This guide explains how to take a test or survey in Blackboard.
What are Blackboard Tests?
Blackboard tests are usually used for short answer or multiple choice type questions. A link to a Test will look like this:
Tips for taking a test
- Check your internet connection. A wired connection is more reliable than wifi. If you are using wifi, sit as close to the router as possible.
- If you are using a laptop don’t rely on the battery, but plug into power if you can.
- Don’t use the Blackboard mobile app when taking a test – some of the question types do not work correctly.
- Read any instructions from your instructor carefully before starting the test. If you have any questions contact your instructor.
- Avoid refreshing your page, closing your browser or using the Browser back button (use the navigation buttons in the test to move from question to question).
- If you do lose connection during the test don’t panic. You can usually resume the test and your work will auto-save as you type or answer questions. If you have any issues during the test – see the Getting help section.
Starting and resuming a test
- Select the link to the test to view information about the test settings. This will NOT start the test, but from here you can Begin the test when you are ready or resume an attempt if you have one in progress.
Test Settings
Before starting the test you will be able to view information about the test settings.
- You may see a description and instructions provided by your instructor.
- Timed Test – If this is a timed test a count down timer will display at the top of the screen. The test may be set to auto-submit when the time is up or you may be able to continue but your submission will be marked as late.
- Multiple attempts – This shows how many times you can attempt the test. If this is a final assessment, the second attempt is only to be used if you have a technical issue with the first attempt.
- Force Completion – This is not usually set so you will be able to close the test and resume it later or get back to the test if you lose connection. If this is a timed test, the timer will continue to run.
Submitting a Test
- Select Save and Submit when you are sure you have finished the test or if you are prompted to do so in a timed test.
- If you have missed any questions you will be warned about this before you agree to Submit.
- You will not receive an email receipt when you submit a test. You will see a submission screen with details of your submission directly after you submit the test. Take a photo or screenshot of this screen. You can use this as proof that you completed the test. You will not be sent an email confirmation. If the test is still available on Blackboard, you can select the link to the test to view the details of your attempts.
Watch a video about taking a test
Getting Help
You should usually contact your course instructor if you have any issues while taking a Test, but you may be asked to contact the School Office for support if the test is towards a final assessment. Please follow any specific guidance that is given with the test.
Example Question Types: Multiple Choice
Multiple Choice questions require you to select one correct answer response from a choice of possible answers. Choose the correct answer by clicking on the radio button to the left of the correct answer.
Example Question Types: Multiple Answer
A Multiple Answer question is like a Multiple Choice question, except that there are one or more correct answers. You will not usually be told how many of the answers are correct. Select the answers by placing ticks in the boxes beside the correct answers. Note that all (and only) the correct answers must be selected in order to score points.
Example Question Types: True or False
True or False questions require you to decide whether a statement is true or false. Select the correct answer by clicking into the radio button to the left of the correct answer.
Example Question Types: Ordering
An ordering question requires you to put several answer values into the correct order. The order could be, for example, procedural (e.g. step one, step two) or chronological as in the example above. To put the answers into the correct order use the drop down menus to the left to select the correct order.
Example Question Types: Fill in the Blank
A fill in the blank question requires you to type a word into the text box in answer to the question above it. It may require you to complete a missing word from a sentence or answer a question. The answers are not case-sensitive, but must be spelt correctly. The test author may have allowed for common spelling mistakes or variations.
Example Question Types: Matching
A matching question requires you to match one set of values to another. You may be required to match text to text, picture to text, picture to sound and so on. Use the drop down menus beside each item on the left to determine with whichever item they match on the right. Note that a selection from the drop-down menu (e.g. A) may be the correct match for more than one part of the question.
Example Question Types: Quiz Bowl
A quiz bowl question presents you with an answer. You have to type in the question.
Example Question Types: Jumbled Sentence
A jumbled sentence question requires you to complete a sentence, choosing words from a drop down list.
Example Question Types: Hot Spot
A hot spot question requires you to click on a specific part of a picture in order to answer the question.
Example Question Types: Fill in Multiple Blanks
A fill in multiple blanks question requires you to complete a sentence or paragraph by filling in several blanks.
Example Question Types: Calculated Formula
A calculated formula question requires you to perform a calculation.