Boston College Law School offers students the option of taking examinations on personal computers with the support of ExamSoft Worldwide. ExamSoft's program, SofTest, will allow exam takers, familiar with WordPerfect or Microsoft Word, to utilize their computers as a "secured" word processor. The program is secure because it blocks access to Internet use and any stored files during the exam administration. This program automatically creates a back-up copy of the exam, and also prevents users from taking any information about the exam out of the exam room either during or at the end of the exam.
Minimum specifications for using SofTest in the 2006-2007 academic
year:
SofTest will only operate on a PC. It is not compatible with any Macintosh
operating system, nor may it be used with PC emulation software. The
minimum recommended system requirements are:
- CPU = 450 MHz Pentium III or Industry Equal
- RAM = 256 MB
- Drives = 50 MB of free space
- Operating System = English versions of Windows 98, ME, 2000 (Pro), or
XP (Home, Pro & Tablet PC)
- Software = Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater
- Internet Connection: An Internet connection is required to download SofTest
(AOL users must have AOL 6.0 or higher)
BC Law is authorizing only PC usage for exams -- MacIntosh Computers are not permitted. ExamSoft has placed a block to prohibit use of Macs. Although MacIntosh users will be allowed to download and install the software, they will be blocked from taking secured exams on Macs. All in-class exams are secured exams.
Technical Problems
If you are taking an exam off-site, or using ExamSoft for a take-home exam,
and experience technical difficulties, contact the ExamSoft Help desk (toll
free) at 866-429-8889. If you are unable to restart your exam with help from
ExamSoft tech support, please contact Norah Wylie, Dean for Students at (617)
552-2527, or email Dean Wylie immediately at wylien@bc.edu. If you are unable
to speak to someone directly, please make sure to leave a message with the time
that you called. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Please see Memo dated September 18, 2006 from Theresa Kachmar regarding Exams
on Computer. (click
here)
This Memo outlines the minimum technical requirements for your computer as well as updated software download and registration process.
Note to Returning Students: All students must download the new software if they intend to use SofTest for the 2006-2007 academic year. This process must be repeated every year.
Please click here to register for ExamSoft <www.examsoft.com/bclaw>