Computer Exam Instructions

These instructions are for students who want to take computer exams this semester. For general questions (not related to the "computer" part of exams), please visit the Records Office exam page.

Quick Overview

• There is a new version of SofTest every Fall. Even if you used SofTest last school year, you will need to  download and install the latest version of SofTest. You do not need to download a new version for the spring semester, unless otherwise specified.
• Please download your exam files before the day of your exams.
•  You should test your wireless and run a "Mock Exam" to make sure everything is working correctly.
• Students can run SofTest natively using an Intel MacBook running OSX 10.5.8 or higher.
• You must complete the installation process before you report to the computer exam room. Students who fail to do so will be required to use Bluebooks.
• Help for installing SofTest is available at our IT HelpDesk throughout the semester.
• All students who use computers will be required to sign a Computer Exam Agreement Form.
• Students taking computer exams through the Disability Resource Program should also follow these instructions. Contact Laura Andrews with any questions.

I. Hardware and Software Requirements for Computer Exams

In order to take computer exams, students must download, install and register SofTest (version 10.0) on their computers.

PC System Requirements:

• CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
• RAM = 1 GB
• Drives = 50 MB of free space
• Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. SofTest cannot be used in virtual operating systems.
• Software = Internet browser
• Wireless (WiFi 802.11b or g) Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload
• AOL Users - Version 6.0 or higher required
• Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

Mac Requirements:

In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro natively, you must have:

• CPU = Intel processor
• RAM = 512 MB
• Drives = 50 MB or higher free disk space
• Operating System = MAC OS X 10.5.8 or higher (Leopard or Snow Leopard)
• Software = Internet connection for downloading/uploading exams

It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure Practice Exams.

II. Instructions to download, install and register SofTest

The computer you want to use for exams must be connected to the Internet in order to complete the steps below. SofTest will be available to Hastings students before exams start. If you have not finished ALL of the steps below prior to the scheduled time for reporting to the computer exam room, you will not be able to use a computer. (You may still use pen and Bluebook.) We recommend completing these steps as early as possible.

1.      Go to this page: http://www.examsoft.com/uchastings

2.      Login under "Exam Takers" using your Hastings Email login name, e.g., noblee, (for the "Email Name") and your 7-digit Hastings number, e.g. 0123456, (for the "Password"). We will provide the login names and student numbers to ExamSoft so you will be able to automatically login.

3.      Click the "Download SofTest" button, then click the "Download & Install" button and run the installation program. 

4.      After the installation has finished, you will be prompted to register your copy of SofTest. You must be connected to the Internet. Enter the login name and password you used in step #2. You will get a message "Congratulations. SofTest is now registered."

5.      To make sure you have completed the installation and registration, open SofTest and run the "Mock Exam".

That is all you need to do before the exam. Just show up at the computer exam room for each of your exams (one half hour before start time). The proctors will instruct you in the examination process once you arrive in the computer exam room.

If you need help with the installation or registration process, you can call ExamSoft Support at 866.429.8889. We will assist students with installing and testing SofTest at our computer help sessions throughout the semester.

III. Downloading & Uploading Computer Exams

Please download your exam files BEFORE the day of the exam. When you arrive in the exam room, proctors will hand out printed exam questions and instructions for taking your exam using SofTest. You will open SofTest, open the exam file that has been saved on your hard drive, type your answers on your laptop (where the answer file will be saved every minute), and then upload your answer file at the end of the exam.

Instructions for Downloading Exam Files

You will be notified via email when your exam files are ready to download. Then follow these steps:

1.      Connect to the Internet on the laptop on which you have installed SofTest version 10.0.

2.      Double click on the SofTest icon.

3.      Click on "Download Exam Files" (upper left button.)

4.      Enter your Hastings email login name and 7-digit Hastings number.

5.      Click past the screen that asks for "Exam Download Password" (no download password will be required for these files.)

6.      Highlight all your exams (except for Takehome Exams) then click on "Download."

7.      After downloading is finished for all your exams, click "OK" then "Close." When you get to the exam room, you will only need to launch the exam file with the proctors' instructions.

Testing Wireless Uploading: Running a Mock Exam

We recommend that all students run a "mock" exam to test the wireless cards in their computers. If you experience any problems, please take care of these well before your first exam.

1.      Open SofTest.

2.      Choose "Download Exam Files".

3.      Enter your Hastings email login name and 7-digit Hastings number.

4.      Type the password: "MOCK" when prompted for "Exam Download Password."

5.      Download the exam file.

6.      Open the exam file in SofTest.

7.      Exit the exam and follow all instructions to upload the answer file back to the server. 

8.      You should receive confirmation that your file was uploaded. If you experienced any problems running this mock exam, you should contact ExamSoft’s technical support (866.429.8889) to resolve those before your first exam. If you can’t resolve any wireless problems prior to your exams, you should plan on writing your exam in Bluebooks.

IV. Installation Help

We will provide assistance in our computer help sessions for Hastings students who need help downloading, installing and registering the SofTest program.

V. Internet Take-Home Exams

The Records Office will provide further instructions for taking online take-home exams if your professor chooses this option.

VI. Computer Exam Agreement Form

All students will need to sign a Computer Exam Agreement Form before they can use a computer for their exams. The Computer Exam Agreement is available online for students to read and the proctors will hand it out to students in the exam rooms for signing prior to the start of each exam.