How do I set up a PAT: Mathematics static online test?

  1. The first step in setting up a PAT: Pāngarau test is to add a new assessment group or do an SMS Upload on the PAT: Mathematics section of the NZCER Assist Dashboard. If creating your own assessment, select the test best suited 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 static test

Being familiar with the features of administering a PAT: Mathematics test is critical to ensure ākonga have the best chance to show what they can do independently.


Before the test

Before the test make sure you have:

  • set up an assessment group  in NZCER Assist and assigned students to it 
  • printed off the student tokens (passwords) they will need to do the test 
  • located the URL for online testing https://www.nzceronline.org.nz/ and support students to load it onto their computers.


NB: It is important kaiako use the Preview Function in  NZCER Assist site to go through an adaptive test beforehand. 


There are example questions that support ākonga to get to know formats, and there are also test features for individual students to control their test process (see Menu top right) .


PLEASE NOTE -ākonga will have the option to Skip Questions in static testing and revisit them later. Students need to be shown and understand how to use this function.


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 format features and allowing 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 nationa norms to compare 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. Reinforce giving each question 'a go', even if not sure.


Work through the 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.

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.  Use your discretion if a student needs a little more time to complete the questions. Please note - if you go beyond 45mins for the test, the national norms will no longer be relevant as you have tested in a non-standard way.


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.