Guide to Administering the Common Pre-Tests and Troubleshooting

Modified on Fri, 17 Nov, 2023 at 11:45 AM

Please refer to the Invigilation Centre Guide for full information about the Common Pre-Tests including:

  • System Requirements
  • Preparation for Pre-Tests
  • Information on Malpractice


Getting Started On the Day:

           (Use this to ensure there will be no firewall issues accessing the test platform)


Make sure you have ready:

  • Test Codes

Where do I find the Test Codes?

If you want to check the Test Codes work before the day of the test, you will be able to input them as long as the assessment window is open.  For example, if your test is on a Tuesday you may want to start the assessment window from the Friday before.  You will then be able to enter the Test Code and Date of Birth to check that you are taken to the pupil's test dashboard.  Make sure you do not select 'start test'. Sign out (top right corner) on the device afterwards.

  • Dates of birth of the applicants (as they appear in your Invigilation Centre Portal). If any dates of birth are incorrect, please see the relevant section in the Troubleshooting section below

  • Pencil and paper for rough work (for all four tests) to be provided by the invigilation centre


Setting up the tests

Launch the test platform on Chrome.

The assessment platform will only support a Chrome browser, the minimum version required is 100 or Microsoft Edge Chromium. However we recommend you have the latest version for reliability. Please check all computers meet this requirement before the assessment.  

You can use the Diagnostic Tool:https://iseb.eva.tech/debug/ to check your browser version and ensure there are no firewalls in place.


You will see this screen:

Using the Test Codes

Each applicant has a unique Test Code which can be found in the Assessments Tab of the Invigilation Centre Portal.

The Test Codes are in this format:

Applicants need only type the letters, the hyphens are pre-filled.

The letters are case-sensitive and should be in CAPITALS.


Once they have entered the Test Code, applicants will be asked to enter their date of birth.

DD/MM/YYYY


They will then be taken to the main test menu.

  • Their name will appear at the top to ensure that the test (and the results) are assigned to them.

Invigilators should ask the applicants to check that the name is any of their used (or given) names.

  • Applicants should wait for further instructions from the invigilator before selecting any tests.
  • The invigilator can read aloud the information on the main menu.
  • The invigilator should check if anyone has any questions.


Selecting the Test

The invigilator should tell the applicants which test they need to select.

Once all the applicants have selected the correct test, they will see the instructions for setting up the page.

  • The invigilator can read aloud the instructions.
  • The invigilator should check if anyone has any questions.
  • Applicants will be able to set up their screen once the test has started, they should not spend too much time doing this.


Starting the Test

Select ‘Start Test’ to begin.  The timer will now start to count down.

The invigilator should then ensure that test conditions are followed (see Invigilation Centre Guide).

Pupils should not move away from the current test browser page, the timer will continue to count down.

At 5 minutes from the end of the test, applicants can be given a 5-minute warning.


Timer

Pupils will see a timer at the top of the screen which will count backwards the time that they have.  This will automatically be adjusted for pupils with SEND.

Hiding the Timer

For pupils who find the timer causes them anxiety, it can be hidden from view by clicking on the timer.


Progress Bar

The progress bar in an adaptive test is more complex than a progress bar found in a linear test. Applicants may notice that near the end of the test there is some white space in the progress bar immediately before the test ends, as the applicant, upon answering the latest question, has reached a skill record accuracy to end the test at that point without needing to show any of the upcoming questions.

Understanding the Progress Bar

Hiding the Progress Bar

For pupils who find the progress bar causes them anxiety, it can be hidden from view by clicking on the bar.

Pausing the test

You can pause or unpause a test by entering your ‘Invigilator Code’ on the applicant’s device. Use the information button on the test screen to enter your code.


You might have to pause the test for one of these reasons:

  • Rest break for pupils with SEND

  • Pupil unwell

  • Technical difficulties


Your ‘Invigilator Code’ can be found in the Invigilation Centre Portal.

For further information on pausing the test, see this article.


 


Ending the Test

The test will automatically close when time is completed. Some applicants may finish before the end of the test time.

Applicants with 25% extra-time will have their time adjusted and this will automatically be added. These pupils may also finish before the end of the test time.

Pupils who finish before the end should remain in silence so as not to disturb the other pupils.


Pupils will be taken back to the main menu and the test will be marked as COMPLETED.

They should remain on this page to await further instructions from the invigilator.


Test Lengths


Test name

Standard time

With 25% extra-time

English

40 minutes

50 minutes

Mathematics

40 minutes

50 minutes

Non-Verbal Reasoning

30 minutes

37.5 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

25 minutes

31.25 minutes



Troubleshooting


The Test Platform cannot be accessed


  • Check you are using the correct URL: https://iseb.eva.tech/test

  • Check you are using Chrome

  • Check you are connected to the internet and that flight mode is NOT switched on

  • Run the Diagnostic Tool to see if there are any firewall issues (make sure you are logged in as the pupil to ensure the correct access privileges are being diagnosed)

https://iseb.eva.tech/debug/


The Test Code is not accepted


  • Check the Test Code has been typed correctly by the applicant

  • Check the applicant is using the Test Code (not the Applicant ID)

  • This is an example of a Test Code:

  • Check that you are within the Test Window that you have scheduled 

You can check this in your Invigilation Centre Portal

Open the Assessments Tab

Click on the assessment

Check the start and finish date

https://pretests.support.iseb.co.uk/en/support/solutions/articles/101000442683-how-can-i-check-the-test-window-

  • Try copying and pasting the Test Code to ensure it is correct


The Date of Birth is not accepted


  • Check the pupil is using the correct DAY, MONTH, YEAR

  • Check the format DD/MM/YYYY


If both of these are correct, check how the Date of Birth has been entered in your Invigilation Centre Portal.  

If the Date of Birth is incorrectly recorded on their applicant profile, the applicant should use the incorrect Date of Birth so they can access the test.  

It will not make a difference to the questions they will see.  

The invigilation centre MUST contact ISEB after the test is completed to request that the Date of Birth be amended to the correct date.  

The parents/guardians will need to approve that this change can be made.The standardised score will then be adjusted accordingly.  

This should also be reported on the Centre Declaration Form.


A pupil is ill during the test


The test can be paused (see the following instructions) to stop the timer counting down whilst the pupil is unable to continue with the test.

If the pupil is unable to return to the test it will remain paused until the end of the test window. If the test window allows them to log in the next day (or when they are feeling better) they will be able to continue with the test. The invigilator will have to enter the Invigilator Code to resume the test.

If the pupil is not able to return to the test within the test window, please contact ISEB pretests@iseb.co.uk to discuss whether the test needs to be reset. Once the test has been completed, the Centre Declaration form for this applicant should be updated explaining the circumstances.


An applicant has closed the browser during the test


The timer will continue to countdown. 

Open Chrome and enter the URL: https://iseb.eva.tech/test

The applicant will need to enter their Applicant ID and Date of Birth again.

Select the correct test from the main menu and continue.


If the applicant runs out of time and doesn’t complete the test you should enter this information on the Centre Declaration form, explaining how much time the applicant lost.

If you think this has significantly impacted the applicant’s ability to complete the test, you should contact pretests@iseb.co.uk


An applicant has selected and started the wrong test


Generally speaking, it is better for the pupil to continue with the wrong test.  This is because once a test has started it cannot be ended (unless paused) and completing the wrong test will not impact the results.


If a pupil has started the wrong test, realised their mistake and then selected the correct test to complete without letting the invigilator know it is likely that when they then want to choose the test at the correct time it will be marked as 'complete'. The test will not be able to be taken.


In this situation, the test will need be reset and you should contact pretests@iseb.co.uk. Please note it will take at least one working day to process this.


What to do if a test is abandoned due to an external issue (eg fire alarm)


If for any reason you have to evacuate the centre and cannot complete the tests, please submit a ticket, selecting 'Technical difficulties during a test'. 

The test timer will continue to count down and it is likely the test will time out.

ISEB will investigate how this has impacted the results and, if applicants were unable to complete the tests then, they can be reset in extenuating circumstances.  

It is unlikely that the tests will be able to be retaken on the same day.

ISEB will inform you if and when the tests can be rescheduled.


You should include the details about the abandonment of the test in the Centre Declaration form, this will make the senior schools aware when they view the results.


What to do if there is an internet outage


The ISEB Common Pre-Tests are an online test.  If there is a disruption to the internet, then applicants will not be able to progress through the test.

It is likely that the page will appear ‘stuck’ and will not move on to the next question.


In the first instance, you should check your internet connection and make sure that ‘flight mode’ has not accidentally been turned on.

If this is an isolated issue, close the browser and move the applicant to another computer. Having a backup computer set up with the Test Platform is a good contingency.


If you do have an internet outage that affects multiple pupils and they are unable to reconnect please submit a ticket, selecting 'Technical difficulties during a test'.

The test timer will continue to count down and it is likely the test will time out.

ISEB will investigate how this has impacted the results and if applicants were unable to complete the tests then they can be reset in extenuating circumstances.  

It is unlikely that the tests will be able to be retaken on the same day.

ISEB will inform you if and when the tests can be rescheduled.


You should include the details about the abandonment of the test in the Centre Declaration form, this will make the senior schools aware when they view the results.


Technical Difficulties During a Test


ISEB understands that administering tests can be very challenging, especially when technical difficulties occur.  The quickest way to ensure your enquiry is responded to with high priority is to submit a ticket, selecting 'Technical difficulties during a test'.

By completing the information here we are able to more quickly escalate your issue.

It is likely that ISEB will need time to investigate the situation but we will ensure that we keep you informed of our progress.  If a test is disrupted in any way we will be able to advise you when and if it should be rescheduled. 

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select at least one of the reasons
CAPTCHA verification is required.

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article