Technical FAQs
- How many computers do I need?
- Is there a maximum number of testing stations that can be connected to a Local Server/Cache Proxy (LSCP)?
- What kind of computers do I need (hardware specifications)?
- What operating system and browser do I need?
- Will the iBT platform run on an Apple computer?
- Can I use the same equipment I use today for CLEP?
- Can I use the same equipment that I use for TOEFL/GRE/PRAXIS/TEXES?
- Does my equipment need to be dedicated solely to CLEP?
- Can TOEFL, GRE, PRAXIS or TEXES be run concurrently with CLEP?
- What happens if we put CLEP on a Microsoft Server Operating System that is not supported?
- Is there any funding available to assist my test center with procuring equipment?
- Are there specific test dates, or can I administer CLEP at any time?
- When should my test center stop administering eCBT exams?
- Will it take longer for me to perform my registration and setup activities with this new iBT system than with the current eCBT system?
- Can I keep the eCBT software as a backup system if something doesn't work properly with iBT?
- Does CLEP iBT support display adapters installed in newer laptops and "all-in-one" computers?
- What version of Java is required? Is there a minimum requirement? Will the iBT platform support a specific version?
- How will this work with our test center scheduling software and processes?
- How will machine assignment work?
- How will this work with STN?
- What is the new end-of-day process?
- How much time will it take to migrate to the new platform?
How many computers do I need?
iBT-delivered tests require a minimum of three computers: one Local Server/Cache Proxy (LSCP), one Administrative Station and a Testing Station.
Note: When using one testing station for test delivery, the LSCP and Administrative Station applications can run on the same computer, thus requiring only two computers.
Is there a maximum number of testing stations that can be connected to a Local Server/Cache Proxy (LSCP)?
There are two different levels of hardware specifications that are recommended for the LSCP. The lower-level specification LSCP can connect 1 to 20 Testing Stations. The upper-level LSCP can connect 1 to 40 Testing Stations.
For detailed specifications, refer to the Test Delivery Requirements (.pdf/102KB) document.
What kind of computers do I need (hardware specifications)?
Most IBM-compatible workstations purchased in the past four years can be used as Testing Stations and as Administrative Stations. The specifications needed for the machine used as the Local Server/Cache Proxy requires a more powerful processor and increased memory.
For detailed specifications, refer to the Test Delivery Requirements (.pdf/102KB) document.
What operating system and browser do I need?
iBT Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows XP (32-bit only) — Support will be terminated in April 2014
- Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit)
- Windows 8 — Support contingent upon Microsoft release of Windows 8 in October 2012
iBT Supported Browser:
Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 6, 7 or 8)
For detailed specifications, refer to the Test Delivery Requirements [hyperlink to iBT Test Delivery Requirements PDF document] (.pdf/XXKB) document.
Will the iBT platform run on an Apple computer?
No. Macintosh or iMac are not supported nor approved for use with test delivery on the iBT platform.
Can I use the same equipment I use today for CLEP?
Yes, you may use the same equipment your test center uses today for CLEP, provided that the hardware and software minimum specifications are met.
For detailed specifications, refer to the Test Delivery Requirements [hyperlink to iBT Test Delivery Requirements PDF document] (.pdf/XXKB) document.
Can I use the same equipment that I use for TOEFL/GRE/PRAXIS/TEXES?
If you operate a test center for Prometric, the computers that you use for administering their tests (such as TOEFL, GRE, PRAXIS or TEXES) have been customized. Therefore, those computers cannot be used to administer CLEP iBT.
If you are an ETS test center, CLEP can be delivered on the same equipment that is used for TOEFL, GRE, PRAXIS or TEXES, but you will need to dedicate the Local Server/Cache Proxy specifically for the CLEP iBT program.
Does my equipment need to be dedicated solely to CLEP?
CLEP test centers have the flexibility to use their computer equipment, staff and testing rooms for other purposes; however, you will need to dedicate the Local Server/Cache Proxy specifically for the CLEP iBT program.
Can TOEFL, GRE, PRAXIS or TEXES be run concurrently with CLEP?
Yes, as long as an Administrative Sstation and Local Server/Cache Proxy is dedicated to CLEP iBT and another set of computers are dedicated to an iBT test administration such as TOEFL, GRE, PRAXIS or TEXES.
What happens if we put CLEP on a Microsoft Server Operating System that is not supported?
You will still receive support on a “best effort” basis but if you run into a problem that is traced to an issue with your hardware/software configuration you may be told to bring your configuration into compliance before any further support is provided. Please be aware that future releases of iBT will only be tested on approved hardware and software so you will be at risk whenever an upgrade occurs.
Is there any funding available to assist my test center with procuring equipment?
There is no funding available to assist test centers with procuring equipment. It is the responsibility of each test center to purchase and maintain its own equipment.
Are there specific test dates, or can I administer CLEP at any time?
CLEP exam administrations are continuous. Exams can be administered any day of the year with the exception of system maintenance dates. (These maintenance dates will be provided to all test centers.) There are no specific exam administration dates. When and how often a test center administers CLEP exams is up to the discretion of the individual test center.
When should my test center stop administering eCBT exams?
Your test center must stop administering eCBT exams once you have successfully migrated to the iBT platform and launched your first iBT exam. eCBT test delivery will be disabled and you will be required to uninstall the eCBT software once you have verified that your test center is iBT ready.
Will it take longer for me to perform my registration and setup activities with this new iBT system than with the current eCBT system?
Once your test center has successfully migrated to the iBT platform, registration and setup activities with the new platform are more streamlined; therefore, those activities should take less time.
Can I keep the eCBT software as a backup system if something doesn't work properly with iBT?
No, you may not keep the eCBT software as a backup system. Once your test center successfully migrates to the iBT platform, you must uninstall the CLEP eCBT software.
This will occur once your test center has validated that it is capable of delivering an iBT exam. Your site will be enabled for iBT delivery and eCBT will be disabled at the same time. Once it is disabled, you will be required to uninstall the eCBT software.
Does CLEP iBT support display adapters installed in newer laptops and "all-in-one" computers?
Yes, provided that the display adapter specifications are met.
What version of Java is required? Is there a minimum requirement? Will the iBT platform support a specific version?
CLEP iBT specifically requires JRE version 1.6.0_30. The required version of JRE is included within the “iBT bundler” available for download and installation at http://ibt1.ets.org/ibt/info.html. You may install other versions of JRE on the same computer as required for running other applications. Launching a CLEP iBT application will automatically select the required version of JRE if already installed on the computer.
How will this work with our test center scheduling software and processes?
Test-takers will register in My Account and then contact their local test center to schedule an exam. The test center can use its own scheduling software and processes.
How will machine assignment work?
CLEP iBT assigns machines randomly after a successfully check-in. The TCA will have the ability to assign the candidate to a different workstation, if necessary (for example, if the workstation is not functioning properly).
How will this work with STN?
CLEP iBT does not use the STN system at all.
What is the new end-of-day process?
Once your test center successfully migrates to the iBT platform, no end-of-day process will be necessary.
Exam results will automatically be sent for processing once test-takers complete their exams. Exam package updates will be made automatically when they are available.
How much time will it take to migrate to the new platform?
Please allow one business day for your test center's migration to the new platform.