Consider the digital option first
When a digital assessment is available, schools should decide if sitting the assessment digitally will meet the student's need.
If so, use this option rather than a SAC provision. Opting for digital assessment means a school doesn't need to attach students' computer use to an exam session.
On this page
When students can use a computer in exams
A computer (word processor) provision is appropriate when:
- the student has a Computer Use or Computer Only Notification SAC provision and isn't sitting a digital exam, or
- the student has a Writer SAC provision and the Writer will type the student's answers using a computer.
For information about the types of SAC available, including Computer Use and Computer Only Notification:
Schools, if a student has a Writer, use the Writer (WR) code when you attach SAC provisions to exam sessions. This indicates that an exam assistant is typing for the student.
Schools must provide separate accommodation to students using a Writer as students will be speaking.
Consider Extra Writing Time as an option
Some exams allow students to use Extra Writing Time instead of a Computer Use or Writer provision.
Considerations for when students use a computer in an exam or assessment
Insert headers
Headers must be set up in the word processor. They must include the:
- standard number
- NSN
- (if possible) the student’s exam code
- the standard name.
A margin of at least 7 mm must be set on the left and right of each page. The margin can’t contain any typing or writing.
Have printers available
A printer must be available to print the student's work.
If the printer isn't in the exam room, the school must arrange for someone to deliver printed pages to the exam room.
Separate and isolated accommodation
Students can be in small-group separate accommodation. But if a student has a Writer who has chosen to type, the school must provide isolated, separate accommodation.
Handwritten answers
If a student needs to handwrite any part of the exam, such as a diagram, graph or map, they can either:
- leave a space in the typed page and add the diagram after printing, or
- add the diagram in the relevant place in the paper copy of the exam. In this case, the student should make a note to the marker explaining what they have done.
Managing students with Special Assessment Conditions in external exams
Computer use in language exams
A student may use a computer for any language exam. They should download the relevant language keyboard and make sure it's enabled before the exam.
Students who will use a language keyboard should practise using it during the year.
This applies when the student is using a Typist instead of a Writer.
Setting up a computer for exams
A school's Principal’s Nominee is responsible for making sure that students using a computer:
- don't have access to any external information via wireless, Bluetooth or similar
- don't have access to any assessment-related files created before the examination
- don't use their own portable storage devices
- can't read other students' screens
- can print from their computer to a supervised printer
- have fully charged devices or access to charging cables.
Schools should have technical support available to help with problems such as printing issues.
Backing up the assessment
Schools must save a backup of each student's work. These should be saved to a secure location that only the Principal's Nominee can access.