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Laptop Testing
The Laptop application and fees will not be accepted from any applicant
without a properly completed bar exam application and filing fees for the Texas
Bar Examination. A properly completed bar exam application, the filing fees for
the Bar Examination, the Laptop Application and the Rule XVIII(a) Typing/Laptop
fee (currently $50) must be filed at the same time.
(Note that there is a separate fee for the
software that you will have to purchase from a designated vendor.
This fee is approximately $107 and is subject to change without notice.)
The bar exam
application and the Laptop application can be downloaded from the Applications
Index. Additional information is provided in the instructions that accompany the
downloadable Laptop Application form. (Individuals using the
eFast Direct Application should not need to
submit the pdf version of the Laptop Application form. The Laptop Application
Form should automatically print with your eFast
Direct Application.) You may indicate the
site(s) you prefer under Exam Site
in the application form, but be aware that the laptop option may not be offered
at that site, or that site may be filled to capacity,
and you may be changed to a different location.
Below is very important information regarding system
requirements, use of software, frequently asked questions and exam day
procedures. Please make sure your question is not already addressed in
Examsoft's
Frequently Asked Questions or in the information and sources below before
contacting the Board of Law Examiners.
You are responsible for ensuring that your email program does not block
communications from ExamSoft and the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
ALL TECHNICAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO EXAMSOFT. ExamSoft’s Frequently
Asked Questions web page is located at
http://www.examsoft.com/dotnet/faqs/faq.aspx?bar=yes.
Technical support from ExamSoft is available to you at
http://support.examsoft.com, via email at
BarSupport@examsoft.com, or by phone at 866.429.8889, Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Relevant Links:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – LAPTOP:
Please make sure your question is not
already addressed in Frequently Asked Questions or in the information and
sources below before contacting the Board of Law Examiners.
1. What are the recommended minimum system requirements for using SofTest?
2. Will I be able to use an Apple Macintosh laptop for the Bar Examination?
3. On what parts of the Texas Bar Exam can SofTest be used with my laptop?
4. Who is ExamSoft?
5. What is SofTest™?
6. How do I register for SofTest™?
7. What is the SofTest™ Registration Process?
8. What else is required of me to ensure my eligibility to take the Bar
Examination?
9. How can I check to make sure I have installed and registered the SofTest™
software successfully?
10. What is the Mock Exam?
11. How do I get a copy of the Mock Exam?
12. How will I know if my Mock Exam answer file was
returned?
13. May I practice with the software?
14. What if I have technical problems or technical questions?
15. Do I have to use a laptop to take the Texas Bar Examination?
16. Can I bring my laptop case or bag, backpack, luggage or purse?
17. Can I bring books, outlines, study materials, CD’s, DVD’s, floppy disks, USB
drives, memory sticks, or cell phones?
18. Do I need to bring my power cord for my laptop?
19. Can I bring a laptop cooling stand?
20. Will I be permitted to use an external mouse and/or external keyboard?
21. Will technical help be available on the day of the examination?
22. Will “spell” check and “cut and paste” features in SofTest™ be enabled for
the bar examination?
23. Can I take the Procedure and Evidence exam on my laptop?
24. Will the MPT questions and Essay questions appear on my screen at the time
of the examination?
25. Will there be a different answer screen for each Essay question?
26. Can I take the MultiState Bar Examination (MBE) on my laptop?
27. Can I take my laptop out of the testing room over the lunch break on Day 3?
Can I leave my laptop in the testing room over the lunch break on
Day 3?
28. Am I allowed to use my laptop to study in the exam room before or between
exam sessions?
29. How will I turn in my examination answers for grading?
30. Will there be Internet Connectivity at the examination site?
31. Examination day procedures – How can I prevent or avoid common examination
day problems?
1. What are the recommended MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for using
SofTest?
SofTest can be used on virtually any modern computer (i.e.
purchased within the last 3-4 years). Specific system requirements are noted
below.
It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such
as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other
virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and
registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure Practice
Exams.
PC Requirements:
- CPU = 2 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent ;
- RAM = 2 GB;
- Hard Drive = 1 GB of free space;
- Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows
XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7;
- Software = Internet Explorer 7.0 or later. Internet
connection for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload;
- Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher;
- Administrator level account permissions;
- Windows 8 is not supported.
2. Will I be able to use an Apple Macintosh laptop for the Bar Examination?
A native Mac version of SofTest may be installed and utilized. When you attempt to download SofTest, the
native Mac version will appear. In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro natively, you must have:
- CPU = Intel processor;
- RAM = 2 GB;
- Hard Drive = 1 GB or higher free disk space;
- Operating System = MAC OS X 10.5.8 or 10.6 (Leopard or
Snow Leopard) or Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion);
- Software = Internet browser. Internet connection for
SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload;
- Administrator level account permissions (Instructions);
- Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) is not supported.
3. On what parts of the Texas Bar Exam can SofTest be used with my laptop?
Only
the Multistate Performance Test (“MPT”) on Day 1 and the Texas Essay Exam on Day
3 are available for the laptop program.
You must be prepared to handwrite exam
answers using blue or black ink (not pencil) in the event of a problem with your
computer or electric power supply.
Answers to the Procedure and Evidence exam on
Day 1 are written in blue or black ink in the space provided in the exam
booklet. The only day that pencils are used is Day 2 on the Multistate Bar
Examination (“MBE”).
4. Who is ExamSoft?
ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc. is a software developer specializing
in computerized assessment and assessment administration programs.
5. What is SofTest™?
SofTest™ is a program developed and licensed by ExamSoft that
enables exam takers to securely take examinations downloaded to their own laptop
computers by blocking access to files, programs, and the Internet during an
exam. Examsoft will assess a fee for this software. This fee is
approximately $107 and is subject to change without notice.
6. How do I register for
SofTest™?
You must submit your properly completed exam
application form simultaneously with your laptop application, appropriate filing
fees and your email address to the Board of Law Examiners. The Board will email
the SofTest™ registration instructions to you once the registration period has
opened. You are responsible for ensuring that any and all emails from the Board
of Law Examiners and its staff will be received by you and will not be blocked
by your email software or your computer. Examsoft will assess a fee for
this software. This fee is approximately $107 and is subject to change
without notice.
Note that the use of Gmail accounts is
discouraged as they typically block email confirmations from ExamSoft. You are
responsible for ensuring that your email program does not block communications
from ExamSoft or the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
7. What is the SofTest Registration Process?
This consists of: (1) Payment to
ExamSoft for ExamSoft licensing fees (approximately $107 and subject to change
without notice), (2) Installation and Registration of the SofTest software, and (3) Completion of the Mock Exam and both (a) uploading the
Mock Exam using SofTest, before the registration deadline and (b) saving the
Mock Exam to a USB memory stick.
The SofTest Registration Process records you
with ExamSoft as an applicant who has been properly registered to take the Texas
Bar Examination on your laptop and provides you a copy of SofTest to install on
your computer. You will receive confirmation via email that you have downloaded
and installed SofTest, registered your copy of SofTest and uploaded your Mock
Exam. You will be responsible for practicing with SofTest’s Exam Retriever
Wizard to save the Mock Exam to a USB memory stick. (Instructions for using the
SofTest Exam Retriever can be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu)
The
registration process must be completed each time you sit for the Texas Bar
Examination, regardless of any previous SofTest registrations you may have
completed for any other academic or bar examination.
Failure to meet all of the
requirements of the entire laptop registration process by the deadline will
result in your ineligibility to use a laptop during the Bar Examination. There
is no refund of fees (see Rule XVIII(b))
8. What else is required of me to ensure my eligibility to take the Bar
Examination?
You must have completed and submitted the application for admission
simultaneously with the laptop application and Board filing fees to the Texas
Board of Law Examiners by the applicable filing deadline. Filing deadlines are
specified in Rule IX of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas and
are also stated on the application forms.
ExamSoft’s software licensing fee is
separate from and in addition to the Texas Board of Law Examiners’ filing fees
for your application for admission and the laptop application.
9. How can I check to make sure I have installed and registered the SofTest
software successfully?
Once you register SofTest, you will be advised on-screen
and via email that you have done so successfully. You will also receive email
confirmation for the Mock Exam that you upload. You may also access your
registration status online. You will also be responsible for practicing with
SofTest’s Exam Retriever Wizard to save the Mock Exam to a USB memory stick.
Instructions for using the SofTest Exam Retriever can be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu.
10. What is the Mock Exam?
The Mock Exam confirms your laptop is compatible with
SofTest, and it enables you, before exam day, to familiarize yourself with how
to open, write, and upload your answer files. The Mock Exam must be completed by
the registration deadline to ensure your computer has been configured properly
for use on the day of the Bar Examination. Failure to do so will result in your
ineligibility to use a laptop during the Bar Examination, and you will be
required to handwrite your MPT and Essay answers in the answer books.
Spell check
will not be enabled on the Texas Bar Examination even though it may be enabled
on the Mock Exam.
11. How do I get a copy of the Mock Exam?
One copy of the Mock Exam will be
automatically downloaded to your laptop after you have registered your copy of SofTest. You will receive email confirmation the download has occurred along
with instructions on how to complete the Mock Exam to ensure the Mock Exam
answer file has been properly uploaded.
12. How will I know if my Mock Exam answer file was returned?
A visual “progress
status” (blue bar) is displayed on your screen as the upload takes place. When
the upload is complete, a “success” message is displayed on your screen. An
email confirmation is then sent to the email address you provided when you
registered.
13. May I practice with the software?
Yes. We STRONGLY urge you to take advantage
of the practice options explained below. You are required to complete and to
upload the Mock Exam by the published deadline. You will also be responsible for
practicing with SofTest’s Exam Retriever Wizard to save the Mock Exam to a USB
memory stick. Instructions for using the SofTest Exam Retriever can be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu.
Practice Exam Built into SofTest - After
registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the ‘SofTest – Bar
Edition’ icon on your Windows Desktop. Click the ‘Launch SofTest’ button. When
SofTest opens, click the Practice Exam button. This process enables you to
familiarize yourself with the SofTest exam environment and word processing
features. The Practice Exam cannot be saved, and no Practice Exam answer file
will be uploaded. You may use this Practice Exam as many times as you
wish.
Internet Delivered Mock Exam – The Mock Exam will familiarize you with
SofTest. Internet connectivity is required for you to upload your Mock Exam
answer and to download your exam files, which will be used on the day of the Bar
Examination. You will not have access to the Internet during the actual exam
sessions.
SofTest Exam Retriever – It is also very important BEFORE the exam day
to familiarize yourself with the steps for saving to a USB memory stick using
SofTest Exam Retriever. In addition to uploading answer files via the Internet
you will also be required on the exam day to back up your answer files to a USB
memory stick that will be provided to you at the exam site. Instructions for
using the SofTest Exam Retriever can be found at
www.examsoft.com/usbu.
14. What if I have technical problems or technical questions?
Begin by visiting
ExamSoft’s Frequently Asked Questions web page located at
www.examsoft.com/barfaq.
Technical support from ExamSoft will also be available to you via email at
BarSupport@examsoft.com or by phone at 866.429.8889, Monday through Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
15. Do I have to use a laptop to take the Texas Bar Examination?
No. The choice to use a laptop is entirely voluntary. You
are free to choose to write the bar examination by hand. Laptop examinees must
use the security software and comply with both the mandatory USB backup and the
mandatory Internet file upload procedures.
You will be required to handwrite your exam answers in an
answer book in the event of a hardware or software malfunction or power failure
when you cannot resolve the malfunction immediately. No extra time will be
given. You are solely responsible for your decision that the convenience of
typing on your laptop outweighs any risks and disadvantages.
16. Can I bring my laptop case or bag, backpack, luggage or purse?
No. Do not
bring laptop bags, luggage, backpacks, or purses-- a clear 2.5 gallon Hefty or
Zip-Loc bag can cover your laptop.
17. Can I bring books, outlines,
study materials, CD’s, DVD’s, floppy disks, USB drives, memory sticks, or cell
phones?
No. Do not bring books; outlines; printed, handwritten or
electronic study materials; CD’s; DVD’s; floppy disks; USB drives; memory
sticks; cell phones or any communication device.
18. Do I need to bring my power cord for my laptop?
Yes. Bring your laptop A/C
adapter and power cord.
19. Can I bring a laptop cooling stand?
Yes. However, if
your laptop overheats, crashes or is not functioning reliably without a cooling
stand, IT IS A MISTAKE to attempt to use your laptop for the bar exam. A cooling
stand is subject to inspection by exam staff. You must be prepared to handwrite
exam answers in the event of a problem with your computer.
20. Will I be permitted to use an
external mouse and/or external keyboard?
Yes. These will be subject to inspection by the exam
staff.
21. Will technical help be available on the day of the examination?
VERY LIMITED.
ExamSoft Site Engineers will provide limited technical support during the laptop
set up instructions. ExamSoft provides approximately one site engineer per one
hundred examinees. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the software
and the procedures for saving and uploading answers and to ensure that your
laptop is in working order BEFORE the examination. Board staff members are not
technical engineers and are not available for technical support.
22. Will “spell” check and “cut and paste” features in SofTest
be enabled for the bar examination?
Spell check will not be available and will be turned off.
However, cut and paste and copy and paste will be enabled. Use care when
deleting text; consider using copy and paste instead of cut and paste.
23. Can I take the Procedure and Evidence exam on my laptop?
No. You will need to
use a pen with blue or black ink. Answers to the Procedure and Evidence exam on
Day 1 are written in blue or black ink in the space provided in the exam
booklets that will be distributed to each applicant (both laptop and handwriting
examinees) by proctors on the day of the examination. Do not use pencil on the
Procedure and Evidence exam.
24. Will the MPT questions and Essay questions appear on my screen at the time
of the examination?
No. All exam questions – including MPT and Essay questions–
are provided on paper and are distributed to each applicant (both laptop and
handwriting examinees) by proctors on the day of the examination. The questions
will not be included in the downloaded exam files.
25. Will there be a different answer screen for each Essay question?
Yes. SofTest provides a numbered answer screen for each of the twelve Essay
questions. Answer each question (and all of its corresponding parts) in the
appropriately numbered SofTest window. It is very important that you use the
answer screen for Question 1 only to answer Question 1, the answer screen for
Question 2 only to answer Question 2, and so on.
26. Can I take the MultiState Bar Examination (MBE) on my laptop?
No. The MBE is
a national test and is available only in paper format. You will need to use a
pencil for the MBE. This is the only exam segment to use a pencil.
27. Can I take my laptop out of the
testing room over the lunch break on Day 3? Can I leave my laptop in the testing
room over the lunch break on Day 3?
On Day 3, you will be required to leave your laptop at your assigned table during the
lunch break. You may not access it during the break. Members of the exam staff
will remain in the testing room. Examinees will not be re-admitted before
doors are opened for the afternoon session.
28. Am I allowed to use my laptop to study in the exam room before or between
exam sessions?
No. You will be required to launch SofTest when you enter the
exam room before the MPT and before each Essay session, and you must keep your
laptop closed when you have finished and exited SofTest. Examinees will not be
allowed to access the exam room during the lunch breaks on Day 2 and Day 3.
No studying and no study materials are allowed in the exam
room. This applies whether study materials are printed, handwritten, saved on a
disk or memory device, on your hard drive, on the Internet, in an email, in a
text message or in any other electronic format, and applies to both laptop and
handwriting examinees.
29. How will I turn in my examination answers for grading?
Internet connectivity (wired or wireless) is required to upload your MPT and
Essay answers with ExamSoft.
On Tuesday you must complete the upload of your exam answer file for the MPT
by 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).
On Thursday you must complete the upload of your exam answer files for the Texas
Essays by 10:00 p.m. (Central Time).
In addition to uploading answer files via Internet you will also be required at
the exam site to back up your answer files to a USB memory stick that will be
provided to you on the exam day. All examinees must practice using the SofTest
Exam Retriever procedure before the exam day. Instructions for using the SofTest
Exam Retriever can be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu
30. Will there be Internet Connectivity at the examination site?
You will not have access to the Internet during the actual
exam sessions. While in the exam room you may not access the Internet, email,
chat rooms, other computers, or any study materials.
Although most facilities will have some Internet connectivity (usually for a
fee), you will not be required to upload your exam answer files at the exam
site. Only applicants taking the exam in Lubbock or Waco will be required to
upload exam answer files at the exam site. Detailed directions on uploading will
be given at each exam site.
On Tuesday, all applicants must complete the upload of the exam answer file for
the MPT by 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).
On Thursday, all applicants must complete the upload of the exam answer files
for the Texas Essays by 10:00 p.m. (Central Time).
All applicants will also be required to use SofTest’s Exam Retriever Wizard at
the exam site to save your answers to a USB memory stick and you must practice
this before the exam day. Instructions for using the SofTest Exam Retriever can
be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu
31. The following steps will help prevent common examination day problems:
- Be
sure your laptop is dependable, meets the Minimum System Requirements, and does
not tend to stall, crash, or overheat
- Disable all screen savers, spyware
software, and power saving features before arriving at the exam site.
- Ensure
that the date and time are correct on your laptop.
- Test your laptop with the SofTest Practice exams as much as possible before arriving at the examination
site
- Bring your laptop in a clear, 2.5-gallon Hefty or Zip-Loc bag. Do not
bring laptop bags, luggage, backpacks, or purses to the exam site.
- Bring your
power cord.
- Bring black or blue pens.
- Do not bring printed or electronic study
materials, CD’s, DVD’s, floppy disks, USB drives, memory sticks, cell phones or
any communication device.
- Test your ability to save to a USB memory device by
practicing with SofTest Exam Retriever before arriving at the examination site.
(Instructions for using the SofTest Exam Retriever can be found at
http://www.examsoft.com/usbu).
- At your seats for the MPT and Essay exam sessions, there will be step-by-step
printed instruction sheets for launching and exiting SofTest, for re-launching
and saving to USB (using SofTest Retriever) at the exam site, and for accessing
the Internet after the exam session to upload MPT and Essay answer files.
Carefully read the written handouts that will be provided to you and listen to
all instructions announced from the podium
- Be sure you are using the TEXAS BAR
EXAM EDITION of SofTest.
- Answer each question (and all of its corresponding
parts) in the appropriately numbered SofTest window.
- If your laptop crashes, you must be prepared to
handwrite your exam answers.
- After the 15-minute warning, it is your duty to remain
seated and quiet until all examinees’ materials have been collected and
accounted for and the examinees in your laptop section are formally dismissed
by an announcement from the podium.
since December 1, 2008
Last modified
05/07/12 09:30 AM
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