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Automatic Test Scoring (ATS)

One of the academic support services provided by Information Resources & Technology (IRT) is automated exam processing. With this service, tests are scanned and scored. IRT provides output containing the exam results and a detailed statistical analysis of the results.

Requirements

  1. ATS examinations must be submitted using General Purpose NCS Answer Sheet, Form no. 4521. This is the only form that our scanner can score. This form is available and the Hornet Bookstore as well as The Store in the Student Union.

Note: There are other Scantron Answer forms (e.g. Form 882) available at both these locations which cannot be used, so make sure you have the correct NCS 4521Form.

  1. Only one correct answer per question is allowed. Tests may be either multiple choice with up to 5 responses per question or True/False.
  2. A test answer key must accompany the exams. A separate answer key is required for each group of tests that are submitted. For example, if you have the same test from 3 different sections and you wish to have them analyzed separately, you would need to provide 3 separate answer keys.
  3. Half points cannot be processed. Only whole points are acceptable.
  4. You can assign questions to be worth more than one point; however, the total number of points cannot exceed 200 points.
  5. You can assign different points to a range of questions. A maximum of two ranges are allowed.
  6. You can read a detailed description on the ATS output at the following link: Automatic Test Scoring Information Output Information.

Dropping Off Tests

  1. An instructor may drop off tests either in person or designate some one else to drop them off at the Help Desk Counter (ARC 2005).
  2. Make sure that the tests are accompanied with an ATS form. This form is also available at the counter.
  3. Make sure that the tests are accompanied by an answer key.
  4. Also make sure that all the tests are arranged in the same order (i.e. all forms are upright and facing the same direction).

Turn Around Time

  1. Allow at least two business days for the tests to be processed.
  2. If on the ATS form, you check the option to Call When Ready?, you will be notified via phone once the tests have been processed.

Picking up Tests

  1. An instructor can pick up tests at the Help Desk Counter (ARC 2005), provided they show proper identification.
  2. The instructor can authorize either a student assistant or the department secretary to pick up tests on his behalf (see step #3).
  3. The instructor has to fill out the ATS Release Form and submit it at the Help Desk Counter (ARC 2005) in person with proper identification. This form must be submitted each semester.
  4. The authorized personnel must show proper identification at the time of pick up.

Please refer questions and comments to the Help Desk by visiting the Academic Information Resource Center (ARC) in room 2005, e-mailing helpdesk@csus.edu, or calling (916) 278-7337.

Last Updated: June 20, 2007