NCCER Resource Manual

MCCB Office of Curriculum & Instruction

NCCER Testing System PAPERTESTSPECIFICATIONS

starting SEPT 2

This is a general overview of specifications for printing test packets and scanning answer sheets. NCCER cannot provide help or instructions for  specific software or hardware. For assistance with your equipment, please consult your product documentation or contact a local expert. PRINTING PROCEDURE  SCANNINGPROCEDURE

• Documents must be printed on letter‐sized paper from a  quality desktop laser printer or a high‐quality copier or  multifunction printer • Do not use an inkjet printer due to: » Dot gain

MINIMUM SCANNING SPECIFICATIONS • Configure scanner to scan at 600 DPI or greater

• Configure scanner to output all pages to a single file: » Either a multipage TIFF image or a PDF • Place stack of pages into document feeder on scanner, in  proper page order • Initiate scanning process • Give the output file name a unique name » Many systems have a way to do this automatically » Options generally include adding the date and time of  scanning to the filename  » Alphanumeric characters and spaces only  • Upload the file to papertest.nccer.org » Make sure to provide your email address and a brief  description of the file so that we can contact you if  thereareproblems or questions • Retain the original paper answer sheets according to  NCCER policy, but at least until the results have been  successfully scored HARDWAREREQUIREMENTS Answer sheet scanning requires a high‐ q u a l i t y sheet‐fed  scanner with an automatic document feeder. Many copiers  can provide this functionality. Flatbed scanners and desktop  all‐in‐one print/fax/scan devices are not recommended. MINIMUM SCANNING SPECIFICATIONS • Automatic document feeder holding 15 sheets or more • Minimum 600 DPI native optical resolution or greater • Minimum600DPI black‐and‐whiteor 300DPI color/  grayscale output OUTPUT REQUIREMENTS • 600 DPI or greater color or grayscale image, or 600  DPI or greater black‐and‐white bitmapped image • Required file formats are multipage TIFF or PDF

» Skew/distortion during printing » Smearing and bleeding of ink • Each page must be blank on the back

» Double‐sided printing must not be used MINIMUM PRINTING SPECIFICATIONS • 1200x1200DPIblack‐and‐whiteprinting

Example print screen on a PC (screen view may vary)

NOTE: Your organization’s existing copier or scanner may  be sufficient. Be sure to compare its capabilities with the  specifications included in this guide. If you are looking to purchase a copier or scanner for your facility, check out our list  of recommended printers and scanners at support.nccer.org.

For additional testing resources, visit www.nccer.org/testing

Page 21