1. 5 Steps to Creating and Using a Test in BlackBoard
1. Create the test items, either one by one or by importing them from a previous
course. You do this in the Test Manager part of the control Panel. See Creating Tests in BlackBoard.
2. Deploy the test by inserting it into a content area in the course. Use the Add Test icon.
3. Set the options for the test:
• how many times it can be taken
• when it will be available to students
• how it will be presented to students:
o all on one page, each question on a separate page
o randomized or not
• Whether feedback is shown and how much.
These are all done on the Modify Test Options screen which appears when you put the test into a
content area. You can also get there by clicking Modify next to the item after the test is deployed.
4. Test your test
You can not see the questions "run" in the Test Manager so you must preview your test to see what it
will look like to students. Sometimes questions act differently than you think they are going to,
especially Matching and Ordering.
• You can preview the test by taking it even if it is "unavailable" to students.
• You WILL see feedback and summary as students will see it.
• You WON'T see anything in the gradebook for your try.
• The best preview is using a student logon.
5. After students have taken the test (that is, hit the submit button)
• Students’ scores will be immediately available in the gradebook--unless you
have used a questions type that a human must correct: essay or short answer.
In that case, students will see how they did on the "automated part of the test" only.
• To see data about the scores click on the item name in the gradebook to go to the Item
Options page.
• If a student gets stuck in the test you can unlock their test, called "clearing their
attempt" by going to the Gradebook and clicking the lock icon that appears next to their name.
Click Clear Attempt.