Versant Test App

Smartphone App FAQ

Pre-Test ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1. How do Versant Test App users access Versant Test App? ........................................................3
2. Where do I get my Test Identification Number (TIN)? .................................................................3
3. Are headphones needed for the test? ..........................................................................................3
4. Is a microphone other than the one on the phone needed for the test? ................................3
5. What are the steps to implementation? .......................................................................................3
6. I received the following error: “Error: The TIN is incorrect.” ......................................................3
7. The application froze while I was downloading my test.............................................................3
8. How long does it take to complete installation of the Versant Test App? ...............................3
9. How is the app installed on a smartphone?.................................................................................4
10. What are the system requirements? .............................................................................................4
11. Does any setting need to be changed (i.e., sound) on the phone before taking the test? ...4
12. Is an Internet connection needed before, during, or after the test? ........................................4
13. What type of testing environment is best for taking the test? ..................................................4
14. Does a Versant Test App user hold the phone during the test or place it on a desktop in
front of them? ...................................................................................................................................5
15. Can the test be taken while driving, taking public transportation, or moving from one
location to the next? ........................................................................................................................5
16. What will happen if text messages, emails, or phone calls are received during the test? ....5
17. How do I enable Airplane Mode on my device? ..........................................................................5
18. What if the test content download has stalled and does not appear to be advancing? .......5
During the Test .............................................................................................................................. 6
19. How long does the test take? .........................................................................................................6
20. The following pop-up appeared: “Versant Would Like to Access the Microphone”. ..............6
21. I cannot hear the audio. ..................................................................................................................6
22. What happens if a Versant Test App user doesn’t answer a question during the test? ........6
23. Can a Versant Test App user skip and go back to a question? ..................................................6
24. Can a Versant Test App user leave the test and resume it later?..............................................6
25. Does the Versant Test App collect any information from the user’s phone other than
relevant test data and their TIN? ...................................................................................................7
26. What type of data is required for Versant Test App (i.e., demographics,
usernames/passwords, rosters, grades, etc.)? What kind of privacy language (data
confidentiality) is required between companies administering the test and test takers? ....7
27. Does the Versant Test App user need to address any security issues while using the
app? Is the site that exchanges data secure? ...............................................................................7
After the Test ................................................................................................................................ 7
28. How does Versant Test App score a user’s responses? ..............................................................7
29. How quickly can a Versant Test App user receive their score? ..................................................7
30. After the test, does a Versant Test App user need to keep the app, or should it be
deleted from their smartphone? ...................................................................................................7
31. What happens if more than one device have the same TIN completed because they
were taken at the same time? ........................................................................................................7
Admin Features ............................................................................................................................ 8
32. What code do I enter after tapping Admin on the main screen? ..............................................8
33. How do I see which tests have been downloaded to my device? .............................................8
34. My TIN/Batch Key is not recognized. .............................................................................................8
35. I’m a test administrator. The test was completed but I cannot view scores. ..........................8
36. How do I delete downloaded tests from the app? ......................................................................8
Other Information ........................................................................................................................ 8
37. What is the cost of Versant Test App to participate in the pilot? ..............................................8
38. What kinds of licenses are available for Versant Test App? .......................................................8
39. Who are the writers of the materials, and what is their expertise on second language
development? ...................................................................................................................................8
40. Was research conducted to confirm the intended design? .......................................................9
41. What native language supports are available for the assessments that are delivered in
English? ..............................................................................................................................................9
42. Is there a native language version of the assessment available? .............................................9
43. What type of technical support will be provided for Versant Test App and at what cost? ....9
44. How many points of contact are required for Versant Test App implementation support? 9
45. Is Versant Test App hosted in the cloud or on-premise?............................................................9
46. Will Versant Test App data be shared with 3rd parties? .............................................................9
Alert Messages and Remedies .................................................................................................... 10

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 2 of 10

Pre-Test

1. How do Versant Test App users access Versant Test App?

Users access the Versant Test App through the Google Play and Apple app stores. See App
Installation Instructions.

2. Where do I get my Test Identification Number (TIN)?

Your Test Manager will provide you with a Test Identification Number (TIN).

3. Are headphones needed for the test?

Headphones are not required but may be used for the test.Your recorded responses will most
likely be of higher quality if you do not use headphones.

4. Is a microphone other than the one on the phone needed for the test?
Use of an external microphone or headset is optional with the app. If an external microphone or
headset is used, we recommend placing the microphone 2-5 cm from your mouth. Also, if using
ear buds, simply let the microphone rest in its natural position. Do not hold or touch the wire
with the microphone during the test as this could introduce static or background noise.

5. What are the steps to implementation?

Follow the App Installation Instructions to successfully install the Versant test app.

For test administrators who are providing testing on your device, you may pre-download tests
onto your device by using the Admin functionality. This will allow you to conduct testing in
areas without Internet.

Issue unique TINs to your test takers; optionally print test papers from your Scorekeeper I
account and distribute TINs that way.

6. I received the following error: “Error: The TIN is incorrect.”

Please verify that the TIN you entered matches the TIN you were given. If your TINs match,
please contact your test administrator.

7. The application froze while I was downloading my test.

Please exit the test, re-confirm your Internet connection by turning your Wi-Fi connection on
and off. Re-enter the app, then re-enter your TIN. If you are unable to continue, contact your test
administrator.

8. How long does it take to complete installation of the Versant Test App?
Download time will vary based on the user’s network connection. The app can be installed in
less than 5 minutes.

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 3 of 10

9. How is the app installed on a smartphone?
Please see the App Installation Instructions for detailed steps on how to install the app.

10. What are the system requirements?

The following are the recommended configurations for optimal use:

iPhone Android

Operating v8.0 & 9.0 v4.4 – 6.0.1

System

App Size  Size of App to be downloaded:  Size of App to be downloaded:

3.3 MB 4.0 MB
 Size of App after install and first  Size of App after install and first
launch (size viewed from launch (size viewed from
Settings): 7.5 MB Setting>Apps>Versant Test App):
17.41 MB

11. Does any setting need to be changed (i.e., sound) on the phone before taking the
test?
All calibration can be done from within the app by using the on-screen controls during the
calibration sequence, or by using the buttons on the device at any time. You just need to make
sure to allow permission for the app to record audio. This is necessary to allow scoring of the
audio test answers.

12. Is an Internet connection needed before, during, or after the test?

When the test is pre-downloaded onto the device by an administrator, you can take the test
without Internet. However, Internet will be needed after the test to send audio answers for
scoring.

When the test is NOT pre-downloaded onto the device by an administrator, you must be
connected to the Internet when starting a test and after completing the test. Other than these
times, you can use the app without a connection.
13. What type of testing environment is best for taking the test?
Please find a quiet, distraction-free location away from other speakers or ambient noise. Ensure
that you will be able to connect to a strong Internet connection sometime before the test to
download items, and after the test to upload your responses and get a score.

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 4 of 10

14. Does a Versant Test App user hold the phone during the test or place it on a
desktop in front of them?
The Versant Test App supports both methods. For the best sound quality recording, optimal
use is to set the device on the table or hold (with the arm bent naturally at the elbow) 30-45 cm
in front of you for the duration of the test, without a headset. Do not move the device once
you have started the test. If using ear buds, the test taker should let the microphone rest in its
natural position. Do not hold or touch the wire with the microphone during the test as this
could introduce static or background noise. Additionally, the appropriate speaking volume is
neither too soft nor too loud.

15. Can the test be taken while driving, taking public transportation, or moving from
one location to the next?
The Versant Test App supports test taking anytime and anywhere. However, we do recommend
that you avoid distractions during the test so that your environment does not impact your score.
Please do not take the test while driving or in other situations where your full attention is
required.

16. What will happen if text messages, emails, or phone calls are received during the
test?
We recommend that you set your device to Airplane mode ON and WiFi OFF so that you do
not encounter any distractions during the test. Receiving these notifications can be distracting
and impact your score, or even end the test prematurely.

17. How do I enable Airplane Mode on my device?

The steps to enable Airplane Mode will vary from device to device. Please check the following
guides:
Android users: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2819583?hl=en
iOS users: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204234

18. What if the test content download has stalled and does not appear to be advancing?
The download progress bar indicates download progress. The test content download speed
depends on your network connection. If 5-10 minutes have gone by and you are not seeing the
download progress advance, the download may have been stalled due to intermittent Internet
connectivity. Force-close the app and restart the download.

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 5 of 10

During the Test

19. How long does the test take?

The Test will take roughly 20 minutes.

20. The following pop-up appeared: “Versant Would Like to Access the Microphone”.
Please tap OK and continue your test. If you accidentally did not give Versant permission, enable
the app to access the microphone:

For Apple devices: Go to Settings, Versant, Microphone, and then enable Versant to have access
to the microphone.

For Android devices:

 v4.0-v5.0: Microphone access was provided during app download. Contact Support for
further assistance.
 v6.0+: Go to Settings, Apps, tap Versant, Permissions. Then ensure the microphone is
enabled.

21. I cannot hear the audio.

Check that your headphone or device is not muted. Also, check if your headset is plugged in
properly. If you have not reached the Test Overview screen, please exit the app, re-enter the app,
and re-enter your TIN. If you have reached the Test Overview screen, please request a new TIN
from your test administrator and exit the app, re-enter the app, and enter the new TIN. The first
screen after clicking Test Calibration will allow you to adjust the volume. Move the slider to the
right until you are satisfied.

22. What happens if a Versant Test App user doesn’t answer a question during the test?
Test takers are not required to answer all of the questions. If a user does not answer the
question in the allotted time, the test will move on to the next question. Missing a question will
not end the test; however, it may impact the scoring of the test.

23. Can a Versant Test App user skip and go back to a question?
No, the test is on a set form. The user may only move forward.

24. Can a Versant Test App user leave the test and resume it later?
When test takers send the app to the background or exit they can return to the app and
continue from the last started test section. Test takers can do this up to two times with a
maximum of 45 seconds total spent outside of the app between the two attempts. After
that, they cannot use the same TIN.

Only under the circumstance of the app crashing does the test taker have up to 4 hours
since the start of the test to resume. They will resume on the first question of the last
started section.

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 6 of 10

 25. Does the Versant Test App collect any information from the user’s phone other
than relevant test data and their TIN?
At the start of the test the user is asked for their full name and the location at which they are
taking the test. At the end of the test, the user is given several optional questions about their
demographic and language information. These questions are optional and do not need to be
answered.
26. What type of data is required for Versant Test App (i.e., demographics,
usernames/passwords, rosters, grades, etc.)? What kind of privacy language (data
confidentiality) is required between companies administering the test and test
takers?
All data for tracking a test is anonymized. Users will enter a TIN provided to them by their test
manager and this test manager is responsible for tracking all associated data between the user
and the TIN. At the end of the test, users are given the option to enter their gender, country of
birth, and native language. These questions do not have to be answered, and the data will not be
shared with third parties.

27. Does the Versant Test App user need to address any security issues while using the
app? Is the site that exchanges data secure?
Encryption has been implemented for both test content and test taker responses.

After the Test

28. How does Versant Test App score a user’s responses?

User responses are uploaded to our grading servers and graded like all other Versant tests. To
get more information on our automated scoring process, please go to our website:
http://versanttest.com/technology/scoring.jsp

29. How quickly can a Versant Test App user receive their score?
Since tests are scored by an automated system, test scores can be returned in as little time as 5
minutes. This time may increase based on the user’s upload/download speed and current scoring
traffic.

30. After the test, does a Versant Test App user need to keep the app, or should it be
deleted from their smartphone?
The app should not be deleted until the status of the test taken is either “score pending”
or “scored.” If the app is deleted in any other state for a test, then scores for that test
will not be guaranteed.

31. What happens if more than one device have the same TIN completed because they
were taken at the same time?
If a test is completed offline AND that particular TIN has already been used and graded on
another device, the test that was started most recently will receive a score report AND the
previous calls with get an error. (Start time is same as test start time on the device.)

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 7 of 10

Admin Features

32. What code do I enter after tapping Admin on the main screen?
8377268 or “Versant” on the keypad.

33. How do I see which tests have been downloaded to my device?

Enter the Admin section of the app, and then tap Downloaded Tests. You will see a list of all
available TINs and their status. If the list appears to be out of date, tap Refresh TIN List at the
bottom.

34. My TIN/Batch Key is not recognized.

Verify that you are entering the TIN/Batch Key exactly as it appears on your test paper or
ScoreKeeper account. If the issue persists, please contact support.

35. I’m a test administrator. The test was completed but I cannot view scores.
Check the Test Status screen on the device the test was taken. See if responses for the TIN
were uploaded. If responses were not uploaded successfully, make sure the device is connected
to the Internet.

If the Test Status screen shows that responses were uploaded successfully, it may be that the
batch was setup with locked scores.

36. How do I delete downloaded tests from the app?

To remove downloaded tests from the app, first make sure that all responses have been
uploaded for scoring by viewing the Test Status screen. Then uninstall the app and then reinstall
it.

Other Information

37. What is the cost of Versant Test App to participate in the pilot?
Versant licenses are complimentary for the pilot. Please consult your Pearson account manager
for inquiries about licenses beyond the pilot.

38. What kinds of licenses are available for Versant Test App?
Tests are purchased one at a time or in batches. Please contact your Pearson account
manager to order additional tests.

39. Who are the writers of the materials, and what is their expertise on second
language development?
To get more information about our team of leading experts, please go to our website:
https://www.versanttest.com/technology/expertise.jsp

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 8 of 10

40. Was research conducted to confirm the intended design?
Yes, research was conducted at several points during the development to confirm the intended
design.

41. What native language supports are available for the assessments that are
delivered in English?
Versant Test App is currently delivered only in English but native language supports will be
available in the future.

42. Is there a native language version of the assessment available?

Versant Test App is currently delivered only in English but will be available in other languages in
the future.

43. What type of technical support will be provided for Versant Test App and at what
cost?
Pearson will offer complimentary initial setup support and limited technical support for Versant
Test App Testing. Call Versant Technical Support at +1 650-470-3503 or email
support@pearsonkt.com for assistance.

44. How many points of contact are required for Versant Test App implementation
support?
Versant Technical Support (described above) is available to the Company-appointed
representative.

45. Is Versant Test App hosted in the cloud or on-premise?

The Versant Test App is locally installed on the smartphone or tablet.

46. Will Versant Test App data be shared with 3rd parties?
No, Versant Test App data will not be shared with any 3rd parties.

© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). Page 9 of 10

Alert Messages and Remedies
Error Message
An unexpected error has occurred. Please try
again. If the error persists, use a different TIN.
An unexpected error has occurred. Please try
again. If the error persists, please contact
Technical Support.
Network error occurred. Please try again. If
the error persists, please contact your System
Administrator.
No Network Connection. Turn off Airplane
Mode or Use Wi-Fi to Access the Network.
The resume period for this test is over. The
test has been cancelled.
The TIN is incorrect.
There is a problem with this TIN. Please enter
a different TIN.
There is not enough free space on the device
to take this test. Please clear disk space.
This test has already been used. Please enter a
different TIN.
This TIN has expired.
Unknown error
© 2016 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s).
Remedy
Please try a different TIN. If the issue
continues, contact Versant Technical Support.
Please try again after 5-10 minutes. If the issue
continues, contact Versant Technical Support.
Please try again. If the error continues, please
contact your System Administrator.
Check your Internet connection. Turn off
Airplane Mode, or use Wi-Fi to access Internet.
Contact your test administrator or obtain a
different TIN.
Please check your TIN and re-submit.
Please enter a different TIN. Contact your test
administrator if you continue to experience the
issue.
There is not enough disk space to download
content for a test. Please delete unnecessary
content from your device and try again.
Please enter a different TIN.
Please contact your test administrator.
Please try again. If the issue continues, contact
Versant Technical Support.
Page 10 of 10