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Guide to Computer Testing
Exam tutorial
Immediately prior to your AALAS certification exam at a Prometric
Testing Center, you will
be given up to 15 minutes to complete a tutorial (practice). Do not worry about
answering questions (also called "items") correctly during the
tutorial. Rather, concentrate on learning HOW to answer questions and HOW
to use the computer, keyboard, and mouse.
The figures in this
Guide to Computer Testing are a sample of actual screens from the exam tutorial.
This tutorial is the same for each level of certification. When you initially
start your exam at the test center, you will have the option of using the
tutorial or going straight into your exam. It is strongly recommended that you
take the 15 minutes to complete the tutorial and review the procedures for
taking your exam.
General
Information About Your Exam
During your exam you will have certain information available on your screen at
all times.
Your name and
level of exam will appear in the top center portion of the screen.
The time
remaining on your exam will be visible in the top right-hand portion of the
screen.
For each
question, the displayed question number will be listed in the top left-hand
corner of the screen.
During your tutorial, a
non-functional HELP button may be visible on the screen. Note, however, that
there will NOT be an on-line HELP function during your exam. So, if at any
time during your actual testing session you think you have a problem with your
computer or need the administrator for any reason, you should raise your hand.
Using a mouse
Your testing workstation will be equipped with a mouse to use in selecting
answers and other options from your computer screen. Only a few, simple mouse
techniques are required to complete a test, and many people find using a mouse a
very easy way to complete their exams.
You can use the mouse to
select things (answers to questions, for example) and to choose command buttons
that indicate what you wish to do (for example, choose the 'NEXT' button to move
to the next question).
Testing basics
You complete your exam by answering questions and choosing actions represented
by various command buttons visible on the screen.
Skipping and/or
Marking an answer
If you choose, you may skip any question during your exam by pressing the 'NEXT'
button and moving on to the next question.
If you are unsure of the
answer you selected and would like to return to that particular question at a
later time, simply click on the 'MARK' button located in the bottom center
portion of your screen. Once you have returned back to the 'marked' question and
have selected the answer you want, simply click on the 'MARK' button again to
'unmark' the question. (NOTE: A question will not automatically be graded
as incorrect if it is left 'marked' at the end of the exam. The only way a
'marked' question will be counted wrong is if the answer you have selected is
actually incorrect or if you have not selected any answer at all.)
You have the opportunity
at any time during your exam to review any questions (items) you
left 'incomplete' or 'marked' by using the 'REVIEW ITEMS' button located at the
bottom of the screen (see section on "Reviewing Questions").
Reviewing questions
and your answers to them
At any time during the exam or at the end of your exam, you will have the
ability to review any or all of the exam questions. The 'Review Items' button is
available during the exam on the bottom portion of your screen. At the end of
the exam, the Item Review screen will automatically be displayed to give you the
opportunity to go back to any questions you left 'incomplete' or 'marked' or
just simply review your answers. Those questions left 'incomplete' will be noted
with an 'I,' and those 'marked' will be noted with an 'M.'
NOTE: All of your questions (even those left 'marked') will be graded based on
the answer you have selected. Any questions left unanswered at the end of
your exam will be scored as incorrect.
Ending the Exam
Once you have answered all items to your satisfaction, you will end your
examination by clicking on the 'End Examination' button. This takes you out of
the examination.
Once you exit the exam
you may NOT return to it again. NOTE: As mentioned earlier, the time remaining
on your exam is shown on the screen at all times. If this length of time expires
while you are taking the exam, the exam will automatically end, and you will not
be allowed to return to it. If you have any 'marked' or 'incomplete' items, a
warning notice will appear. This prevents you from inadvertently exiting the
exam with unanswered questions.
Exit Survey
Upon completion of your actual exam a brief exit survey will be provided. Please
take the time to complete this survey as your opinions are very valuable to
AALAS.
More Tips and
Suggestions:
Using the
computer to take your exam is meant to make the testing process easier. If
you are uneasy, try getting some sort of computer experience* prior to taking
your exam. There are computers located in most animal facilities, in computer
labs at institutions, in computer stores, in public libraries, and now even
in some fast food restaurants. Take the time to get a feeling of a mouse,
looking at and following procedures on the screen, and using a keyboard.
Relax!! Stop
occasionally and take a deep breath.
Read all
testing directions and information carefully.
Get help if you
need it. The exam administrator is there for assistance. He/she will be there
to assist you with the computer, the workstation, the room, or the facility,
but will not be able to answer any questions on the content of the exam.
Watch your time
closely. Try not to spend too much time on one particular question. If you
are unsure of the question or which answer to give, either 'mark' the
question or leave it unanswered and go onto the next question. You will be
able to review the question at a later time.
Only the
options displayed on the screen during the exam are available.
If you have any
questions or concerns at any time during the testing process, please contact
the Certification Dept. at the National AALAS office (901) 754-8620; Fax:
(901) 753-0046; E-mail: certification@aalas.org.
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