Remote Testing Guidelines

Remote Placement Exams will be delivered to students through our University course management system called Blackboard and proctored by a remote service called Respondus.

IMPORTANT: Read the Academic Integrity Policy before testing. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY WILL RESULT IN YOUR TEST SCORES BEING INVALIDATED AND YOU WILL BE PLACED INTO ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS COURSES.

When you receive your placement exam confirmation email there are several steps you should take ahead of time to make sure your technology is ready:

  • Make sure your computer has:
    • A good Internet connection. Be as close as possible to the WiFi router.
    • Working Webcam and Microphone. Don't have a webcam or microphone? Borrow this equipment from a trusted friend or relative before beginning the test).
    • Google Chrome installed. If you do not have Google Chrome as your web browser - you can download it here for free: https://www.google.com/chrome/
  • Have at hand blank scrap paper, pencil and eraser.
  • Write your WPU Student ID Number, and any Passwords sent to previously sent on the scrap paper.
  • Have at hand your valid Photo ID. If you do not have a Photo ID, you will need to schedule an IN-PERSON test on our campus instead.
  • Use a quiet room. You MUST BE ALONE.
  • You must ONLY USE the Respondus LockDown Browser. 

Set up the Respondus Browser (you MUST use only this browser for testing)

    1. Use this link to download the browser:https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=853232452
    2. Once downloaded, locate the downloaded file and click it to start the installation process.
    3. Once Installed, locate the new shortcut (usually a new icon on your desktop called Respondus) and launch it.
    4. ****If you cannot download Respondus or use it as an extension on a Chromebook - please contact the IT Help Desk 973-720-4357 for technical assistance.
  • Make sure you can access our Blackboard Office of Testing page by logging in here: www.wpunj.edu/bb
    1. We suggest you attempt this any time BEFORE testing to make sure you can access Blackboard using the Respondus Browser.
    2. You will need to log into our site by using your Username (your last name, first initial and possible a number) and Password (this will be your WPU Student Id Number that starts with 855) sent to you by Admissions - if you have trouble or are unsure of your Username and Password - reach out to TestCenter@wpunj.edu for assistance.
    3. Exit/Close Respondus.
  • At the time of your scheduled test:
    • Power up your device and make sure it is plugged or the battery fully charged. Check your camera and microphone are working properly.
    • Log back into Blackboard again as you did before (you do not need to reinstall Respondus).
    • Once you logged in - under Organizations you will see a page listed called Office of Testing - click on that.
    • Next, click the Foundations Placement Exams link to start and read the Placement Test How to Guide.  
    • Take your time to Read and Follow the instructions there.
    • Complete all questions presented.

We will send a Reminder email with your placement exam information including Test Password(s) before your exam. Things to remember:

  • On the day of your exam make sure you have a quiet location, alone to take your exam, your photo id ready, your William Paterson student id number ready (it starts with 855) and blank scrap paper with pen/pencil for the mathematics exam. 
  • Calculators are not permitted during the mathematics placement exam.
  • These exams are untimed - do not rush! Take your time - re-read passages, check your answers!

REMOTE TESTING RULES:

  • The entire test session will be recorded and reviewed.
  • Each exam must be completed in 1 sitting. You cannot leave the view of the camera while testing.
  • You and your face must be visible throughout testing.
  • ONLY the Respondus Lockdown Browser can be used for testing. See above for setting it up.
  • Select a quiet location where you will be alone. Do not lay on a bed.
  • Clear your desk area of EVERYTHING except your scrap paper, pencil and eraser.
  • Write your Blackboard Username and WPU Student ID Number (it is also your Blackboard Password) on the scrap paper. Your test password(s) will also be sent prior to testing, so jot those down as well.
  • No electronic device other than your computer should be within reach.
  • For the environment scan:
    • 1. Clearly show your photo ID to the camera.
    • 2. Slowly show your desk space to show you only have blank scrap paper (Username, ID Number and Passwords OK) with you while testing.
    • 3. Finally show that the room you are testing in is empty of other people.
  • Other than your test computer, NO OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE PERMITTED FOR USE OR ALLOWED TO BE NEARBY. NO CALCULATORS OR AIDS.
  • Please read and follow the Academic Integrity Policy again before testing. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE TESTING RULES WILL RESULT IN YOUR TEST SCORES BEING INVALIDATED AND YOU WILL BE PLACED INTO ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS COURSES.
  • Answer ALL questions. Use "Next" and Previous" button to navigate. DO NOT click the "Submit" button until you have completed ALL questions.
  • Show your scrap paper to the test software at the end when prompted.

Done testing? Your test scores DO NOT appear at the end of testing. They will be sent via email separately, usually in about 2 business days.