Infrastructure Trial/Preliminary System Test Windows for 2023–24

All schools are encouraged to conduct a Preliminary System Test prior to each test administration. A Preliminary System Test is a small-scale Infrastructure Trial during which several technology or other school staff members sign in to TestNav (instead of students) and click through each practice test. Conducting a Preliminary System test will help ensure that secure test content will be accessed on test day, that local device security settings are correct, and that TestNav can run successfully on student devices.

Schools that do not meet certain criteria are encouraged to also conduct an Infrastructure Trial. An Infrastructure Trial is an opportunity for districts, schools, and students to prepare for CBT by simulating test-day network utilization. This "dress rehearsal" will help to confirm that all testing devices are properly configured, that school and district networks can handle online testing, and that staff members are familiar with their role in administering an online test. During an Infrastructure Trial, students sign in to TestNav with sample student testing tickets and complete a practice test session.

See page 2 of the Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide to determine whether your school needs to conduct an Infrastructure Trial in addition to a Preliminary System Test. If your school does not conduct an Infrastructure Trial, it is strongly recommended that you conduct a Preliminary System Test.

Further information and step-by-step guides to completing a Preliminary System Test and Infrastructure Trial are available in the Infrastructure Trial Readiness Guide.

Technology Support is available; technology coordinators are encouraged to set up a 15-, 30-, or 60- minute phone call with Pearson's Support Specialists using this link: MCAS | Technology Setup.

Last Updated: January 19, 2024