Equipment and Environment Requirements

Confirm these requirements for your computer and testing room before registering.

What to Expect on Test Day

Learn what is expected of you and what you should expect when taking the test.

After the Test

Receive your scores and learn about retesting if needed.

Equipment and Environment Requirements

Be sure that your computer and testing room meet the following requirements before you register for the GACE® Program Admission assessment at home. If they don’t, you won't be able to test.

Equipment

Computer

  • Desktop or laptop computer, not a tablet, Chromebook™ or mobile device.
  • Approved operating system, which must be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.
    • PC: Windows® operating system, versions 10 or 8.
    • MAC®: you must use Mac® OS X 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended). Candidates testing on a Mac computer do not need to have Windows software loaded.
  • Chrome™ or Firefox® browser.
  • Multiple monitors or dual screens aren't permitted.

Browser download and equipment check

  • Download and install the ETS Test Browser on the computer you'll use for the test. To fully install the browser, you must run the file after downloading it. Close the browser once you see the following message: “Success! You have installed the ETS secure test browser.”
  • Download the Windows version. If you receive an error message, please follow these troubleshooting steps.
  • Download the Mac version.
  • Run the ProctorU® System Check from the computer you'll use to test. If you fail the equipment check, you must fix any issues before test day. Live ProctorU representatives are available to help.
  • Computer firewalls and security applications can interfere with the test delivery software. If you experience this issue, you may need to disable or reconfigure your applications prior to the test.

Speaker

  • Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
  • Headsets or wireless earphones aren't allowed.

Microphone

  • Use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate with the proctor.

Camera

  • Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam.
  • Camera must be movable to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test.

Environment and Testing Space

Privacy

  • You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
  • You can't take the test in a public space such as a park, internet café, or restaurant.

Tabletop and seating

  • Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
  • The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check in), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room do not need to be modified or removed.
  • You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, couch, or overstuffed chair.
  • Food and drink aren't allowed during the test.

Clothing and appearance

  • Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat, or other items.
  • You must dress appropriately for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the proctor.
  • Avoid wearing such items as jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, and other hair accessories.

Note-taking materials

  • You may not take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
  • You may use one of the following to take notes:
    • One small desktop whiteboard with erasable marker
    • One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker
  • You'll be asked to erase all notes in view of the proctor at the end of the test.

See also: