Testing conditions can affect test scores. Examinees testing under poor conditions may have test scores that are significantly lower than the scores of individuals testing under more favorable circumstances. For this reason, AU A4L tests should be administered under standard conditions that give each person the opportunity to do his or her best. Testing conditions should encourage a person's best performance.

To ensure proper testing conditions the TCO should:

1. Avoid testing during times that conflict with known local or command exercises or mandatory functions.

2. Administer electronic tests on computers that are located in a designated are used for testing only.

3. Provide adequate, comfortable lighting for the room and working surface avoiding shadows and strong glare on working surfaces.

4. Control the ventilation, temperature, and humidity, if possible, to provide for the examinee's comfort.  The TCO should not conduct testing when environmental conditions are so extreme that they interfere with concentration.

5. Arrange the desks or tables with aisles to the test administrator can circulate about the room during testing.

6. Prohibit smoking in the testing room.

7. Make sure testing sessions are not interrupted.  Once testing has begun, excuse examinees only in an emergency (fire, tornado, etc.).

8. Under no circumstance will the testing proctor orally read question(s) for the testee.

9. To avoid potential problems with students accidentally kicking power supply cords or turning off the CPU button when administering electronic exams, position the CPU and all power supply cords so they are not accessible to the student.

   NOTE:  Should an E-Exam test session be interrupted, the TCO will print the student test summary and document the circumstances that caused the interruption and notify AU A4/6OS.  For additional information, see “Testing Policies and Procedures" and “Test Interruptions” in the E-Exam TCO Guide.

Test administrators should make sure that examinees:

1. Do not bring any books, briefcases, or unauthorized materials into the testing area.

2. Are all tested under equal or similar conditions.

3. Are reasonably free from distracting influences in the immediate environment.

4. Understand the purpose of the test.

5. Are comfortable and not fatigued or ill.

6. Are seated far enough apart to prevent cheating.

7. Have two #2 black lead pencils with erasers. Scratch paper, if needed, will be provided by the test examiner.

8. May use a hand-held non-programmable calculator for examinations with complex mathematical computations.

9. Make sure no testing material or notes leave testing area.

10. Prohibit the possession of electronic devices (e.g., watches, beepers, cell phones) that emit a sound that could be distracting to the examinees.

Preparation for Test Administration

Before a test control officer or test administrator administers a test, he or she should carefully study the procedures outlined in this catalog and in AFI 36–2201. The test administrator should know the purpose of the test, materials needed to give it, the directions, and how to solve problems that may arise in the administration of the test. Test administrators should sign a statement of understanding (use the test office appointment letter in the TCF database) that they are subject to disciplinary action if test collusion, compromise, or loss is due to their failure to follow the requirements of AFI 36-2201.