Examsoft Information Packet

The School of Law will make ExamSoft available to all law students for each semester. The following information will provide background on what ExamSoft is, what it does, how you can acquire it, and how you can use it to take your exams.

PLEASE NOTE: this information is applicable to you even if you previously downloaded and registered a copy of SofTest.

Who is ExamSoft?

ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc. is a software developer specializing in computerized assessment and assessment administration programs.  

What is SofTest from ExamSoft?

SofTest is a high stakes assessment program developed and licensed by ExamSoft that enables exam takers to securely take examinations downloaded to their own laptop computers by blocking access to files, programs and the Internet during an exam.

What is FlexSite?

FlexSite is ExamSoft's Internet-based exam delivery option.  Using SofTest, you will download your exam(s) prior to exam day and upload your answer(s) after the exam via the Internet.  You WILL NOT require Internet connectivity during your exam(s).  You WILL require Internet connectivity to download your exam(s) and upload your answer(s).  Although you are required to download and upload your exam to use ExamSoft, UWLA will not provide Internet connectivity and in fact UWLA will disable Internet connectivity during the examination period.

Will SofTest work on my computer?

SofTest operates on any PC running Windows XP and Windows Vista.  SofTest also operates on Mac OSX running Bootcamp and Windows XP or Vista.  SofTest is not compatible with any virtual machine software such as VMware Fusion or Parallels.  The minimum recommended system requirements are: 

• CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
• RAM = 1 GB MB
• Hard Drive = 50 MB free space
• Operating System = 32-bit Versions of Windows XP or Vista or a 64-bit Version of Windows Vista
• Software = Internet Browser
• Minimum Screen Resolution = 1024x768
• Internet Connection = An Internet connection is required to download SofTest and upload your completed examination
• A battery in good condition with a capacity of at least four (4) hours 

How reliable is SofTest?

SofTest has a considerable number of safety features to ensure that answers typed into SofTest cannot be lost.  They include: 

• An Autosave feature that automatically saves your exam every sixty (60) seconds
• Multiple encrypted backup copies of the exam answer file are saved 
• The ability to undo up to fifty (50) of the previous actions per essay question  

What is the Registration Process?

The Registration Process involves the 3-steps needed to acquire SofTest.  They begin on UWLA's ExamSoft Custom Home Page located at www.examsoft.com/uwlalaw and they are as follows:

Step 1:  Acquire your Password

Password Request (1 minute) - Request that a password be e-mailed to you

Step 2:  Sign Up

Acquire your Password (2 minutes) - Enter your first and last name, e-mail address, your UWLA five digit student identification number (which serves as your anonymous grading identification number) and the password that was e-mailed to you.  Your student identification number is shown on your student identification card

Step 3: Log In

Log In (30 seconds) - Enter your Student ID# and Password

Step 4: Download SofTest

Downloading SofTest takes minutes on high-speed Internet connections and 30 - 60 minutes on dial-up connections

Step 5:  Reboot & register SofTest

Once rebooted, you will be prompted to register, you will be notified on-screen that you have completed the process and you will also receive an email confirmation.  If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact ExamSoft technical support at support@examsoft.com or call toll-free 866-429-8889.

Can I practice using SofTest before the exam?

Yes.  After registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on your Windows desktop.  Click the "LAUNCH SOFTEST' button.  On the SofTest Start Window, select the "Practice Exam" button.  Click "Yes" to take the Practice Exam and then "Yes" again to take it in secure mode.  This enables you to familarize yourself with the SofTest exam enviornment.  You may use the Practice Exam as many times as you wish.  Note that the Practice Exam cannot be saved, cannot be used until SofTest is registered, but can be printed during the exam. 

If I used SofTest last year, do I have to perform all the steps again?

Yes! You will need to go to support@examsoft.com to download and register the latest version of ExamSoft (i.e. if you are a new or transfer student who entered UWLA this semester).

What Should I do Prior to Exam Day?

• Register SofTest on the computer you intend to use on exam day by the deadline
• Ensure; (1) that your PC meets the specifications listed above, (2) that there is plenty of free hard drive space, (3) that your PC is virus free, and (4) that your PC is free of disk errors by running SCANDISK (click; Start button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk or Disk Cleanup)
• Once you have installed and registered SofTest, familiarize yourself with the software by utilizing the built in Practice Exam
• SofTest's opening screen asks for an ID#.  You will need to use your UWLA Student ID number in this ID field
• After registering SofTest you must download all exam files that you have been registered for.  (You must download all exam files prior to arriving at UWLA as UWLA will not provide Internet access during the final exam period, further all wireless Internet connectivity provided by UWLA will be disabled)
• To download exam finals launch SofTest
• Click the "Download exam files" button
• Log in with your UWLA student number and the password you have previously selected
• No exam password is needed to download so click "Next"
• Now select and download each exam for which you registered
• Ensure that your laptop battery is fully charged and has sufficient capacity for the length of your examination
• If you encounter issues with your use of SofTest, visit support@examsoft.com 

What Must I do on Exam Day?

• Bring your power cord, fully charged battery, and an extension cord.  Although UWLA will make all reasonable efforts to supply adequate electrical outlets for the examination, UWLA makes no guarantees that outlets will be available.  Electrical outlets while available will be assigned on a first come first served basis
• If you normally use an external keyboard and mouse or if you need earplugs, you may bring those as well
• Arrive in the exam room at least 15 minutes early, plug your computer into a power outlet (if one is available), turn on the computer and follow the instructions provided
• Immediately before SofTest launches the exam, you will be provided with a warning screen with RED STOP SIGNS indicating that you should not begin the exam until instructed to do so.  Heed this warning
• Exams will not be delayed or suspended due to computer problems.  Students who do not take the time to become familiar with their laptop computer or with word processing functions, should consider handwriting their exams.  No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software
• During the exam, use care when highlighting and deleting
• Once you register your copy of SofTest, the school will be charged the license fee

• ANY ATTEMPT TO DISABLE OR TAMPER WITH SOFTEST'S SECURITY FEATURES WILL BE CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT HONOR CODE.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT AND THE SOFTEST SOFTWARE AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY EXAMSOFT ON ITS WEBSITE PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR EXAM.  PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF SUFFICIENT TIME TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LAPTOP AND THE APPLICATION.  COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAM WILL NOT BE DELAYED DUE TO A HARDWARE PROBLEM WITH YOUR LAPTOP.

• Do not uninstall SofTest until you receive your grades for each of your courses.

What Must I do After the Exam?

• As UWLA will not supply Internet connectivity during the examination period you must within twenty-four (24) hours or prior to your next examination using SofTest (whichever is earlier) upload your examination to SofTest through the Internet. 
• When you arrive home or any other place that you have Internet connectivity:
• Turn on your computer and connect to the Internet
• Double click the "SofTest" icon on your Desktop.  Your answer file(s) will be automatically uploaded.  After the upload has been completed you will receive a confirmation by email from Examsoft