Administration Manual-Special Testing - www.act.org/compass
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Administration Manual—
Special Testing
www.act.org/compassTest-Day Assistance Normal office hours are 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday through Friday. ACT Compass Customer Service 500 ACT Drive PO Box 168 Iowa City, IA 52243-0168 Toll Free 800.645.1992 Contact us via email at compass@act.org. © 2014 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. ACT Compass® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., in the USA. Version: 2014:09.092481
Contents
Testing Policies and Test Materials Security
Procedures 1 and Storage 9
Investigations 1 Authorized Access 9
Equal Treatment 1 Security of Test Materials 9
Fair Testing Practices 1 Receipt and Check-In of Test Booklets 9
Right to Terminate 2 In the Event of a Security Breach 10
Safety 2 Shipping Carton(s) 10
Authorized Observers 2 Storage before Testing 10
Unauthorized Observers and Media 2 Secure Storage 10
Confidentiality 2 Security during the Administration 10
Storage after Testing 10
Testing Facility Requirements 3
Principles of Accessibility 3 Testing Examinees with
Selecting Test Rooms 3 Accommodations 11
Writing Surfaces 3 Recommended Eligibility Requirements for
Ensuring Quiet Test Sessions 3 Accommodated Testing 11
Room Setup 4 Testing Arrangements 12
Seating Arrangements 4 Testing during Separate Sessions 12
Seating at Tables 4 Accommodated Testing Options 12
Materials Available from ACT 12
Testing Staff Requirements 5 Use of Audio DVD Version 13
Selecting Testing Staff 5 Sign Language Interpreter for Spoken
Attentiveness 5 Instructions 13
Relatives Testing 6 Sign Language Interpreter for Exact English
Staff Responsibilities 6 Signing of Items 13
Training Staff 8 Reader 13
Administration Manual 8 Ordering Accommodated Testing
Materials 13
iTest Day Activities 14 Verbal Instructions 19
Prohibited Items in the Test Room 14 For All Tests 19
Admitting Examinees to the Test Room 14
Materials Supplied by the Test Coordinator/
After the Test 22
School 15 Collecting Materials from the Room
Supervisors 22
Materials That May Be Supplied by the
Examinee(s) 15 How to Transfer Responses from Paper
to Online 23
Calculators 15
Packing the Cartons for Return to ACT 24
General Announcement to Examinees 15
Timing the Tests 16 Training Session Outline
Breaks between Tests 16 and Topics for Discussion 25
Examinees Who Leave during a Test I. Security of Test Materials 25
and Return 16
II. Room Preparation 25
Examinees Who Become Ill after
Testing Begins 16 III. Test Day 25
Questions/Guessing 16 IV. After the Test 26
Test Item Challenges 16
Test Day Documentation
Irregularities 17 Forms 27
Prohibited Behaviors 17 Test Booklet Count Form 27
Reporting an Irregularity 18 Irregularity Report 29
iiTesting Policies
and Procedures
For the ACT Compass® test to successfully measure examinees’ academic skills, it must be
uniformly administered. As a test coordinator, you therefore assume important professional
responsibilities.
As with all standardized testing, it is critical that the procedures you employ be identical to
those at other test sites. If you have questions that are not addressed in this manual, be sure
to call ACT for instructions. Following ACT policies and procedures helps you create a fair
testing environment.
Investigations
In cases where an examinee disputes an ACT decision or communication regarding the
ACT Compass administration, the examinee and/or his or her representative may contact
you directly and request information. In such cases, you should not become involved in the
situation. Specifically, you may not provide test administration information to the examinee,
his or her representatives (including parents or legal counsel), an arbitration agency, or to
anyone else. Any such requests must be directed to ACT.
Equal Treatment
All staff are required to administer and supervise the ACT Compass test in a
nondiscriminatory manner and in accordance with all applicable laws, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fair Testing Practices
ACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of Professional
Responsibilities in Educational Measurement, guides to the conduct of those involved in
educational testing. ACT is committed to ensuring that each of its testing programs upholds
the guidelines in each Code.
1Testing Policies and Procedures
Right to Terminate
ACT reserves the right to terminate its relationship with any test center or test center
personnel without advance notice if ACT determines, in its sole discretion and for any reason,
that termination is appropriate.
Safety
The safety of staff and examinees at the test center is of utmost importance. If an examinee
or other person becomes confrontational or disruptive, take reasonable steps to defuse
the situation in accordance with your school’s policies. Contact security personnel at your
institution or local law enforcement if you need assistance. Do not put yourself or others at
risk. Document the details of the incident in an Irregularity Report such as that which can be
found at the back of this manual.
Authorized Observers
An observer with ACT identification may visit your test site. The visit may or may not be
announced in advance. Always ask for ACT identification or an ACT authorization letter. If
the observer cannot provide either, deny admission and call ACT immediately. If the observer
provides appropriate authorization, you are expected to cooperate fully. If you have any
concerns about the observer’s visit, call ACT immediately.
Unauthorized Observers and Media
To protect examinees from anxiety and distractions, unauthorized persons—including
parents, guardians, children, recruiters, employers, and members of the media—must not
be allowed to enter, observe, or photograph test rooms or preliminary activities. Under no
circumstances are cameras (other than those used by your test center for security purposes)
allowed in the test rooms. Please inform ACT Public Relations (800.553.6244, ext. 1028) of any
media requests to report on ACT Compass. ACT will contact members of the media to respond
to their questions. This will help to ensure each request or question is answered uniformly.
Confidentiality
Information about examinees is confidential, including their names. To ensure
confidentiality, you and your testing staff may not copy documents containing individually
identifiable information, or use such information for any purpose other than administering
the tests. Questions concerning attendance or test-day procedures from parents or examinees
can be answered within the normal confines of examinee confidentiality policies at your
school. However, all forms and information contained in the administration manual are the
property of ACT and must not be shared with any person who is not part of the testing staff.
Requests for copies of test date documentation (e.g., irregularity reports or timing verification
forms) from any source other than ACT or the designated state education agency are to be
referred directly to ACT or the state agency.
2Testing Facility
Requirements
This section focuses on how to arrange for and set up your facilities before test day.
Principles of Accessibility
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ACT tests must be offered in locations accessible
to individuals with disabilities, or in rare cases, in accessible alternative locations.
Selecting Test Rooms
The tests must be administered at the school or institution, not in the supervisor’s home or
other location. Select test rooms that:
• can be reserved to allow time for the entire test sessions, plus any potential delays
• can be rearranged, if needed, to meet testing requirements
• are quiet and as free as possible from potential distractions
• have good lighting, temperature, and ventilation
• provide convenient access to restrooms
Avoid rooms with multiple levels or graduated seating unless you have no alternative.
ACT prefers classrooms and recommends no more than 10 examinees with accommodations
be tested in one room.
Writing Surfaces
Writing surfaces must be large enough for all of an examinee’s test materials.
Note: To prepare for left-handed examinees, use standard left-handed desks or writing surfaces
that are large enough for left-handed examinees to work comfortably. If you have only right-
handed desks available, place two desks together at the far end of a row so left-handed examinees
can use both surfaces.
Ensuring Quiet Test Sessions
We recommend that you post signs outside the test rooms to warn others that testing is in
progress and that quiet is required.
3Testing Facility Requirements
Room Setup
Each room’s setup must provide a fair and secure testing environment:
• The room supervisor must be able to face the examinees during testing.
• Testing staff must have a clear view of all examinees and materials. Seating that restricts
staff’s view—such as seating with dividers, study carrels, partitioned tables, or booths—is
not recommended.
• Testing staff must be able to freely circulate the room to reach each examinee.
• Information such as charts, strategy maps, or other aids on walls or boards relevant to the test
topics must be covered. (Geographical maps and periodic tables do not need to be covered.)
• Examinees must be able to hear the room supervisor without difficulty; a microphone may
be used if needed.
Seating Arrangements
Seating arrangements must minimize any possibility of prohibited behavior. Examinees
must be:
• facing the same direction
• spaced as far apart as possible and seated no closer than is specified in table 1
• seated in straight rows and columns, directly in line with each other
• able to see the room supervisor without difficulty
• able to see the room clock, if there is one, without looking around
Seating at Tables
Follow the requirements in table 2 for the use of tables. Do not seat an examinee where two
tables are joined together.
Table 1. Minimum distance between examinees
Examinee Spacing
Room Type Minimum Examinee Spacing
shoulder-to-shoulder head-to-head
Examinee Spacing
•• 3 feet shoulder-to-shoulder
shoulder-to-shoulder head-to-head
Single-level
Examinee Spacing
•• 3 feet head-to-head shoulder-to-shoulder head-to-head
Examinee Spacing
•• 3 feet shoulder-to-shoulder
shoulder-to-shoulder head-to-head
Multiple-level
•• 5 feet head-to-head
Table 2. Seating requirements for different types of tables
Table Description Seating Requirement
Round Seat only 1 examinee per table.
Rectangular, less than 6 feet long Seat only 1 examinee per table.
You may seat more than 1 examinee per table only
Rectangular, 6 feet long or longer if examinees are seated along the same side and all
other requirements for seating arrangements are met.
4Testing Staff
Requirements
This section explains how to select and train testing staff and describes the specific
responsibilities of each required testing staff member.
Selecting Testing Staff
Test coordinators are responsible for selecting their test-day staff in consultation with
the school principal. Members of the staff must be people of integrity and have a direct
relationship with your school. All testing staff are required to administer and supervise
ACT Compass in a nondiscriminatory manner and in accordance with all applicable laws.
Room supervisors and proctors may be current or retired faculty members, school
administrative or clerical employees, substitute teachers, student teachers, and
paraprofessionals. High school students, volunteers, and lower-division undergraduates may
not work as testing staff. Anyone who intends to take ACT Compass within the next 12 months
must not administer the tests in any capacity. All testing staff must comply with ACT policies
and procedures as detailed in this manual.
Attentiveness
Test staff must remain attentive to their testing responsibilities throughout the
administration. Reading (except ACT Compass support documents), grading papers, using a
computer (except as required to administer ACT Compass), talking casually with other staff,
or engaging in any activity in the test room not directly related to the administration is not
allowed. No one, including staff, may eat or drink in the test room (unless approved by the
institution for medical reasons).
Test staff must walk around the test room to monitor examinees. Walking around the room
discourages prohibited behavior and makes staff available to answer questions and respond to
illness.
5Testing Staff Requirements
Relatives Testing
To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and to protect staff and their relatives or
wards from allegations of impropriety, staff may not administer ACT Compass to any relative
or ward. Relatives and wards include children, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews,
siblings, in-laws, spouses, and persons under the staff member’s guardianship.
Staff Responsibilities
Test Coordinator
The test coordinator provides the continuity and administrative uniformity necessary to
ensure that the examinees at your site are tested under the same conditions as examinees
at every other site and ensures the security of the examinations. The name of the test
coordinator must be on file with ACT.
Specific responsibilities:
• Read this manual and comply with the policies and procedures it describes.
• Select and train qualified room supervisors and proctors before testing.
• Select and reserve test rooms.
• Plan seating arrangements for each room.
• Prepare test rooms prior to testing.
• Create a roster of examinees scheduled to test in each room.
• Conduct a pretest briefing session for testing staff.
• Document any irregularities that occur, and as required, void examinees’ tests.
• Distribute test materials to staff; collect and account for all materials immediately after
each administration.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of all required test date documentation.
• Return all required forms, answer documents, and test booklets immediately after
testing is completed.
• Cooperate with ACT in resolving irregularities.
Room Supervisor
Each room is required to have a room supervisor who must serve in one room for the entire
session. A room supervisor may assume responsibility for only one test room. The test
coordinator normally serves as the room supervisor if only one room is used.
Specific responsibilities:
• Read this manual and comply with the policies and procedures it describes.
• Attend the training session conducted locally by the test coordinator.
• Take responsibility for one test room and provide an environment conducive to testing.
• Identify and admit examinees.*
• Direct examinees to specific, assigned seats.*
• Count test booklets upon receipt from the test coordinator.
• Distribute test materials, keeping test booklets in sequential, serial number order.*
6Testing Staff Requirements
• Read Verbal Instructions to examinees verbatim from this manual.
• Complete all information on the Test Booklet Count Form.
• Be attentive to examinees and materials at all times.*
• Walk around the test room during testing to be sure examinees are working on the correct
sections of the test booklet and answer document.*
• Pay strict attention to monitoring examinees during the entire test session to discourage
and detect prohibited behavior.*
• Collect and account for all answer documents and test booklets before dismissing
examinees.*
• Complete detailed documentation of any irregularities and void examinees’ tests, as
required.
• Return all test materials and forms to the test coordinator immediately after testing.
* Proctor may assist with these activities.
Proctor
A proctor may be used to assist a room supervisor or the test coordinator if fewer than 25
examinees are testing. A proctor is required (in addition to the room supervisor) for every
25 examinees (or portion thereof) after the first 25 in the room. Use the scale in figure 1 to
determine the minimum number of proctors required in each standard time room.
Accommodations rooms require one room supervisor plus a proctor for every 10 examinees
after the first 10.
Specific responsibilities:
• Read this manual and comply with the policies and procedures it describes.
• Attend both the training and briefing sessions conducted locally by the test coordinator.
• Help admit examinees.
• Direct examinees to specific, assigned seats.
• Help distribute test materials, keeping test booklets in sequential, serial number order.
• Be attentive to examinees and materials at all times.
• Walk around the room during testing to replace defective materials, respond to illness, and
discourage prohibited behavior.
• Report any irregularities to the room supervisor immediately.
• Accompany examinees to the restroom if more than one is allowed to leave during the
tests.
• Pay strict attention to monitoring examinees during the entire test session.
• Help collect and account for all answer documents and test booklets after testing.
Examinees per room: 1–25 26–50 51–100 100–150 151–200
Proctors per room: 0 1 2 3 4
Figure 1. Number of required proctors per examinee in standard time rooms
7Testing Staff Requirements
Roving Proctor
Schools that use multiple rooms, floors, or buildings are encouraged to appoint one or more
roving proctors to assist the test coordinator. A roving proctor may be used to:
• Assist with check-in and/or directing examinees to test rooms and seats.
• Assist the test coordinator with preparing the test materials for test rooms.
• Monitor hallways; escort examinees.
• Give room supervisors a break during testing.
• Keep the hallways quiet if other rooms are still testing.
• At the conclusion of testing, assist the test coordinator with counting and preparing all test
materials for return to ACT.
Rotating Proctors
Proctors are normally expected to serve for the entire test session in the room to which they
are assigned. However, if schedules require, proctors may be “rotated” or replaced after an
individual test, provided a staff member remains in the room.
Training Staff
For standardized testing to occur successfully, staff members must understand their
responsibilities. It is critical that the same procedures be followed at every school. Refer to the
training session outline in this manual.
Administration Manual
Before test day, every testing staff member is required to read this manual. The manual is
proprietary information and is copyrighted by ACT. It is to be used only for the purpose of
administering the ACT Compass tests and is not to be copied or shared for any other purpose.
Each testing staff member is to be provided with a complete copy of this manual before the
training session. It is especially important that all room supervisors read the entire manual
and understand the policies, procedures, Verbal Instructions, and required forms. Call ACT
Compass Customer Services at 800.645.1992 if you need additional manuals to train staff.
8Test Materials
Security and Storage
This section describes the storage requirements of the secure test materials.
Authorized Access
Staff access to materials must be limited only to those activities necessary to prepare for test
day, the test administration itself, and counting and packing materials for return to ACT. Access
to test materials prior to test day is restricted to the test coordinator and other authorized testing
staff. A designated staff member may assist with materials if the test coordinator or back-up test
coordinator is present and if that individual does not have a relative or ward testing on test day.
Do not permit unauthorized personnel access to the materials. Examinees are not permitted
access to the materials. Test materials may not be transferred to any other location without prior
authorization from ACT. Use only the test materials assigned and shipped to your school.
Security of Test Materials
Secure test materials include all ACT Compass test booklets and all answer documents with
examinee identifying information. The test coordinator is responsible for the security of
all test materials from the time the carrier delivers them to the time they are in the return
carrier’s possession. Protect the materials from damage, theft, or loss and from conditions
that could allow prior access to the tests.
ACT Compass test booklets are copyrighted and cannot be photocopied or used for any
other purpose. The test booklet seal should only be broken by the examinee or staff member
assisting the examinee on test day. Testing staff and examinees are prohibited from disclosing
test questions or response choices to anyone. Scores earned by examinees who have had
advance access to test content will be cancelled.
Receipt and Check-In of Test Booklets
Within 24 hours of receipt, the test coordinator must:
• Examine the carton(s) for signs of tampering.
• Open the carton(s) and count all the test booklets.
• Check the serial numbers of the test booklets against the numbers shown on the packing
slip. Do not assume that the groups of booklets are complete.
• Check the rest of the shipment to ensure all the items on the packing slip are there.
9Test Materials Security and Storage
In the Event of a Security Breach
Call ACT immediately at 800.645.1992, if any of the following occurs:
• Any items are missing from your shipment.
• You receive test booklets that do not match the serial numbers on your packing slip.
• Any test booklet seals are broken except by examinees or staff member assisting examinees
as instructed on test day.
• The cartons or materials appear to have been tampered with in any way.
• A test booklet is lost, stolen, or otherwise missing at any time while the test booklets are at
your school, from receipt to return.
• You have reason to believe someone has had unauthorized access to the materials.
Shipping Carton(s)
Keep the carton(s) in which the test materials were shipped to you. These cartons, which have
reversible address flaps, must be used to return all test booklets to ACT after testing has been
completed.
Storage before Testing
After you have counted and checked the condition of all materials in your shipment, lock
them in a secure place to which only you (or you and a few specifically authorized persons)
have access. Protect the materials from damage, theft, or loss, and from any conditions that
could allow prior access to or knowledge of the tests.
Secure Storage
Materials must be kept inside a locked safe or vault to which only the test coordinator,
authorized staff, and possibly a few specifically authorized individuals have access. If a safe
or vault is not available, materials may be stored inside a locked file cabinet or closet that is
inside a locked room, with the following stipulations:
• Only the test coordinator and the back-up test coordinator may have access to the cabinet
or closet. It must have a built-in lock or a heavy-duty padlock. The keys must always be
kept secure. Keys should not be part of a master key system.
• The door to the room in which materials are stored must be kept locked when not in
authorized use.
• The secure location must not be accessible through a window or a dropped ceiling.
Security during the Administration
Prevent prohibited behavior by adhering to seating space requirements, directing examinees
to specific, assigned seats, and actively monitoring examinees throughout the administration.
Keep test materials in a secure location as examinees enter and exit the test room. Account
for all test booklets before testing, each time they change hands, and before dismissing
examinees. Test materials must be secure at all times. You must never leave a test room
unattended, even if only one examinee is in the room. Ensure that each test room has
sufficient staff for the number of examinees present.
Storage after Testing
After accounting for all materials, prepare them for return after testing and return all test
materials to your locked storage area immediately if unable to complete after-the-test activities.
10Testing Examinees
with Accommodations
Examinees with physical or learning disabilities, who cannot complete the ACT Compass
tests using standard test materials, may be tested under special conditions and/or using
accommodated testing materials available from ACT. All examinee information sections of
the ACT Compass program can be completed with the assistance of a reader or scribe.
Recommended Eligibility Requirements for
Accommodated Testing
The following section pertains to examinees who need accommodated testing. Procedures
must be followed precisely unless specifically addressed in this section of the manual.
Administration of ACT Compass with accommodations is entirely at the discretion of school
personnel. However, ACT recommends accommodated administrations of ACT Compass only
for examinees with current documented disabilities and who have been professionally
diagnosed as physically or learning disabled such that they cannot test under standard
conditions. Examinees best served by the use of a testing accommodation are those for
whom the accommodation would minimize the impact of the examinee’s disability when it
is not relevant to the primary focus of the assessment, thus giving a more accurate picture
of the examinee’s ability. To be considered current, the diagnosis should have been made or
reconfirmed within the last three years. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan
on file at the school within the last three school years is generally acceptable evidence of
reconfirmation.
Examinees may be accommodated for testing if the examinee requires:
• audio DVD or Braille version of the test
• a reader who must use a reader’s script prepared by ACT (ACT requires testing
individually in a separate room.)
• a scribe to record examinee responses on the answer document (ACT requires using a
separate room.)
• a sign language interpreter to sign verbal instructions, test items, and response choices in
exact English if authorized by the test coordinator (ACT requires testing individually in a
separate room.)
11Testing Examinees with Accommodations
Testing Arrangements
Accommodated testing may be administered at a time mutually convenient for the examinee
and test coordinator, as close as possible to the date on which ACT Compass is administered
to other examinees. ACT requires that examinees receiving any type of assistance from
a reader or scribe be tested in a separate room. Examinees using an audio DVD may test
in a group provided they use individual earphones and can control the progress of their
own DVD players. Tests must be administered at the school, not in the supervisor’s home or
other location, unless the examinee is currently confined to his or her home or is receiving
homebound instruction.
Testing during Separate Sessions
Each test must be completed during one session and the examinee may not return to a
previous test after being dismissed for that testing session.
Accommodated Testing Options
Examinees with visual impairment or blindness may use a large-print (18 point) or Braille
test form, have the test read to them, have assistance in marking their responses, and/or
receive extended time. A reader’s script or audio DVD test forms provided by ACT may be
used.
Examinees with hearing impairments may receive assistance from an interpreter with
the pretest information and instructions. A copy of the verbal instructions to examinees
can be provided for the examinee to read. If exact English signing of test questions has been
authorized by the test coordinator, a reader’s script must be used with the same restrictions
described above.
Examinees with learning disabilities may be eligible for either a reader or an audio
DVD with headphones and playback machine for each examinee, consistent with testing
accommodations currently provided at the school.
Examinees with motor disabilities that affect their ability to mark the answer document
may receive assistance in marking responses.
Materials Available from ACT
Your Accommodated Testing Materials may include:
• regular-type (10 point) test booklet: for examinees without visual impairments
• large-type (18 point) test booklet: for examinees with visual impairments
• Braille booklet (one volume): one regular-type booklet included for supervisor reference
(Supervisor is not to read tests to examinee.)
• audio DVD: one copy of regular-type booklet included for examinee (Room supervisor
is not allowed to read tests to examinee. For more information, see “Use of Audio DVD
Version.”)
• reader’s script: one copy of regular-type booklet included for examinee (Room supervisor
is allowed to read tests to examinee.)
• answer documents
12Testing Examinees with Accommodations
Use of Audio DVD Version
DVD players must have the capability to page forward or backward by tracks. An index of the
tracks is included with each set and must be available to the examinee. There is also an index
on the DVD. The narration on the audio DVD cannot be played within the standard time limits
allowed for each test. Examinees must be allowed time to replay any portion of the test being
worked on as many times as necessary.
Sign Language Interpreter for Spoken Instructions
If your school chooses to make available the services of a sign language interpreter, examinees
with hearing impairments may request to test with the assistance of an interpreter. The
interpreter may stay in the room throughout the administration and is expected to sign all
instructions spoken by the room supervisor throughout the test and interpret any questions
from the examinee to the supervisor and the supervisor’s responses. Actual test items may not
be interpreted without authorization from the test coordinator.
Sign Language Interpreter for Exact English Signing of Items
The interpreter is required to use exact English signing and may sign for only one examinee
in a separate room. The interpreter must sign from the script provided and follow the same
procedures as listed for a reader.
Reader
ACT requires that a reader both read for only one examinee in a separate room and read
from the script provided without change or comment. Passages may be repeated, but only as
requested by the examinee. The reader should read the test directions, test passages, and test
questions exactly as they are presented, with no explanation and no additional information
provided to the examinee through the reading. All ACT Compass questions rely on the
examinee being able to comprehend and respond to the test materials exactly as written. Any
additional information, explanation, or translation would affect what the tests are designed to
measure.
Ordering Accommodated Testing Materials
If you have questions about ordering additional accommodated testing materials, call ACT
Compass Customer Services at 800.645.1992.
13Test Day Activities
The directions in this section are designed to help ensure a smooth administration of the
tests. If you have problems, many of the solutions are listed in this section.
Be sure every room supervisor has a complete copy of this manual, not just the Verbal
Instructions, in order to verify procedures for any situation that may occur.
Prohibited Items in the Test Room
Examinees may not use cell phones or any other electronic devices at any time, and the
examinee must not be able to access them during testing. Calculators may only be used
during the mathematics tests. In addition, examinees must not use or access the following
items at any time while in the test room:
• textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries, reading material, notes, or any
unapproved testing aids
• highlight pens, colored pens or pencils, correction fluid or tape
• tobacco in any form
• food or beverages, including water
Staff may not eat, drink, use tobacco, or use cell phones (phones must be turned off or
“silent”) or recording or media devices in the test room.
Note: Staff and examinees may bring snacks and beverages into the test room but may consume
them only outside the test room during break.
Admitting Examinees to the Test Room
Control who enters and leaves the test room at all times. Do not allow examinees to enter the
test room until the room is properly prepared, the test materials are secure in a location where
examinees cannot have access to them, and the room supervisor is ready to admit examinees.
Examinees should not be allowed to select their own seats. Testing staff should direct them to
the appropriate seat.
14Test Day Activities
Materials Supplied by the Test Coordinator/School
Your school is responsible for providing the following items for each testing room:
• supply of soft-lead No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens) to
lend to examinees who did not bring them
• pencil sharpener
• supply of scratch paper for examinees
• if the audio DVD version of the test is being used, DVD player with earphones
Materials That May Be Supplied by the Examinee(s)
Tell examinees to bring soft-lead No. 2 pencils with good erasers to the testing session. If any
of the following devices are specifically needed by the examinee, the examinee is expected to
bring his or her own unless the school normally provides them for the examinee:
• abacus
• Braille stylus
• magnifying glass
• color overlays
• permitted calculator (if desired) for use on a mathematics test
Calculators
The ACT calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances
in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials.
• Examinees may only use a permitted calculator on the mathematics tests.
• The calculator must be turned off and put away during all other tests.
Examinee responsibilities:
• Ensure any calculator brought on test day is permitted.
• Check www.actstudent.org or call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message about the current
ACT calculator policy.
Testing staff should check calculators before testing to verify they are permitted.
If a calculator has characters one inch high or larger, or a raised display, seat the examinee
where no others can see the display.
General Announcement to Examinees
Before testing begins, you may wish to make announcements regarding:
• Electronic devices: Other than permitted calculators or approved testing aids, examinees
are not allowed to use a cell phone or any other electronic devices or have them in their
possession at any time, including during break(s).
• Food, beverages, and tobacco: Eating, drinking (including water), and the use of tobacco
by either the examinee(s) or testing personnel are not allowed in the test room. (Readers
are permitted to have water.)
• Hats: Some hats may obstruct your view of examinees’ eyes. Because not all hats may
hinder your ability to monitor examinees, and some hats or other head coverings may be
worn due to religious convictions or medical reasons, the announcement to remove hats is
left to your discretion.
15Test Day Activities
• Institutional requirements: You may dismiss an examinee who purposefully disregards a
posted regulation of your institution and mark the answer document VOID. Some schools,
for example, do not allow smoking on school grounds. Explain to the examinee the reason
for the dismissal and write a complete explanation on the Irregularity Report.
• Nervous noise: Some examinees relieve tension through talk and movement before and
after tests. Because they must maintain complete silence during testing, allow this normal
behavior, but remind them to be considerate of other rooms that may still be testing while
your room is taking a break.
Timing the Tests
ACT Compass tests are untimed. Examinees with a documented disability may be allowed to
proceed at a pace that is most advantageous to them, allowing for breaks as they are needed.
Breaks between Tests
Examinees may be allowed to take a short break after each test. Depending on the disability,
examinees may be allowed to take additional breaks during a testing session.
Examinees Who Leave during a Test and Return
Examinees may be allowed to go to the restroom during a test, but it is best not to make
a general announcement to that effect. Collect test forms and answer documents from
examinees who go to the restroom, and return them as examinees are readmitted. The
absence need not be recorded on the Irregularity Report. If two or more examinees are
permitted to leave at the same time, or if other rooms have been dismissed, the examinees
must be accompanied by a proctor. If no proctor is available, only one examinee may leave
the room at a time. Do not leave a test room unsupervised at any time, even if only one
examinee is testing.
Examinees Who Become Ill after Testing Begins
If an examinee becomes ill during the test, dismiss the examinee from the test room and
collect the answer document and test booklet. If the examinee returns to the room during the
test session, they may resume testing.
Questions/Guessing
During the testing session, do not answer questions regarding individual test items or
questions about how to use a calculator. If an examinee asks about guessing, inform them that
they will not be penalized for guessing.
Test Item Challenges
If an examinee challenges typographical errors or ambiguities in particular test items, instruct
the examinee to choose an answer on the basis of the information available. Make an entry on
the Irregularity Report, including identification of the test form, the test and the item, and an
explanation of the examinee’s question. ACT will respond to concerns about individual test
items.
16Irregularities
The directions in this section are designed to help ensure a smooth test administration. If you
have problems, many of the solutions are listed in this section.
Be sure every room supervisor has a complete copy of this manual, not just the Verbal
Instructions, in order to verify procedures for any situation that may occur.
Prohibited Behaviors
The following behaviors are prohibited during administration of the ACT Compass tests:
• looking at someone else’s test booklet or answer document
• disturbing other examinees
• giving or receiving assistance
• using highlight pens, notes, or dictionaries
• using calculators to share or exchange information during the test
• using a calculator on any test other than a mathematics test
• sharing a calculator with another examinee
• using any device to share or exchange information at any time during the tests or during
break (All electronic communication devices, including cell phones, must be turned off
from the time the examinee is admitted to test until dismissal after testing concludes.)
• using an unapproved calculating device
• attempting to remove test materials, including test questions or answers, from the test
room by any means
If you suspect an examinee is engaged in any of the prohibited activities, discreetly warn the
examinee that these actions are prohibited and continue to observe the examinee closely.
To discourage looking at someone else’s answer document or giving or receiving assistance,
you may move the examinee to another seat. Document your suspicions and actions on the
Irregularity Report.
If you observe any of these behaviors, collect the answer document and test booklet. Advise
the examinee that the answer document will not be scored. Do not enter the examinee’s
responses into the ACT Compass 5.0 platform. On the Irregularity Report, include an
explanation of why the answer document was not scored.
17Irregularities
Reporting an Irregularity
An Irregularity Report is available in the back of this manual. Complete an Irregularity
Report if you or any testing staff had to take action which disrupted the test experience of an
individual or group or if you observed any of the following activity:
• examinee(s) involved in any prohibited behaviors
• testing environment disrupted by examinee behavior or other circumstances
• test experience of an individual or group of examinees significantly impacted by
technical problems
18Verbal Instructions
This section includes the verbal instructions for completing the nontest portions of the
answer document and for the individual tests.
For All Tests
Read aloud all instructions in the shaded boxes. When reading the instructions, pause after
each series of dots and look up to ensure examinees are following instructions. Begin
when all examinees have been admitted and seated and everyone has a pencil. Greet the
examinees and say:
Eating, drinking, and the use of tobacco or reading materials are not
permitted in the test room. You may not use cell phones or any other
electronic devices at any time, and you must not be able to access them
during testing.
If you are administering any test before a mathematics test, instruct
examinees to put their calculators away until the mathematics test.
Please clear your desk of everything except soft-lead No. 2 pencils and
erasers. Place all personal items under your seat. You will not be able to
access them during testing. Make all marks heavy and black. Fill in each
oval completely without extending your marks outside the lines. Stray marks,
smudges, or errors not carefully and cleanly erased can affect the scoring
of your answer document....
Please note that the answer document will include enough ovals to record
answers for the longest test. Some tests will have fewer questions and you
will not always use all of the ovals. Are there any questions?...
19Verbal Instructions
Answer any questions, then say:
I will now distribute the answer documents and test booklets. Do not break
the seal or open it until I tell you to do so. Test booklets are the property of
A-C-T and must be returned before you are dismissed. You are prohibited
from disclosing test questions or response choices to anyone. When you
receive your test booklet, read the directions on the back cover. After you
have read them, look up....
Hand each examinee an answer document and test booklet individually. Do not have
examinees distribute booklets. Do not leave test booklets at empty seats. When everyone has
finished reading the directions, say:
The following behaviors are prohibited. You will be dismissed and your
answer document will not be scored if you are found:
•• looking at another person’s test booklet or answer document
•• giving or receiving assistance by any means
•• using a prohibited calculator
•• using a calculator on any test section other than a mathematics test
•• sharing a calculator with another person
•• using any device at any time during testing or during break other than an
approved calculator, an approved accommodation device, or an assistive
device that does not require approval, such as a hearing aid. All other
electronic devices, including cell phones and wearable devices, must be
turned off and placed out of reach from the time you are admitted to test
until you are dismissed after testing concludes. This includes assistive
devices for which reasonable alternatives are available. For example, if
you need glasses, use glasses that do not have electronics attached or
built in.
•• attempting to remove test materials, including questions or answers,
from the test room in any way, including in the memory of a calculator
•• using highlight pens, colored pens or pencils, notes, scratch paper,
dictionaries, or other aids
•• not following instructions or abiding by the rules of the test center
•• exhibiting confrontational, threatening, or unruly behavior, or violating
any laws
•• creating any other disturbance
Does anyone have questions about what is considered prohibited behavior?
20Verbal Instructions
If there are no questions say:
Turn your test booklet so the front cover is facing up. Read the Examinee
Statement at the top of the page. After you have read the Statement, sign
your name, write today’s date, and print your name on the appropriate lines.
You may read the Examinee Statement to examinees who may need assistance.
You will now complete the nontest portions of your answer document.
Neatly write your name, examinee ID number, test form, and subject at the
top of the answer document. On the front cover of your test booklet, you will
find the three-character test form. Please look up when you have finished
recording this information.
Once everyone is looking up, say:
We are ready to begin testing. Do not begin work until I tell you to do so.
You must notify me when you complete the test. I will then collect and check
your answer document and test booklet individually; do not pass them in.
You must remain quietly in your seat until I give you further instructions.
Are there any questions?…
Answer any questions, then say:
You may now break the seal, open your test booklet, read the directions
carefully, and begin work.
Testing staff may assist examinees who need help breaking the seals on their test booklet.
At the conclusion of testing, collect each answer document individually, turn them all one
way, and count them. Then, collect each test booklet individually and count them. Check to
make sure the test booklets are signed.
If you are going to administer another test in the same session, repeat the Verbal Instructions
above, distributing new test booklets and answer documents to examinees.
If you are finished testing, do not dismiss examinees until you have verified you have an
answer document for each examinee and that the number of test booklets collected equals the
number distributed.
After the counts have been verified you may dismiss the examinees.
You must personally return all test materials and completed forms to the test coordinator
after testing. Examinees may not assist with the transportation of test materials.
21After the Test
Immediately after testing is completed the test coordinator must account for all test
materials by:
• personally verifying the set of materials returned by each room supervisor
• making sure all documentation is accurate and complete
• transferring responses from paper to online
• packing items into cartons
• shipping materials back to ACT
Note: Administration manuals may be kept for reference or securely destroyed at your school.
Collecting Materials from the Room Supervisors
For each testing room, the test coordinator should use the checklist in figure 2 to ensure they
have secure materials and documentation from the room supervisor.
Note: Do not dismiss room supervisors until you are sure you have all required materials from them.
Make copies of all shaded items in figure 2. (Do not keep test booklets or answer documents.)
Keep the copies in your files for six months after testing in case questions arise.
For each room’s … Make sure …
Test booklets •• there are no answer documents inside the test booklets
Answer documents •• each answer document to be scored contains the required identifying information
Scratch Paper •• securely destroy used scratch paper
Test Booklet Count Form •• it is signed and initialed by the test coordinator and room supervisor
•• all test booklets are accounted for
•• all items on the form are completed
Irregularity Report •• it is signed
(if applicable) •• the report explains the reason that each answer document was voided or replaced
•• any voided or replaced answer documents are attached to the report (do not staple)
Figure 2. After-test checklist. Test coordinators should make copies of all shaded
items and keep the copies for six months after the test date.
22After the Test
How to Transfer Responses from Paper to Online
The test coordinator, with assistance from the room supervisor, will need to enter the
examinee’s responses into the ACT Compass 5.0 platform. As part of this process, the test
coordinator and room supervisor will have access to test questions, answer choices, and
examinee information. To ensure confidentiality, you and your testing staff may not copy
documents containing individually identifiable information or use such information for any
purpose other than administering the tests. In addition, you are prohibited from disclosing
test questions or response choices to anyone. Take these steps:
1. Sign in to ACT Compass 5.0 as School Admin (Campus) or Proctor (Center).
2. At the test-center level, School Admin or Proctor navigates to Dashboard tab.
3. In the Find Registered Examinees box, type the examinee’s name and click Go.
4. Verify that the student name and test package are correct and that they match the answer
document from which you will transcribe responses.
5. Write down the examinee Admission Ticket Code (to be used when launching the test).
6. Click Check In.
7. On the testing workstation, ensure the browser window displays your test center URL
(ending in “/test.html”) and press Enter. The Test Warning message will appear.
8. Press F11 to maximize the screen.
9. On the Examinee Log In screen, enter the Admission Ticket Code, Last Name, and
Date of Birth.
10. On the Privacy Agreement screen, read the page and click I Agree to start the test.
11. Enter the examinee’s responses for each test question.
12. Click Finish when you reach the end.
13. Refer to the training guides for more detailed information.
Note: For proper transfer of responses, the answer document must be completed appropriately
with all demographic information.
23After the Test
Packing the Cartons for Return to ACT
The cartons in which your test materials were shipped have reversible flaps that contain a
prepaid return label. These cartons are used to return materials such as test booklets and
manuals to ACT. Use only cartons specific to the materials you are returning.
Step 1: Place the following items into the carton(s) in order, starting at the bottom of the
last carton:
• all test booklets—both used and unused
• packing slip
• all unused answer documents (You may securely destroy any answer documents that were
started but do not have test responses.)
• all used answer documents
• any Irregularity Reports with answer documents attached
• Test Booklet Count Form
• all other materials
Step 2: Reverse the flaps on the carton and number each carton 1 of X, 2 of X, etc.
Step 3: Make sure your institution name and return address is on the outside of the cartons.
Step 4: Seal each carton so the shipping label is visible. (Your cartons are now ready to return
to ACT.)
Step 5: Take the cartons to the nearest FedEx drop off location.
24Training Session
Outline and Topics
for Discussion
The test coordinator is expected to discuss the following topics with staff during the training
session. The test accommodations coordinator should also attend and share any relevant
topics with testing staff. All training sessions must occur before test day.
I. Security of Test Materials
A. Security is of the utmost concern. Test materials must NEVER be left unattended. Test
booklets must be kept away from doors and away from examinees in the test room before
and after testing.
B. Describe how the test coordinator will distribute materials to the test rooms, and how room
supervisors are to distribute materials inside the test rooms.
C. Room supervisors are to count test booklets when they receive them from the test
coordinator and again before examinees are dismissed. Review the Test Booklet Count Form.
D. No unauthorized persons are allowed in the test rooms. This includes friends, relatives,
state, district, or school board representatives, and members of the media.
E. Staff members must NEVER leave a test room unattended.
II. Room Preparation
A. Demonstrate proper seating arrangements and test room preparation. Discuss
arrangements for potential multiple-level seating, fixed seating, left-handed examinees,
ease of staff movement, and inappropriate posted materials.
B. Describe any items that will be supplied by the school (e.g., pencils, calculators) and how
they will be distributed and returned.
C. Discuss how to handle examinees who bring cell phones or electronic devices into the
test room.
III. Test Day
A. Review a roster of examinees; explain the information on it and how to mark it on test day.
B. Examinees must not be allowed to select their own seats. Direct them to specific, assigned
seats and pay particular attention to separating known friends or relatives.
25Training Session Outline and Topics for Discussion
C. No one may be admitted to the test room after test booklets have been distributed. Discuss
how to handle late arrivals in accordance with school policy.
D. Discuss when and where staff members are to report on test day.
E. Staff members are encouraged to wear soft-soled shoes. They should avoid crinkly clothing,
noisy jewelry, coins in pockets, perfumes, or other items that may distract examinees.
F. Information concerning potential examinee dress and behavior issues should be discussed.
These might include school rules regarding the wearing of hats, the location of restrooms,
and smoking restrictions.
G. Discuss procedures for barring cell phones and other electronic devices from the test rooms
and prohibiting their use during breaks.
H. Testing begins when the room supervisor begins reading the Verbal Instructions.
I. Verbal Instructions must be read to examinees verbatim from this manual.
J. To protect the security of the tests, test booklets and answer documents may not be
distributed prior to admitting examinees and only as directed in the Verbal Instructions.
K. Only examinees may break the test booklet seals. Testing staff are not authorized to open
any test booklets.
L. Staff members must not read (other than this manual), grade papers, use a computer, cell
phone, recording or media device, talk casually with other staff, or do anything not related
to administering the tests. They must not eat or drink in the test room.
M. Conversations must be quiet and kept to a minimum. Even whispered conversations can be
distracting to examinees.
N. Discuss how permitted calculators will be distributed to examinees before testing begins
(if applicable).
O. Review permitted and prohibited calculators. Stress that examinees using a prohibited
calculator must be dismissed.
P. During testing, staff members are to walk quietly around the room to check that examinees
are working on the correct test, respond to illness, replace defective test materials, and
discourage prohibited behavior. Advise staff not to pause near an examinee long enough to
be a distraction.
Q. Stress the importance of ensuring that the correct test form is recorded on the answer
document.
R. Discuss what actions to take if staff members observe prohibited behavior. Review plans for
dismissing examinees (e.g., where they are to be sent, how to maintain vigilance in the test
room, documenting actions taken).
S. Discuss what actions to take in the case of a group irregularity (e.g., a power outage) or in
the case of an emergency. Discuss potential individual irregularities and actions to take.
Review the Irregularity Report.
IV. After the Test
A. Room supervisors must verify the count of used and unused test booklets, then return
test booklets, answer documents, and Test Booklet Count Form(s) to the test coordinator
immediately after testing.
B. The number of used test booklets (seals broken) must match the number of examinees
tested in each room.
C. Emphasize the importance of correctly completing all required documentation and
transferring the examinee responses to the online platform.
26test day documentation forms
Test Day Documentation Forms
Test Booklet Count Form (All fields required)
School Name _____________________________________________ School City, State __________________________
Transferred to Room Supervisor Prior to Testing
Booklets Packages
Total test booklets or
packages transferred: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Sequence A
First serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Last serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Sequence B (use if you have more than one sequence of test booklets)
First serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Last serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
I have counted and verified the test booklets and/or test packages being transferred:
Room Supervisor’s Signature ________________________________________________________________
Received from Room Supervisor after Testing
Booklets Packages
Total test booklets or
packages transferred: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Sequence A
First serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Last serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Sequence B (use if you have more than one sequence of test booklets)
First serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
Last serial number: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NA
I have counted and verified the test booklets and/or test packages being transferred:
Room Supervisor’s Signature ________________________________________________________________
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