Instructions how to Use TestCommander:
testCommander runs in two modes:
- User mode - for test taker
- Admin mode - for test administrator
1) User mode
This is the mode you get to when you start testCommander. To take a test enter your personal details and press continue (see exhibit 2). This will take you to a list of tests already in the program. Select one of the tests and press open test. You will then get to a page with instructions on how you should complete a test. To start the test click start. This displays the first question with the question number on the top left hand corner and remaining time on the top right.
At this stage make your choice and click next. Upon reaching the last question, click next and then click "end test". A score report will be displayed for you to print.
2) Admin mode
This is a protected area. You get to this mode by "double clicking" on the title which says "Enter Personal Information" when you start testCommander. This opens the window "Build your Test". You have to enter a password. The initial password is "1234" (you can change the password using the "change password" button). When you enter the right password the test(s) to be edited (already in the program) will be displayed. Click the one you wish to edit and press "open test". This opens the test for editing. Relevant buttons are provided for performing required tasks.
Alternatively, you can say "add new test" and supply the name of the test you would like to create. The name will be added to the list of tests. Then, press open test. This will open a window for you to enter a question with four of its choices. The choices of A,B,C,D or T and F (for true false questions) will be provided by the program, you don't need to enter them.
To start entering press "Add New". Enter the question in the first box and the choices in the next four boxes. Enter the correct answer in the box which says "Answer". The answers should be A,B,C or D for multiple choice questions or T or F for True false questions. You can enter two letters (e.g., AD) to create a question with two correct answers.
To create a True or False question enter hyphens in the choices boxes and a T or F in the Answer box. All of the entries including the comments box are required. Then press "Save". Continue entering new questions or editing existing questions in the same manner. When you are done press "cancel" (continue to set test time and passing score).
Setting up Time and Passing Score
After you hit cancel (see paragraph above), you will get back to the window with the list of tests. Click on "properties" under Test. This will display a window where you can set the time and passing score. To set the time for a test press "Add New". Then enter the name of the test (exact spelling - it is CaSE SEnSiTive), time (e.g., 00:20, twenty minutes), passing score (e.g., 10) and total score (e.g., 20, this is the total number of your questions). Press "Save". Press "Ok" to go back to the list of tests.
Embedding Exhibits
testCommander allows you to embed an exhibit to explain a question. To embed one, click insert image. A window will open which allows you to browse and select the image (the image has to be a .bmp file - which can be easily prepared using Microsoft Paint). A small icon will appear on the top right hand corner indicating that the image has been inserted.
| 
