Taking Exams on Computer
What do I have to do to take my exams on computer?
ExamSoft, Inc., creates a product called SofTest. The School of Law purchases copies of this program for every law student who wishes to take an exam on his or her laptop. The student need only sign up for each exam in the registration book in the Faculty Secretaries Office, then install the software from ExamSoft's website.
SofTest itself is a secure word processor. While using SofTest, all other programs on your computer are disabled. More information about SofTest, including support numbers, system requirements, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found on ExamSoft's website at http://www.examsoft.com/pepperdinelaw (click on Support at bottom, then Frequently Asked Questions).
If you have any questions after reading the information below, PLEASE VISIT EXAMSOFT'S FAQ PAGE (see link above). That (and the ExamSoft support number) are Law Computing Support's only source of information as well.
Policies and Procedures for Fall 2007
- Students who use SofTest must install the latest version of ExamSoft/SofTest or you may not be able to use your laptop on exam day (Latest Version: Fall 2007).
- Help us help you avoid tragedy! If you use an old version on exam day, SofTest may appear to function normally, but it may actually corrupt your exam file and crash SofTest or make your exam unprintable. If you use an old version of SofTest for your exam, you bear sole responsibility for loss of your exam!
- You MUST SIGN UP in the exam binder available in the Faculty Secretaries' office one week before each of your mid-terms or by November 9, 2007 for final exams. This process will guarantee that an exam will be available for you for each of your exams.
- To install ExamSoft, go to: http://www.examsoft.com/pepperdinelaw more instructions: click here
- Installation is easiest if using a network card (wired or wireless), but can also be done with an ordinary dial-up modem. (There are no installation CDs.) If you do not have a network card or modem, you may check out a network card from the Circulation Desk of the Law Library. A wireless card is not required on the day of the exam.
- ExamSoft is not a Pepperdine School of Law product. For support, please call the ExamSoft Support Hotline at (866) 429-8889 or email support@examsoft.com. The Law Computing Support staff has made an "Installing ExamSoft" brochure available in the Law Library. A Frequently Asked Questions page is also available at http://www.examsoft.com/pepperdinelaw under "Support."
- Install early! Users occasionally experience unexpected installation problems, requiring them to find alternative solutions for their exams.
- Make sure you complete the ENTIRE download/install and registration procedure. In the past, a number of students have thought that they had completed the entire process, but they were not fully registered, and they had to handwrite the exam. To verify your status, run the SofTest program: a notice on the first window will state your Registration Status. Also, you may go to the Exam Takers' section on http://www.examsoft.com/pepperdinelaw, click on "Exam Takers", and click the "Registration Status" link.
- To download your exam answer file and to submit your exam you will need an internet connection.
- You must have your ExamSoft student ID and password on the day of the exam to download the exam file. Your ExamSoft student ID and password were emailed to your Pepperdine email account. If you do not know your student ID or password please email support@law.pepperdine.edu.