System Test

Q: I can’t take a test.
A: Go to Test your system and review the results.

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Q: Test your system indicates that one or more of the features "Failed."
A: Use the following guide to troubleshoot your system.

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Q: Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later or Firefox version 1.0 or later indicates "Failed".
A: You need to update your browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, go to www.microsoft.com, go to Downloads, and click on the most recent version of Internet Explorer available. To upgrade Firefox, go to www.mozilla.com, click on Products, then click on Firefox. Follow the directions on screen.

In either case, remember that you may need to double-click on the file you downloaded in order to install it. Rerun Test your system to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

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Q: "Active Scripting (Javascript) enabled" indicates "Failed."
A: You will need to change your browser settings so that this feature is enabled. On Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Security and then click the Custom Level button. Scroll down to Scripting, and make sure that Active Scripting is enabled. Be sure to click OK twice when you are done. Rerun Test your system to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

On Firefox, go to Tools/Options/Content ,and then ensure the box is checked next to "Enable JavaScript" then click OK. Rerun Test Your System to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

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Q: "Session cookies enabled" indicates "Failed."
A: You will need to change your browser settings so that this feature is enabled. On Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Security and then click the Custom Level button. Scroll down to Cookies and check that Allow per-session cookies is set to Enable. Be sure to click OK twice when you are done. Rerun Test Your System to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

On Firefox, go to Tools/Options/Privacy and then ensure the box is checked next to "Accept cookies from sites" then click OK. Rerun Test Your System to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

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Q: "Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption supported" indicates "Failed."
A: You will need to change your browser settings so that this feature is enabled. On Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Advanced and then scroll down to Security. Find Use SSL 3.0 and make sure that it is checked. Click OK when you are done. Rerun Test your system to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

On Firefox, go to Tools/Options/Advanced and click on the "Encryption" tab, ensure the box next to "Use SSL 3.0" is checked and click OK. Rerun Test Your System to verify this has been done correctly and that there are no other issues to address.

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Q: "Adobe Acrobat Viewer" indicates "Failed."
A: Sometimes this test will indicate "Failed" when Adobe Acrobat Viewer is actually installed on your computer. If you are taking as assessment, there is no need for you to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Only registered Test Administrators will need this application. If you are a Test Administrator and are not sure if you have it installed, log into your Test Administration environment. Go to the Product Catalog and then one of the listed tests. Look on the right-hand side of the product detail page and click on the Sample Assessment report. If it does not appear, go to http://www.adobe.com to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat. To verify this is done correctly, try to view the Sample Assessment report again.

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Timed and Applet Tests

Q: I cannot take a "timed" or "applet" test.
A: Note that timed tests are not supported on a Macintosh. You must use a Windows-based machine to take an applet test.

If you are using a Windows-based machine, first go to Test your system and make sure that your browser is correctly configured. If you still cannot take a timed test, there are two additional things you will need to check. You must be sure that you have Sun's JRE installed on you computer and then ascertain that Java is enabled. (Note that this is different from making sure that Active Scripting or Javascript is enabled.)

• Install Sun's JRE You must have the Sun's JRE installed on your computer to take an applet test. If you cannot take a timed test, you should download the Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and follow the instructions on screen.
• Enable Java You must also be sure that Java is enabled. If you are using Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Security and then click the Custom Level button. Scroll down to Java Permissions and make sure that Disable Java is not checked. On Firefox, go to Tools/Options/Content and ensure that Enable Java is selected. Click OK when you are done.

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Test Taking Problems

Q: I clicked on the "Start your Assessment" link and a window popped up saying my test was completed but I never took the test.
A: The test window has probably minimized. When you click on the start link, look on the bottom toolbar of your screen for another browser session and click on it. This should contain your test.

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Q: I am receiving an Internal Server 500 error when I try to take the test.
If this happens, the first thing to try is to attempt to take the test on an alternate browser. (If you are using Internet Explorer, try Firefox; if you are using Firefox, try Internet Explorer.) If this does not work, we recommend that you upgrade your browser. To upgrade Internet Explorer, go to www.microsoft.com, go to Downloads, and click on the most recent version of Internet Explorer available. To upgrade Firefox, go to www.mozilla.com and click on Products then Firefox. Follow the directions on screen. Remember that you may need to double-click on the file you downloaded in order to install it.

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Q: I am using AOL and it won’t let me scroll down the page.
A: This is due to how AOL is configured. What you need to do is to maintain your connection to the internet using AOL but take the test in a browser outside of AOL. To do this, sign onto AOL and then minimize your AOL session. Then, click on the Internet Explorer or Netscape icon that is on your desktop. Go to the address that was given to you by your Test Administrator and type the Test ID and Administrator ID you were provided.

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Q: I was taking a test and I got a message that the session timed out.
A: Tests will time out after a test session is initiated if you do not click the "Next" or "Submit" button within approximately 30 minutes. If you have a browser window with a "Thank you for using pan," follow the link to log back in. If you do not find this screen on your desktop, go to the address that was given to you by your Test Administrator and type in the Tester ID and Administrator ID you were provided.

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Q: I received the message that the test has expired.
A: Most tests must be completed within 24 hours after they were started. If you receive the message that your test has expired, please contact the Test Administrator who provided you with your Administrator ID and Tester ID. Since you are taking a test under the direction of your Test Administrator, only your Test Administrator has the authority to re-activate your test session.

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Q: I finished my test but did not get any message that I am complete.
A: Your administrator will inform you of your results. The system will not send you a confirmation.

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Q: When I click on the link sent me for my assessment, I get a "Page Not Found" error.
A: Many email programs will break lines more than a certain number of characters. Compare the URL in the browser with the link in your email message. Make sure the entire link is included.

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