Testing Prep
There are several documents that must be used for testing. The test site administrator must be sure that all proctors have a copy of the Proctor Guide and the E-SESS Online Test Instructions.
Documentation and information for the testing process:
- CTECS Test Site Administrator Guide –Guidelines for TSAs.
- CTECS Proctor Guide-gen –Guidelines for proctors and how to have a successful testing experience. Includes troubleshooting testing issues. Note! This document is not required and does not apply to the Fully Automated Testing (FAT) process.
- Using Your E-SESS Admin Account –Step by step procedures for handling errors using the instant enrollment AND generating reports in E-SESS.
- E-SESS Participant Guide — E-SESS login and test navigation instructions.
- IT Checklist for Administering CTECS Assessments –Guidelines for preparing the online testing environment.
IT Requirements for In-School Testing (IST)
If you are using Fully Automated Testing (FAT), go to the IT Requirements for FAT on this page.
In order for the testing process to go smoothly, the IT requirements must be met. That said, the IT requirements are standard across today’s popular IT hardware and software tools.
Use this checklist to be sure computer settings are correct: IT Checklist for Administering CTECS Assessments.pdf
If there are issues during testing, refer to these troubleshooting documents:
- E-SESS Technical Difficulties Tips – IT staff.docx
- E-SESS Technical Difficulties Tips and Solutions.docx
Note: Have one or two students log in and take the Sample Test at each test site well in advance of testing day to ensure that there are no proxy servers preventing access to the site, no software packages preventing cookies/sessions from being stored, or additional local obstacles. This test is only for testing the IT.
IT System Specifications Details
- Browser: The testing program is supported for participants on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on currently supported platforms for those browsers. For Administrators – Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari on currently supported platforms.
- Reporting: In some cases, in-browser reports are augmented with spreadsheet and/or PDF documents. Excel (or compatible) and a PDF reader (such as Acrobat Reader) are optional but not required.
- Display Properties: The testing program is best viewed at 1024 x 768 display resolution or higher. It will work at 800 x 600.
- Bandwidth: The bandwidth recommendation is a T1 line for every 150 simultaneous users. The T1 may be able to serve additional students; however, student populations greater than 150 per site have not been tested and confirmed by TFI. Bandwidth may be an issue if the connections are not “dedicated.”
- Memory: There are no specific requirements for the CPU, RAM, etc. If the machine will run the browser, the E-SESS application will run.
- Firewalls and server settings: Content is accessed through https://techfluency.org/esess/. Media (images and audio) are served through https://media.techfluency.org/ via the AWS CloudFront service. Please ensure your location is not blocking these domains or services.
Sample Test
If the test will be taken in school with a live proctor, use this sample test process:
Access the sample test by following these instructions:
1. Go to http://www.techfluency.org/esess/
2. Make the following entries into the four blanks:
- Organization: ctecs
- First Name: sample
- Last Name: sample
- Password: sample
3. Click Log In.
4. Check the box to agree to statements.
5. Click Begin.
At least one graphic should be visible and the timer should be visible and clearly readable.
Note: Have one or two students log in and take the Sample Test at each test site well in advance of testing day to ensure that there are no proxy servers preventing access to the site, no software packages preventing cookies/sessions from being stored, or additional local obstacles.