California Southern Law School

[Academic Calendar and Examination Schedule]

Laptop Use When Taking Exams

CSLS offers students the opportunity to use own their laptops when taking final exams. Students may opt to register for ExamSoft's SofTest program to type their exams. If you register to use SofTest for all of your classes, you must take all of those exams using SofTest. You cannot opt to take just one or two exams.

The signup dates for registering to use SofTest are mentioned below.  The cost for using Sof'Test is $20.00 for the entire Fall 2007 - Summer 2008 school year. We will bill your account after you have taken an examination using Examsoft during the above academic school year.  

NOTE:  Students MUST download the latest version of SofTest and register for EACH academic school year (Fall through Summer) if they wish to take their examinations using a laptop.  Students MUST download their exam file for each academic term during that terms's signup period (See instructions below).

Students may still write their exams by hand in bluebooks if that is their choice. If you choose to hand-write, you do not have to register for SofTest.

Typists and writers will be in separate rooms.

What is SofTest by ExamSoft?

SofTest software serves as a simplified word processor similar to Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect for essay responses. This software "blocks" all other Windows programs, files, and the Internet during an exam, thereby reducing the risk of violations of the student honor code for unauthorized access to materials that otherwise might be on a laptop's hard drive.

What is FlexSite?

FlexSite is ExamSoft’s Internet-based exam delivery option. Using SofTest, you will download your exam(s) prior to or on exam day and upload your answer(s) after the exam via the Internet. You WILL NOT require Internet connectivity during your exam(s). You WILL require Internet connectivity to download your exam(s) and upload your answers(s).

If you wish to use your laptop to complete examinations, you must notify the office and provide your email address.  You must download the software during the signup period below.  Registration will close after the signup period ends.

Minimum system requirements for SofTest:  [top]

SofTest operates on any PC running 32-bit versions of Windows 2000, XP & Vista.  It may not be used on Mac computers.  SofTest is not compatible with any virtual machine software. The minimum recommended system requirements are:

CPU = 450 MHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent

RAM = 256 MB

Hard Drive = 50 MB of free space

Operating System = 32-bit Versions of Windows 2000 (Pro), XP & Vista (including Tablet PC)

Software = Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater

Minimum Screen Resolution = 1024x768

Internet Connection: An Internet connection is required to download SofTest

You must have Internet access (before and after your exams).

Operating System = English versions of Windows 2000, XP, or Vista

Vista Users: Please note that your computer must meet the minimum requirements for the specific edition of Vista you art using.  Please check the documentation that came with Vista to find these requirements.

Software = Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater (to download software and use of program)

Internet Access for Sign Up, Registration (AOL users must have Version 6.0 or higher).

Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

If you have Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware installed on your computer, it MUST be disabled when taking an exam.

What is the process for installing SofTest:

First - We need your email address-- You must provide the law school with your email address beforehand. If you have not made a final decision whether you want to type, give us your email address anyway, so that we can add you to our database of students who are considering using SofTest.  

Second - Logging In And Installing (Downloading) SofTest software:

1. Visit your Custom Home Page: www.examsoft.com/cslawschool

2. Click the “Exam Takers” tab at the bottom of the page

3. Log in using the Student ID & Password provided by California Southern Law School.  You will receive an email from lawschoolexamadm@ aol.com with a Student ID (you will need to use this number for exams), and an initial password (which you can change on Examsoft's website).

4. Download SofTest (Step 2)

Third - SofTest Registration

You can now register SofTest (Step 3):

1. If your computer prompts you to reboot:

    a. Click “Cancel”

    b. On the "Complete Registration” window, enter your Student ID and password then click “Register”

    c. Reboot your computer once you are notified that registration is complete

2. If your computer DOES NOT prompt you to reboot:

    a. On the “Complete Registration” window, enter your Student ID and password then click “Register”

    b. You will be notified that registration is complete

There is a link to SofTest instructions (please read beforehand).

Fourth - (Upon Registration Completion) - Downloading Exam File

You should receive a message window, and later an email message, confirming registration.

By double-clicking the “SofTest” icon on your Desktop, you can download an exam file (once your institution/instructor advises you to do so) and take a Practice Exam (or a real exam on exam day) by clicking the "Launch SofTest" button. To take a Practice exam, click the “Practice Exam” button.  You cannot use your laptop on exam day if you have not downloaded your exam file.

If you have any questions or problems with registration you can contact technical support at ExamSoft by email (support@examsoft.com) or call their toll-free number 866/429-8889 for questions. There is a link to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) in the Exam Takers section of www.examsoft.com.

Students who wish to take their examinations by computer will have to report to the computer examination room one half hour prior to the time the bluebook writers start their exams to set up their computers and make sure that all systems are operating.

Exam Day - After you close your exam -- When your computer reboots into Windows (after you close your exam), you will be notified that an answer file has been found and asked if you want to upload it (you click "No").

SHORTLY THEREAFTER . . . Uploading your answer files - When you arrive at home, you connect to the Internet, double-click the "SofTest" icon on your Desktop. Your answer file(s) will be automatically upload to Examsoft. The law school will then print your exam answers from the Examsoft site.

Is there training for SofTest? [top]

Yes, there is a Practice Exam.  It is recommended that you take the SofTest Practice Exam to familiarize yourself with the SofTest examination environment, and to make sure your downloaded Softest program is working properly.

Some Questions you may have regarding the ExamSoft software?

Q: What does the ExamSoft software do to my laptop?

A: This software simply blocks access to all Windows applications and provides a simplified word processor for essay responses. It also blocks access to the Internet and instant messenger. As a proprietary word processor, once it begins you can only work on the exam and cannot regain access to any files or applications until you exit the exam.

How reliable is SofTest?

SofTest has a considerable number of safety features to ensure that answers typed into SofTest cannot be lost. They include:

An AutoSave feature that automatically saves your exam every sixty seconds.

Multiple encrypted backup copies of the exam answer file are saved.

The ability to undo up to 50 of the previous actions per essay question window.

Q: Must I provide my own laptop?

A: Yes. None of the various desktop PCs in the law school may be used, nor is the Law School equipped at this time to provide any kind of "loaner" laptops. Also, you should not use a laptop provided by your employer. You also must bring your electrical power supply cords with you on exam day. All exam answers are encrypted.  You must upload your exam answers to Examsoft server, so that the school can print off your answers from the Examsoft site.  You will have a deadline for uploading your answers to Examsoft.

Q: How do I register?

A: Simply follow the directions listed above.

Q: If I use my laptop, will I be taking the exam in the same room as those using the blue books?

A: No. Laptop users will set up their computers in a designated class rooms which will be posted and announced.

Q: Is it difficult, technically, to download the ExamSoft software?

A: No. Technical installation assistance is available directly from ExamSoft. It is best you speak with them as they have far more experience and expertise than does the administration at this time.

Q: What if my battery fails during the exam?

A: The rooms provided to users taking their exams on Laptops will be equipped with electrical outlets. Laptop users will be required to plug their computers into outlets and not to rely solely on battery power.

Q: How will I receive/return my exam? And do I get more time?

A: Although you may set up your laptop prior to receiving the examination, you will receive your exam in the same room as everyone else taking the exam on their laptops.

Q: Will I be allowed to cut and paste within my answers?

A: No. The cut, copy and paste feature will be disabled because it gives laptop users and advantage over hand writers. But on the State Bar and Baby Bar exams you will be allowed to used this feature.

What Should I do Prior to Exam Day?

Register SofTest on the computer you intend to use on exam day by the deadline.

Ensure: (1) that your PC meets the specifications listed above, (2) that there is plenty of free hard drive space, (3) that your PC is virus free, and (4) that your PC is free of disk errors by running SCANDISK (click Start Button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk or Disk Cleanup).

Once you have installed and registered SofTest, familiarize yourself with the software by utilizing the built-in Practice Exam.

SofTest’s opening screen asks for a Student ID#. You will be emailed this number prior to exam day.

Locate your A/C – battery power indicator light on your laptop to determine which light indicates you are running on A/C power (i.e. power from a wall outlet).

Ensure that your battery has at least 20 minutes of charge in it prior to the exam in the event there is a temporary power outage.

If you encounter issues in your use of SofTest, visit www.examsoft.com/faq

What Must I do on Exam Day?

Bring your power cord, battery (in the event of power loss), Extension cords are provided by the school. If you normally use an external keyboard and mouse or if you need earplugs, you may bring those as well.

To register SofTest, download SofTest, and download SofTest exams templates users must first have the Student ID and password emailed to them by the lawschoolexamadm@aol.com. The password can later be changed on ExamSoft’s website.

Arrive to the exam room at least 30minutes early, plug your computer into a power outlet, turn on the computer and follow the instructions provided.

Do not uninstall SofTest until you receive your exam scores at the end of the academic year.

Immediately before SofTest launches the exam, you will be provided a warning screen with RED STOP SIGNS indicating that you should not begin the exam until instructed to do so. Heed this warning.

Exams will not be delayed or suspended due to computer problems.

During the exam, use care when highlighting and deleting.

Students who do not take the time to become familiar with their laptop computer or with word processing functions, should consider handwriting their exams. No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE COMPUTER ISSUES ON YOUR OWN. ASK FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF A PROCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

ANY ATTEMPT TO DISABLE OR TAMPER WITH SOFTEST’S SECURITY FEATURES WILL BE CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT HONOR CODE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT AND THE SOFTEST SOFTWARE AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY EXAMSOFT ON ITS WEBSITE PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR EXAM. PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF SUFFICIENT TIME TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LAPTOP AND THE APPLICATION. COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAM WILL NOT BE DELAYED DUE TO A HARDWARE PROBLEM WITH YOUR LAPTOP.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION...Contact www.examsoft.com .