vast majority of candidates can
access the AQA on-screen tests. Access arrangements must never provide an unfair
advantage – the support given must not change the test questions and the answers must
be the candidate’s own.
Access arrangements may cover the entire course and for GCSE and GCE qualifications
must be processed using Access arrangements online as early as possible to ensure that
appropriate specifications are chosen. Arrangements must be approved before an
examination or assessment and are intended to allow attainment to be demonstrated.
For further information on access arrangements for general qualification examinations
please refer to the JCQ booklet Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and
Special Consideration 2008-9 (www.jcq.org.uk).
18.1 Specifying a candidate’s SEN requirements
To specify a candidate’s SEN requirements, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Pupil Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils.
3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant candidate then click
View/Modify. The ‘View/Modify Pupil Details’ screen displays.
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Catering for SEN requirements
4. If the candidate has SEN requirements, select Yes from the drop-down menu under
SEN provision, then tick the relevant requirements and click Save.
task end
Optional access arrangements
Centres can make the following access arrangements at their own discretion:
Windows Accessibility Options
On a particular workstation, aspects of the on-screen test environment can be configured
to improve accessibility using Windows Accessibility Options. Among the different types
of products available for Microsoft Windows operating systems are:
Programs that enlarge the information displayed or alter the colour of
information on the screen for people with visual impairments.
Programs that describe information on the screen in Braille or synthesised
speech for people who are visually impaired or have difficulty reading.
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Catering for SEN requirements
Hardware and software utilities that modify the behaviour of the mouse and
keyboard.
Programs that enable users to type using a mouse or their voice.
Word or phrase prediction software that allows users to type more quickly and
with fewer keystrokes.
Alternative input devices, such as single switch or puff-and-sip devices, for
people who cannot use a mouse or a keyboard.
You can also adjust the appearance and behaviour of Windows to enhance accessibility
for some vision-impaired, hearing-impaired, or mobility-impaired users without requiring
additional software or hardware. For further information see below.
Please note that the use of software other than Microsoft Windows Accessibility options
has not been tested with the delivery software.
Microsoft Windows XP accessibility options
The following Windows Accessibility Options can be set to help candidates with SEN
access the on-screen test:
Narrator - uses text-to-speech technology to read the contents of the screen
aloud. This is useful for candidates who are blind or are visually impaired.
Onscreen keyboard - enable candidates with limited mobility to type onscreen
using a pointing device.
Utility manager - enables candidates to check an Accessibility program's status
and start or stop an Accessibility program.
High contrast schemes-this allows colour combinations that are easier for pupils
to see to be selected.
The following Windows Accessibility feature cannot currently be used with the delivery
software:
Magnifier - this enlarges a portion of the screen for easier viewing. Magnifier is
not currently compatible with the test software. If it is used the magnified display
freezes when test application menus are accessed.
Other accessibility options which are available but have not been tested with the delivery
software include:
Cursor width and blink rate-make the cursor easier to locate, or eliminate the
distraction of its blinking by changing its blink rate.
StickyKeys-allow one key to be pressed at a time (rather than simultaneously)
for key combinations.
FilterKeys-ignore brief or repeated keystrokes and slow down the repeat rate.
ToggleKeys- enable the user to hear tones when pressing certain keys.
MouseKeys-move the mouse pointer using the numerical keypad.
Display and readability
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Catering for SEN requirements
Windows XP includes a wide selection of options to increase visibility of items on the
workstation computer screen. Options that can be adjusted through Display Properties
include:
Font size-make font larger for visibility. When you select large fonts or extra
large fonts, the fonts within the test message box and test menus will display at
11 pt
Screen resolution - this enables the pixel count to be changed so that objects
can be enlarged onscreen.
Keyboard and mouse
In Windows XP you can choose a number of options to make your mouse and keyboard
faster and easier to use. Options you can adjust include:
Mouse options:
Double-Click Speed - choose how fast to click the mouse button to make a
selection.
ClickLock - highlight or drag without holding down the mouse button.
Pointer Speed - set how fast the mouse pointer moves on screen.
SnapTo - move the pointer to the default button in a dialog box.
Pointer Trails - follow the pointer motion on screen.
Hide Pointer While Typing - keep pointer from hiding text while typing.
Show Location of Pointer - quickly reveal the pointer on screen.
Button configuration - Reverse the function of the right and left mouse buttons-
reverse actions controlled by the right and left mouse buttons.
Pointer schemes - choose size and colour options for better visibility.
Keyboard options:
Character Repeat Rate set how quickly a character repeats when a key is
struck.
Dvorak Keyboard Layout choose alternative keyboard layouts for people who
type with one hand or finger.
Extra Keyboard Help - get ToolTips or other keyboard help in programs that
provide it.
Additional time
Candidates with access arrangements can be allocated up to 100 per cent additional time
for the AQA on-screen test at the centre’s discretion. The Test Manager must specify how
much additional time is to be allocated to a candidate when allocating candidates to a
test, see Chapter 19. Note that the exam must be completed before the test window has
closed.
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Catering for SEN requirements
Rest breaks
For candidates who are likely to experience fatigue, or suffer concentration problems, the
Test Administrator may deem it appropriate to pause the candidate’s test (which stops the
clock) and give them a rest break. When the candidate is able to continue, the test can be
resumed. For details on how to pause and resume tests, and how to shut down and
recover tests, see Chapter 23.
The following access arrangements are permitted
Oral language modifier
Practical Assistant
Prompter
Read Aloud
Reader/Computer readers.Live speaker
Scribe/Voice input systems
Sign Interpreter
Word processor
18.2 Allowing additional time for a test
When the Test Manager allocates a candidate with SEN requirements to a scheduled
test, whether live or practice, they can specify how much extra time should be allowed for
that candidate to take the test.
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C H A P T E R 1 9
Scheduling tests
Once a test is visible on the APS, the Test Manager can schedule test sessions. Live
tests must always be scheduled, and practice tests may be scheduled or unscheduled.
Important: It is very important that you practise scheduling tests before attempting to
schedule a live test.
Before you can schedule a test for a candidate, their details must be on the
test delivery system.
Scheduling a connected test
Test Manager allocates candidates to the test See 19.1 Allocating candidates
to a test on page 135
Test Manager creates test sessions and assigns See 19.2 Creating test sessions
candidates to them and assigning candidates on
page 139
Test Manager (with assistance from Technical
Manager) organises rooms and resources for
each test session and lines up a Test
Administrator
Test Manager or Test Administrator prints See 19.7 Printing candidate test
candidate test passwords to give to candidates passwords on page 148
19.1 Allocating candidates to a test
Test Managers allocate candidates to tests.
Note: This activity is the first step in scheduling a test. You do not need to do it for
unscheduled tests.
To allocate one or more candidates to a test, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
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Scheduling tests
3. On initial display, this screen shows all the tests currently stored on your centre
APS. Use the Year, Subject, Test Series and Test Type drop-down menus then
click Search to filter the list as required.
The Pupils Allocated column tells you how many candidates if any are already
allocated to each test. The figure in brackets tells you how many of these candidates
are allocated to take the test in disconnected mode. Disconnected mode is not
available for AQA on-screen tests.
The Start Date and End Date fields indicate the test window for a live test. You can
only allocate candidates to a live test if the End Date has not passed. Practice tests
do not have a test window. The date and time you specify is only a guideline for
timetabling purposes – it does not commit you to running the session at the
specified date and time. However, you will not be permitted to open and run a live
test session outside of the test window.
The Release Date field tells you the earliest date from which a live test will be
available to install on DPS workstations. Note however that as soon as a test is
visible on the ‘Manage Tests’ screen, you can schedule test sessions in advance.
Practice tests do not have a formal release date.
The Test Status field tells you the current status for the test. It can have the following
values:
Not Released – the test has not yet been released, but you can allocate
candidates and schedule test sessions in advance if you wish.
Available – the test is released. You can allocate candidates and schedule test
sessions, install the test on DPS workstations and use it.
Download Pending – the test has been released but has not yet been
downloaded from the CPS to your centre’s APS. Once downloaded its status will
change to ‘Available’.
Expired – this will only appear for a live test. It means that the test window has
passed and the test is no longer available.
Select the test to which you wish to allocate candidates, then click Allocate Pupils.
The ‘Manage Tests – Allocate Pupils’ screen displays all the candidates that match
your search criteria and any candidates already allocated to the test.
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Scheduling tests
Note: You cannot allocate candidates to a live test if the test window has passed. The
Allocate Pupils button will be greyed out and unavailable.
4. Candidates who have already been allocated to this test and also assigned to one
or more test sessions display at the top of the table with their tickboxes selected
and greyed out. You can only de-allocate these candidates from the test if you first
unassign them from all test sessions.
Candidates who have already been allocated to the test but not yet been assigned
to any test sessions will have a green tick next to their name. You can de-allocate
them from the test if you wish.
Candidates not currently allocated to the test have blank tickboxes.
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Scheduling tests
To filter the list, choose Pupil from the Find drop-down menu then select the relevant
option from the where the drop-down menu.
If you select Year Group, Registration Group or Teaching Set, choose the
relevant option under the equals drop-down menu, then click Search. Leave the
equals drop-down menu blank to select all candidates in a Year Group,
Registration Group or Teaching Set.
If you choose Full Name, enter a string of characters to search on, then click
Search. This search is case sensitive, and looks in candidate surnames and
forenames. For example, you might enter Smi to search for all candidates with
Smi in their names.
The display refreshes to show only those candidates that match your search
criteria.
5. To manage the candidate allocation for your chosen test, do one or more of the
following:
To allocate specific candidates, select the relevant tickboxes.
To de-allocate specific candidates, clear the relevant tickboxes. You can only
de-allocate candidates if they are not currently assigned to any test sessions. If
you do want to de-allocate a candidate who is assigned to test sessions, you
must first unassign them from these sessions (see 19.3 Viewing and modifying
test sessions on page 145).
To allocate or de-allocate all candidates, select or unselect the tickbox at the top
left corner of the table.
To allocate or de-allocate multiple candidates, use Shift and click and Ctrl and
click to select the required candidates, then click on the tickbox for any candidate
in a multiple selection to toggle the tickboxes for all selected candidates.
To allow additional time for candidates with Special Educational Needs, tick the
Allow variable time for SEN tickbox. For each of these candidates, you can
manually modify the additional minutes allowed for each test in increments of five
minutes, using the SEN Allowance (Mins) column.
6. If required, click Print to print the allocation details.
7. Click Save to save the candidate allocation.
task end
At any time, so long as the test window has not passed, you can return to the ‘Allocate
Pupils’ screen for the test and modify the allocation.
You can now assign the allocated candidates to the required number of test sessions for
the test.
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19.2 Creating test sessions and assigning
candidates
Only Test Managers can create test sessions and assign candidates to those sessions.
Things to Note:
This is the second step in scheduling a connected test. You only need to carry out
this task for scheduled tests, whether live or practice, that will be taken on
connected workstations.
You do not need to carry out this activity for unscheduled practice tests
For live tests, you can create test sessions in advance of the test window, but you
will not be able to do so after the end of the test window.
There are a number of ways to organise and control test sessions using the Flight Deck.
The following diagram illustrates the method we strongly advise you to adopt.
Best Practice:
Multiple sessions running in separate rooms, each controlled by their
own Flight Deck running on a workstation in the room
The sessions run independently, each under the control of their own Flight Deck, as
shown in the diagram. Since each Test Administrator is in the same room as the
candidates whose tests they are administering, and can physically see all the candidates
as well as see them on the Flight Deck, they are in the best position to control the test
session and respond quickly to any problems.
There are various other possible ways of doing it, none of which we would advise, as
shown in the following diagrams.
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Scheduling tests
Not Advised:
Multiple sessions running in separate rooms, all controlled by a single
remote machine running multiple Flight Decks in separate browser
windows
Though it is possible to run the Flight Deck from anywhere on the network in your centre,
and it is also possible to run a number of Flight Decks in separate browser windows on
the same machine, this is not advisable since the person running the Flight Deck will not
be able to see all the candidates at once, either physically or on the Flight Deck, and will
be overloaded. They will not be able to monitor each session properly, so will not be able
to respond appropriately as each session proceeds.
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Scheduling tests
Planning test sessions
Before you start assigning candidates to test sessions, you need to plan how many
sessions you need, based on the number of candidates involved and the facilities you
have available.
The system does not record the room in which a test is to be taken, so you will need to
record this separately. We advise you to record it in the test session description.
When planning test sessions, note the following key points:
Candidates requiring readers, prompters or amanuensis assistants may need to take
the test separately from other candidates at the centre. This ensures that other
candidates taking the test do not suffer undue disruption.
How to create test sessions
To create connected test sessions and assign candidates to them, proceed as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. On initial display, this screen shows all the tests currently stored on your centre APS.
To filter the list, use the Year, Subject, Test Series and Test Type drop-down
menus then click Search.
You can only create test sessions for tests that have candidates allocated to them, as
shown in the Pupils Allocated column. This column shows the total number of
candidates allocated to each test and in brackets the number taking disconnected
tests. For example, 40(2) in this column means that 40 candidates are allocated to
the test and two of the 40 are taking the test using a disconnected workstation.
Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-screen tests.
Select the test for which you wish to create a test session then click Session
Timetable. The ‘Manage Tests – Session Timetable’ screen displays.
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Scheduling tests
4. If there are no sessions created for this test yet, the message ‘No results found’ will
be displayed. The information at the top of the screen tells you how many sessions
this test requires, how many candidates are allocated to the test and how many
candidate sessions have been scheduled.
Click Add Session to create a new test session. The ‘Manage Tests – Add Session’
screen displays.
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5. The test session date defaults to the first day of the test window for a live test, or
today’s date for a practice test, and as many of the candidates that are allocated to
the test as can be accommodated are assigned to this session.
You can modify the details as follows:
i. Enter a Session description of your choice. We recommend that this description
incorporates an indication of the group of candidates, whether this is the first or
second session for these candidates, and perhaps the room name. For example,
‘Group 1 – Session 1 – Room C’.
ii. Select the required Session Date and Session Start Time. If this is a live test,
the Session Date must be within the test window displayed at the top of the
screen. The Session Date will default to the start date for the test window.
Note: The date and time you specify is only a guideline for timetabling
purposes – it does not commit you to running the session at the specified
date and time. However, you will not be permitted to open and run a live
test session outside of the test window.
iii. From the Select Pupils drop-down menu, choose either Automatic or Manual. If
you select Automatic, candidates will be assigned automatically, but you can still
manually modify which candidates are assigned using the tickboxes next to their
names if you wish. If you choose Manual, none of the listed candidates will be
assigned to the session – you can do this manually using the tickboxes.
iv. For Automatic selection only, from the based on drop-down menu, choose the
basis for allocating candidates to test sessions. This may be Number of
Workstations, Number of Pupils, Registration Group or Teaching Set.
If you choose Number of Workstations, the number of workstations available
displays to the right of the drop-down menu. This figure is set by the Technical
Manager using the ‘Change School Details’ screen – see the Installation and
Technical Guide. Up to the displayed number of candidates will be automatically
assigned to the session. You can use the tickboxes next to candidate names to
manually add more candidates than the specified number of workstations, but
this may cause the session to be oversubscribed. If you know that the displayed
number of workstations does not match the number of workstations available in
the room you plan to use for the session, you can either manually remove
candidates or use another method to restrict numbers, for example Number of
Pupils.
If you choose Number of Pupils, an additional box displays in which you must
enter the number of candidates you wish to take this session. When you tab out
of this box, up to the specified number of candidates will be automatically
assigned, though you can use the tickboxes next to candidate names to manually
add more candidates than the specified number.
If you choose either Registration Group or Teaching Set, a drop-down menu
displays for you to select an entire Registration Group or Teaching Set, though
you can use the tickboxes next to candidate names to manually unassign
selected candidates if you wish.
v. Assign the required candidates to the session using the tickboxes. You can use
Shift and click and Ctrl and click to select multiple candidates and click on the
tickbox for any candidate in a multiple selection to toggle the tickboxes for all
selected candidates.
6. When you have finished entering the session details and assigning candidates, click
Save. The details are saved and the ‘Manage Tests – Add Session’ screen
redisplays.
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7. This screen confirms that the session was created successfully
The system will warn you if you attempt to double-book a particular candidate.
If at any point you wish to stop creating test sessions, click Cancel to return to the
‘Session Timetable’ screen, which displays details of the new sessions you have so
far created. If you need to, you can return at a later time and add further test
sessions until all candidates are fully assigned.
If all candidates allocated to the test have been fully assigned to the required test
session, the ‘Manage Tests – Add Session Complete’ screen displays.
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This screen shows the new sessions you have created.
The Id column shows a unique identifier for each session. This will appear in the
Audit Log.
The Status column indicates the status of each session. At this point, status will
always be:
Scheduled – The session has been scheduled but not yet run.
The following five statuses might appear on this screen once the session is run.
Open – The Test Administrator has opened the session, so that candidates can
log on.
Running – The Test Administrator has started the session, and it is running.
Paused – The Test Administrator has paused the session for all candidates.
Closed – The session has previously been opened then closed by a Test
Administrator, but not all candidates have completed the session (the candidate
status for one or more candidates on the Flight Deck will show ‘Problem’).
Completed – The session has been run and all candidates have completed it.
8. Click Back to return to the ‘Session Timetable’ screen, which also displays details
of your new sessions.
task end
19.3 Viewing and modifying test sessions
You can view or modify a session at any time until all candidates have completed it (its
status is ‘Completed’).
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix A on
page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. Select the test for which you wish to view or modify a test session then click Session
Timetable. The ‘Manage Tests – Session Timetable’ screen displays.
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4. Select the required session then click View/Modify Session. The ‘Manage Tests -
View/Modify Session’ screen displays.
5. Fill out this screen as follows:
i. Make any changes you require to the Session description, Date and Start
Time.
ii. Use the tickboxes to assign or unassign candidates. You can assign
candidates to a session even if the session is currently open and in
progress. You cannot unassign candidates from a session while the session
is open, and you cannot unassign candidates from a session once they
have started the session. The Sess. Remaining column tells you how
many sessions each candidate still needs to be assigned to in order to
complete the test. If the figure is 0 then they are fully assigned.
6. Click Save.
task end
19.4 Rescheduling test sessions
So long as a test session has not been run, you can change the date and time of the
session at any point using the ‘View/Modify Session’ screen, as described in 19.3 Viewing
and modifying test sessions on page 145. Note in any case that the date and time you
specify for a session are only guidelines for timetabling purposes – the software will not
prevent you from running the session at a time other than that specified.
You might also need to reschedule a particular candidate’s test for a number of reasons:
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The candidate cannot attend the original session or sessions to which they were
assigned. If you are alerted well enough in advance, and the relevant sessions have
not yet been run, you can remove the candidate from the original session or
sessions, then add them to alternative sessions of the same test, if you have some
already scheduled and there are spare places. To do this you simply modify the
relevant sessions, as described in 19.3 Viewing and modifying test sessions on page
145. If it is not possible to add the candidate to alternative sessions, you will need to
set up new sessions to cater for this candidate and any others in a similar position.
The candidate is absent from a session to which they have been assigned. If this
happens, the candidate will be automatically removed from the session when it is
closed, and the number of sessions to which they need to be assigned (as shown in
the Sess. Remaining field on the ‘Add Session’ and ‘View/Modify Session’ screens)
will automatically adjust. You can either add the candidate to alternative sessions of
the same test that have already been set up, if there are spaces, or set up new
sessions to cater for this candidate and any others in a similar position.
The candidate has a problem during a test session and cannot complete the session
– either their test fails or the Test Administrator shuts it down. In this circumstance a
Test Administrator needs to reopen the test session at a later time, once the problem
is resolved, so that the candidate can complete the failed or shut down session. The
status for the test session will stay at ‘Closed’, so that you can reopen it, until all
candidates have successfully finished the session and their test responses have
been transferred to the APS, at which point the status will change to ‘Completed’.
Technical problems prevent the candidate from starting a test session.
Note: Once a candidate has started a scheduled test session, you cannot remove them
from the session.
19.5 Deleting test sessions
You can only delete a live test session if it has not yet been run (that is, if its status is
‘Scheduled’). You can delete practice test sessions at any time, including after the test
has been run.
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. Select the test for which you wish to view or modify a test session then click
Session Timetable. The ‘Manage Tests – Session Timetable’ screen displays.
4. Select the required session then click Delete.
5. A pop-up window displays asking you to confirm the deletion. To proceed with the
deletion click OK, otherwise click Cancel.
task end
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19.6 Resetting the session timetable
This option only applies to scheduled practice test sessions. Use this option if you want to
delete all sessions for a practice test, including those that have been taken as well as
those that have not yet been taken. This will enable you to start scheduling the sessions
afresh, and it will also enable particular candidates to take a scheduled practice test
again. Unless you reset the session timetable, candidates will only be able to take a
scheduled practice test once (though they can take unscheduled practice tests as often
as they want with no restriction).
You can reset the session timetable at any time, even after candidates have completed
practice tests sessions.
Note: When you reset the session timetable, though all test sessions will be deleted, the
results for candidates who have completed both sessions of a practice test will be
retained.
You cannot use this option to delete live test sessions. You can only delete live test
sessions one at a time, as described in 19.5 Deleting test sessions, above.
To delete all sessions for a scheduled practice test, proceed as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager rights, as described in Appendix A
on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. Select the practice test for which you wish to view or modify a test session then
click Session Timetable. The ‘Manage Tests – Session Timetable’ screen displays.
4. Click Reset Session Timetable.
5. A pop-up window displays asking you to confirm that you want to delete all existing
scheduled sessions. To proceed click OK, otherwise click Cancel.
task end
19.7 Printing candidate test passwords
To log on to a scheduled test session, whether live or practice, each candidate needs to
enter their own automatically generated password for the session. Candidate test
passwords are not required for unscheduled practice test sessions.
Note: A candidate test password relates to a session. When a candidate logs on using
the appropriate password for a session, the software automatically detects which
session of the test the candidate needs to take, and presents them with the
appropriate tasks.
For connected tests, the Test Manager or Test Administrator needs to print candidate test
passwords in advance of the session and give them to the candidates, as described
below.
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Important: Candidate test passwords must only be distributed to the relevant
candidates, and the candidates must be told to keep these passwords safe
and secret. We recommend that you distribute them to candidates either as
they enter the test session or once they are seated at their workstations.
Bearing in mind the need for security, you can reprint candidate passwords if
necessary.
To print candidate test passwords for scheduled connected tests as a Test Manager,
carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager (or Test Administrator) rights, as
described in Appendix A on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. Select the relevant test then click Session Timetable. The ‘Manage Tests –
Session Timetable’ screen displays.
4. Select the required session then click Print Pupil Test Passwords. The ‘Print Pupil
Test Passwords (Step 1)’ screen displays.
5. Enter your School Key Password then click Next. The ‘Print Pupil Test Passwords
(Step 2)’ screen displays.
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6. Select the candidates whose passwords you wish to print then click Next. The ‘Print
Pupil Test Passwords (Step 3)’ screen displays.
7. This screen shows the instruction forms and passwords for all the selected
candidates, in alphabetical order by surname (this will always be the print order).
Click Print.
8. On the print dialog box enter the required print parameters then click Print.
Note: By default each candidate’s details and password print on a separate page. If
you don’t want to do this, set your print options to print multiple sheets per
page.
The ‘Print Pupil Test Passwords (Step 4)’ screen displays.
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9. To confirm which passwords you have printed, and change the Status for the
relevant candidates from ‘Not Printed’ to ‘Printed’, click the relevant checkboxes
then click Save Status. Candidates will be able to use the passwords regardless of
whether or not you save the statuses to ‘Printed’, but it is important to do it for audit
trail purposes.
task end
19.8 Running Unscheduled Tests
To take an unscheduled practice test, the candidate must proceed as follows. Note that
no password is required for unscheduled practice tests, whether identified or anonymous.
i. Either to identify themselves and take an unscheduled practice test a
candidate must select the Practice tab, enter their Surname, Forename,
Date of birth and Pupil Id.
Alternatively, to take an anonymous unscheduled practice test (so long as
anonymous tests are permitted at this workstation), the candidate must leave
all the candidate details blank.
ii. The candidate must also select the required test. Appropriate options will be
available depending upon whether previous sessions for the candidate, or
previous anonymous sessions, are found on the workstation. If previous
sessions are found these will be listed along with the date and time they were
taken.
iii. To start a new test, irrespective of whether a previous session was found,
select Start a new test. To start the second session of a test, select the
appropriate first session on the list and select Start the next session. To
continue a previous unfinished test session, select the appropriate unfinished
session on the list and select Recover an existing session.
iv. The Welcome screen displays. The candidate should check the information
on this screen then click OK.
v. The test instructions display. The candidate must read the test instructions
then click Proceed. The test starts immediately.
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19.9 Viewing the tests to which a candidate is
allocated
The Test Manager allocates candidates to tests as described in 19.1 Allocating
candidates to a test on page 135.
To view the tests to which a candidate has been allocated but which they have not yet
received the results for, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager or Pupil Manager rights, as
described in Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils. The ‘Manage Pupils’ screen
displays.
3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant candidate then click Test
Summary. The ‘Manage Pupils – Test Summary’ screen displays.
This screen lists all the tests to which a candidate is allocated but has not yet had the
results for.
task end
19.10 Viewing the test sessions to which a candidate
is assigned
The Test Manager assigns candidates to test sessions as described in 19.2 Creating test
sessions and assigning candidates on page 139.
To view the test sessions to which a candidate has been assigned but which they have
not yet completed, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager or Pupil Manager rights, as
described in Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Pupils menu, choose Manage Pupils. The ‘Manage Pupils’ screen
displays.
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3. On the ‘Manage Pupils’ screen, select the relevant candidate then click
Session Summary. The ‘Manage Pupils – Session Summary’ screen displays.
This screen lists all the test sessions to which a candidate is assigned but has not yet
completed.
task end
19.11 Viewing candidate test statuses
To view the statuses of all candidates who have been allocated to a selected test, carry
out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager or Pupil Manager rights, as
described in Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. On the ‘Manage Tests’ screen, select the relevant test then click View Pupil Test
Status. The ‘Manage Tests – View Pupil Test Status’ screen displays.
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4. This screen lists status details for all candidates who are allocated to the selected
test.
Use the Find drop-down to filter the list if required.
The Sessions Scheduled column shows the number of sessions that the candidate
has been scheduled to take but has not yet completed.
The Sessions Completed column shows the number of sessions that the candidate
has completed.
If the candidate is not currently taking a test session, Current Session
Description, Current Session Date and Current Session Start Time will be blank,
and Current Session Status will show one of the following statuses:
All Completed The candidate has completed all required sessions of the test.
Scheduled The candidate has one or more sessions scheduled but not yet
started. Details of the next session the candidate is due to take
display.
Not Scheduled The candidate has either not yet been scheduled for any test
sessions, or has completed one session but needs to be
scheduled for a second.
If the candidate is currently taking a session, Current Session Description,
Current Session Date and Current Session Start Time will show details of this
session, and Current Session Status will show one of the following statuses:
Awaiting Logon The Test Administrator has opened the test session but the
candidate has not yet logged on.
Logged On The candidate has logged on to the test session and is on the
test instructions screen.
Logon failed The candidate has entered the wrong details on the logon
screen.
Ready The candidate is on the ‘Please wait for the test to begin’ screen,
ready to start the test.
Pending The Test Administrator has either opened or started the session,
but a connection to the workstation has not yet been
established. As soon as a connection is established, the status
will switch to ‘Awaiting Logon’ or ‘Running’ as appropriate.
Running The candidate’s test is successfully running.
Paused The Test Administrator has either paused the candidate’s
individual test or paused the test session for all candidates.
Shutdown The Test Administrator has shut down the candidate’s test.
Absent The candidate is scheduled for the test session but they have
not logged on and the session has started without them.
Problem The candidate has a technical problem, for example their
workstation has failed.
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Help Required The candidate has clicked Call Teacher on their workstation to
request assistance.
Finished The candidate has finished the session, but the session is still
open.
Test Response Received shows ‘Yes’ if the candidate has completed the test and
your centre’s APS has received the test response package, otherwise it shows ‘No’.
Test Response Uploaded shows ‘Yes’ if the candidate has completed the test and
the test response package has been uploaded from your centre’s APS to the CPS,
otherwise it shows ‘No’.
task end
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156 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
SECTION 3 – RUNNING PRACTICE TESTS
SECTION 3 – RUNNING PRACTICE
TESTS
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SECTION 3 – RUNNING PRACTICE TESTS
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Unscheduled practice tests
C H A P T E R 2 0
Unscheduled practice tests
It is a QCA requirement that all candidates sit an on-screen practice test to:
familiarise themselves with the look and feel of the test, and the experience of
sitting at a computer to take a test
enable staff to experience serring up and invigilating test sessions in advance of
the live test
enable your centre to practice handling a volume of candidates (where
appropriate), eg running multiple sessions in multiple rooms
To take an unscheduled practice test, the candidate must proceed as follows. Note that
no password is required for unscheduled practice tests, whether identified or anonymous.
i. Either to identify themselves and take an unscheduled practice test or
familiarisation session, a candidate must select the Practice tab, enter their
Surname, Forename, Date of birth and Pupil Id.
Alternatively, to take an anonymous unscheduled practice test or
familiarisation session (so long as anonymous tests are permitted at this
workstation), the candidate must leave all the candidate details blank.
ii. The candidate must also select the required test. Appropriate options will be
available depending upon whether previous sessions for the candidate, or
previous anonymous sessions, are found on the workstation. If previous
sessions are found these will be listed along with the date and time they were
taken.
iii. To start a new test, irrespective of whether a previous session was found,
select Start a new test. To continue a previous unfinished test session,
select the appropriate unfinished session on the list and select Recover an
existing session.
iv. The Welcome screen displays. The candidate should check the information
on this screen then click OK.
v. The test instructions display. The candidate must read the test instructions
then click Proceed. The test starts immediately.
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Unscheduled practice tests
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SECTION 4 – RUNNING LIVE TESTS
SECTION 4 – RUNNING LIVE TESTS
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SECTION 4 – RUNNING LIVE TESTS
162 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
General Notes of guidance for Running Live Tests
General Notes of guidance for Running
Live Tests
PLEASE ENSURE THAT WHEN MANAGING TESTS YOU ADHERE TO THE
FOLLOWING GUIDANCE DOCUMENTATION:
THE JCQ GENERAL AND VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS
FOR CONDUCTING EXAMINATIONS
THE AQA EXAMINATION TIMETABLE GENERAL NOTES. Paying particular
attention to required STARTING TIMES OF EXAMINATIONS and
SUPERVISION RULES.
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General Notes of guidance for Running Live Tests
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Printing candidate test passwords
C H A P T E R 2 1
Printing candidate test passwords
To log on to take a live test session, each candidate requires their own unique password
specifically for that test session. These passwords are automatically generated by the
system. They must be printed in advance of each test session, and given to candidates
as they arrive to do the test.
For connected tests, the Test Manager or Test Administrator prints the candidate test
passwords.
Note: Before you can print candidate test passwords, you must obtain the School
Key Password from the person responsible for the on-screen tests at your
centre.
If necessary you can print candidate test passwords for selected candidates while a test
session is open and running. You might need to do this for late additions to the session.
You could do this yourself whilst running the session, either in the same browser window
or by logging into the APS in a separate browser window. However, this is not
recommended as you would need to temporarily switch your focus of attention away from
the Flight Deck. Ideally therefore, in this situation you should ask someone else, for
example the Test Manager, to print the passwords on another workstation.
You can reprint candidate passwords if necessary.
Important: You must only distribute candidate test passwords to the relevant candidates,
and tell the candidates to keep these passwords safe and secret. We
recommend that you distribute them to candidates either as they enter the
test session or once they are seated at their workstations.
To print candidate test passwords, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Administrator rights, as described in Chapter
27 on page 205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Administer Tests. The ‘Administer Tests – Tests
Summary’ screen displays.
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Printing candidate test passwords
3. Select the required test and click Session Timetable. The ‘Administer Tests –
Session Timetable’ screen displays.
4. This screen lists all scheduled sessions for the selected test.
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Printing candidate test passwords
Select the required session then click Print Pupil Test Passwords.
The ‘Print Pupil Test Passwords (Step 1)’ screen displays.
5. Enter your School Key Password (which you can obtain from the person
responsible for the on-screen tests at your centre) then click Next. The ‘Print Pupil
Test Passwords (Step 2)’ screen displays.
6. Select the candidates whose passwords you wish to print then click Next. The ‘Print
Pupil Test Passwords (Step 3)’ screen displays.
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Printing candidate test passwords
Remember that you can select all listed candidates using the tickbox at the top left of
the list of candidates. You can also select or de-select multiple candidates by using
Ctrl and click and/or Shift and click to highlight the required candidates, then click
on the tickbox for any highlighted candidate.
7. This screen shows the instruction forms and passwords for all the selected
candidates, in alphabetical order by surname (this will always be the print order).
Click Print.
8. On the print dialog box enter the required print parameters then click Print.
Note: By default each candidate’s details and password print on a separate page. If
you don’t want to do this, set your print options to print multiple sheets per
page.
The ‘Print Pupil Test Passwords (Step 4)’ screen displays.
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9. To confirm which passwords you have printed, and change the Status for the
relevant candidates from ‘Not Printed’ to ‘Printed’, click the relevant checkboxes
then click Save Status. Candidates will be able to use the passwords regardless of
whether or not you save the statuses to ‘Printed’, but it is important to do it for audit
trail purposes.
task end
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Printing candidate test passwords
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Running connected tests
C H A P T E R 2 2
Running connected tests
This chapter tells you how to run live test sessions where all candidate workstations are
connected to the centre network. This is the preferred method.
The administration of live test sessions involves using the Flight Deck. This is the part of
the system that enables a Test Administrator to control the running of a scheduled test
session for candidates using connected workstations. The Flight Deck enables the Test
Administrator to start, stop, pause and resume test sessions as required, and monitor
individual candidate workstations from their own workstation.
If you have technical problems during the live tests you should contact the staff
responsible at your centre. If they cannot solve the problem ask them to contact the E-
testing Technical Support Team by phoning 0845 123 7820 (option 2) during the test
session if at all possible.
Test administration process
Connected test session
Test Administrator obtains candidate test Chapter 21
passwords from the Test Manager, or prints them
themself
Test Administrator checks the room in which the
test session is being held to ensure that:
• there are the correct number of suitably
configured candidate workstations, plus one
or two spare workstations and some Chapter 22
replacement parts including keyboards and
mice
• there is a workstation to run the
Flight Deck
• display materials that might help candidates I
n the test have been removed or covered
Test Administrator runs the test session using the
Chapter 22
Flight Deck
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Running connected tests
22.1 Test security
Note the following important security considerations:
You must keep any live test content that you see during administration of the test
confidential
You must keep your own username and password safe and secret
You must only distribute test passwords to the relevant candidates, and tell the
candidates to keep their passwords safe and secret
You must ensure that the School Key Password does not become known to
candidates
You must ensure that test sessions are opened and closed properly on the Flight
Deck, to prevent unauthorised log on
You must always log out of the APS and close your browser when leaving your
workstation unattended
Only registered candidates may take the live test. Other candidates and staff should
not do so.
22.2 What to do before, during and after a test
Things to note:
The time used to schedule a test is used as a guideline only.
Before a test
Before a connected test session, you must ensure that:
you are familiar with the Flight Deck and have a workstation configured to run it in the
room in which the session is to take place
displays of materials that may assist candidates in the test have been removed or
covered
there are sufficient configured workstations for the candidates taking the test, and
there is adequate space for them to work independently
there are one or two spare workstations, for use if a workstation fails, and a selection
of replacement parts such as mice, keyboards and cables
you are aware of any individual needs, for example candidates permitted additional
time
changes are made to workstations that cater for candidates with individual needs, for
example enabling accessibility features
you can locate each candidate either by name or via the name of their workstation
(as defined by the centre), both of which display on the Flight Deck
sufficient time is allowed to seat candidates; for candidates to log on to the test
session successfully; for you to check all candidates are ready and begin the test
session from the Flight Deck; for you to provide candidates with all necessary
information before the test starts
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you have obtained the School Key Password from the Test Manager. You will be
asked to enter this password when you open, start and close a test session using the
Flight Deck
candidate test session passwords are printed out and available for you to distribute to
each candidate
you know who to contact in the centre for general advice and technical assistance
tests are installed on the DPS workstations.
the Flight Deck is open and the correct test session is open.
At the start of a test
At the start of a test session, once the candidates are present, ensure that:
all candidates are aware that while in the test room they must not talk or attempt to
communicate with each other in any way
all candidates have a working configured workstation, keyboard and mouse
all candidates have an individual printed test session password
all candidates turn off mobile phones (and you turn off your own if you have one)
candidates are not in possession of other potentially disruptive items
candidates do not have any materials or equipment that may give them extra help
with the test, including pen and paper and electronic media
candidates are aware of the length of the test
candidates know that if they need any help they should click the Call Teacher button
on their screen (which stops the clock), and optionally also put up their hand, and
wait for you to come to them. You cannot credit waiting time if they only put up their
hand
finally, ask the candidates if they have any questions
During a test
Ensure that the candidates work quietly and do not attempt to communicate with
each other, and that there are no distractions or disturbances
Monitor each candidate’s status on the Flight Deck
Ensure paper and pens are not used during the test
As the end of each candidate’s test session draws near, inform them that they have
only ten minutes left to complete their work
If any problems arise during the test, see 22.3.4 What to do if things go wrong on
page 178 for guidance on what to do
Important: It is important that nothing a Test Administrator says or does could be
misinterpreted as giving candidates an advantage in the test.
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After a test
Before you allow the candidates to leave at the end of the test session, advise them
not to discuss the content of the test with other candidates who have not yet done the
test (or teachers) as this might potentially be seen as cheating. If you believe that
candidates have discussed the tests meaningfully, and their performance or that of
other candidates is likely to have been affected, you should report this to the person
responsible for the on-screen test at your centre.
If you have any suspicions that a candidate might have cheated (for example if you
see a candidate trying to copy another candidate’s work), you must make a note of
the candidate’s name; the date and time of the test session; which parts of the test
you think have been affected; and the name of the candidate whose work you
suspect was copied.
Check all candidates status’ on the Flight Deck before closing the session. If you are
required to recover the session, please refer to page 189 Shutting down and
recovering tests
Check the Flight Deck for any candidates whose status is ’Not Finished’”. If this is the
case follow the procedures to recover the session on page 189 Shutting down and
recovering tests
22.3 Logging on to the DPS
Note: If you did not use the Configuration file DPSConfig.ini to configure the workstation
when you installed the DPS software onto it, then the first time you run the DPS on
the workstation, the Configure tab will display and you must configure the
workstation as described in 7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page 61.
task start
1. Start the DPS either by double clicking on the ‘QCA Testing – Delivery Point
System’ shortcut on the workstation’s desktop or by choosing it from the Start
menu.
QCA Testing – Delivery Point System
A message box displays saying ‘Connecting to Admin Point System’.
After a few seconds a message tells you whether the connection was successful or
not, and therefore whether you are operating in connected or disconnected mode. If
connection was successful, the candidate log on screen displays. If connection was
unsuccessful, you will be asked if you want to continue in disconnected mode.
Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-screen tests.
The candidate logon screen displays.
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How you continue from here depends upon whether you wish to log on as a candidate to
take a test, or log on to carry out Technical Manager or Test Administrator tasks.
22.3.1 Candidate log on
To take a scheduled test, whether live or practice, candidates must select the Test tab
then follow the on-screen instructions.
To take an unscheduled practice test, candidates must select the Practice tab then follow
the on-screen instructions.
The information requested varies depending upon whether the candidate wants to start a
new test or continue a failed session.
For full instructions press F1 or choose Help from the menu bar, or see the Getting
Started Guide.
22.3.2 Test Administrator or Technical Manager log on
1. To log on to carry out Test Administrator or Technical Manager tasks, press T whilst
holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously. The Test Administration and
Management tabs display.
2. Click either the Test Administration or Management tab as appropriate. The display
switches to the relevant log on screen.
3. Enter a User Name and Password. This is the same user name and password that
you use to access the APS. Remember that the password is case sensitive. You must
be allocated either Technical Manager or Test Administrator rights (or both) to be able
to log on.
4. Click Log On.
5. The initial screen appears, which will vary depending upon whether you logged on as
a Technical Manager or a Test Administrator. You can proceed to use the available
functions on the DPS.
task end
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22.3.3 Candidate and session statuses
During a test session, six possible session statuses might display on the Flight Deck.
Session statuses
Scheduled The session has been scheduled but not yet run.
Open The Test Administrator has opened the session, so that
candidates can log on.
Running The Test Administrator has started the session, and it is running.
Paused The Test Administrator has started the session, but has paused
it for all candidates.
Closed The session has previously been opened then closed by a Test
Administrator, but not all candidates have completed the session
(the candidate status for one or more candidates shows ‘No
Contact’ or ‘Problem’). Once the problems are resolved, a Test
Administrator can reopen the session to enable these candidates
to continue where they left off.
Note: results will not be returned unless test has a status of
’Completed’ at the end of the test window. Once tests are closed,
they can be re-opened and candidate passwords can be
reprinted.
Completed The session has been run and all candidates have completed it
successfully.
Note: results will not be returned unless test has a status of
’Completed’.
For each candidate, the Status column indicates the status of their session.
Candidate statuses
Scheduled The candidate is scheduled for this test session but the Test
Administrator has not yet opened the session. The status will
switch to Awaiting Logon once the Test Administrator does
open the session.
Awaiting Logon The Test Administrator has opened the test session and is
waiting for the candidate to log on.
Logged on The candidate has logged on and is on the test instructions
screen.
Logon failed The candidate has entered the wrong details on the logon
screen.
Ready The candidate is on the ‘Please wait for the test to begin’ screen,
ready to start the test.
Pending The Test Administrator has either opened or started the session,
but a connection to the workstation has not yet been established.
As soon as a connection is established, the status will switch to
Awaiting Logon or Running as appropriate.
Running The candidate’s test is successfully running.
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Paused The Test Administrator has either paused the candidate’s
individual test or paused the test session for all candidates.
Shut Down The Test Administrator has shut down the candidate’s test. This
forces the test session to close on a particular workstation. The
candidate is still able to log on, resume and complete their test at
another workstation. The Test Administrator will be unable to
close this test session until the status has changed from ’Shut
Down’. For more detail see Chapter 24, Shutting down and
recovering tests.
Absent The candidate is scheduled for the test session but they have not
logged on and the session has started without them. This will
only show after the session has started; the status of candidates
who previously had status ‘Awaiting Logon’ will change to
‘Absent’. If the candidate is still absent when you close the test
session at the end of the test, they will be removed from the
session and will need to be rescheduled.
Help Required The candidate has clicked Call Teacher on their workstation to
request assistance.
No Contact The candidate’s workstation is unable to communicate with the
centre’s APS. The Last Status Update column tells you the time
of the last successful connection. You should go over to the
candidate and check whether they are still working. If the
candidate is still working, then at the end of the session, if the
connection has not restored, you need to tell the Technical
Manager so that they can ensure that the candidate’s test
response is transferred to the APS. If the candidate is not able to
continue working then you will either need to move them to
another workstation or if this is not possible reopen the session at
a later time once the problem is resolved so that the candidate
can continue. If the workstation fails to connect and the candidate
status remains at ’No Contact‘ your Technical Manager will need
to transfer the test responses to the APS manually. If you need to
recover the test session, see Chapter 24, Shutting down and
recovering tests on page 189.
Problem The candidate has a technical problem which is preventing them
from working, for example their workstation has failed. We
advise you to contact the Technical Support Team on 0845 123
7820 (option 2) if this situation occurs. If you are required to
recover the test session, see Chapter 24, Shutting down and
recovering tests on page 189.
Finished The candidate has finished the test session. The status will
remain at ‘Finished’ until the test session is closed, when it will
change to ‘Completed’.
Completed The candidate has finished the test session and the session has
been closed
Note: results will not be returned unless the candidate’s test has
a status of ’Completed’ at the end of the test window.
We recommend that you keep a copy of the above list of statuses available when you are
running test sessions.
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22.3.4 What to do if things go wrong
In the event of problems during a scheduled test session controlled through the Flight
Deck, the checklist below gives you guidance on what actions to take. You can pause
and resume or shut down a test for a specific candidate or all candidates depending on
the exact scenario.
Candidate status changes to ‘Help Required’ or candidate puts up their hand
Go over to the candidate’s workstation and investigate.
If the candidate needs a short break, you can pause their test session then resume it
when they are ready to continue (see Chapter 23, Pausing and resuming tests on page
187).
If the candidate cannot continue, for example because they are ill, you can shut down
their test session then allow them to continue at a later date (see Chapter 24, Shutting
down and recovering tests on page 189).
Candidate status changes to ‘No Contact’
If there is intermittent ‘No Contact’ status on various candidate workstations during the
test, you do not normally need to take any action. This indicates that workstations are
temporarily unable to communicate with your centre’s APS server. When this happens on
a particular workstation, the workstation will switch automatically to disconnected mode
and you will need to check the affected candidates are still working.
If the APS connection has not been restored by the end of the test, you should log off
from the workstation then log on again to attempt to reconnect. If this fails then your
Technical Manager will need to transfer the test response to the APS manually.
If the candidate is not able to continue working, you should proceed as for status
‘Problem’.
Candidate status changes to ‘Problem’
Go over to the candidate’s workstation and investigate.
If the candidate has a problem that is preventing them from working, for example their
workstation has failed, then if another workstation is available, you can move the
candidate to this workstation so they can continue from the point at which the failure
occurred (see Chapter 24, Shutting down and recovering tests on page 189). If there is
no other workstation available, the candidate will need to continue the test at another time
within the test window.
Temporary interruption
(for example, noise disturbance)
At the Flight Deck, pause the test session for all candidates, then resume the session
when convenient (see 23.3 Pausing and resuming all candidates from the Flight Deck on
page 188).
Test session cannot continue
(for example, bomb scare, fire or gas leak)
At the Flight Deck, shut down and close the test session for all candidates (see 24.3
Shutting down all candidates from the Flight Deck on page 190). You can reopen the
session at a later date so the candidates can continue.
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All workstations fail
(for example, because there is a centre-wide power failure)
Once the power is back on, and the APS is running again, go back into the Flight Deck for
the test session. The session status will still be ‘Open’, but you will need to enter the
School Key Password to regain access. The candidates will need to log in again using
their existing passwords, and once you restart the session, their tests will continue from
where they left off.
An individual candidate’s test has to be paused (for example, when a candidate has
to leave the room temporarily due to a medical condition)
If the candidate has clicked the Call Teacher button on their screen to request
assistance, you cannot pause the candidate’s test on the Flight Deck, and must do it on
their workstation. If the candidate has not clicked Call Teacher, you can pause the
candidate’s test either on the Flight Deck or on the candidate’s workstation.
An individual candidate’s test has to be stopped (for example, when a candidate is
taken ill and is unable to resume the test that day)
Shut down the candidate’s test either on the Flight Deck or on their workstation. The
partially completed test will be saved and the candidate can resume it later on the same
day or on another day, either on the same workstation or on a different workstation.
A candidate is sick
Pause the candidate’s test on their workstation. After a rest break, the candidate who was
ill can continue the test, if they are well enough. If other candidates are disturbed, you
may pause the test session for all candidates on the Flight Deck while the room is
cleaned, or move the candidates to another room, ensuring they remain silent. When
convenient, resume the test on the Flight Deck. Candidates will automatically receive the
correct amount of remaining time.
A mobile phone rings or a candidate is found to be using a mobile phone
Ask the candidate to turn it off at once. Notify the person responsible for the on-screen
tests at your centre.
A candidate is caught cheating
Make a note of the time remaining showing on the candidate’s screen and any questions
they may have had help with. If appropriate, move the candidate for the remainder of the
test. Immediately after the test, notify the person responsible for the on-screen tests at
your centre.
A candidate is being disruptive
If this is disturbing other candidates, pause the test session for all candidates on the
Flight Deck, then remove the candidate. Give the remaining candidates a few moments to
refocus, then resume the test session on the Flight Deck. Candidates will automatically
receive the correct amount of remaining time.
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A candidate has a panic attack or absence seizure
If this is disturbing other candidates, pause the test session for all candidates on the
Flight Deck and arrange for the candidate to go to a quiet area. Give the remaining
candidates a few moments to refocus, then resume the test session on the Flight Deck.
Calm the distressed candidate and decide what arrangements can be made to help the
candidate settle. The candidate may continue the test if they are well enough.
A candidate arrives late
Individual candidates who arrive late but before the rest of the candidates have
completed the test may be allowed the full time to complete the test. The delivery
software automatically gives them the full amount of time.
A workstation fails
If a workstation fails, move the candidate to a spare workstation so they can continue.
Power to a workstation is shut off
If the power to the workstation is shut off, but can easily be restored, restart the machine
and ask the candidate to log on again and continue. The candidate’s test will restart
where they left off.
If the power to the workstation cannot easily be restored, move the candidate to a spare
workstation so they can continue.
A workstation part fails (for example, mouse stops operating)
If convenient, replace the part so the candidate can resume their test at the same
workstation. You are advised to keep a selection of parts such as mice, keyboards and
cables available in the room, so that you can replace them quickly if necessary.
Alternatively, move the candidate to a spare workstation so they can resume.
The network connection to the server fails
If the network connection fails, then all candidate workstations will continue to operate,
and their work will be backed up onto their workstations. The test can continue, but you
will no longer be able to use the Flight Deck to monitor the test session.
In the absence of a network connection, the candidate’s work will not be saved onto the
server on which the delivery software is running, so interrupted tests can only be
recovered (if necessary) at the same workstation. However, if the connection is restored
before the candidates complete the test, their work will be automatically backed up to the
server.
If the connection is still down when the candidates complete their tests, you need to tell
your Technical Manager, as they will need to ensure that the candidate test responses
are returned to the server.
Centre-wide power failure
Once the power is restored, restart the session using the Flight Deck, then ask the
candidates to log in again.
If a workstation was damaged as a result of the power failure, then the candidate can
resume the test at a different workstation.
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The test for all candidates needs to be paused (for example, fire bell)
Pause the session for all candidates on the Flight Deck and ideally press the Ctrl, Alt and
Delete keys on your keyboard simultaneously and lock your workstation so that nobody
else can resume the test. Evacuate the room, following centre policy, but instruct the
candidates to remain quiet. If the candidates do talk to each other about the test, notify
the person responsible for the on-screen tests at your centre for advice before continuing
with the test.
The test for all candidates needs to be stopped
Shut down the session for all candidates on the Flight Deck then close the test session.
The candidates can continue at a later time when convenient.
Flight Deck stops responding
If the Flight Deck stops responding, but candidates are able to continue working, try
pressing F5 on your workstation to manually refresh the Flight Deck screen. If this does
not work, try logging on to the APS again, if possible on another workstation. If you
cannot regain access, switch to manual supervision and let the candidates finish the test
session. At the end of the session, request assistance from technical staff at the centre.
Other scenarios
If an unexpected event happens during a test that cannot be solved by any of the above
strategies, seek assistance from technical staff at your centre or the person responsible
for the on-screen tests at your centre.
22.4 Running connected test sessions using the
Flight Deck
The Flight Deck enables a Test Administrator to control the running of a scheduled test
session for candidates using connected workstations. It enables the Test Administrator
to start, stop, pause and resume test sessions as required, and monitor individual
candidate workstations from their own workstation.
During the session, the Test Administrator can use the Flight Deck to view the status of
each candidate and take action accordingly.
If particular candidates experience problems, as indicated by their candidate status, they
will be moved to the top of the list so that you are quickly alerted.
Important: It is very important that you practise using the Flight Deck before attempting
to administer a live test..
To run a test session using the Flight Deck, proceed as follows:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Administrator rights, as described on page
205.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Administer Tests. The ‘Administer Tests – Tests
Summary’ screen displays.
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3. This screen lists all the tests available, both live and practice. For each test, it
shows the total number of candidates allocated and (in brackets) the number taking
disconnected tests. Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-screen
tests. For live tests, it also shows the start and end date for the four-week window
during which candidates must take the test and the test release date.
Select the required test and click Session Timetable. The ‘Administer Tests –
Session Timetable’ screen displays.
4. This screen shows the scheduled sessions for the selected test, with the number of
candidates taking part in each session, the planned dates and start and end times
and the status of each session.
Select the required session and click View Flight Deck. The ‘Administer Tests -
Flight Deck’ screen displays.
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Session
Status
Expand/
contract
list button
Pupil
Status
5. This screen shows full details for the session, including the session status along
with a list of the candidates taking the session and their individual statuses, the
time remaining for each candidate and the last time their status was updated.
At this point, the session status will always be ‘Scheduled’, and each candidate
status will also be ‘Scheduled’.
6. When you are ready to run the test session, click Open Test Session.
Things to note:
You can only open and run a test session for a live test within the test window.
Outside of the test window, the Open Test Session button will be greyed out and
unavailable.
7. You are asked to enter the School Key Password (which you should obtain from
the person responsible for the on-screen tests in your centre).
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8. In the Enter School Key Password box, type your School Key Password then
click Next. The Flight Deck redisplays with the Test Session status changed to
‘Open’ and each candidate status showing ‘Awaiting Logon’.
Notice that the screen refreshes automatically every 15 seconds, so that you can
see the current status for each candidate, but you can manually refresh at any time
by clicking Refresh.
9. Ask the candidates to log on to their workstations using their unique candidate test
passwords. While the candidates are logging in, monitor the candidate statuses on
the Flight Deck. This tells you which candidates have not yet logged in, which have
successfully logged in and which are ready to proceed. It also flags any problems
that you need to deal with. For a complete list and description of possible
candidate and session statuses, see 22.3.3 Candidate and session statuses on
page 176.
When each candidate present is logged on and ready to start the test, their status
will show ‘Ready’. Ideally, you should wait until all candidates are at status ‘Ready’
before starting the test, but this may not always be possible. You can start the
session so long as at least one candidate has status ‘Ready’.
10. Tell the candidates that you are going to start the session and click Start Test
Session.
If any candidates had not completed log on, their test session will start as soon as
they are logged on.
Any candidates who are absent when you start the test can still log on if and when
they arrive; their test will start immediately after they have logged on.
When you start the test session, the ‘Flight Deck’ screen will change to show
session status ‘Running’, and the Open Test Session button will be replaced by
the Pause All Pupils button. The status for any candidates who were scheduled
for the session but have not logged on will change to ‘Absent’.
11. As the session proceeds, ensure that:
the candidates work quietly and that there are no distractions or disturbances
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if a candidate asks for help you do not say or do anything that in any way
suggests the correct answer
Monitor the individual candidate statuses on the Flight Deck.
If a candidate’s test is proceeding properly, the status will be ‘Running’ until the
candidate finishes the test, when the status will change to ‘Finished’.
In certain circumstances, you may need to pause and resume or shut down and
recover the test session, either for an individual candidate or for all candidates.
Pausing and resuming candidate tests is fully described in Chapter 23, Pausing and
resuming tests on page 187), and shutting down and recovering candidate tests is
fully described in Chapter 24, Shutting down and recovering tests on page 189).
However, here is a quick summary:
If a candidate’s status changes to ‘Help Required’, this means that the candidate
has clicked Call Teacher on their workstation to request assistance. You need to
go over to the candidate and investigate. If the candidate needs a short break,
you can click Pause on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box to pause the test on their
workstation, then click Resume to resume it when they are ready to continue. If
the candidate cannot continue, for example because they are ill, you can click
Shutdown to shut down their test on their workstation then allow them to
continue at a later date.
From the Flight Deck, you can pause and resume a selected candidate’s test
session by selecting the candidate then using the Pause selected pupil button,
then resume their session when they are ready using the Resume selected
pupil button.
From the Flight Deck, you can pause the session for all candidates using the
Pause all pupils button, then resume using the Resume all pupils button (which
replaces the Pause all pupils button on the screen while the test session is
paused).
From the Flight Deck, you can shut down an individual candidate’s test session
by selecting the candidate then using the Shutdown selected pupil button.
From the Flight Deck, you can shut down all candidates using the Shutdown all
pupils button.
If a candidate’s status changes to ‘No Contact’ or ‘Problem’, or if there are any other
problems during the test session, see 22.3.4 What to do if things go wrong on page
178 for guidance on what to do. The Last Status Update column tells you when
each candidate’s workstation last connected successfully with the APS, which is
useful information when a candidate does have a problem.
12. As the end of each candidate’s test session draws near, inform them that they have
only ten minutes left to complete their work. The Time Remaining column shows
how much time each candidate has left. Bear in mind that some candidates may
start the test late, and you may have to pause then resume individual tests for
candidates who experience problems, so the candidates will not necessarily all
finish at the same time. Wherever possible each candidate’s test session must be
allowed to countdown for the full duration of the test.
13. When all candidates are at one of the following statuses:
Finished
Absent
Shut Down
No Contact
Problem
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click Close Test Session to end the session.
Note: If 15 minutes elapse with no candidate tests running on the Flight Deck (all
candidates are at status ‘Finished’, ‘Absent’, ‘Shut Down’, ‘No Contact’ or
‘Problem’), and you do not close the test session, it will close automatically.
If all candidates have finished the session, the session status will change to
‘Completed’.
If some candidates have not finished the session (status ‘Shutdown’, ‘No Contact‘ or
‘Problem’), the session status will change to ‘Closed’.
You cannot close the test session while one or more candidates have status
‘Running’. If you try to do so, the following pop-up message box will display.
Click OK and wait until all candidates have finished, then click Close Test Session.
Note: It is recommended that you make a print out of the Flight Deck screen at the
end of the test session. Use the print function on your web browser to print out
the Flight Deck screen. The Test Administrator should note any issues, sign
and date the report and give it to the Exams Officer.
task end
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C H A P T E R 2 3
Pausing and resuming tests
This chapter describes how to pause and resume candidate test sessions.
You may need to pause and resume an individual candidate’s test if they need a break
for whatever reason, for example because they need to go to the toilet. When running a
test session using the Flight Deck, you may need to pause the session for all candidates
if there is a disturbance or other problem.
You can pause and resume both practice and live tests no matter what mode they are run
in: scheduled or unscheduled.
In all situations, you can pause and resume a candidate’s test on their workstation. When
running a scheduled connected test session using the Flight Deck, you also have the
option of pausing and resuming either selected candidates or all candidates from the
Flight Deck. Whichever method you use to pause a candidate’s test, you must use the
same method to resume it.
23.1 Pausing and resuming individual candidates on
their workstations
This is the only way to pause an unscheduled test. You should also use this method if a
candidate clicks Call Teacher during a scheduled connected test session, as you can
then credit the candidate with the time they waited for assistance.
If you pause a candidate’s test on their workstation, you can only resume it on their
workstation.
To pause an individual candidate’s test on their workstation, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. If the candidate has not already done so, click Call Teacher on the candidate’s
DPS workstation. The ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box displays.
2. Click Pause on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box. This task requires Test Administrator
authorisation. For security, a log on screen displays.
3. Fill out this screen as follows:
i. In the User name box, type your user name.
ii. In the Password box, type your password. For security reasons, the
characters you type do not display on the screen.
4. On the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box, select the Credit Waiting Time tick box, if
required. This will credit the time that the candidate had to wait since they clicked
Call Teacher until you were able to respond.
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5. Click OK on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box to pause the test. The ‘Test paused’
dialog box displays.
6. If you resolve the candidate’s problem, click Resume on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog
box to resume the test.
If you cannot resolve the candidate’s problem, click Shutdown on the ‘Call
Teacher’ dialog box to shut down the test (see Chapter 24, Shutting down and
recovering tests on page 189).
task end
23.2 Pausing and resuming individual candidates
from the Flight Deck
As an alternative to pausing an individual candidate’s test on a workstation, you can
pause it on the Flight Deck, but only if the candidate has not clicked Call Teacher. If the
candidate has clicked Call Teacher, indicated by a status of ‘Help Required’, you cannot
pause their test on the Flight Deck – you must always go over and investigate and if
necessary pause their test on their workstation, as described above.
If you pause a candidate’s test on the Flight Deck, you can only resume it on the Flight
Deck.
To pause a test session for an individual candidate from the Flight Deck, carry out the
following steps:
task start
1. On the Flight Deck, select the candidate then click Pause selected pupil. The
candidate’s status changes to ‘Paused’.
2. When you are ready to restart the candidate’s test session, select the candidate
then click Resume selected pupil on the Flight Deck.
task end
23.3 Pausing and resuming all candidates from the
Flight Deck
To pause a test session for all candidates, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. On the Flight Deck, click Pause all pupils. The Flight Deck redisplays with all
candidate statuses changed to ‘Paused’. A ‘Test Paused’ dialog box displays on
each candidate’s workstation.
2. When you are ready to restart the test session, click Resume all pupils on the
Flight Deck.
task end
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C H A P T E R 2 4
Shutting down and recovering tests
If you have to shut down a candidate’s test session for some reason, or the test fails
before the candidate finishes (perhaps because of a workstation failure or power cut), the
candidate can continue at a later time when convenient, if necessary using a different
DPS workstation. A shut down and a failure have the same effect.
If the shut down or failure happened while the candidate was taking a test in connected
mode, the test session data will be held on the APS, so the candidate can continue at any
time from any connected workstation.
If the shut down or failure happened while the candidate was taking a test, but the
workstation has since been reconnected, the test session data is automatically
transferred to the APS the next time someone logs on to the workstation, and the
candidate can continue their test session at any time from any connected workstation.
However, if the workstation has not since been reconnected, the test session data will be
held on the workstation, so you need to recover it from that same workstation.
Note: If a test session has been running for less than two minutes when it is shut down
or fails, there will be insufficient test session data to recover. The candidate will
need to start the test again.
Note: If the test you are recovering is a scheduled test, the candidate must complete it
in the same mode in which they started it.
You can shut down and recover both practice and live tests.
In all situations, you can shut down a candidate’s test on their workstation. When running
a scheduled connected test session using the Flight Deck, you also have the option of
shutting down either selected candidates or all candidates from the Flight Deck.
24.1 Shutting down individual candidates on their
workstations
You may need to shut down an individual candidate’s test if for some reason they are
unable to continue at that time, for example because they are taken ill. The candidate can
continue at a later time.
You can shut down both practice and live tests.
To shut down a candidate’s test, carry out the following steps.
task start
1. If the candidate has not already done so, click Call Teacher on the candidate’s
DPS workstation. The ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box displays.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 189
Shutting down and recovering tests
2. Click Shutdown on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box. This requires additional Test
Administrator authorisation. For security, a log on screen displays.
3. Fill out this screen as follows:
i. In the User name box, type your user name.
ii. In the Password box, type your password. For security reasons, the
characters you type for your password do not display on the screen.
4. Click OK on the ‘Call Teacher’ dialog box to shut down the test. A ‘Please wait’
message displays while the session data is saved. The DPS workstation closes
and returns you to the workstation desktop.
task end
24.2 Shutting down selected candidates from the
Flight Deck
To shut down a test session for a selected candidate from the Flight Deck, carry out the
following steps:
task start
1. On the Flight Deck, select the required candidate then click Shutdown selected
pupil.
task end
24.3 Shutting down all candidates from the Flight
Deck
In certain circumstances, for example if there is a fire or other major disturbance, you may
need to shut down and close a test session for all candidates. You can then reopen the
session at another time.
To shut down and close a test session for all candidates, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. On the Flight Deck, click Shutdown all pupils.
2. You will be asked to confirm the shutdown. Click OK to confirm, or Cancel to
abandon the shutdown.
3. Click Close Test Session. This prevents any candidates from logging in again until
you reopen the session.
task end
190 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Shutting down and recovering tests
24.4 Recovering a candidate’s test
If a test session was unfinished, the candidate’s test response data will be located on the
APS, and the candidate will be given the option to recover it the next time they log on at
any workstation. If the unfinished test was scheduled, the unfinished test session will
automatically start where the candidate left off (so long as the relevant test session is
open on the Flight Deck).
However, if the unfinished test was unscheduled, the candidate can either choose to
continue the unfinished test session where they left off, or abandon it and start again.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 191
Shutting down and recovering tests
192 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
What happens after the test
C H A P T E R 2 5
What happens after the test
Once available the on-screen live test results are made available through the normal AQA
channel.
Attendance Register
An attendance register can only be submitted when the session status shows as
completed from the Session Timetable.(All candidates showing as completed, finished
or absent from the session flight deck).
The attendance register can be viewed and edited while the session is running. It cannot
be submitted until the session has completed.
Submitting an Attendance Register
To submit an attendance register, carry out the following steps
task start
1. Login to the APS as a user with either Test Manager or Test Administrator rights as
described in [insert cross reference to appendix A]
2. From the Tests menu, choose Administer Tests. The ‘Administer Tests’ page
displays.
3. Highlight the desired test and click on Session Timetable. The ‘Session
Timetable’ page displays.
4. Highlight the desired session and select Session Attendance Register. The
‘Session Attendance Register’ screen will display.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 193
What happens after the test
A message displays across the top of the page:
“An attendance register for this test session must be filled in and submitted
once the session has ended. Select Present for each Candidate that completed
the test. Select Absent for each Candidate that did not complete the test. Click
save to save any changes without submitting the attendance register. Click
Submit to submit the completed attendance register. The attendance register
cannot be changed once it has been submitted.
Also note that the register status will display as ‘not submitted’. Each candidate
who has completed the test will default to ‘Present’ and each candidate who was
absent from the session will default to ‘Absent’.
Only candidates marked as absent can have a reason entered into the register.
5. Use the free text fields to add an explanation for each absent candidate. You can
save any changes made without submitting the register by clicking the Save
button.
194 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
What happens after the test
6. Once the register is complete, select Submit Register. A dialogue box will
display:
Once submitted, the message across the top of the ‘Session Attendance Register’
screen shows:
“An attendance register has been submitted and received for this test session. No
further action is needed.”
The register status will update to either submitted or received.
task end
Accessing an Attendance Register
The attendance register can be accessed from Test > Administer test and then by
selecting the desired test and then from Session Timetable > Session Attendance
Register.
If a session has been completed but no register has been submitted, a message will
display on the APS home page to remind the user.
Once submitted, an attendance register cannot be edited or changed in any way.
Unlike test responses, Session Attendance Register data will not submit automatically,
even at the end of a test window. Attendance register data must be submitted manually
after each session.
A separate attendance register will be generated for each session.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 195
What happens after the test
25.1 Returning candidate response files
The candidate test responses will be sent automatically from the candidate workstations
(DPS) to your centre's server (APS). These responses are then sent from the APS to the
CPS (Central Point System) at the next scheduled connection point between the APS and
the CPS. To ensure the test responses are sent to the CPS, there are a few things you
need to check.
In order to view the status of your candidates' tests and to check that their tests have
been returned to the CPS for electronic marking please log onto the APS and:
1. Log onto the APS and navigate to Tests > Manage Tests and select the test that has
been completed.
2. Click on 'View Pupil Test Status'. Returned test responses will show a status of 'YES'
in both the 'Test Response Received' and the 'Test Response Uploaded columns.
Check that the number of candidates for which ‘Test Responses Received’ is set to
‘YES’ matches the number of candidates who completed the test.
If your candidates show a status of 'Problem' or 'NO' please telephone the E-testing
Technical Support Team on 0845 123 7820 (option 2).
If the 'Test Response Uploaded' status remains at 'NO' then you can force the upload of
test responses to the CPS at any time by performing a 'Run Now', this is done by going
to the School > Manage Internet Access page of the APS and clicking on the 'Run
Now' link.
NOTE: It is important that any issues are resolved as soon as possible as any
problems may prevent the candidate from receiving a test result.
25.2 Results Distribution
The results of the on-screen tests will be provided by AQA in the usual method of result
distribution. If you have any query about your centre’s results, please use Post-Results
Services from e-AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/help/eaqa.php.
25.3 Viewing and printing practice test results
Once the candidates have sat a practice test, either Test Managers or Pupil Managers
can view the results on your centre’s APS and distribute them to candidates.
The results for identified practice tests (where the candidate has identified
themselves at log on) are available on the APS immediately after the test is
completed. The candidate also gets a report on their DPS workstation screen.
The results for anonymous practice tests are discarded and are not available for
viewing on the APS, though the candidate gets a report on their DPS workstation
screen after the test. They can save or print this report if they wish.
You can either:
select a candidate and view the results obtained by the candidate in the tests they
have taken
select a test and view the results obtained by all the candidates who took the test
196 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
What happens after the test
25.4 Viewing and printing the result distribution for a
practice test
You can view the result distribution for a particular test.
To view the result distribution for a test, carry out the following steps:
task start
1. Log on to the APS as a user with Test Manager or Pupil Manager rights, as
described in Appendix A on page 197.
2. From the Tests menu, choose Manage Tests. The ‘Manage Tests’ screen displays.
3. Select the test for which you wish to view result distribution and click Result
Distribution. The ‘Manage Tests – Result Distribution’ screen displays.
This screen shows the number and percentage of candidates attainment the test.
4. If required you can print the result distribution as follows:
i. Click Print Preview. The result distribution displays in a pop-up window.
ii. Click Print on the ‘Print Preview’ window.
iii. On the print dialog box enter the required print parameters then click
Print.
iv. Close the ‘Print Preview’ window.
task end
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 197
What happens after the test
198 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Appendix A
C H A P T E R 2 6 ,
Appendix A
The DPS configuration file
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 199
Appendix A
You can use the DPS Configuration file, DPSConfig.ini, to configure DPS workstations
during installation of the DPS software. Use of this file will reduce the time you need to
spend on installing the DPS workstations. If you do not do this you will need to configure
each workstation manually the first time the DPS software is run.
The default content of the file is as follows:
[Configuration]
OnlineStatus=”Y”
APSAddress=”[APS IP address]”
APSPort=”[APS port (normally 8443)]”
RootLocOfRemMedia=””
MachineLocation=”[Set by default to “QCA Testing”] ”
MachineName=””
TSSIUpdTime=”5”
BackupInterval=”60”
AllowAnonymous=”Y”
ProxyAddress=””
ProxyPort=””
ProxyUser=””
ProxyPassword=””
AutoUpload=”Y”
Note: The DPSConfig.ini file does not require any proxy details to be entered because
the communication from the DPS is internal only.
The fields in the file are populated during APS installation and the file is saved in
APS_installation_directory\DPSConfig\DPSConfig.ini, where
APS_installation_directory is the location where you chose to install the APS. You
should use this populated version of the file to configure your DPS workstations, not the
default version provided on the installation CD.
If you make the populated version of the DPSConfig.ini file available from a protected
network drive, CD or floppy disk easily accessible by your DPS workstations, it will reduce
the time you need to spend on installing the DPS workstations.
Field details
Field Description
OnlineStatus Y if the initial connection mode for the workstation is connected
mode. Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-
screen tests.
APSAddress The IP address for the APS website.
APSPort The default port used for connections to the APS. This is
normally 8443.
MachineName The name of the DPS workstation. By default this will be the
NetBIOS name for the DPS you are configuring, but you can
change it. The name will only be used to identify the
workstation during test sessions; the network name of the
workstation will not be changed.
200 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Appendix B
Field Description
MachineLocation A suitable location for the DPS you are configuring. This
location is for reference only and does not affect which
workstations can be used together for the same test session.
During APS installation the value ‘QCA Testing’ is inserted into
this field.
TSSIUpdTime This is the time interval in seconds for reporting to the APS any
changes in the status of a test running on the DPS. It should be
5 seconds.
BackupInterval This is the time interval in seconds between each backup of
test responses to the APS. It should be 60 seconds.
AllowAnonymous This indicates whether anonymous tests are allowed at this
workstation, Y or N. Anonymous tests can be taken without a
candidate having to select their name and enter a password
when logging onto the DPS. Only unscheduled practice tests
can be taken as anonymous tests. This feature has been
designed to allow access to these materials without the need to
schedule sessions and print candidate passwords. The default
set by the APS installation is N. Alternatively, you can change
this manually for each workstation – see 7.4 Configuring DPS
workstations on page 61
AutoUpload Specifies whether or not you want the DPS to be launched
automatically in silent mode whenever the workstation is
booted up and a user logs on to Windows, so that any
candidate response data found on the workstation can be
automatically uploaded to your centre’s APS. If you don’t
permit this, the upload will occur whenever you manually
launch the DPS on the workstation.
Y or blank Run auto upload
N Do not run auto upload
We recommend that you do permit auto uploads, to help
ensure that all candidate data is uploaded to the APS as soon
as possible without your needing to log on to the DPS.
C H A P T E R 2 7
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 201
Appendix B
Appendix B
Logging on and off
Here is a quick summary of how to log on and off from the APS and DPS. For full details
about logging on and off, see the Online Help.
27.1.1 Logging on to the APS
To log on to the APS, proceed as follows:
task start
1. If you are at the server on which the APS is installed, double click on the ‘QCA
Testing - Admin Point System’ shortcut on your desktop or by choosing it from the
Start menu:
QCA Testing – Admin Point System
If you are at any other workstation, browse to:
https://serverIPaddress:port/qca
where serverIPaddress is the IP address of your APS server and port is the port
used for APS access (usually 8443). For example:
https://172.24.25.81:8443/qca
Note: If you cannot access the APS, see 14.1 Problem: Cannot access APS website
on page 99.
2. Depending upon your security settings, a security alert may display because the
APS website uses a self-signed digital certificate. You can safely ignore this alert
and click Yes to proceed with the log on. The log on screen displays.
202 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Appendix B
3. Enter your User name and Password. An initial user with Technical Manager rights
is created during installation of the APS, as described on page 16.
4. Click Log On. The Home Page is displayed.
The menus and options available depend upon your access rights. The screen tells
you what user roles you are currently allocated to. In the example above, the user is
allocated both the Test Management and Pupil Management roles.
If you have Technical Management roles, the screen shows you the last ten events
carried out on the system by any user. If you do not have Technical Management
roles, the screen shows you the last ten events relating to your own user name.
task end
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 203
Appendix B
27.1.2 Logging on to the DPS
Note: If you did not use the Configuration file DPSConfig.ini to configure the workstation
when you installed the DPS software onto it, then the first time you run the DPS on
the workstation, the Configure tab will display and you must configure the
workstation as described in 7.4 Configuring DPS workstations on page 61.
task start
Start the DPS either by double clicking on the ‘QCA Testing – Delivery Point System’
shortcut on the workstation’s desktop or by choosing it from the Start menu.
QCA Testing – Delivery Point System
A message box displays saying ‘Connecting to Admin Point System’.
After a few seconds a message tells you whether the connection was successful or
not, and therefore whether you are operating in connected or disconnected mode. If
connection was successful, the candidate log on screen displays. If connection was
unsuccessful, you will be asked if you want to continue in disconnected mode.
Disconnected mode is not available for AQA on-screen tests.
The candidate logon screen displays.
How you continue from here depends upon whether you wish to log on as a
candidate to take a test, or log on to carry out Technical Manager or Test
Administrator tasks.
Candidate log on
To take a scheduled test, whether live or practice, candidates must select the Test tab
then follow the on-screen instructions.
204 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests
Appendix B
To take an unscheduled practice test, candidates must select the Practice tab then follow
the on-screen instructions.
The information requested varies depending upon whether the candidate wants to start a
new test or continue a failed session.
For full instructions press F1 or choose Help from the menu bar, or see the Getting
Started Guide.
Test Administrator or Technical Manager log on
1. To log on to carry out Test Administrator or Technical Manager tasks, press T whilst
holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously. The Test Administration and
Management tabs display.
2. Click either the Test Administration or Management tab as appropriate. The display
switches to the relevant log on screen.
3. Enter a User Name and Password. This is the same user name and password that
you use to access the APS. Remember that the password is case sensitive. You must
be allocated either Technical Manager or Test Administrator rights (or both) to be able
to log on.
4. Click Log On.
5. The initial screen appears, which will vary depending upon whether you logged on
as a Technical Manager or a Test Administrator. You can proceed to use the
available functions on the DPS.
27.1.3 Logging off from the APS
To log off from the APS:
task start
1. Click Log Off in the menu bar on any screen. This returns you to the log on screen.
2. Close your web browser. This ensures that nobody else can use the Back or
History buttons to retrieve information without authorisation.
27.1.4 Logging off from the DPS
When candidates complete test sessions, the DPS automatically exits without requiring
them to log off. If they were doing the second session of a practice test, they will receive
an on-screen report telling them how they performed. If they were doing a live test, they
will see a message telling them that their test session is complete.
During a practice test session, a candidate can exit early by clicking the End Session
button.
There is no facility for candidates to log off in the middle of a live test. However, if a
candidate has a problem in the middle of a test, the Test Administrator can pause or shut
down their test as appropriate.
From the candidate logon screen, candidates or staff can exit from the DPS by clicking
Exit in the top right corner of the screen.
To log off from the DPS when logged on as a Test Administrator or Technical Manager,
first click Log Off in the top right corner of any screen to return to the candidate logon
screen, then click Exit.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 205
Glossary
This glossary explains some of the terms used in this guide. Terms specific to other
guides you have received are contained in their glossaries.
Accredited A centre that has Connected mode Each connected
successfully completed the registration DPS workstation communicates with the
process. server on which your centre APS is
running via the centre network. Logon
Admin Point System (APS) The part
details are verified directly with the APS
of the delivery software that resides on
server. While the candidate is taking
your centre’s server. The APS server
their test, their work is constantly being
holds all the candidate and test data for
backed up onto the APS so that if the
your centre; you use it to manage
workstation fails, the failed test can be
candidate data, allocate candidates to
recovered from the APS. Wherever
tests, assign candidates to test
possible tests should be taken in
sessions, and transmit test responses to
Connected mode.
the CPS server.
Delivery Point System (DPS) The part
Anonymous tests These can be taken
of the test infrastructure software that
without a candidate having to select
resides on a candidate’s workstation
their name and enter a password when
where they take their on-screen test.
logging on to the DPS. Only
unscheduled practice tests can be taken Digital certificate An electronic version
as anonymous tests. A report will be of an ID card that establishes your
shown to the candidate at the credentials when performing
workstation at the end of an anonymous transactions over the Internet. In the
practice test, however it will not delivery software, digital certificates are
subsequently be visible at the APS. used to establish the required
credentials to permit decryption of tests.
Approved Test Centre A centre that
has successfully completed the Disconnected mode When a DPS
installation of the delivery software and workstation operates in disconnected
made a successful connection with the mode, the APS server is not available to
CPS. respond to requests, validate log on
credentials or capture candidate test
APS Scheduler Service running on
response data. These activities are
your centre APS which sends requests
carried out in a different way from DPS
to the CPS to retrieve tests and software
workstations operating in connected
updates.
mode. Disconnected mode is not
Central Point System (CPS) The part available for AQA on-screen tests.
of the test infrastructure software that
Disconnected Profile This is used to
resides in a central hosted location.
authenticate a Technical Manager or
Test Administrator logging on at a
disconnected DPS workstation. Also
required to log on a candidate for a
disconnected test. Disconnected mode
is not available for AQA on-screen
tests.
Firewall Hardware or software
designed to prevent access to your
network from unauthorised traffic.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests 207
Glossary
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol. The Registration Key Unique key provided
set of rules for exchanging files across separately to the delivery of the
the Internet. software. It is used to confirm the
identity of the centre during the
HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol
registration process. Following
over Secure Sockets Layer (or HTTP
successful registration, this key is no
over SSL). HTTPS uses the Secure
longer required.
Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt and
decrypt messages transmitted over the Router Hardware that enables an ISDN
Internet. The standard port for SSL is line, leased lines and other forms of
443. connection from your network to the
Internet.
IP address A string of numbers used to
identify a computer for the TCP/IP Scheduled test A test to which a
network protocol. candidate is allocated and assigned to
take at a particular time. They take it in a
ISDN Integrated Service Digital
formal setting, usually with other
Network. A fast telephone network used
candidates.
to transfer digital data.
School Key The School Key is a
ISP Internet Service Provider. A
cryptographic key that is generated
company that provides access to the
centrally during the registration process
Internet.
for a specific centre, used to
LAN Local Area Network, for example encrypt/decrypt and digitally sign
the network at your centre. sensitive materials. It is the unique
identifier for the centre.
Leased line A fixed bandwidth
connection to the Internet, via an ISP's School Key Password A password
network. that controls access to the School Key,
a computer file that is used to decrypt
Live test The live on-screen test is
encrypted test data. You need to enter
taken once by a candidate whose entry the School Key Password in order to
has been registered with AQA. carry out certain important tasks, such
Practice test Test sessions that are as printing candidate test passwords
used for formative purposes, and for and opening and running test sessions.
introducing the candidate to the on- You set the password yourself and
screen test. should change it at regular intervals,
record it and store it in a safe place.
Protected network drive A network
drive that is only accessible to users SEN Special Educational Needs.
with the relevant permissions and is SSL Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol
backed up regularly. Alternatively, you
for transmitting messages over the
could use a CD which is kept in a safe
Internet in encrypted form. URLs that
place.
commence with HTTPS:// use SSL. The
Proxy server Software and/or standard port for SSL is 443.
hardware that provides a secure Technical Manager The person who is
gateway to the Internet for your network.
responsible for managing the delivery
Only the proxy server is visible on the
software at your centre.
Internet. Other computers on your
network cannot directly access the Test Manager A person who is
Internet; they use the proxy server for responsible for allocating candidates to
this. tests, scheduling test sessions and
sending test results to and from the
Candidate test password A password
Central Point System (CPS).
specific to a candidate and a scheduled
test session. Each candidate has their
own unique password for each test
session.
208 AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests,
Glossary
Test Package Set This contains all the Test type There are two types of test:
information necessary to run and mark a practice test and live test.
test. Included in a test package set are
Test window This is the live on-screen
test software, test assets, tasks and
test window specified by AQA in which a
marking schemes that will assess the
specific live test must be taken by the
knowledge, understanding and skill of
candidates at your centre.
candidates.
Unscheduled test A test to which a
Test Protection Code Required if a
candidate is not allocated. They take it
candidate logs on to take a
in an informal setting as needs demand,
disconnected test. Disconnected mode
either alone or with other candidates.
is not available for AQA on-screen
tests. URL Uniform Resource Locator. A
unique user-friendly address for an
Test release date The date on which a
Internet resource.
live test becomes available for
downloading to your centre. Web server A server that hosts a web
site such as the APS website.
Test Response Package The file that
contains the candidate’s test response
generated on completion of the test.
Test response return date The date
after a completed live test when all the
candidate test response set data must
be returned to the CPS server.
AQA - Guide to Installing and Running On-screen Tests, 209
Index
import in bulk, 111
A
lateness, 178
Absent candidates, 145 modify, 119
Add sickness, 177
candidate manually, 117 status, 174
Admin Point System (APS) test password, 162
backing up, 90 test status, 151
cannot access, 101 view, 119
choosing a suitable server, 7 view test sessions assigned, 150
connection fails, 103 view tests allocated, 150
description, 2 Candidate test passwords, 146
installing, 12 Cheating, 177
IP address, 16 Configuring
changing, 96 DPS workstations, 65, 196, 199
logging off, 56, 202 Internet access, 62
software updates, 85 Connected test, 169
testing the CPS connection, 33 schedule, 133
upgrading, 12 CPS server, 1
users, 69 registering with, 22
web address, 22, 53, 199 Create
Allocate candidates to a test, 133 registration group, 123
APS Scheduler, 62 teaching set, 127
Audit log, 91 test session, 137, 139
B CSV file
format, 113
Backing up, 90
import, 113
C problems, 117
Candidate D
absent, 145
Delete
add manually, 117
candidate, 121
allocate to a test, 133
registration group, 126
assign to a test session, 137
teaching set, 129
cheats, 177
test session, 145
delete, 121
Disk quotas, 101
DPS configuration file, 46, 196, 199 configuring, 62
DPS software Internet requirements, 7
automatic deployment, 35 access via a proxy server, 8
installing manually, 35 access via an ISDN line, 8
installing software updates, 85 IP address
installing with no CD drive, 104 changing, 96
uninstalling, 98
L
DPS workstations
adding and removing, 96 Late candidates, 178
configuring, 65 Locked user account, 77
connected mode, 47 Log off
connection fails, 104 APS, 56, 202
disconnected mode, 47 DPS, 202
installing software updates, 79 Log on
installing tests, 79 APS, 199
logging off, 202 M
logging on, 172, 201
Manage disk usage, 92
specifying the number in use, 57, 59
Managing file storage, 92
uninstalling tests, 100
Microsoft .NET Framework, 10
uninstalling the DPS software, 98
installing, 36, 43
F Modify
Firewalls. See Network security candidate details, 119
Flight Deck, 169, 179 registration group, 125
teaching set, 128
H
test session, 143
Hardware failure, 178
N
Help
E-testing Customer Services team, x Network failure, 178
E-testing Technical Support Team, x Network security, 5
firewalls, 6
I
passwords, 7
Initial user, 17 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), 5
Installing virus protection, 7
APS software, 12
O
DPS software, 35
DPS software with no CD drive, 104 On-screen test
software updates, 85 allocate candidates, 133
tests, 79 deploying automatically, 82
Internet access installing manually, 83
performance, 8 import, 113
pre-requisites, 9 modify, 125
Pupil Manager responsibilities, 72 Registration key, 21
Technical Manager responsibilities, 70 Reschedule test, 145
Test Administrator responsibilities, 73 Reset test session, 146
Test Manager responsibilities, 72 Result distribution, 193
Results, 192
P
view, 192, 193
Password Roles and responsibilities, 69
candidate, 162
S
school key, 162
Passwords Schedule test, 133
changing, 77 Scheduler. See APS Scheduler
policy, 7 School key, 21
rules, 17 backing up, 31
user, 7 School key password, 22
Pause and resume tests, 185 forgotten, 104
Plan test sessions, 139 School Key Password, 162
postgres user, 11 School registration, 21
Power failure, 178 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), 5
Pre-requisites, 9 Security, 170, See Network security
Print pupil test passwords, 162 SEN candidates
Problems additional time, 132
connected tests, 176 SEN requirements, 88
Proxy servers specifying, 131
adding, 96 Session status, 174
APS access, 63 Set Year Group, 121
authenticated, 18 Shut down a test, 187
settings, 18 Sick candidates, 177
used for Internet access, 8 Software updates
Pupil id, 112 installing, 85
Pupil Manager responsibilities, 72 Space requirements, 9
Specify
R
SEN requirements, 131
Recover a test, 190 Status
Registration group candidate, 174
allocate candidates, 124 session, 174
create, 123 test, 134
delete, 126 test session, 143
Subject unscheduled, 149
import, 113 Test Administrator responsibilities, 73
Support Test Manager responsibilities, 72
E-testing Customer Services team, x Test result distribution
E-testing Technical Support Team, x view and print, 193
Test results
T
view and print, 192, 193
Teaching set Test session
allocate candidates, 127 assign candidates, 137
create, 127 create, 137
delete, 126, 129 delete, 145, 146
import, 113 modify, 136, 143, 145
modify, 128 reset, 146
Technical Manager responsibilities, 70 view, 136, 143, 145
Test tomcat service, 11
additional time for SEN candidates, tomcat user, 11
132
allocate candidates, 133 U
anonymous, 66, 149, 158
Uninstalling
checking which are available, 80
DPS software, 98
checking which are installed, 80
tests, 100
connected, 169
Unique Pupil Number (UPN), 111
create session, 139
Unlocking a user account, 77
deploying automatically, 82
Unscheduled Tests, 149
environment, 68
Upgrading
installing, 79
APS software, 12
installing manually, 83
UPN), 111
pause and resume, 185
Users
performance, 8
creating, 74
plan, 139
deleting, 76
recover, 190
initial, 17
reschedule, 145
locked, 77
results, 192
modifying, 76
schedule, 133
Pupil Manager, 72
security, 170
roles and responsibilities, 69
session status, 143
changing, 77
shut down, 187
Technical Manager, 70
status, 134
Test Administrator, 73
Test Administrators, 73
Test Manager, 72
uninstalling, 100
unlocking, 77
V
View
candidate test status, 151
result distribution, 193
test results, 192, 193
test session, 143
test sessions for candidate, 150
tests for candidate, 150
Virus protection. See Network security
W
Workstation
failure, 178
Y
Year Group
set, 121
E-testing Customer Services and Technical Support Teams,
RM, New Mill House, 183 Milton Park,
Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4SE
Telephone. 0845 123 7820
Fax. 01235 854391
Email: aqatests@rm.com
