Laptop Information Page

Here you will find all information pertinent to taking the essay portion of the NC Bar Exam on your laptop computer, rather than writing it by hand.  If you feel we have omitted anything, please contact us.

Application:

Application to take the FEBRUARY exam on Laptop

Application to take the JULY exam on Laptop

Fee:

            $100 USD

Payment Deadlines:

            This deadline is a postmark deadline, like the application deadline. Once you complete registration, you will receive, within 3-4 days, an email from the Board of Law Examiners with the link to the application and the payment due date.

            If you have already sent your payment, you will receive an email from the Board of Law Examiners completing the registration process.

It is strongly urged that you remove any old versions of ExamSoft from your laptop. Removing older versions will help prevent delays the morning of the examination. If you have any questions about removing the older versions, please contact ExamSoft at 866-429-8889.

ExamSoft FAQ Page:

www.examsoft.com/barfaq

ExamSoft registration page:

www.examsoft.com/ncbar

Laptop Use Information

To use a laptop for the essay examination you must:

· Download and register SofTest onto the computer you will use on exam day (NO EXCEPTIONS)

· Confirm your laptop computer meets the minimum specifications listed below

· Ensure your laptop is configured for access to the Internet

· Complete and return a Mock Exam using SofTest prior to the published registration deadline

· Have experience using computers

· Agree to handwrite your examination in the event of a hardware/software malfunction or power failure.

· Agree to upload your answer file (files) by the Thursday, July 31, 2008.

· Agree to not remove, delete or uninstall SofTest or any SofTest program files until results have been published.

To participate you must:

· Complete the Examination Application and pay the non-refundable/non-transferable fee by no later than June 27, 2008 for the July examination.

· Install the SofTest software onto your laptop by June 13, 2008. The software will be available for downloading from ExamSoft’s Web site in advance of the examination.

· Complete and return a Mock Exam using SofTest prior to the published registration deadline

ExamSoft FAQ’s

What are the recommended minimum system requirements for using SofTest?

SofTest may only be used on a PC.  It is not compatible with any Macintosh operating system nor may it be used with PC emulation software.  The minimum recommended system requirements are:

· CPU = 450 MHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent

· RAM = 256

· Drives = 50 MB of free space and one floppy drive

· Operating System = English versions of Microsoft’s Windows 2000, XP or Vista

· Software = Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater

· Minimum Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768

How do I sign up and register?

Sign up and registration instructions will be emailed to you upon receipt and processing of your Examination Application.

What is the SofTest Registration Process?

The Registration Process records you as an applicant who has been properly enrolled to take their exam on computer and provides you a copy of SofTest to install on your computer. It confirms you have downloaded and installed SofTest, registered your copy of SofTest and downloaded your exam(s) so you may use your computer on exam day.

How can I check to make sure I have Registered successfully?

Once you register SofTest, you will be advised on-screen and via email that you have done so successfully. You will also receive email confirmation for each exam file downloaded. You may also access your registration status online.

What is the Mock Exam?

The Mock Exam confirms your laptop is compatible with SofTest and enables users to familiarize themselves with how to open; write and upload answer files prior to exam day. The Mock Exam must be completed by the registration deadline to ensure your computer has been configured properly for use on exam day. Failure to do so will require you to handwrite your exam(s) on exam day.

How do I get a copy of the Mock Exam?

One copy of the Mock Exam will be automatically downloaded after you have registered your copy of SofTest. You will receive email confirmation the download has occurred along with instructions on how to complete the Mock Exam.

How will know if my Mock Exam answer file was returned?

A visual ‘progress status’ (blue bar) is displayed as the upload takes place. When the upload is complete, a ‘success’ message is displayed on screen.  An email confirmation is then sent to the email address provided when you registered. 

May I practice with the software?

Yes.  There are two options. We STRONGLY urge you to take advantage of both.

Practice Exam Built into SofTest - After registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on your Windows Desktop and then click ‘Launch SofTest’. When SofTest opens click the “Practice Exam” button.  This enables you to familiarize yourself with the SofTest exam environment and word processing features. The Practice Exam cannot be saved and no answer file will be uploaded. You may use this Practice Exam as many times as you wish.

What if I have problems or questions?

Begin by visiting ExamSoft’s Frequently Asked Questions web page located at www.examsoft.com/barfaq.  Technical support from ExamSoft will also be available to you via email at BarSupport@examsoft.com  or by phone M-F 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM EST at 866.429.8889