Click here to view the NYSED CBT FAQs.

Can students use scratch paper when taking the CBT assessments?

Yes. Schools that will be administering CBT should prepare to furnish scratch paper to their students for use when taking the tests. At the start of each test session the proctor should hand out scratch paper to each student testing on computers.

CBT ELA: each student should be given one sheet of lined ruled paper, such as loose leaf paper, at the start of testing.

CBT Math: each student should be given one piece of unlined/plain paper and one piece of graph paper at the start of testing.  

In addition, for all test sessions the proctor should have on hand a further supply of scratch paper to provide to students who during the test session request additional sheets.

Students testing with CBT should also be advised that any work done on this scratch paper will not be counted. The scratch paper distributed to students testing with CBT must be collected at the end of the session whether used or unused. Note: Scratch paper is considered secure material and must be collected and securely destroyed after testing. 

Can students use a handheld calculator for operational CBT Math tests?

Yes, if a calculator is allowed for that grade/test session, students can use their school-provided handheld calculator, as they would within the classroom or during paper-based test taking. 

The Nextera Test Delivery System (TDS) test interface will provide a grade-level and session-specific electronic calculator for students to use online within the test platform, and students will also be allowed to use their own school-provided handheld calculator for convenience. 

Students can use whichever calculator they are most comfortable with during operational CBT Math tests.

Can students use a stylus for CBT?

A stylus is allowed on the computer-based tests Grades 3-8 ELA and Math if students in the school are using a stylus as part of daily instruction. Additionally, if a school wishes to allow students to use a stylus for the CBT administration, the school must provide a stylus to any student who wants to use a stylus for responding to CBT items.

All devices must have a mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen to assist students with responding to different item types. A stylus is an additional tool that can be used in conjunction with touchscreen input.

What if a students computer does not have touch screen?

Please note that students that currently use a chrome book, or that have a touch screen that is not working correctly will be provided with a PC computer with touch screen capabilities to use for the assessment.

How do we ensure that special education accommodations are input prior to testing?

Your school test coordinator will be ensuring that student accommodations are identified on the student account prior to testing, per students Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

What should I do if my students computer does not hold a charge?

Please put in an IncidentIQ ticket immediately to alert the technology department of any student device that does not correctly hold a battery charge. Extra chargers and IT personnel will be on site during the time of the CBT exams.

Can students have a printed out reference sheet for the CBT Math exams?

Reference sheets will only be accessible through the CBT Testing Platform. Please remind your students that they will receive a piece of paper and a pencil to use if they need it.

Will we have extra power strips in our classrooms available to use?

The IT department will be providing extra power strips and chargers in every classroom.