Edexcel revised the installation process for onscreen tests in September 2007. Every pilot centre has been required to install new software to run onscreen tests. This process has been implemented as part of the mock testing requirements from September 2007. During this window, with the help of our pilot centres, we have identified a number of technical issues which we have now resolved.

Incorrect Candidate Score reports

Candidate responses were not recorded correctly on the mark breakdown. Edexcel would like to assure centres that although the breakdown was not always accurate, the overall mark recorded was correct. This issue has been resolved and will not affect users downloading the tests after 18 January 2008.

Error in PowerPoint slides for the practice Listening test

The written (PowerPoint) version of the Listening practice test, issued to centres after they had taken the examination, contained an error. The answer inserted at the bottom of the page for question 3b should have been ‘1st January’. This has been corrected and any centres who would like an updated copy should forward their request to onscreentesting@edexcel.org.uk.

Additional Candidates

The first group of centres to take the tests found some erroneous candidate entries in their ESM inboxes. This has been corrected.

FAQs
There have also been a number of general queries raised in regard to running the live examination.

• Do I need to take the reading test first?
  
  Candidates/invigilators were not able to select the order in which candidates took their tests. This is only a condition of the Practice Tests, due to the fact that centres may book them at short notice. During the live examinations, centres will have the option to select test order and run several groups throughout the whole day. Candidates should be quarantined in the same way as for a paper examination.
  
  
•  Do I need to book tests for the live examination?
  
  Entries should be made in the usual way for GCSEs, via EDI or EOL. You are not required to do any further booking for the live onscreen examinations; this information will be taken from your entry data.
  
  
•  I can’t access the material on the CD-rom
  
  Centres are reminded NOT to use any of the previously issued CD-roms for practice. This format is no longer supported by Edexcel.
  
  
• Do I need to take part in the mock tests?
  
  All centres are required to install the necessary software and run the mock tests on the new testing platform. 
  Centre that have not installed will not be permitted to run the live summer examinations.

The Onscreen Test Team will be contacting centres prior to the live examinations in order to check that their systems are configured correctly and any running issues are resolved.