Blackboard Testing Tips

Here are some suggestions for making tests go more smoothly in Blackboard.

Before You Begin A Test | During a Test

Before You Begin A Test or Quiz in Blackboard

1. Make sure your computer is up-to-date and ready to go.
   Check the supported browsers and operating systems to make sure that you are using the correct browser. Mozilla Firefox is often the better web browser for testing in Blackboard.
2. If you have dial-up, make sure that call-waiting is disabled and that everyone in your house knows not to pick up the phone.
3. Firewalls
   If a firewall is installed on your computer and/or network , an error message may be generated informing you that your system was configured to deny access to this URL. The solution is to take the test on a computer that doesn't have a firewall. Firewall problems are especially common for students who access Blackboard from their work place.
4. Make sure you read all testing instructions carefully. 
   Try to take your test in an appropriate environment.  Do not start the test until you are ready to complete it. If you are required to complete it in one sitting, make sure that you have enough time to finish the test.  If possible, choose a location where you will not be interrupted or distracted
5. If you have been working in Blackboard, click the "logout" button at the top of the Blackboard window and log back in before you begin the test.  This will reset Blackboard's inactivity time.  (Typing is not recognized as activity.)  Do not just X out to close the Blackboard window, you must actually click the logout button. This action will refresh your activity session.
6. Make sure you single click the link to begin the test - No double clicking!! 
   If you double-click on the link to a test, Blackboard reads the first click as an attempt to take the test and the second click as a second attempt, which may not be allowed by the instructor. This will block your access to the test before you even begin.  You will need to contact your instructor to reset the test.
7. Click “Next" instead of pressing “Enter" on the keyboard .
   For tests that present one question at a time, click the Next button rather than pressing Enter on the keyboard.
8. Don't click outside the test area
   Clicking the course outside the test area (for example, on "Announcements" or "Course Information") will cause the system to prematurely "Submit" the test before you are finished.
9. Take the test before the deadline
   Don't wait until the last minute to take a test.
10. Resizing the browser window may erase data - maximize or resize your browser window, as needed, BEFORE you begin the test.
    Be careful not to close or resize the window. Select a comfortable window size prior to clicking the test link.  Resizing your browser window refreshes your screen and could cause you to get locked out of a test. It might also cause information entered up to that point to be erased and all answers will need to be re-entered.

During a Test in Blackboard

1. To begin a test, "single" click the Begin button only when you are ready to begin and complete the test.  (Single click all buttons within the testing area.  No double clicking!)
2. Once a test opens, read all information and instructions related to the test carefully.
   
    

   Multiple Attempts:  If your instructor allows multiple attempts, you can complete the test, submit, and then retake and submit.

   Force Completion Enabled:  If forced completion is enabled, you must complete and submit a test in one sitting.  If you lose your internet connection, are timed-out, or encounter some other problem that kicks you out of the test, you will not be allowed to reenter the test.  You must then contact your instructor and request that your attempt be cleared.  At that time, all previously saved answers will be lost, and you will be reset to the beginning of the assessment.  If you had saved all answers and lost your connection at the end of the test, you could request that the instructor grade the saved work manually as long as everything saved properly. 
   

   Force Completion Not Enabled:  (In the instructions, it will state that the test can be saved and resumed later.  See image above.)  If forced completion is not enabled and you encounter a problem and lose your connection to the test, you can reenter the test without requesting that the instructor clear the attempt.  If you were saving answers periodically, those answers should still be selected when you reenter the test. 
    

3. You should save the test periodically if a test displays all questions at once. Every five questions, you should either scroll to the top or bottom of your test and single click 'Save All Answers'.
   

4. Check what questions have saved answers by clicking the 'Test/Survey Status' at the top of your testing window. Clicking on any question number will show you that question. The questions that have been answered will show graded.
   
   

5. Always single click buttons in the test taking area (Save and Submit, Next Question, Save Answer, etc.)

6. Don't click your web browsers Back, Forward, or Refresh buttons while completing a test.

7. Don't click outside of your browser window into another area of your course.

8. Click “Next" instead of pressing “Enter" on the keyboard . For tests that present one question at a time, click the "Next" or right arrow button rather than pressing Enter on the keyboard. Blackboard  automatically saves your answer to a particular question when you move to the next one, and it can take 10-15 seconds to load the next question.

9. Do not use the scroll wheel on your mouse or touch pad when scrolling up and down in a test. You can inadvertently change answers.

10. After you have checked all answers, single click "Save and Submit" on the test. Only click this one time.
    
    You can then view your grade through the Student Grades areas or by clicking back on the link for the test.