Frequently Asked Questions

4 STEPS TO LAPTOP EXAMS:

1) Purchase the software from the ISBA bookstore

2) Download and install the software on your computer

3) Register the software with ExamSoft

4) Complete and upload a practice exam

What do I need to do before downloading the software?
You must first visit the ISBA Bookstore in room 218 and purchase a license for the software. The Bookstore closes at 2:00 p.m. The cost of the software license is $25.00. The new licensing period begins September 1, 2008 and this license will expire August 31, 2009.

I have purchased my license from the Bookstore; now what do I need to do?
Login to the Exam Takers section of the Law School's ExamSoft site. Once logged in you can download and install the software on your laptop.

I would like to change my ExamSoft Site password to something easy to remember. How do I do that?
Login to the Law School's ExamSoft site, click on the "Change Account Information" link, enter your desired password in the "New Password" field then confirm it and click the Submit Change button.

After using the software my sound doesn't work, how do I fix it?
The software turns down the Wave setting so that if/when your laptop reboots during the exam the startup sounds don’t bother the other exam takers. Go to 'Start/Control Panel/Sounds and Audio Devices' and click on the Advanced button under the Device Volume area. Click on the slider bar for Wave and move it to the top and your sound should work normally.

After taking an exam my wireless doesn't seem to be working.
During an exam the software disables your wireless connection. It should come back shortly after exiting the exam and rebooting. If after rebooting your connection does not return, please visit Student Computer Support in room 130 of the Law Library.

I'm having trouble uploading my exam. It "locks" in the middle or I received an error.
Some third party Firewall and Anti-SpyWare programs can block the upload utility from working correctly. Known culprits are SpySweeper, Zone Alarm and MacAfee Security Center. In some cases you can simply close the software and try the upload again. If the upload doesn't work after closing the software, please see the Student Computer Support Staff in room 130 of the Library. Please see the Laptop Recommendations page for more information.

When do I need to finish all the steps?
The deadline to purchase the exam software for the Fall 2008 semester is 2:00pm, Monday November 24, 2008. You must download, install and register SofTest as well as download your exam templates before Midnight, Monday November 24, 2008. Registering SofTest automatically signs you up for your courses which are offering the laptop exam option.

Which courses are offering laptop exams?
A list of the Fall 2008 courses offering the Laptop Exam option is available here. Please note that we are still gathering information and a few classes may be added later.

How reliable is the exam software?
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 seconds.
• Multiple encrypted backup copies of the exam answer file are saved.
• The ability to undo up to 50 of the previous actions per essay question window.

What if my laptop "crashes" during the exam?
If your keyboard and/or mouse stops responding you will first attempt a reboot. If the reboot is successful you will be returned to within 59 seconds of where you were before the "crash" and you can continue with your exam. If a reboot does not fix the problem you will immediately notify the proctor who will provide you with Blue Book(s) to finish your exam. The proctor will also notify the I.T. staff and they will attempt to recover your typed answers and bring them back to you in hard copy format to assist you with completing your exam. Extra time is not given for computer malfunctions.

Where will my exam be held?
For some exams, laptop users and writers will be in separate rooms, for most exams they will be in the same room for the exam. An exam schedule with room numbers is posted on the bulletin board outside the Dean's Suite.

I participated in laptop exams in previous semesters. Do I still need to purchase and download the software?
Yes. Previous versions of the exam software have expired and you will need to purcahse a new license for the current license period. The software is renewed annually and must be purchased again starting each Fall. You will need to download and install this new software to participate this semester.

How will exams be collected at the end of the exam period?
The laptop exams will be submitted via the Internet through an upload process. Instructions will be available in the exam room. Please note you must complete this step within two hours of the completion of your exam, including Saturdays.

Do I need the University Wireless on my laptop for the laptop exam?
No. The laptop exams will be submitted via the Internet but this can be done via any wired or wireless connection. 

Do I need to bring my own floppy or USB (Flash) drive? 
No. The exams will be submitted online so you do not need a drive to save it to.

Do I need to own a laptop in order to participate?
Students can provide their own laptop, or arrange to borrow a laptop.  Bear in mind that it will be necessary to use the same laptop in the training session as in the exam itself. Be aware that you are also responsible for keeping your laptop or the borrowed laptop up to date on anti-virus software, Windows Critical Updates, and anti-spyware.

I've changed my mind;  I'd rather take my exam in a blue book. Do I need to do anything or let anyone know?
Yes. Please email either Deb Paul (Registrar) or Apryl Betts so we can ensure that there are enough Blue Books in the exam room on exam day.

Can I open the software before the exam?
Yes, you can open the software as many times as you like. We encourage you to become familiar with the software and run it for an extended period of time (30+ minutes) to ensure there are no issues running the software on your laptop.

How should I test the software before exam day?
Before finals start you must take and upload a copy of the "Mock Exam". The software also includes a "Practice Exam" that you can run as many times as you like. The Practice Exam and Mock Exam are different. The Mock Exam must be taken after you register SofTest and you will be prompted to upload it after you close the exam. The Practice Exam is just for practicing with the software and you will not be prompted to upload the Practice Exam once you exit the software.

When I try to open my exam it asks for a password.
All if the exam answer templates are password protected. The password will be given to you by the proctor at the beginning of the exam. If you would like to practice with the exam software before your exam, please use the built in "Practice Exam" feature.

I notice that there is a Spell Check option. Will I be able to use it during the exam?
This feature is disabled for all exams.

Can I look at my exam answers after the test?
The exam is saved in an encrypted format for security reasons. Students will not be able to view their answers after test.

What do I need to do after the exam is finished?
You must submit your exam online via the Internet.  There is an upload tool built into the software that you will use for your practice exam; the process to upload your final exam is the same.  While you have two hours following the exam to upload your answer file, we strongly recommend you upload your exam immediately following your exam.

Do I need to be at the Law School to submit my exam?
No. You can submit your exam from anywhere with Internet access.

I'm leaving town right after exams. Is there anything I should do before I leave?
You must submit your exam file within two hours of the completion of your exam. Also, in rare instances, the exam file may become corrupted and we may need you to submit your exam again. We will contact you via email and/or phone if this is necesssary. If you have borrowed a laptop computer, you should be able to access that laptop for two weeks following exams in case of a corrupt file.

What if I don't want to do this?
Participation is optional. You may still use the traditional blue book method if that is your preference.