Setup and Maintain Connect Plus Test Delivery

Connect Plus
Test Centre
Technical Guide
This guide is aimed at staff at Test Centres who are
responsible for setting up and maintaining the required
infrastructure for the Connect Plus test delivery system.
Contents
Contents..............................................................................................................................2
1 ...........................................................................................................................................4
Overview .............................................................................................................................4
About this guide ...................................................................................................................4
About Connect Plus .............................................................................................................4
Connect Plus user roles .......................................................................................................6
Connect Plus websites.........................................................................................................6
Accessing Connect Plus ......................................................................................................7
Test Centre Administrator access ....................................................................................7
Test Sitting Administrator access .....................................................................................7
Candidate access .............................................................................................................8
Logging in.............................................................................................................................8
Changing your password .....................................................................................................8
2 .........................................................................................................................................10
Requirements / Technical Specifications .....................................................................10
Minimum Admin (TSA) specification: .................................................................................10
Minimum Candidate Workstation specification: .................................................................10
Recommended Candidate Workstation specification: .......................................................11
Top Tips for a successful test session: ..............................................................................11
Wireless Networking: .........................................................................................................11
Flash Requirements ...........................................................................................................12
Anti-Virus Software: ...........................................................................................................12
Mac OS Compatibility: .......................................................................................................12
Browser compatibility .........................................................................................................12
Connectivity/Firewall Configuration....................................................................................12
Disk space requirements ...................................................................................................13
Performance limits .............................................................................................................13
Time requirements for downloading and uploading materials ...........................................14
3 .........................................................................................................................................18
Setting up rooms for test sittings ..................................................................................18
Choosing room configurations ...........................................................................................18
Order of Installation ............................................................................................................18
Centres with one test lab ...................................................................................................19
Centres with multiple test labs ...........................................................................................20
Locating Test Sitting Administrator computers ..................................................................21
4 .........................................................................................................................................22
Preparing computers .......................................................................................................22
Downloading and installing Connect Plus software ...........................................................22
First time installation of the Connect Plus software .......................................................23
Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6
Contents
Deploying network packages .............................................................................................30
Prerequisites for deployment..........................................................................................30
Downloading test content...................................................................................................30
Downloading test keys .......................................................................................................31
Catering for candidates with access needs .......................................................................32
Support for Accessibility equipment and software .........................................................32
Setting Access Arrangements ........................................................................................32
Turning on accessible view ............................................................................................32
Accessibility Statement ......................................................................................................33
Uninstalling the Connect Plus software .............................................................................33
5 .........................................................................................................................................34
Dealing with technical problems ....................................................................................34
Checking computer health and status ...............................................................................34
Windows installation prompts for connection details .........................................................36
Computer fails to register ...................................................................................................37
Computer fails to synchronise on startup ..........................................................................38
Startup synchronisation takes a long time .........................................................................39
Internet connection fails when a test is due to run.............................................................39
Internet connection fails during a test ................................................................................40
Local network fails .............................................................................................................40
A candidate computer fails.................................................................................................41
Candidate sees a blank white or grey screen when logging in..........................................41
An admin computer fails ....................................................................................................41
A computer part fails (for example, mouse stops operating) .............................................41
Power failure ......................................................................................................................41
The system is slow and unresponsive ...............................................................................42
Test responses fail to upload .............................................................................................42
Collecting and sending log files for Support analysis ........................................................43
Checking the Plugin Version of Flash is installed ..............................................................43
6 .........................................................................................................................................45
Glossary ............................................................................................................................45
1
Overview
About this guide
This guide focuses on the technical tasks that Test Centres need to carry out in order to
run computer-based tests using Connect Plus, including
About Connect Plus, System Requirements & Performance Limits.
Downloading and installing the Connect Plus software.
Time Requirements for downloading and uploading materials.
Room Configurations and Sequence of Events.
Troubleshooting in the event of a problem.
There are two further guides for Test Centres:
Test Sitting Administration Guide (includes how to run a familiarisation test)

This guide covers all the administrative tasks that Test Centres need to carry out,
including registering with Cambridge English, managing users and candidates, and
scheduling and running tests.
Computer-Based Testing Exam Day Booklet

This gives Test Sitting Administrators and invigilators step-by-step instructions on
how to run computer-based exams on the day.
About Connect Plus

Connect Plus enables you to deliver computer-based tests created by Cambridge
English. The test will be automatically downloaded to you over the Internet and candidate
test responses will be automatically returned to Cambridge English.
How does Connect Plus work?

Connect Plus contains two main applications:
Test Sitting Administration (TSA), which is installed on a network server or on

secure computer(s) used by test centre management to administer the tests.
Candidate Workstation (CW), which is installed on computers used by the

candidates.
Overview
The TSA computer automatically downloads all test materials available to an exam centre
from the Connect Plus Central System via the Internet. CW computers automatically
download the test materials from the TSA computer prior to the start of the exam
window via the test venues local area network (LAN). Candidates use a CW to record
their answers which the TSA receives over the LAN and automatically uploads to the
Connect Plus Central System via the Internet for marking.
The following diagram shows the connections between Central System and Test Centres.
Connection between the Central System and registered Test Centres is always via the
Internet. However within a Test Centre CWs will always connect to the TSA in the first
instance; unless they are prevented from doing so (as a result of a LAN communication
or TSA hardware failure for example). In such cases CWs will switch their connection
direct to the central system via the internet.
Both CWs and TSAs must therefore have internet access during the exam preparation
period, whilst tests are being run and after tests have completed.
Tests published by Cambridge English are automatically made available to selected Test
Centres, and test statuses, candidate responses are automatically passed from Test
Centres to Awarding Bodies.
For details on what actions you might need to take if you get connection failures or if
candidates experience other problems please review Chapter 5, Dealing with Technical
Problems on pages 34 - 44.
Overview
Connect Plus user roles

You can allocate one or both of the following roles to relevant staff members:
Connect Plus Test Centre Administrator

The Test Centre Administrator role is commonly given to Centre Exams Managers.
Each Test Centre Administrator is responsible for managing centre staff users,
computers and test sittings.
A Test Centre Administrator can access all pages of the Test Centre Administration
and Test Sitting Administration websites.
Connect Plus Test Sitting Administrator

Each Test Sitting Administrator is responsible for starting, managing and monitoring
tests in test sittings. Each Test Sitting Administrator has access to all test sittings
running in the Test Centre, and any number of Test Sitting Administrators can open
and monitor the same test sitting simultaneously.
A Test Sitting Administrator can only access the pages of the Test Sitting
Administration website (and not the Test Centre Administrator website).
You should decide well in advance of a test sitting who will act as Test Sitting
Administrators to ensure they are trained sufficiently and are familiar with their tasks.
Once you register with Cambridge English, the first user at the Test Centre is
automatically assigned both user roles, so that they will have access to all available tasks
through a single username and password. Subsequent users can be assigned one or
both roles as required.
As a technical staff member you need to have a Test Centre Administrator logon so you
can download the Connect Plus software, monitor the health and readiness of computers
used for tests and deal with any problems.
The information in this section is primarily aimed at network managers and other
technical staff at Test Centres.
Connect Plus websites

The addresses of the Connect Plus websites for Test Centres are as follows:
Test Centre Administrator website: https://centre.connectplus.rm.com/
Test Sitting Administrator website: https://sitting.connectplus.rm.com/
Overview
Accessing Connect Plus

Test Centre Administrator access
As a Test Centre Administrator, you can gain access to Connect Plus by going directly to
the Test Centre Administration website in a supported browser of your choice:
https://centre.connectplus.rm.com/
From this website, you can
Register with Connect Plus.
Manage staff users.
Download the TSA and CW software.
Monitor computer health and test content download.
Schedule Familarisation Tests
Monitor test sittings (in an external venue).
Manage test sittings*
Test Sitting Administrator access

Test Sitting Administrators manage test sittings on the exam day in the exam room and
there are controls to open, start, pause, resume and end each test. The administrator will
also always need to close down the test sitting when all candidates have finished their
tests.
As a Test Sitting Administrator you can access Connect Plus in one of two ways:
If you are using a computer on which the Connect Plus Test Sitting Administration
software is installed, you can access Connect Plus either via the Start menu or via
Connect Plus Test Sitting Administrator icon on your computers desktop:
Using a supported browser of your choice, go to the Test Sitting Administrator

website:
https://sitting.connectplus.rm.com/
Important Whilst Connect Plus offers the administrator the flexibility of running tests
via the Sitting Administrator website you must install the TSA application on one or
more workstations on the same LAN in accordance with the recommended TSA to
CW ratio table on page 21.
In this scenario the TSA is not used to manage test sittings but acts as a local server
from which CWs download test content across your LAN, backup responses are sent
to the TSAs during the test which also collect and process responses locally before
uploading them to the central system.
Overview
Candidate access
Candidates access and take their tests on a computer on which the Connect Plus
Candidate software is installed. Once installed you can start the application either via the
Start menu or via an icon on your computers desktop:
Logging in
1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Test Centre Administration website:
https://centre.connectplus.rm.com/
On the login page, type your Username and Password, and then click Login. Note
that your username is the email address that was given when your user account was
created, and your password is case sensitive.
2. On first login, you will be prompted to go to your email and follow a link back to the
login screen, in order to confirm your email address.
3. Once you are logged in, the Test Centre Administration Home page displays:
Changing your password

As a technical staff member with Test Centre Administrator rights, you can change your
own password at any time.
1. Log in to the Test Centre Administration website and click the drop-down menu
alongside your user name in the top navigation bar.
Overview
2. Select Change Password. The Change password window displays.
3. Enter your current password and your new password twice for confirmation. Ensure
that your new password meets the rules displayed on the screen. In particular, make
sure that you enter upper and lower case letters correctly. You can include special
symbols such as * and & if you wish. For example, valid passwords are freDDie22,
2Elaine*, &Bsharma3. Some invalid passwords are James2 (too short), eddie346
(no upper case letter), RGreenaway (no number).
Click Submit.
Note: If you forget your password, a Test Centre Administrator can reset it, as
described in the Administration Guide.
Requirements /
Technical Specifications
2
Requirements /
Minimum Admin (TSA) specification:
Operating System:
Processor Speed: 2.4GHz or faster x86-compatible processor.
Physical Memory: 512MB or better.
Local HDD: 1GB or greater free disk space is required.
Internet bandwidth: 512Kbits/sec.
LAN Wireless bandwidth: 54 Mbits/sec.
LAN Wired bandwidth: 10Mbits/sec switched network or equivalent.
Microsoft .Net framework v3.5
Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista, Windows 7.
Minimum Candidate Workstation specification:
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1.
Processor Speed: 2.33GHz or faster x86-compatible processor.
Physical Memory: 2GB or better.
Graphics Memory: 256MB or better.
Local HDD: 1GB or greater free disk space is required.
LAN Wireless bandwidth: 54 Mbits/sec.
LAN Wired bandwidth: 10Mbits/sec switched network or equivalent.
Microsoft .Net framework v2.0
Please note:
Please ensure the operating system on the TSA computer has been updated with the
latest service pack which can be downloaded free from Microsoft Windows Update:
http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx
10
Requirements /
Recommended Candidate Workstation specification:

Even when the candidate computers meet the minimum specifications listed above, the
performance of the computers during any CB session can be affected by third party
software (such as Windows Service Packs, Office 2010 etc.) which place additional
demand on the computers resources. Therefore, we strongly advise you to follow our
recommendations for software and hardware configuration detailed below.
Operating System
Service
Pack
SP3
Processor
Windows Vista
Business,
Enterprise or
Ultimate (32 bit)
SP2
2.33GHz or faster
x86-compatible
processor
2GB or better
256 MB
Windows 7
Professional,
Enterprise or
Ultimate (32 or 64
bit)
SP1
2.33GHz or faster
x86-compatible
processor
4GB or better
256 MB
Windows XP
Professional (32
bit)
2.33GHz or faster
x86-compatible
processor
Physical Memory Graphics

Memory
2GB or better
256 MB
Top Tips for a successful test session:

1. If your computers were left running overnight the night before test, restart them to
clear your computers' physical memory.
2. Close any unnecessary applications (Office, chat programs etc.) running on your
computers before starting the Connect Plus application. This will avoid your
computers' resources being used unnecessarily.
Important:
Please ensure that you follow the above recommendations and the computers you use
for delivering CB tests meet not only the minimum computer specifications for the
software, but also the minimum requirements for the operating system as failing to do
. this may cause problems during live CB tests.
Wireless Networking:
When planning to run Connect Plus on a wireless network candidate workstations can be
connected wirelessly however any TSAs must be wired (and their connection to the
Wireless Access Point disabled) so they are able to process all the test content and
candidate responses within a reasonable time.
11
Requirements /
Flash Requirements
If your centre is planning to CB BEC or CB TKT please note that these tests are currently
authored using Flash. In order to run said tests Connect Plus requires the Adobe Flash
Player Plugin for Firefox and other browsers to be installed on all candidate workstations.
Connect Plus works successfully with versions 10.2 - 11.6 of the plugin. If you do not
have any flash player present then the minimum compatible version of the plugin will
automatically be installed. However there may be instances where you need to install the
plugin manually, instructions for which are provided on page 43.
Anti-Virus Software:
Some anti-virus software is known to cause performance issues when Connect Plus is
running tests, and there are some which will prevent Connect Plus installations from
connecting to the central system.
After installing Connect Plus on workstations where anti-virus software is installed please
ensure that you add the Connect Plus folder and program as exceptions to the anti-virus
program on each workstation and on the day of a test you also disable live scanning.
Mac OS Compatibility:
The Connect Plus software is not currently compatible with the Mac operating system.
We regret we are unable to support any centres attempting to install and/or run the
Connect Plus applications natively on Mac computers.
Browser compatibility
The Connect Plus websites listed on page 6 of this guide may be accessed via the
following web browsers:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or later.
Mozilla Firefox 4 or later.
Please note the following browsers are not supported:
Safari.
Google Chrome.
The Test Sitting Administrator software and the Candidate Workstation software use an
embedded browser and so are independent of any particular browser and version.
Connectivity/Firewall Configuration
The bandwidths listed in the System Requirements on page 10 reflect the dedicated
bandwidth needed to run Connect Plus successfully, where the network is not being used
for other purposes at the same time. Internet bandwidth must be the actual bandwidth
available, not just that claimed by your Internet Service Provider).
Also please note the following points:
12
Requirements /
If installing Connect Plus software on a Windows computer using an account that is a

member of the Local Administrators group on the workstation, the installation will
attempt to create appropriate rules in the Windows Firewall to allow connectivity.
The Test Sitting Administrator software must also be able to connect to Candidate
computers on your network and visa versa. By default they will try to connect to each
other on TCP port 8080 and will increment the port number (8081, 8082 etc) if the
initial port is not available.
After installations are complete it is strongly recommended you check the firewall
configuration on each TSA or CW workstation and if necessary add in exceptions for
a. The Connect Plus application.
b. TCP Port 8080 for both outgoing and incoming traffic.
During installation of the Connect Plus software on a Windows computer, the

software will attempt to read the current proxy configuration stored on the computer.
If this is not possible the software will prompt for the proxy information to be entered
upon first run.
Proxy settings, once entered and stored, should not need to be re-entered unless
your proxy configuration changes or the software is reinstalled.
All Connect Plus websites, like most secure sites, use the HTTPS protocol, which
establishes connections on TCP port 443. If you can access other HTTPS sites from
your browser without issue you should be able to access all Connect Plus sites. If you
are unsure you can browse to www.rm.com/verifyssl to test your current
configuration.
Since all Internet communications from your Test Centre network will be initiated by
your browser, Administrator software or Candidate software, the Connect Plus
system does not require any inbound rules from the Internet to your network to be
configured.
Disk space requirements

A clean installation of the Candidate or Administrator computer software (no test content
and no test responses) requires approximately 150MB of hard disk space.
The space requirement will increase as tests are downloaded to computers and test
responses are generated. The total space required will depend on the number and size of
tests and the frequency of testing. You should allow a minimum of 1GB of free space on
each computer and keep an eye on space usage.
After the test window has passed, Connect Plus automatically deletes successfully
uploaded and processed test responses from computers.
Performance limits
Connect Plus is designed to operate within the following limits:
There will be no more than 500 candidates simultaneously taking a test at the same
time under a Test Centre.
One Test Sitting Administrator computer per 100 Candidate Workstation computers,
up to a maximum of five per LAN is required.
One spare computer is available for every 20 candidates.
13
Requirements /
The tests being taken result in typical candidate responses of no more than 100KB
per candidate.
We also recommend that you set up and make available one spare admin computer
for use in case of failure.
Time requirements for downloading and uploading

materials
Downloading materials:
Order of tasks and timelines for downloading test materials
Task
How
When
1. TSA computer
downloads all test materials
available to the exam
centre.
Test download is an
automated process. If a
TSA computer is switched
on and has access to the
Internet, it periodically
(every 10 minutes) checks
whether there is a test
material to download from
the Connect Plus server.
Cambridge English releases

test materials to centres
five days before the
earliest test start time.
Therefore, TSA computers
can start downloading test
five days before the
earliest test start time.
2. CW computers
downloads test materials
from the TSA computer.
CW computer periodically
(every 10 minutes) checks
whether there is any test
material to download from
the TSA computer.
Download will start if the
TSA computer is switched
on and on the same LAN
with the CW computer.
CW computer will start

downloading the test
materials when they are
available at the TSA
computer.
14
Requirements /
Uploading candidate responses:

Order of tasks and timelines for uploading candidate responses
Task
How
When
1. CW computer uploads
candidate responses to
TSA computer.
While the test is running

CW computer automatically
uploads candidates
responses to the TSA
computer via the LAN.
Every 60 seconds.
2. CW computer finalises
the upload process.
CW computer automatically
uploads any remaining
candidate responses to the
TSA computer via the LAN.
As soon as the test ends.
3. TSA computer uploads

candidate responses to
Connect Plus server.
TSA computer automatically

uploads candidate
responses to Connect Plus
Server via the Internet.
As soon as CW computer
finales the upload process
and sends the last update
to the TSA computer.
Timings
Please use the table below to estimate the time you need to prepare for a successful
computer-based exam session.
Important note:
Test material download times can be affected by various computer activities happening
outside of the Connect Plus system, such as use of Internet or network resources by
other people at the test venue, software updates (such as Windows update, anti-virus
software updates etc.). The estimates below are based on the following assumptions:
Internet Bandwidth listed is the actual speed of the connection
75% of Internet connection capacity is available for Connect Plus
75% of network capacity is available for Connect Plus
All computers are on a 100mbps wired network
Computers are not CPU, Memory or disk constrained during downloads
All test content download must be complete on all TSAs and CWs by 16.00hrs (local
time) on the day prior to any CB test for which a centre has entered candidates.
15
Requirements /
Estimated time for downloading test materials to TSA computers from Connect
Plus Server
Internet Bandwidth (Kbit/s)
Test
Material
file size
512
1024
2048
4096
Elapsed
time
If running a single
session over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning session).
30 MB
10m
5m
3m
2m
If running multiple
sessions on a
single day over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning and
afternoon session).
60 MB
20m
10m
6m
4m
If running multiple
sessions over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning and
afternoon first day,
CB PET morning,
afternoon and
evening session the
next day).
150 MB
50m
25m
15m
10m
16
Requirements /
Estimated time for downloading test materials to CW computers from TSA
computer
The estimates below assume that the centre has minimum 100 mbps network
connectivity and running the test on wired network.
Important note:
If you are intending to run Connect Plus on wireless networks, you must leave at
least twice the elapsed time displayed in the table below as the test distribution over
a wireless network will be considerably slower than wired networks.
Connect Plus does not support networks with less than 100mbps network
connectivity
Number of CW computers
Test
Material
file size
30
50
100
200
Elapsed
time
If running a single
session over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning session).
30 MB
2m
3m
6m
12m
If running multiple
sessions on a
single day over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning and
afternoon session).
60 MB
4m
6m
12m
24m
If running multiple
sessions over two
days (e.g. CB FCE
morning and
afternoon first day,
CB PET morning,
afternoon and
evening session the
next day).
150 MB
10m
15m
30m
60m
Estimated time for uploading candidate responses from TSA computers to Connect
Plus Server
Internet Bandwidth (Kbit/s)
512
1024
2048
4096
Number of CW
computers
Response file
size (MB)
Elapsed
time
30
10m
5m
3m
2m
50
18m
9m
4m
3m
100
36m
18m
8m
5m
200
1h12m
36m
16m
9m
17
Setting up rooms for test sittings
3
Tasks covered in this chapter:
Choosing room configurations

Order of Installation
Locating Test Sitting Administrator computers
Each test runs within a test sitting on a particular day. A test sitting is a grouping of
candidates taking tests on the same day.
Either Test Centre Administrators or Test Sitting Administrators can run test sittings.
The candidates in a test sitting may all be taking the same test or different tests, from the
same or different Awarding Bodies.
Choosing room configurations

The candidates in a test sitting may all be sitting their tests in the same room, or split
across a number of rooms.
Candidates taking the same test may be split across multiple rooms.
Wherever the candidates are located, any number of Test Centre Administrators and Test
Sitting Administrators can view and monitor the same test sitting simultaneously.
Order of Installation
The diagrams in in this chapter illustrate typical room set-ups for running tests in a single
lab and when running in multiple labs. Irrespective of the number of rooms you are
running tests in centres are recommended to follow the order of installation below in all
cases:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Download Test Sitting Administrator software.

Install Test Sitting Administrator software on all TSA machines.
Ensure the TSAs complete their registration with the Connect Plus central server.
Check Test Sitting Administrator health.
Download Candidate Workstation software.
Install Candidate Workstation software on all Candidate Workstations.
Check Candidate Workstation health.
Run a Familiarisation test uploading responses from at least five CWs.
18
Centres with one test lab

The diagram below shows a single Test Venue with a single room and fewer than 100
candidate computers. If you have more than 100 candidate computers in a single test lab,
you will need to increase the number of Test Sitting Administrator computers in
accordance with the ratio explained on page 21.
19
Centres with multiple test labs
Notes: Should your venue host more than 100 machines you will need to install more
than one Test Sitting Administrator machine. See Pages 13 and 21 for advice on Test
Sitting Administrator ratios.
20
Locating Test Sitting Administrator computers

All Test Sitting Administrators who are monitoring a particular test sitting will see all
candidates no matter which room they are in.
Note: However you arrange your candidates, it is important not to exceed the
recommended number of Test Sitting Administrator computers relative to candidate
computers across the entire Test Centre: one Test Sitting Administrator computer
for every 100 candidates, plus one spare in case of failure. You can either put the
spare to use, or merely keep it available in case of failure. Do not have too many Test
Sitting Administrator computers as this will result in a lot of unnecessary
synchronisation which may hinder performance.
For best performance, follow the guidance in the table below:
Candidate
workstations
Test Centre Administration workstations

(maximum per LAN including the spare)
1 - 100
101-200
201-300
To avoid exceeding these recommendations in situations where you are running a

number of tests simultaneously across multiple rooms, you can ask the recommended
number of Test Sitting Administrators to log on using the Connect Plus software and the
remainder to log on via the Test Sitting Administrator website.
For example, if you have fewer than 100 candidates taking tests in three separate rooms,
you only need two Test Sitting Administrator computers. You can locate these two
computers in two of the test rooms, and let the Test Sitting Administrator in the third room
access the test sitting via the website.
If your candidates are split across many rooms, a good approach is to set up a separate
control room and locate your computers as follows:
Control room: Set up a secure room and locate the recommended number of Test
Sitting Administrator computers (with the Connect Plus Test Administrator software
installed) in this room. These computers do not need to be manned; in fact you do not
even need to launch the Connect Plus software on them, you just need to ensure that
they have the software installed and are turned on. They are used solely to collect
candidate responses for onward upload to the central system, and for download of
test content and keys. Ideally, connect these computers to the school network and
the Internet using wired (not wireless) connections, which speeds synchronisations,
in particular downloads of test content to candidate computers.
Test rooms: Locate the required number of candidate computers in each room
where tests are taking place. Connect all Test Sitting Administrators within these
rooms via the Test Sitting Administrator website.
21
Preparing computers
4
Preparing computers
Tasks covered in this chapter:
Download and install Connect Plus software.

Download test content and keys.
Configure selected computers for candidates with special needs.
Downloading and installing Connect Plus software

If your Test Centre intends to run tests using the Connect Plus software, you need to
download and install Test Sitting Administrator software on computers you intend to use
for test administration and Candidate software on computers that candidates will use to
sit tests .
For each test you need the following types of computer:
Test Sitting Administrator computers

These computers have the Test Sitting Administrator software installed. They allow
Test Sitting Administrators to run test sittings and monitor candidates. They also
collect responses from all connected candidate computers before sending them on to
the Central System for processing once the test has completed.
We advise that you have one Test Sitting Administrator computer for every 100
candidates, plus one spare in case of failure, across your Test Centre.
Important!
In any given situation, additional Test Sitting Administrators over and above the
recommended number can run exams via the Test Sitting Administrator website
without adversely affecting performance. For more information on how to handle
different scenarios, see Chapter 3, Error! Reference source not found.on page
Candidate
computers
21.
These computers have the Candidate software installed. They enable candidates to
sit tests. It is advisable to have at least one spare candidate computer for every 20
candidates in case of failure.
It is best to download and install the Test Sitting Administration software first and check
the computers health in the centre website, then leave the admin computers running
while you download you install the Candidate software. This enables the candidate
computers to connect to and register with the admin computers, which will save you time
as you will not need to specify proxy server details on the Candidate computers..
However, dont worry if you fail to follow this procedure; if the admin computers are not
prepared and running when you install the Candidate software, connection and
registration will occur at the next opportunity.
22
Preparing computers
Recommended sequence of tasks:

1. Download Test Sitting Administrator software.
2. Install Test Sitting Administrator software on the recommended number of
computers for the number of candidates taking tests.
3. Allow the TSA computers to register/synchronise with the Connect Plus server
4. Download Candidate software.
5. With the Test Sitting Administrator computers turned on, with or without the
software launched but connected to Candidate computers over the Test Centre
network, install or deploy the Candidate software on the required number of
computers.
You can use the same download package repeatedly to install onto different computers,
but do not use a package that is older than seven days, as the security key that controls
access to the package will have expired and you will be asked to enter your Connect Plus
username and password when carrying out each installation. It is always best to
download the latest version of the software before carrying out any installations.
Each candidate computer will register with a particular admin computer. However, if at
any time the currently registered admin computer cannot be found, perhaps because it
has been turned off or has failed, the candidate computer will automatically seek an
alternative admin computer and register with that.
After installation, the Connect Plus software is updated automatically from time to time as
new versions are released. Updates happen silently when the computer is turned on and
is connected to the Internet; you wont normally see any messages telling you that an
update is happening.
Important
Before installing either the Candidate or Test Sitting Administration software you must
ensure that the date and time have been set correctly on your computers. If you do
not do this, a warning dialogue will display telling you that you are likely to experience
synchronisation errors.
First time installation of the Connect Plus software

When installing the Connect Plus software, it is highly recommended that you have
administration rights for each computer you are installing onto, as this will make the
software available to all users of each computer. It will also ensure that all other required
components, including Adobe Flash Player, are installed automatically if not already
installed.
The process is exactly the same for Test Sitting Administration and Candidate software.
For each type of software, you can either download a stand-alone package which you
can use to install the software onto appropriate computers one-by-one (for example, by
using removable media such as a USB flash drive), or you can download a network
package that you can deploy over a network to selected computers.
Note:
The download files size are quite large: approximately 250MB for the Test Sitting
Administrator software and 50MB for the Candidate software, Therefore, depending
on your Internet bandwidth, network configuration and computer specification,
download of the Test Sitting Administrator software may take up to an hour, and
download of the Candidate software may take up to 20 minutes.
23
Preparing computers
Note:
You cannot install both the Test Sitting Administration software and the Candidate
software on the same computer.
Downloading the software on a Windows PC
1. Log on to the Test Centre Administrator website and click the Computers tab. A list of
all computers onto which you have already installed Connect Plus software displays.
24
Preparing computers
2. Click Download the latest version.
3. Click the appropriate download for your operating system, and then click Save File.
You can choose either a computer installer (for manual installation on one or more
computers, one at a time) or a network package (for deployment to multiple
computers on your Test Centre network).
Note: The default filename for the download contains information that is used to
register and configure your computer. Do not change the filename, otherwise you
will be asked to supply some information for configuration purposes. For more
details, see Windows installations prompts for connection details on page 36.
Note: To determine whether your version of Windows is 64 bit, take the following
steps.
Windows XP Click Start, Control Panel, System. If the System description

on the General tab includes x64 then you have 64 bit Windows.
Windows 7 and Vista - Click Start, right click on Computer then look in the
System section to see if your copy of Windows is 64 bit.
4. Select the local folder into which you want to save the download file, for example
c:\downloads, then click Save.
Note: The following example screens show how to install the Candidate software
on stand-alone computers one-by-one, but the process is identical for installing
Test Administration software. We recommend that you to install the Test Sitting
Administration software and allow it to register with the Connect Plus server before
the Candidate software.
For more information on deploying a network package to multiple computers, see
Deploying network packages on page 30.
25
Preparing computers
To install the software:
1. In Windows Explorer, double-click on the appropriate download file. Depending on
your security settings, a security warning window may display:
2. Click Run. A progress window displays:
3. If Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 is not already installed on the
computer, you will be asked if you want to install it. Click Yes to confirm.
4. If Adobe Flash Player is not already installed on your computer, you need to accept
the terms and conditions, then click Install.
5. A welcome screen displays:
6. Click Next. A Ready screen displays.
26
Preparing computers
7. Click Install. A progress window displays:
27
Preparing computers
8. When the installation completes, a confirmation window displays:
9. Click Continue. A launch window displays briefly:
followed by some synchronisation messages:
28
Preparing computers
Finally, the Registration Complete window displays:
10. Click Launch Software. The launch window displays again:
This process may take a few minutes. During this time the software is identifying what
other software is installed within the test centre, performing internal configuration and
fetching any new test content. If you are using a software download that is older than
seven days, or you have changed the name of the download package, you will be
asked to enter your Connect Plus username and password along with other details at
this point.
11. After a few moments, the relevant logon screen displays. For example, here is the
candidate logon screen:
12. Click Close to quit. You may now find it helpful to log on as a Test Centre
Administrator and go to the Computers tab to check that this computer appears in the
list of prepared computers.
29
Preparing computers
Deploying network packages

Important: As each installation is registered with the Connect Plus central system
using the computers unique name it must NOT be installed on multiple computers
using imaging software. Please do not attempt this method of installation as this will
cause significant problems for monitoring computers, affect the download of test
content and prevent the upload of candidate responses.
For Windows only, you can deploy Connect Plus Administrator and Candidate software to
workstations on your network using Microsoft Group Policy Deployment. Administrator
and Candidate packages are available in MSI format for this purpose. For information on
deploying MSI packages through Group Policy please refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base
article 816102.
Note: Group Policy Deployment is one of many ways to deploy MSI packages to a
network. Connect Plus has been tested with a variety of deployment technologies and
should behave like any other MSI package. Please refer to your network management
software documentation for more information.
Prerequisites for deployment

In each of the stand-alone installers, the relevant version of Microsoft .NET Framework is
included and will be installed automatically along with the Connect Plus software.
However, .NET Framework is not included in the provided network deployment
packages; you must install or deploy it to all workstations prior to deploying the Connect
Plus software.
Connect Plus Candidate Workstation software requires that Microsoft .NET

Framework v2.0 SP2 is installed on the target workstation.
Connect Plus Administrator Workstation software requires that Microsoft .NET

Framework v3.5 is installed on the target workstation, as well as the latest version of
Adobe Flash Player Plugin.
Please see MSDN articles on deploying .NET v2.0 and .NET v3.5 for more information.
The deployment must be completed on a domain controller or server/workstation which
has the Windows Server 2003 Administrations Tools Pack installed (available for
download from Microsofts website).
We strongly recommend that you deploy (or manually install) the Administrator software
first then deploy the Candidate software. If you install and register at least one or two
Administrator workstations first, then when you deploy and register Candidate
workstations, they will connect to the registered Admin workstations; this will save you
time as you will not need to specify proxy information on the Candidate workstations.
You cannot install both the Administrator and Candidate software on the same
workstation.
Downloading test content

If candidates and Test Sitting Administrators are using the Connect Plus software for a
test, the relevant test content needs to be downloaded to Test Sitting Administrator
computers, and thence to candidate computers, in advance of the test. Candidate
computers can download test content over the Internet if they have a connection
available, but it is more efficient to download to a Test Sitting Administrator computer and
let candidate computers download the test content from this computer over your local
network.
30
Preparing computers
Note:
Test content can be quite large, so you are strongly advised to allow ample time for
downloads. If you only turn on candidate computers shortly before a test, all the
computers will simultaneously attempt to download the test content, which will put a
heavy load on your network and could delay the test start.
Strongly Recommended:
We recommend you carry out this activity before the day of the test (test content is
released by Cambridge English 5 days before each test). If this is not possible, you
must allow a minimum of two hours before a test starts.
To download test content automatically to a Test Sitting Administrator computer, turn the
computer on so it can connect to the Central System via the Internet. Test content for
forthcoming tests will automatically be downloaded.
To download test content to a candidate computer, you need to ensure that the computer
is connected to the Test Centre network and hence to Test Administrator computers,
and/or to the Internet, and turn the computer on. If you installed the candidate software
with admin rights for the computer, you dont need to launch the candidate software; but if
you installed without admin rights, then you do need to launch the candidate software.
The test content will be downloaded automatically from the Test Administrator computer
with which the candidate computer was last registered if available, otherwise from the
Central System over the Internet.
To check whether content has been downloaded to a particular computer, log in to the
Test Centre Administration website, click the Computers tab, then click the computers
name. Details will be shown for each test for which content has been downloaded. For
more details, see Checking computer health and status on page 34.
Note: If candidates are taking tests online via the Candidate website, test content
does not need to be downloaded, as it is obtained in segments as required over the
Internet during the test. However, this does mean that if your Internet connection fails
during the test, candidates will be unable to continue as they do not have the test
content available locally on their computers.
Downloading test keys

If candidates are due to take a test using the Candidate software, the relevant test key
needs to be downloaded to the appropriate Test Sitting Administrator computers in
advance of the test.
Note: If candidates are taking tests online via the Candidate website, the test key
does not need to be downloaded, as it is obtained online over the Internet when
candidates log on to do the test.
When candidates log on to do the test, the key is used to check the candidate credentials
and unlock the test content. If connection to a Test Sitting Administration computer to
which the key has been downloaded is not available when the test is due to start, but
candidate computers do have an Internet connection, the candidate computers will
attempt to download the key from the Central System.
Note: If the key cannot be accessed then candidates will be unable to log on.
31
Preparing computers
To download a key automatically, turn the Test Sitting Administrator computer on so it

can connect to the Central System via the Internet. Test keys for forthcoming tests will
automatically be downloaded.
To check whether keys have been downloaded to a particular Test Sitting Administrator
computer, log in to the Test Centre Administration website, click the Computers tab, then
click the computers name. For each test, the Key downloaded column will show
the key has been downloaded, otherwise
health and status on page 34.
if
. For more details, see Checking computer
Catering for candidates with access needs

Support for Accessibility equipment and software
The Connect Plus Websites support a range of Accessibility equipment and software for
users with access needs; for example, screen readers, Braille keyboards and touch
screens.
Anyone who is involved in providing assistance to users must become familiar with The
Connect Plus websites and all the special Accessibility equipment in use, and must carry
out the following activities well in advance of the test:
install and configure screen reader software according to the manufacturers

instructions.
ensure staff users know how to switch to Accessible view, especially if they are using
a screen reader, as described below.
install additional hardware, for example Braille keyboards or touch screens.
configure browser settings to make the most of accessibility features. Guidance is

provided via the Accessibility Statement link at the bottom of any page on one of the
Connect Plus websites.
Ideally, you will set up an additional computer with all the Accessibility equipment in case
you need to move a candidate with access needs to a different computer.
Setting Access Arrangements

Test Centre Administrators can also set Access Arrangements for candidates; for
example allow a candidate extra time to do the test. For more details see the Test Centre
Administration Guide.
Turning on accessible view

To get the full benefit of using a screen reader, turn on accessible view. This view adjusts
the styling of Connect Plus pages to work better with screen readers and other
accessibility software.
1. Click the drop-down menu alongside your user name in the top navigation bar.
2. Ensure the box to the left of Accessible view is ticked.
32
Preparing computers
Accessibility Statement
Via the link at the bottom of each website page, you can access the Connect Plus
Accessibility Statement, which provides details of:
configuring accessibility settings in supported browsers.
using keyboard support features via access keys.
using screen readers.
Uninstalling the Connect Plus software

If you no longer need either the Test Sitting Administrator or candidate software on a
particular computer, you should uninstall it.(after ensuring that all candidate responses
have been received by Cambridge English).
To uninstall the software on a Windows XP computer, use the Add or Remove Programs
option in Windows Control Panel.
On Windows Vista and Windows 7, it is not possible to uninstall the Connect Plus
software using the Add or Remove Programs option in Windows Control Panel. Instead,
right click on the installation file and select Run as administrator. The following screen
displays:
Select the Remove option and click Next.
33
5
Dealing with technical problems
Checking computer health and status
At any time you can click on the Computers tab within the Test Centre Administration
website to see a list of all the computers at your Test Centre that have been registered
with Connect Plus:
For each computer, this screen shows

Administration software is installed.
in the relevant column if the Candidate or
The Connected To column shows the connection. Admin computers will always be
connected to the central system (the central Connect Plus server on which the Connect
Plus websites run), while candidate computers may be connected either to an admin
computer or to the central system.
If, due to your network configuration or firewall rules, candidate computers cannot
connect to admin computers, they will attempt to connect to the central system instead
via the Internet. A message will display at the top of the screen telling you that this is not
the optimum configuration. Candidates will still be able to take tests on these computers,
and admin computers will be able to communicate with candidate computers via the
Internet, but if the Internet connection fails then the admin computers will lose contact
with the candidate computers. The candidates will be able to continue their tests, but they
cannot communicate with either admin computers or the central system until the Internet
connection is restored.
34

The Health column shows one of Healthy
, Unhealthy
or Out Of Contact
.
Unhealthy indicates that the computer may be below the minimum specification (see
Error! Reference source not found. page 10), the software requires to be updated, or
that test content or keys for forthcoming tests have not been downloaded. Each test has
a test key which controls access to the test content. If a computer is left idle and only
turned on just before a test sitting, then you will have an immediate problem as software
updates, test content and/or keys may not have been downloaded. In the first instance
the Unhealthy computer should be switched on and allowed to communicate with (and be
updated by) the network. Out Of Contact indicates that the computer is turned off or not
connected to the network.
If reconnecting does not resolve the problem with an Unhealthy or Out Of Contact
computer, you could try rebooting, or alternatively exit the Connect Plus software and
restart the Connect Plus service, then try again. This is the simplest way to force a data
synchronisation to occur and it may also unblock any other temporary problems.
If all candidate computers are shown as Unhealthy or Out Of Contact, proceed as follows:
1. Either reboot the Test Sitting Administrator computer or exit from the Test Sitting
Administrator software and restart the Connect Plus service, then try to log on to the
Test Sitting Administrator computer again.
2. If candidate computers still cannot connect, reboot a candidate computer and try
again.
3. If this fails, shut down all Test Sitting Administrator computers in the Test Centre,
which will force all candidate computers to register with and authenticate against the
Central System.
4. Try to log on again at any of the candidate computers.
The Response Status column will show either
responses are outstanding.
or
, indicating whether any test
You can click on a computer name to show further details:
This screen shows the names and start dates of tests for which the test content has been
downloaded to the computer. Note that after a test has run, the test window has passed
and any candidate responses have been successfully uploaded, test content is
automatically removed from the computer.
35

For Test Sitting Administrator computers, the Key downloaded column shows whether
the test key for each test has been downloaded . This column will always show N/A for
candidate computers.
The Test Status column shows whether all candidate responses have been uploaded.
At the top of the screen, the version of candidate or Test Sitting Administrator software
installed on the computer is shown. Installation scope shows either All users (if a user
with administration rights for the computer installed the software, so all users can access
it) or a username (if a user without administration rights for the computer installed the
software, so only they can access it).
Windows installation prompts for connection details

If you have renamed the downloaded Connect Plus software installation file you will be
prompted by the following pop-up during installation:
We recommend that you download another copy of the installation file and do not rename
it. However if this window is displayed at any point you will need to enter;
Centre ID:
<Your Centre Number>
Address:
integration.connectplus.rm.com
Awarding Body:
ESOL
You may also be prompted to enter your user name and password (logon credentials).
36
Computer fails to register

If there is a connection problem, for example if your Internet connection goes down, then
a computer may fail to register, and you will see the following pop-up window (the window
shown is for a Candidate computer; the window for a Test Sitting Administration computer
is slightly different):
Firstly, check that your Internet connection is working and you can access the Connect
Plus websites.
If you use a proxy server, click Set Proxy Details and ensure that the proxy details are
correctly set.
This warning can also arise if you have reinstalled Connect Plus software having
previously only partially removed it. To fully remove Connect Plus software you must
carry out an uninstall process and also delete the \ConnectPlus folder from \Program
files. The software may then be reinstalled at any time.
37
If you are using an authenticated proxy server, you will need to enter your username and
password for the proxy server as well as the proxy server address and port number, and
the domain name for either the network or the proxy server for your Test Centre.
The connection problem could also be caused by a local firewall setting. Both Candidate
and Sitting Administration computers need outbound access for all SSL (HTTPS) traffic
on port 443 to: https://integration.connectplus.rm.com. Any local firewalls on Admin
workstations (e.g. Windows or Symantec) will need to allow inbound access from traffic
on the LAN only to port 8080. (N.B. if port 8080 is already taken on a Sitting
Administration computer, then Connect Plus will increment the port number until a free
one is found). The Candidate software installers will register a Windows firewall exception
for the service process so that it can receive inbound connections to any port. The Sitting
Administration software binds to all addresses.
Computer fails to synchronise on startup

Whenever you launch the Connect Plus software on a Test Sitting Administrator or
candidate computer, some synchronisation messages display:
38

If a red cross appears against any of the messages on this screen then the software will
fail to launch. The messages help you to diagnose where the problem lies. If you cannot
resolve the problem yourself, contact your support provider.
Startup synchronisation takes a long time

It is important to turn on all Test Sitting Administrator and candidate computers well in
advance of a test, so as to give test content and keys ample time to download. If you only
turn one of these computers on just before a test is due to start, then the synchronisation
may take quite a long time (up to 20 minutes or so, depending on the speed of your
network and Internet connection, and whether you are using wired or wireless
connections).
Internet connection fails when a test is due to run

If your Internet connection is down at the time a test sitting is due to run, test responses
cannot be uploaded to the central system for Cambridge English access. However, you
have the option to run the test sitting offline. In offline mode, all candidate responses are
held on Test Sitting Administrator computers until your Internet connection is restored, at
which time the responses will be uploaded automatically.
To run test sessions offline, launch each Test Sitting Administrator computer as normal.
The Connection Problem popup window displays:
The messages on this window explain how to resolve common connectivity problems.
To run an offline sitting, click Skip. You can now run the test sitting as usual in offline
mode.
Note: The Skip button is only available on Test Sitting Administration computers.
Candidates will never need to click Skip in order to take a test offline.
39
Internet connection fails during a test

If your Internet connection fails, then any action you need to take depends on how
candidates and administrators are logged on.
If candidates are logged on using the Connect Plus software then they will be able to
continue their tests, whether or not administrators are also logged on using the Connect
Plus software.
If administrators are also logged on using the Connect Plus software then they will be
able to continue to monitor tests. However, each administrator may only see a selection
of the candidates, since Connect Plus automatically shares candidates between
administrators in order to balance the processing load. So long as the Internet connection
is running, all administrators will be able to see all candidates as the information is
communicated via the Internet, but if the Internet connection fails each administrator will
only see the candidates to whom they are directly connected.
If candidates are doing a test online, and the Internet connection fails, they will be unable
to continue the test. However, their work will be saved so they can log in again and
continue when the Internet connection is restored.
If Test Sitting Administrators are logged on online, and the Internet connection fails, they
will be unable to continue to administer test sittings. They can continue once the Internet
If the connection is still down when candidates complete their tests, you need to ensure
that the candidate test responses are returned to the server, by ensuring that candidate
computers are turned on and connected to the network.
If you cannot re-connect and return test responses, contact your support provider.
Local network fails

If your local network fails during an online test, the likelihood is that all candidates and
Test Sitting Administrators will also lose Internet access, since this is usually gained via
your local network. If this is the case then the test cannot continue. However, each
candidates work will be saved so they can log in again and continue when the
If your local network fails before a test where candidates will be using the Candidate
software, you will be unable to download test content and keys to Test Sitting
Administrator computers and thence on to candidate computers. If your Internet
connection is also lost, and the connection is not restored in time for the test, you will be
unable to run the test.
If your local network fails during a test, the connection between Test Administrators and
candidates will be lost and Test Administrators will be unable to control the test unless
both they and candidates have direct access to the Central System via the Internet.
Either way, candidates can continue their tests. Test responses will be saved locally until
the connection is restored, at which point synchronisation will catch up with what has
been saved during the period of disconnection.
If your local network fails soon after a test, ensure that all candidate and Test Sitting
Administrator computers remain turned on (with the Connect Plus software launched if in
use) until the connection is restored and all responses have been collected and
uploaded.
40
A candidate computer fails

If a candidate computer fails, and you cannot get it going again, then subject to
Cambridge English rules you can pause the candidates test, log them off and then try
and log them on again so they can continue.
If this doesnt work, pause and log off the candidate and move them to a spare computer.
The candidate may see a message telling them that not all of their answers could be
restored, but this is nothing to worry about; their answers will have been returned from
the previous computer. The candidate can continue the test where they left off.
If the pause or log off does not work, try forcibly rebooting the candidates computer.
Candidate sees a blank white or grey screen when

logging in
If when logging in prior to the start of a test a candidate can only see a blank white screen
it is likely that the Flash Player Plugin is not installed on the workstation. Please refer to
the instructions on pages 43-44 on how to check for the presence of the plugin and where
to install if from.
An admin computer fails

If a Test Sitting Administrator computer fails during a test, and you cannot get it going
again, move to another computer (you should always have a spare admin computer
available). If there is no spare available, then you can either install the Test Sitting
Administrator software on another computer and use that or administer the test on-line by
directly accessing the Test Administrator website from a working computer.
Throughout this activity, candidates can continue their tests uninterrupted. Whilst the
admin computer is unavailable the candidate computers will synchronise with any other
admin computers associated with the test sitting, otherwise with the Central System
(assuming they have an Internet connection). If no connectivity, candidate test responses
will be cached locally until the connection is restored.
Once you have a working admin computer again, it may take 15 to 20 minutes to
synchronise with any changes saved direct to the central system from candidate
computers whilst the admin computer was unavailable.
A computer part fails (for example, mouse stops

operating)
If convenient, replace the part so the candidate can resume their test at the same
computer. You are advised to keep a selection of parts such as mice, keyboards and
cables available in the room, so that you can replace them quickly if necessary.
Alternatively, move the candidate to a spare computer so they can resume, and follow the
instructions for a failed computer given above.
Power failure
If you get a power failure before a test is due to start, and the power is not restored
before the latest start time has passed and you have not had time to complete the
preparation steps (downloading of test content and keys, and printing of candidate
41

passwords), you should contact the Cambridge English as you may not be able to run the
test.
If the power failure is partial, could the sitting be moved to another room?
Can some candidates continue on battery power?
If a power cut occurs during a test, keep the candidates under exam conditions until the
power is restored then reopen the test sitting and ask the candidates to log on again.
Their tests will continue from where they left off.
The system is slow and unresponsive

Are you running many tests simultaneously? For good performance, no more than 500
candidates should be taking tests at the same time at a Test Centre. Does your
broadband connection meet the minimum bandwidth requirement, and do all your
computers meet the minimum specifications? Is there a heavy load on your Internet
connection due to other activities happening in your Test Centre? Do you have more than
the recommended number of Test Sitting Administrator computers for the number of
candidates taking tests?
Test responses fail to upload

If a candidate logs off quickly at the end of a test, synchronisation of their test response
may not occur. An alert will appear on the home page of the Test Centre Administration
website and on the Close Down tab for Test Sitting Administrators, warning you that
some test responses failed to upload.
To check which candidates responses failed to upload, proceed as follows:
go to the test sitting and, under the Close Down tab, click See details. This will show
you a list of all candidates whose responses failed to be collected and/or uploaded.
For each candidate whose response has not yet been collected, this screen shows
you the candidate details along with the name of the computer the candidate is using
and whether this computer is connected or not.
click the Test tab, click the test name to open the test, then look in the Response
Status column for each candidate.
click the Computers tab and look in the All Responses Returned column to identify
which computers have outstanding responses not yet returned.
The most likely reason for a failure to collect and upload a response is that the
candidates computer is out of contact (not connected to the Test Centre network or the
Internet as appropriate for more details on connections see page 12). The solution
depends upon whether the candidate is taking the test using the candidate computer
software or online:
42
If the candidate is taking the test using the candidate computer software, turn on the
candidates computer, ensure that it is connected either to the Test Centres network
or the Internet, launch the Connect Plus candidate computer software, and wait for
the test response to be uploaded. You dont need to log on; just allow a few minutes
for the candidates test response to upload, then quit. If the candidates computer is
connected only to a Test Administrator computer via the Test Centres network, the
Test Administrator computer must be connected to the Internet in order for the
response to be uploaded to the Cambridge English.
If the candidate is taking the test online, turn on the candidates computer, ensure
that it is connected to the Internet, then wait for the test response to be uploaded.
As soon as you can see on a test admin computer that the candidates test response has
been collected and uploaded, it is safe to turn off the candidates computer.
If reconnecting the candidates computer does not work, either reboot the computer, or
exit the Candidate software and restart the Connect Plus service, then try again. This is
the simplest way to force a data synchronisation to occur and may also unblock any other
temporary problems.
If you cannot successfully upload responses, seek assistance from your support provider.
Note: To help avoid problems with response uploads, after a test has finished
candidate computers must not be disconnected, turned off, or taken away until
response collection has completed.
Collecting and sending log files for Support analysis

Each candidates test response is actually uploaded as a series of log files, one for each
minute of candidate activity. On occasion, if automatic upload of certain candidate test
responses is not possible, it may be necessary for you to collect together and send log
files from Sitting Administration and Candidate computers to your Support provider. If this
does become necessary, your Support provider will send you instructions and guide you
through the process.
Checking the Plugin Version of Flash is installed

1. Click on Start, then Settings, then Control Panel to open the Windows Control
Panel.
2. If running in Windows XP open Add/Remove programs:
43

3. However in Windows Vista or 7 open the Control Panel and double click on
Programs and Features:
In all operating systems an entry must be visible for the Plug-In Version of
Flash. If the plugin version is not visible you must install it.
4. If the Plug In version is not installed browse to this page:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/
5. Under Step 2 of the download page Select Flash Player 11 for Other browsers
then download the plugin and install it:
6. Open Add or Remove Programs or Programs and Features as appropriate, to

check that the plugin version has installed correctly.
7. Repeat for candidate workstation.
44
Glossary
6
Glossary
Accessible view Individual users can select
Accessible view to get the most out of using their
screen reader and other accessibility aids with
Connect Plus.
Cambridge English An accredited authority that
publishes tests and awards qualifications.
Candidate software The part of Connect Plus that
can be installed on a candidate computer. It
enables candidates to take tests in the absence of
an Internet connection.
Lockdown mode By default, when a candidate
runs a test the test fills the whole screen and they
are unable to access other applications. This
prevents them, for instance, from looking up
answers on the Internet or emailing a friend for
assistance. Accessibility software will not always
work in locked down mode, so you may need to
allow tests for candidates with access
arrangements to run without lockdown mode.
Online test If permitted by the Cambridge English,
a candidate can run a test online (using their
preferred web browser) by opening their web
browser and navigating to the Connect Plus
candidate website.
Practice test A test that is used for formative
purposes, and for introducing the Test Centre staff
and candidates to Connect Plus.
Registered Test Centre A Test Centre that has
successfully completed the registration with the
Cambridge English.
Registration code The code issued to a Test
Centre by the Cambridge English that must be
provided when the Test Centre registers with
them.
Scheduled test A test to be run on a date and
time determined by the Cambridge English. These
appear on the home page under Todays Test
Sittings or Forthcoming Test Sittings.
Test Centre Administrator Test Centre

Administrators can carry out all Connect Plus
activities at a Test Centre, including managing
tests, candidates, users, test sittings and
computers. The Test Centre Administrator role is
commonly granted to Exams Officers at Test
Centres.
Test key Each test has a key which controls
access to the test content. The Cambridge English
specifies how long before the earliest start time for
the test the key will be automatically downloaded
to Test Centres. When candidate log on, the key is
used to check their credentials and unlock test
content.
Test Sitting A test sitting is a grouping of
candidates taking tests on the same day. The
candidates may all be taking the same test or
different tests. The Test Sitting Administrator can
see and monitor all these tests and candidates
from a single screen. By default all tests and all
candidates are added to a single sitting on each
day, but you can if you wish set up and run a
number of separate sittings.
Test Sitting Administrator Users with Test Sitting
Administrator rights can start and monitor tests at
a Test Centre, but they cannot carry out any other
administration activities.
Test Sitting Administrator software The part of
Connect Plus that can be installed on a Test
Sitting Administration computer. It enables Test
Sitting Administrators to administer tests in the
absence of an Internet connection.
Test type There are two types of test you can run
using
Connect
Plus:
Scheduled by the Cambridge English or made
available for Test Centres to schedule within a test
window defined by the Cambridge English. Tests
of either type may be for practice and training
purposes or may be formal tests.
Test window This is the period specified by an
Cambridge English between which Test Centres
can schedule a specific test
45
Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide, Version 1.6, September 2013
2013 University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
All rights reserved.
Trademarks appearing in this document are acknowledged as the trademarks of
their respective owners.

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Connect Plus

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

About Connect Plus, System Requirements & Performance Limits.

Downloading and installing the Connect Plus software.

Time Requirements for downloading and uploading materials.

Room Configurations and Sequence of Events.

Troubleshooting in the event of a problem.

There are two further guides for Test Centres:

Test Sitting Administration Guide (includes how to run a familiarisation test)

Computer-Based Testing Exam Day Booklet

About Connect Plus

How does Connect Plus work?

Test Sitting Administration (TSA), which is installed on a network server or on

Candidate Workstation (CW), which is installed on computers used by the

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Connect Plus user roles

Connect Plus Test Centre Administrator

Connect Plus Test Sitting Administrator

Connect Plus websites

Test Centre Administrator website: https://centre.connectplus.rm.com/

Test Sitting Administrator website: https://sitting.connectplus.rm.com/

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Accessing Connect Plus

Register with Connect Plus.

Manage staff users.

Download the TSA and CW software.

Monitor computer health and test content download.

Schedule Familarisation Tests

Monitor test sittings (in an external venue).

Manage test sittings*

Test Sitting Administrator access

Using a supported browser of your choice, go to the Test Sitting Administrator

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Changing your password

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Processor Speed: 2.4GHz or faster x86-compatible processor.

Physical Memory: 512MB or better.

Local HDD: 1GB or greater free disk space is required.

Internet bandwidth: 512Kbits/sec.

LAN Wireless bandwidth: 54 Mbits/sec.

LAN Wired bandwidth: 10Mbits/sec switched network or equivalent.

Microsoft .Net framework v3.5

Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

Minimum Candidate Workstation specification:

Processor Speed: 2.33GHz or faster x86-compatible processor.

Physical Memory: 2GB or better.

Graphics Memory: 256MB or better.

Local HDD: 1GB or greater free disk space is required.

LAN Wireless bandwidth: 54 Mbits/sec.

LAN Wired bandwidth: 10Mbits/sec switched network or equivalent.

Microsoft .Net framework v2.0

Recommended Candidate Workstation specification:

Physical Memory Graphics

Top Tips for a successful test session:

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or later.

Mozilla Firefox 4 or later.

Please note the following browsers are not supported:

Connect Plus Test Centre Technical Guide v1.6

If installing Connect Plus software on a Windows computer using an account that is a

During installation of the Connect Plus software on a Windows computer, the