For step-by-step setup instructions, click the links below. You can also read further on this page for a detailed overview on browser-based TestNav and how it works with SystemCheck, saved response files (SRF), and log files.

To run browser-based TestNav, you must:

  • Update your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari) to the latest supported version.

  • Periodically update Java to the latest supported version and monitor the Java critical patch update schedule for these updates.

  • Disable all notification messages to avoid interruptions in a testing session.

  • Enable pop-ups for TestNav.

Understand SystemCheck with Browser-based TestNav

You should run SystemCheck to check system readiness and plan for capacity during your test administration setup.

  • The Check Your System tab verifies supported operating systems, browsers, and Java versions.
    • Only check your system after you have reviewed and implemented hardware and software requirements.
    • Pearson recommends that you check each testing device.

    • The Testing Capacity tab displays data transfer speeds and estimates how many concurrent testers the testing environment can support in real time.

    • ProctorCache improves testing capacity and speed because pre-cached test content loads faster than content loading directly from Pearson servers.

      • You can run SystemCheck with and without ProctorCache to evaluate the difference in testing capacity.

      • You can run SystemCheck with multiple proctor caching computers after you finish adding all proctor caching computers for your test session.
        Do not add the estimated capacity listed in the Direct to Pearson (No Caching) row.

      • If you do use ProctorCache, you must install it and run it on the proctor caching computer before you can check its connection speed and how many testing computers it can handle.

      • SystemCheck estimates the number of testing computers the same Internet connection can handle.  

This result may not accurately represent the actual transfer speeds during student testing, especially if you significantly change network conditions.

Understand SRF and Log Files for Browser-based TestNav

When a student responds to a test question, TestNav sends the response to the Pearson server. If the network experiences a connectivity issue, or the student encounters an error, TestNav saves the response to a saved response file (SRF).

TestNav also creates a log file during the testing session. These files help Pearson troubleshoot issues, if they occur. After connectivity is reestablished, and responses successfully save to the Pearson server, TestNav deletes the SRF.

For Windows and Mac, you must configure student accounts to have complete read, write, and delete access in all save locations. You cannot configure the log file save location.

Secondary save location (PearsonAccess Next users only)

This section is not applicable to ADAM or Pearson Access assessment management systems. This section pertains only to customers using PearsonAccess Next (PAN) as their assessment management system.

PAN users can place backup SRFs in a directory on the network file server, on the student's testing computer, or on a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) site. The following table outlines the pros and cons of each backup save location. 
Back up location options
Pros
Cons
Directory on network computerBackup file is accessible from other computers.
  • Uses more internal network bandwidth.
  • Responses save to the network drive more slowly than to the local directory. As a result, test items take more time to load.
  • Does not provide secondary save for the devices below:
    • Android devices
    • Chromebooks
    • iPads
Local directory on testing computer (TestNav client)
  • Uses less internal network bandwidth.
  • Responses save to local directory more quickly than to the network drive. As a result, test items take less time to load.
  • Backup file is not accessible from any other computer.
  • Does not provide secondary save for the devices below:
    • Android devices
    • Chromebooks
    • iPads

SFTP

Note: SFTP configuration is not supported by all assessment management systems. Consult your assessment management system user guide to determine whether the SFTP option is available.

Provides secondary save location for all supported testing computers and devices.Requires SFTP site setup.

You should familiarize yourself with default response file backup locations. Some save locations are configurable. See each setup page for details and instructions.

If you set a network file server as a primary or secondary backup location, do not use:

  • Spaces in the save location path.
  • A location that requires authentication. If authentication is required, TestNav cannot access the shared location.
  • A Windows UNC (Uniform Naming Convention) or network path, such as \\ComputerName\SharedFolder\Resource on a Mac or Linux. Pearson recommends that you specify a mapped drive location, such as D:\TopDirectory\NextDirectory\SaveLocation.