ACT®/PLAN® proctoring using the TCA Online StudyGuide
This document is a guideline for use when administering an ACT or PLAN diagnostic test for use
with the TCA Online StudyGuide. We have modified the script from an actual ACT in order to save
time during the administration. Feel free to modify these instructions in any way to accommodate
your diagnostic testing.
Coordinator for our school is _____________________________________
Test Booklets
Prior to beginning the testing make sure you have enough TCA scan sheets and are using a test
supported by the TCA Online StudyGuide for the ACT.
The supported tests change each year so refer to the Online StudyGuide if you’re not sure which
tests are supported.
Answer sheets
You must preprint the student information on the new TCA scan sheets. Printing instructions are
contained within the Online StudyGuide.
If you are using the old scan sheets where the students must enter their own information please
make sure the data is entered correctly. Failure to do so can lead to lost testing data. (These test
sheets are being phased out.)
ACT Writing test
If you are going to give the ACT writing test AND score it using WritePrep you must use the ACT
WritePrep prompt contained in the Online StudyGuide.
If you are going to give the ACT writing test AND NOT score it using WritePrep you can use any
ACT writing prompt.
For either prompt make sure you supply the writing answer sheets to your students.
Students can hand enter their essay into WritePrep for scoring any time after the test has been
administered.
NOTE: If you have students you think will qualify for special accommodations you may want to test
them in a separate setting using their accommodations.
NOTE: After all the students have been identified, admitted and seated, make sure they have #2
pencils and calculators. During a real ACT the proctor doesn’t have to do this so make sure to
remind your students of the importance of bringing pencils, erasers, and calculators with them to
the test.
All proctor verbal directions are in bold.
ACT and PLAN are registered trademarks of ACT, Inc. which is not affiliated with the production of nor endorses the materials presented here.
TCA Test proctoring script
Hand out the TCA scan sheets to the students
If you are using NEW TCA scan sheets with the student’s info preprinted on the scan sheets
Begin verbal directions
We are now ready to begin testing. Please check that your name is on your answer sheet.
If you don’t have an answer sheet or you have one that doesn’t have your name please
raise your hand.
1. Make sure you have one scan sheet for each student with their info preprinted on the sheet
2. If a student doesn’t have a preprinted scan sheet
a. Give the student a blank scan sheet
b. Using a pencil, write the student’s name on the scan sheet in the top corner.
3. After the test is completed separate any sheets that you hand wrote the name on from the
preprinted sheets.
4. Give both sets of sheets to the school coordinator
5. Scan the sheets and upload them into the online StudyGuide for scoring.
If you are using OLD TCA scan sheets that you have to hand enter the student’s info on the
scan sheets. (These sheets are being phased out)
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The more carefully this is done the faster and more accurately the data can be turned around.
The student info must be bubbled in to be scanned
Bubbling more than one letter or number in a column will result in a scanning error
Photocopies of the scan sheets will not scan
Begin verbal directions
We are now ready to begin testing. Please listen closely and follow my directions step by
step. If you don’t follow my directions we may not be able to score your test.
Write in your Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial beginning in the left most column
 For hyphenated names leave a blank between the two names
 If your name is too long to fit in the columns provided just leave the extra letters out.
 Next, bubble in the letter corresponding to the letter in your name for each column.
 There should be ONLY one mark per column
 Double check that you have correctly bubbled in your name
When you’ve finished, put your pencil down and look up at me so I know you’re finished.
When all your students are done move on to the Student ID numbers
a. This MUST be the same student number that is used in the Online StudyGuide.
b. To speed the process give each proctor a student list with the students’ name and student
ID number.
c. If the Student ID Number you use in your school is longer than 9 digits drop numbers from
the beginning or end of the student ID number to reduce the number to 9 digits. (Decide
beforehand which numbers you drop -BE CONSISTANT!!)
TCA Test proctoring script
Continue verbal directions
In the box labeled Student ID Number write in your student ID number beginning in the
left most column. DO NOT leave any spaces between the digits. If you don’t know your
number or aren’t 100% sure of your number just raise your hand. (Only if needed Since
our student numbers are longer than 9 digits please drop the last X digits/first x digits
from your student ID number.)
 Next, bubble in the number corresponding to the number in your Student ID number
for each column.
 There should be ONLY one mark per column
 Double check that you have correctly bubbled in your Student ID Number
When you’ve finished, put your pencil down and look up at me so I know you’re finished.
When all your students are done move on to the Grade
Continue verbal directions
In the box labeled Grade bubble in the number that corresponds to your current grade.
When you’ve finished, put your pencil down and look up at me so I know you’re finished.
When the students are finished with their answer sheet
Continue verbal directions
We are now ready to begin our testing. Today you will be taking a diagnostic ACT (or
PLAN). The purpose of this test is to help you identify areas you can improve before you
take the real ACT (or PLAN). We are simulating actual test conditions as closely as
possible so you won’t be surprised by anything on the day you take the real test.
One important difference between today’s testing and the actual ACT (or PLAN) is that we
want you to leave blank questions for which you really don’t know the answer. On the
REAL ACT (or PLAN) you shouldn’t leave ANY answers blank but for today we want you
to.
NOTE: This is a diagnostic test, the reason we want students to skip questions they REALLY don’t
know the answer to is that they may guess the right answer!
Continue verbal directions
The ACT (or PLAN) is composed of four multiple–choice tests in English, Mathematics,
Reading, and Science. The tests will be administered under standard time conditions. If
you think that you qualify for a time accommodation on the actual test please see your
counselor if you need assistance applying for the special accommodations.
You may not eat, drink or use tobacco products in this room. Reading materials are also
not permitted. You can’t have a timer, cell phone/smart phone or any electronic device,
other than a calculator, in this room. During the actual test you can’t use electronic
devices even on your breaks and you’ll be disqualified from the test if the monitors
discover you using one. Please put your calculator away, you can only use it on the
Mathematics test.
TCA Test proctoring script
Please clear your desk of everything except your pencils, eraser and answer sheet.
When answering a question make sure you completely fill in the circle with heavy, dark
marks. Also, make sure you cleanly erase any answers you change. Any stray marks or
incompletely erased answers can affect your test score because the question can’t be
scored correctly. Are there any questions?
I will now hand out the test booklets. Do not open them until I tell you to do so.
Hand out the test booklets to the students
Continue verbal directions
You can’t use scratch paper during the test. You are allowed to write in your test booklet to
do any figuring or scratch work.
Mark only one answer for each question. You will only receive credit for questions that are
properly marked.
I’ll be walking around the room making sure that you’re working on the right test. If you
need something or have a question just raise your hand and I’ll come to you. If you’re
wearing a watch with an alarm you’ll have to turn it off. Having an alarm go off during the
test is a violation of test rules and you’ll be disqualified from the test. Please double check
that your watch alarms are tuned off.
Give the students time to check their watch alarm.
Continue verbal directions
You must keep your answer sheet flat on your desk so others can’t see it.
I am the official time keeper for this test. I will give you a five minute warning before the
end of each test. When I call time at the end of a test you must stop immediately and put
your pencil down. Look up at me so I know you’ve stopped.
If you finish before time is up you can go back and recheck your answers in that test only.
Put your answer sheet inside your test booklet and sit quietly so you don’t distract
students who are still working.
There is to be no more talking from this point on. Listen carefully to the following
instructions.
TCA Test proctoring script
Note: If all your students are using the same test booklet make a note of which page begins each
test.
Test 1 (ENGLISH)
Make sure your stopwatch or timer is set to 45 minutes. (30 minutes for PLAN)
Begin verbal directions
You will have 45 minutes (30 minutes for PLAN) to work on test 1. You can’t begin until I
tell you to begin. You can only work on test 1. You can recheck your answers if you finish
early or close your answer sheet inside of your test booklet and sit quietly.
Open your test booklet to test one (give the page number if desired), read the directions
carefully and begin.
Start your timer.
Test 1 (record times)
________
Start time
_____________
5 minute warning
__________
Stop
At the forty minute mark (25 minute for PLAN)
You have 5 minutes remaining on this test
At the forty-five minute mark (30 minute for PLAN)
Stop, put your pencils down, close your test booklet and look up at me
Make sure everybody has stopped
TCA Test proctoring script
Test 2 (Math)
Make sure your stopwatch or timer is set to 60 minutes. (40 minutes for PLAN)
Begin verbal directions
All problems on the math test are designed to be solved without a calculator. However,
you are allowed to use an approved calculator for the test. You are responsible for
knowing if your calculator is permitted. Check the ACT web site if you’re not sure if your
calculator isn’t permitted. TI – 89 calculators are not permitted. It is also your
responsibility to make sure your calculator is working and has good batteries. You can
bring a spare calculator into the test but only one calculator can be used at a time.
You will have 60 minutes (40 minutes for PLAN) to work on test 2. You can’t begin until I
tell you to begin. You can only work on test 2. You can recheck your answers if you finish
early or close your answer sheet inside of your test booklet and sit quietly. You can’t
change any of your answers for test 1or look ahead in the test booklet. There will be a
break after this test.
Open your test booklet to test two (give the page number if desired), do all your figuring in
the test booklet, read the directions carefully and begin.
Start your timer.
Test 2 (record times)
________
Start time
_____________
5 minute warning
__________
Stop
At the fifty-five minute mark (25 minute for PLAN):
You have 5 minutes remaining on this test
At the sixty minute mark (40 minute for PLAN):
Stop, put your pencils down, close your test booklet and look up at me.
Put your calculator away, you aren’t allowed to use it for the remaining tests.
Note: for an actual test the students will be given a 10-15 minute break. If possible, allow for this
break but if you’re constrained for time you can shorten or eliminate the break. For the actual test
students aren’t allowed to use any electronic devices during the break.
You now have a ___ minute break. If you have a snack or drink you can eat it now. DO NOT
leave this area except to use the bathroom. Testing will resume promptly at ____. You
won’t be allowed to make up lost time if you return late. Please be considerate of others
and be quiet in the halls
TCA Test proctoring script
At the end of the break.
Test 3 (Reading)
Make sure your stopwatch or timer is set to 35 minutes (20 minutes for PLAN).
Begin verbal directions
Please sit down. You will have 35 minutes (20 minutes for PLAN) to work on test 3. You
can’t begin until I tell you to begin. You can only work on test 3. You can recheck your
answers if you finish early or close your answer sheet inside of your test booklet and sit
quietly. You can’t change any of your answers for tests 1or 2 or look ahead in the test
booklet.
Open your test booklet to test three (give the page number if desired), read the directions
carefully and begin.
Start your timer.
Test 3 (record times)
________
Start time
_____________
5 minute warning
__________
Stop
At the thirty minute mark (15 minute for PLAN):
You have 5 minutes remaining on this test
At the thirty-five minute mark: (20 minute for PLAN)
Stop, put your pencils down, close your test booklet and look up at me.
TCA Test proctoring script
Test 4 (Science)
Make sure your stopwatch or timer is set to 35 minutes (25 minutes for PLAN).
Begin verbal directions
You will have 35 minutes (25 minutes for PLAN) to work on test 4. You can’t begin until I
tell you to begin. You can only work on test 3. You can recheck your answers if you finish
early or close your answer sheet inside of your test booklet and sit quietly. You can’t
change any of your answers for tests 1, 2 or 3.
Open your test booklet to test four (give the page number if desired), read the directions
carefully and begin.
Start your timer.
Test 4 (record times)
________
Start time
_____________
5 minute warning
__________
Stop
At the thirty minute mark (20 minute for PLAN):
You have 5 minutes remaining on this test
At the thirty-five minute mark (25 minute for PLAN):
Stop, put your pencils down, close your test booklet and look up at me.
If you are going to administer the ACT writing test follow the instructions on the next page
Collect the answer sheets individually from each student, don’t have them pass them in. As you
collect each sheet, check to make sure they are filled in correctly if using the old sheets. If you
used the new preprinted scan sheets and you had students who had to write in their name,
separate those answer sheets from the others so their student info can be entered by your
coordinator.
Return the tests and answer sheets to your school coordinator.
TCA Test proctoring script
Optional ACT Writing test
Begin verbal directions
We will begin the writing test shortly. You can stand by your desk or sharpen your pencils.
Do not leave the room without my permission. Leave your test booklet closed.
Hand out the 4 ACT lined writing sheets to each student. If you are going to use the writing prompt
contained in the test booklet you just used make sure the students have kept the test booklet and
have kept the test booklet closed. When you have handed out the answer sheets begin the writing
test:
Continue verbal directions
If you are using the writing prompt contained in the test booklet
Return to your desk and we will begin the ACT writing test. Please verify that you have
four lined pages for the writing test and your test booklet. If you don’t, please raise your
hand. Write your name on each page of the four answer sheets.
If you are using a different writing prompt contained in the test booklet
Return to your desk and we will begin the ACT writing test. Please verify that you have
four lined pages for the writing test. If you don’t, please raise your hand. Write your name
on each page of the four answer sheets.
I will come around and place the writing prompt on your desk face down. Leave it face
down until I tell you to turn it over.
Once all testing material is in place
You will have 30 minutes to work on the Writing test. You can’t begin until I tell you to
begin. You can recheck your answers if you finish early or close your answer sheet inside
of your test booklet (or turn everything face down) and sit quietly.
You have 30 minutes for this test. Open your test booklet to the writing test (give the page
number if desired), (or Turn your writing prompt over) read the assignment and begin.
Start your timer.
Writing test (record times)
________
Start time
_____________
5 minute warning
__________
Stop
At the twenty five mark:
You have 5 minutes remaining on this test
At the thirty minute mark:
Stop, put your pencils down, close your test booklet and look up at me.
TCA Test proctoring script
Once the writing test is completed, collect and return all the testing materials to the coordinator. If
the students are going to enter their essay into WritePrep you may want to consider letting the
students keep their essay so they can enter the essay at a later time into the Online StudyGuide.