What should I do in the event of a power outage during a testing session?

The general guidelines for Test Interruptions are given on page 59 of the E-Exam Test Control Officer’s Guide (Sep 04):

In the event of a power outage, the student (without penalty) will be allowed to retake the same test as soon as possible. It is preferable for the test to be re-administered as soon as the power comes back on. However, if time does not permit, a new test session should be scheduled.

We need to amplify these instructions and ask that you take some action to ensure that the failing scores generated by a power-outage are handled correctly by HQ AU A4/6.

These actions should be taken while the student is still at the test center:

1. When the power returns, check the student record and verify that a 0 score has been recorded for the test.

2. If enough time remains for completion of a test session, unlock the same test and allow the student to continue with the test session.

3. If there is not enough time to complete a testing session, reschedule the student.

After a power outage or other problem:

1. Batch and send the results as normal.

2. Follow up with an email to Data Branch (databranch@maxwell.af.mil). In this email:

1. Describe the event: power outage, computer crash, other.

2. Identify the students affected by the power outage or other problem.

3. Provide full SSNs.

4. Indicate if the retake score is in the same batch or if a retake has been scheduled for a later date.

When you must reschedule a test following a power outage or other delay:

1. Make a note of which version the student took and assign the alternate version for the student’s retake session.

2. Should the student fail the retake caused by the power outage/delay and need a second attempt, then you assign the first version the student was taking when the power interruption occurred.