ACT Instructional Technology & Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a paper-based ACT, the proctor uses a digital timer displayed on a projector screen. A bulb burns out partway through a section. What is the correct response?
- Immediately end the section and report testing irregularity
- Switch to a backup timekeeping method and continue the section (Correct answer)
- Ask examinees to use their phones to track remaining time
- Grant all examinees an automatic 5-minute extension
Correct answer: Switch to a backup timekeeping method and continue the section
Administrators should have a backup timekeeping method available and use it seamlessly so the session can continue without disruption.
Question 2: A test center receives new ACT test booklets shipped with a CD-ROM containing examiner audio for the optional writing prompt. The CD-ROM drive is broken. What should the administrator do?
- Record the audio prompt themselves and play it over speakers
- Contact ACT to request an alternative delivery method for the audio content (Correct answer)
- Read the audio script aloud from the printed materials
- Skip the audio component and let students read the prompt silently
Correct answer: Contact ACT to request an alternative delivery method for the audio content
The administrator should contact ACT for guidance on alternative delivery rather than improvising an unauthorized substitute.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the ACT Test Administration Manual's section on technology requirements for CBT sites?
- To recommend optional software upgrades that improve student performance
- To specify minimum hardware, network, and software standards that must be met before testing (Correct answer)
- To describe features that will be added in future platform updates
- To outline how administrators can customize the test interface for individual examinees
Correct answer: To specify minimum hardware, network, and software standards that must be met before testing
The technology requirements section establishes mandatory minimum standards for hardware, connectivity, and software to ensure the platform functions correctly on test day.
Question 4: Which action is PROHIBITED when administering a computer-based ACT?
- Using a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for greater stability
- Disabling kiosk mode to help a student who claims the interface is confusing (Correct answer)
- Pre-loading student login credentials into the testing platform the day before
- Placing a 'Testing in Progress — Do Not Disturb' sign on the door
Correct answer: Disabling kiosk mode to help a student who claims the interface is confusing
Disabling kiosk mode undermines test security by allowing access to unauthorized resources and is explicitly prohibited.
Question 5: An administrator is preparing 30 workstations for an ACT CBT session. After setup, 2 computers fail the pre-test system check. What is the correct course of action?
- Pair two examinees on each working computer to compensate for the shortage
- Seat only as many examinees as there are verified functioning workstations and adjust the roster accordingly (Correct answer)
- Allow examinees to use personal laptops as substitute testing devices
- Proceed with all 30 examinees and troubleshoot the 2 computers during the exam
Correct answer: Seat only as many examinees as there are verified functioning workstations and adjust the roster accordingly
Only verified, functioning workstations may be used; the number of examinees tested must not exceed the number of confirmed working stations.
Question 6: A student requests to use a word processor with spell-check disabled as an accommodation for the ACT Writing section. Which step must occur for this to be permitted?
- The student may request this accommodation verbally to the administrator on test day
- The accommodation must be pre-approved by ACT and documented in the student's accommodation file (Correct answer)
- Any student with a disability may use a word processor without prior approval
- The administrator may grant this at their discretion if the student provides a doctor's note
Correct answer: The accommodation must be pre-approved by ACT and documented in the student's accommodation file
Word processor use is a formal accommodation that requires advance approval by ACT and documentation before test day.
Question 7: What is a 'testing irregularity' in the context of ACT technology use, and how must it be handled?
- Any situation where an examinee scores unusually low; scores must be invalidated immediately
- An unexpected event that may have compromised test security or validity; it must be documented and reported to ACT (Correct answer)
- A routine technical issue resolved in under 2 minutes; no action is required
- A student complaint about the testing interface; handled solely by the site coordinator
Correct answer: An unexpected event that may have compromised test security or validity; it must be documented and reported to ACT
A testing irregularity is any unexpected event affecting security or validity, and ACT requires it to be documented and reported regardless of perceived severity.
ACT Instructional Technology & Tools 3
During a paper-based ACT, the proctor uses a digital timer displayed on a projector screen.
A bulb burns out partway through a section.
What is the correct response?