The Before Administration Checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help Site Coordinators prepare for a successful assessment administration. It outlines key tasks to complete before testing begins, including general planning considerations and specific requirements for both online and paper/pencil administrations. Reviewing this checklist in advance can help minimize issues on test day and support a smooth, secure testing experience.

Preparing for Assessment Administration 
Once assessment selections have been made, including whether knowledge-based written and/or skill-based performance assessments will be administered, selecting the delivery method (online or paper/pencil), and confirming qualified proctors and evaluators, the next step is preparation.

This section is designed to support the planning process and help ensure a smooth, accurate, and secure administration—reducing the likelihood of confusion, delays, or errors during and after testing. 

Administration Conditions 
To accurately measure test taker proficiency, assessments must be administered under controlled and consistent conditions. The Site Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all assessment sessions are conducted properly and that each test taker has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. 

Consistency is essential. Standardized assessments are designed to be administered in full and under the same conditions for every administration. Adhering to these conditions helps preserve assessment integrity and supports fair, reliable results.

NOCTI standardized assessments are aligned to national and/or industry-based standards and are designed to measure the core competencies of the occupation being assessed. 

Order Timelines 
  • Teacher testing orders are processed within two business days of receipt. 
  • Requests requiring faster turnaround may incur rush processing fees. 
  • Paper/pencil and skill-based performance assessments are shipped via UPS GroundTrac unless  otherwise requested; shipment confirmation emails include tracking details and estimated delivery dates. 
  • Online orders are processed within two business days, and Site Coordinators are notified when user codes are available in the Client Services Center. 
  • Online user codes are valid for six months from the date of creation and do expire if not used within that timeframe.
Ordering Assessment Materials 
The Site Coordinator manages all assessment orders through the Client Services Center. To support timely and accurate delivery: 
  • Determine the number of assessments needed; each order is customized to the site. 
  • Place orders well in advance of the scheduled test date. 
  • Allow sufficient shipping time for paper/pencil and performance assessments. 
  • A complete copy of the Return Policy can be found here. 
Receipt of Assessment Materials  

Paper/Pencil Administration 
All materials are shipped directly to the Site Coordinator. Upon receipt: 
  • Inventory all materials immediately and compare them to the packing slip and order. 
  • Verify quantities and confirm materials are complete. 
  • Contact NOCTI immediately if discrepancies are identified. 
Shipments may include:  
  • Knowledge-based written and/or skill-based performance test booklets (one per test taker) 
  • Evaluator Guide (one per 5 skill-based performance tests ordered per occupation; additional guides are available at an extra cost) 
  • Supplemental booklets or media (if applicable)
  • Demographic information sheets (one for each test taker, paper/pencil administrations only) 
  • Proctor Guide: Instructions for Assessment Administration (one per each title ordered) 
  • Answer sheets (one per test taker for paper/pencil administrations only) 
  • Coordinator cover sheet (at least one per order for paper/pencil administrations only)    
Online Administration 
Site Coordinators will be notified when online user codes are available in the Client Services Center. Upon notification: 
  • Verify test codes, quantities, and specifications immediately. 
  • Contact NOCTI promptly if discrepancies are identified. 
Skill-based performance assessment materials ordered as "online" will still require shipped materials; which may include: 
  • Skill-based performance test booklet (one per test taker); 
  • Evaluator Guide (one per five tests ordered per occupation, additional guides are available at an extra cost); and 
  • Proctor Guide: Instructions for Assessment Administration (one for each title ordered). 
Supplemental materials (e.g., forms, video, or software files) should be downloaded from the Client Services Center. Instructions are provided in the Evaluator Guide for applicable assessments.
 
User codes are provided for online skill-based performance assessments. Performance ratings must be entered into the online system through either the Client Services Center or the online testing system after administration. Instructions for entering performance ratings are available here. 
 
Securing Assessment Materials 
All assessment materials must be stored in a locked, secure location with access limited to the Site Coordinator or authorized individuals. The Site Coordinator should be able to account for when, how, and by whom any potential security concern occurred. Any suspected breach must be reported to NOCTI immediately. 

Client Services Center login credentials, user codes, and passwords are considered secure materials and must be protected accordingly. Unauthorized access must be reported without delay. 

Distributing Information 
The Site Coordinator should meet with Proctors and Evaluators prior to administration to allow time for review of procedures and expectations. Providing advance access to guides helps to ensure a clear understanding of policies and supports consistent administration. 
 
Skill-based performance test evaluators should also review the Evaluator Guide for specific assessments. For security purposes, materials should be returned to the Site Coordinator after review and re-distributed on the day of the assessment session.