ACT Instructional Technology & Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A test administrator notices the computer-based testing platform is running slowly during an exam. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Restart the testing software without logging out the examinee
- Document the issue, note the time, and contact technical support (Correct answer)
- Ask the examinee to close all background applications themselves
- End the session and reschedule the exam for another day
Correct answer: Document the issue, note the time, and contact technical support
Documenting the issue and contacting technical support preserves the integrity of the session while obtaining qualified assistance.
Question 2: Which ACT policy governs the use of screen reader software during a computer-based ACT administration?
- Any commercial screen reader may be used without prior approval
- Screen readers are prohibited on all ACT computer-based tests
- Approved screen reader accommodations must be documented and authorized before test day (Correct answer)
- Examinees may bring their own licensed screen reader on a USB drive
Correct answer: Approved screen reader accommodations must be documented and authorized before test day
ACT requires that accommodations such as screen readers be pre-authorized and documented in the student's accommodation file before test day.
Question 3: When setting up a computer-based testing room, the administrator should ensure that:
- Each workstation has a functioning internet browser for research use during the exam
- All unauthorized applications and browser tabs are closed on every testing device (Correct answer)
- Examinees can share peripherals such as keyboards and mice to reduce equipment costs
- Testing devices are connected to a shared printer for immediate score reporting
Correct answer: All unauthorized applications and browser tabs are closed on every testing device
Closing all unauthorized applications and browser tabs prevents access to prohibited resources and maintains test security.
Question 4: A student with an approved accommodation for extended time is using a computer-based platform. How should the test administrator manage timing?
- Use the standard timer and manually add extra time at the end of each section
- Configure the testing platform with the approved extended time prior to the session (Correct answer)
- Allow the student to self-time using a personal device
- Apply extended time only to the sections the student finds most difficult
Correct answer: Configure the testing platform with the approved extended time prior to the session
The testing platform must be pre-configured with the student's approved extended time so timing is accurate and automatic throughout the exam.
Question 5: What does a 'kiosk mode' or 'secure browser' accomplish during computer-based ACT testing?
- It increases the screen resolution for easier reading
- It restricts access to all other applications and internet content on the device (Correct answer)
- It automatically saves examinee responses to an external cloud drive
- It enables two-factor authentication for the test administrator login
Correct answer: It restricts access to all other applications and internet content on the device
Kiosk or secure browser mode locks the device so examinees cannot access other applications, websites, or system functions during the test.
Question 6: An examinee's computer freezes mid-section during a CBT administration. After resolving the technical issue, what must the administrator verify before allowing the student to continue?
- That the student's responses prior to the freeze were saved and the timer accurately reflects remaining time (Correct answer)
- That the student restarts the entire test section from the beginning to ensure fairness
- That all other examinees have also paused their tests during the interruption
- That the student signs a waiver acknowledging the technical difficulty
Correct answer: That the student's responses prior to the freeze were saved and the timer accurately reflects remaining time
The administrator must confirm that previously entered responses were not lost and that the timer correctly reflects the time remaining for that student.
Question 7: Which of the following is an administrator's responsibility when using ACT's online testing platform on test day?
- Updating the platform software to the latest version immediately before testing begins
- Verifying that all student rosters and accommodation settings are correctly loaded in the system (Correct answer)
- Installing third-party monitoring software to track student eye movements
- Providing each student with individual login credentials created by the administrator on test day
Correct answer: Verifying that all student rosters and accommodation settings are correctly loaded in the system
Confirming that student rosters and accommodation settings are correctly entered in the platform is a key pre-administration responsibility.
ACT Instructional Technology & Tools 2
A test administrator notices the computer-based testing platform is running slowly during an exam.
What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?