Updated 1/13/2012 11:46 AM
Updated 2/02/2012 08:54 AM – added information about passwords for the TOA test
I have received several questions about TOA and CAAP. I have created this FAQ in order to help answer
some of these questions. This document is a living document. As I get additional questions that I think
belong in this FAQ, I will add them. This is why I added the update line at the top. If you have read this
FAQ before and wonder if there is additional information, just look at the Updated date and time to see
if there has been changes to the document. If the question you are wondering about is not in this FAQ,
feel free to email me to ask that question.
1. What are the TOA and CAAP tests?
Answer:
a. TOA (technical outcomes assessment) is a computer-based test in blackboard over about
5 CINS/CINT classes (ex OS, database, systems, a little logic, etc).
b. CAAP (Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency) is the general studies test over
English, some math, some accounting, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, etc.
NOTE: The student must take these tests in order to graduate.
2. Are there any study guides for these tests?
Answer:
a. TOA - For this test, please see the resources section of this class. There is a TOA study
guide in the resources section you can look at.
b. CAAP – For CAAP, there is no study guide. As the info on CAAP suggests, this test is over
many different areas/subjects and would be difficult/impossible to come up with a study
guide for it.
3. How do we sign up for these tests? Updated 2/2/2012
Answer:
a. TOA – Students are added to a master test center and will be given a password to take the
test. See the resources section of this class (CINS279). There is a pdf document called
CINS279TOA Instructions.pdf. This document contains instructions on how to take this
test online as well as how to determine your password.
Note: The passwords in that document may be wrong at this time, they were from a previous
semester. As soon as I can confirm the correct passwords, I will update that document, send
an email students and update this FAQ.
Update: The passwords should be accurate not for the spring 2012 class.
Note 2: I recommend students take the TOA in about the same time frame they take the
CAAP, so you don't forget to do it!!
b. CAAP – CAAP is given proctored at the campus the student chooses. You have to register to
take the test and tell the instructor where you are going so that the instructor can send the
distance-ed proctor form to allow them to sit in on the test.
Important note: THE TEST IS AVAILABLE FOR ONLY ABOUT ONE MONTH,
GENERALLY STARTING ABOUT 4 WEEKS INTO THE SEMESTER. STUDENTS WHO
MISS THE TEST WINDOW WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO GRADUATE!! Once a student
has determined the campus that they will take this test, you must send the campus, the
contact name (and e-mail address) to me as your instructor. I will fill then out the distanceed. proctor form and e-mail to that campus. Once the student completes the test the proctor
is supposed to send the fact the test is completed back to the instructor. Some don't, so it
is the responsibility of the student to be sure the instructor has posted a grade for
the test, and if not, contact their proctor to get the info to the instructor.
4. When must we sign up for these tests in order to get them done in time for the semester?
Answer:
a. TOA – TOA is open as soon as a student puts in for it and is available for some time
after signing up for it. When a student has been enrolled in the test organization, they'll
see a new item under blackboard's COMMUNITY tab called
"TOA_CIS/CIT_ASSESSMENT_REPORTING_NEW". Based on their home campus (region)
and their degree program (CINS/CINT), they'll take one of the tests. The password will
be given to the student based on the region and degree.
b. CAAP – There is a VERY DEFINED time-frame to take it in (usually about 30 days). If
you miss this defined time-frame, you can’t graduate and have to take the test the next
time the window opens.
1. How do you find what this 30 day window is? You should contact your local campus
SOON - generally start with Academic Support Center, that is the most common
place it is given. Not every campus uses the same time frame.