Blackboard Tests and Quizzes

General Suggestions for taking tests or quizzes in Blackboard:

1. Read and follow any instructions carefully.
2. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection.
3. DO NOT take a test or quiz using a mobile device.
4. If you are going to start a timed test, be aware of that limit and plan accordingly.
5. DO NOT wait till the last minute to start a test or quiz.
6. Check your computer settings and browser for Blackboard compatibility. You may want to have more than one browser available i.e. both Firefox and Internet Explorer.
7. Allow pop-ups for Blackboard.
8. Check for and remove any spyware or malware on your computer. Spyware or malware can interfere with online tests, as well as causing other problems.
9. DO NOT refresh or reload your browser during a quiz or test. You may get locked out.
10. DO NOT minimize, maximize or resize your browser window.You may get locked out.
11. DO NOT multi-task. Close other programs or browsers on your computer before beginning a test or quiz. Complete the test or quiz in one sitting.
12. If you are taking a quiz on one page that is lengthy, some internet and computer settings may not recognize that you are actively using the internet and may time out with inactivity.
13. DO NOT use the Enter key for Submit. Use only single left-clicks of your mouse.
14. DO NOTuse a scroll wheel on a mouse to scroll down through a set of test questions. Scroll wheels can inadvertently change answers. Use the window scroll bar not the scroll wheel on a mouse.
15. DO NOT use the browser navigation links or icons at the top of your browser such as back or forward.
16. DO NOT double-click on any Blackboard buttons or links during a quiz. i.e. Forward, Backward, Next, First question, Last question, Save, or Submit. Click buttons only once and wait.
17. Periodically click Save. Allow any AutoSave or Saving process to complete, before clicking Save and Submit or any other button.
18. Before clicking Save and Submit to finish an exam, you may check the question completion status indicator at the top of the page to make sure all questions were saved.
19. Remember to click on the Submit button when you are finished with an exam or test.

How-To Video:

Taking a test online - Blackboard 9.1 Spring 2012 version

How do I get a test or quiz reset?

If your progress during a quiz or test was interrupted and you need to start over, contact your instructor for the course. Explain the situation and, if appropriate, they will be able to reset the quiz or test for you. The Help Desk cannot reset quizzes and tests for students.

Before taking a test or quiz again:

• Be sure to use the browser check to be sure your computer is compatible with Blackboard.
• Review and follow all the suggestions above for taking tests and quizzes in Blackboard.

What if I get an error message when taking a quiz or test? 

If this happens, you should contact your instructor. Explain the situation and, if appropriate, they will be able to reset the quiz or test for you. The Help Desk cannot reset quizzes and tests for students.

The most common cause of "Access Denied" error messages during a test or quiz is double-clicking on the "Save" or "Next" button while the red "Saving Answer" message is showing on the screen.A Blackboard fix or patch was added in April 2012 that has eliminated most of these errors.

Before taking a test or quiz again:

• Be sure to use the browser check to be sure your computer is compatible with Blackboard.
• Review and follow all the suggestions above for taking tests and quizzes in Blackboard.

Contact the Student Computer Help Desk if you have questions.