After you download TestNav, complete the setup using the sections below.


The Linux TestNav app does not support audio recorder items.

Install TestNav on Ubuntu

TestNav program files are saved in /opt/testnav.

To install TestNav through the CLI:

  1. Download the TestNav .deb file to your Downloads folder.
  2. On Ubuntu find and open the Terminal application.
  3. Enter this command: "sudo apt install ~/Downloads/testnav-version.deb", replacing "testnav-version.deb" with the downloaded file name.
  4. Enter the administrator password if prompted (the password will be invisible in the terminal while typing it).
  5. Once the install has completed, you can exit the Terminal and open TestNav.

Student Response File Setup

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). For configuration details, see: Set Up and Find Saved Response Files (SRF).

Run App Check

It is essential to run the App Check on each student device before testing. For details, see App Check.

Sign in to TestNav on Ubuntu

  1. Click the Ubuntu logo and enter testnav in the search box to find TestNav. 
  2. Continue with the instruction in Sign in to TestNav.

TestNav App Updates

TestNav program file updates are saved in {user_home}/.config/Pearson. You must give students write access to the update directory. 

  • Any necessary patch updates automatically install whenever TestNav starts or when a student attempts to log in. This ensures the update is implemented even if schools leave TestNav running over the course of a few days. 
    You can also push the latest TestNav update, rather than waiting until each student opens TestNav. To push an update, take a snapshot of the Pearson folder, and push that folder to all student computers.
  • Updates that require reinstallation are scheduled for winter and summer breaks.
  • Pearson will communicate all updates with instructions in advance.

When you install TestNav, it creates the TestNav folder within the Pearson folder shown in the path above. The TestNav folder contains the following:

  • The update file folder, named with the update version number (for example, 1.4.1)
  • The default file, which stores the customer login preference for the next login 

The login preference stored in the default file can change if you select a different customer from the Sign In page. You can set the default file to read-only to prevent students from overwriting it after you set your test preference.

If you encounter any issues during an update, you can find the errorlog folder within the update folder (for example: 1.4.1 > update > errorlog). The errorlog folder logs any issues TestNav may encounter when it attempts an update. You can also delete the Pearson folder to reset TestNav, clearing out any updates stored in that directory.


Tiny Link: https://support.assessment.pearson.com/x/KAAyAQ