How do I set up a PAT: Mathematics Adaptive test?

  1. The first step in setting up a PAT: Adaptive test is to add a new assessment group or do an SMS Upload on the PAT: Mathematics section of the NZCER Assist Dashboard. ‘PAT Adaptive’ should be selected as the test assigned to this group. Note that the assessment group also needs to be assigned a particular year level. 
  2. Once the assessment group has been created students can be added to it by using either the View button or the Student Tokens buttons. Usually, one class of students is assigned to an assessment group. However, the students assigned to an assessment group can be a subset of a class or a combination of students from different classes within the same year level. 
  3. Once students have been assigned to the assessment group it is possible to print off the passwords (tokens) the students will need to take the test. Again, either the Student Tokens or View buttons can be used to access the token printing function.
  4. Students can use their individual token to access the test at www.nzceronline.org.nz.


Administering a PAT: Mathematics Adaptive test

Administering a PAT: Mathematics Adaptive test is very similar to administering an existing online static test. The key features of adaptive and static tests are outlined in the table below.

Before the test

Before the test make sure you have:

  • set up an assessment group for an adaptive test in NZCER Assist and assigned students to it, 
  • printed off the student tokens (passwords) they will need to do the test (see ‘How do I set up an adaptive test?’ above)


Use the ‘demo’ function in  NZCER Assist site to try out an adaptive test yourself.


On the day of the test

Make sure each student has an appropriate device that is connected to the internet. 

Set up the room so students can work independently and without interruptions. They should bring paper and pencil for any working they need to do, along with an activity, such as a book to read, if they finish early.

Teachers are critical for:

  1. Taking students through the example questions and allow time for questions (approx 10mins)
  2.  Starting and finishing the test in the set time - 45mins. Timing is essential if you want to use the scoring as the test must be administered exactly as it was for the trial students. 


Starting the test

  1. Distribute the tokens to the students. Make sure each student gets the right token.
  2. Ask the students to open their browser, go to www.nzceronline.org.nz and enter the code printed on their token. Once the code is entered, the computer will present the student with the name of the person assigned to the token and ask if they are that person. If they are not, they should close their browser and come to you to get the correct token.
  3. Read the on-screen instructions page with the students.

Emphasise to the students that the test is designed to give them a mix of questions at their level. It is not the type of test where you can necessarily expect to get all the questions correct. The computer is trying to find questions that have just the right amount of challenge for each person.


Work through the three example questions together. Make sure students are comfortable using the different item formats. Remind them that they are always looking for the best answer. Remind students they must not begin.


Remind students that in the test they will have to provide an answer to each question before they can go on to the next question. To review their answers students can click on Questions button at the bottom of the page.


When you have finished working through the example questions, ask the students if they have any further questions. When everyone is ready they can click on the START button to begin. BEGIN TIMING.


During the test

During the test circulate around the room. If a student is struggling to read a question you can read it to them as written. However, the student should complete the question independently.

If a student needs to leave the room they can close their browser. When they return they will need to re-enter the code on their token. This will take them back to where they were in the test when they left it.


Completing the test

Students have up to 45 minutes to complete the test. An adaptive test is around 35 questions long and most students should be able to complete the test in the time provided. Use your discretion if a student needs a little more time to complete the questions.


When students have completed the test the computer will ask them to provide some feedback by answering a number of questions about their test experience. Please encourage them to complete these questions.


After the test

  • Collect the token slips back from the students.
  • Reports will be available immediately.
  • If a student has not finished their test, it will be displayed as incomplete on the ‘List Report’ and ‘Individual Student Report’ indicated by 2 red asterisks next to the student’s name.