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Step-by-step guide

How to set up a computer-based test (CBT) in your school

You can go from nothing to a running computer-based exam in about a day. These are the steps for Chuvor CBT, in order.

Before you start

  • One server computer running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), and administrator rights on it.
  • The server and the student computers on the same network, by cable or Wi-Fi.
  • A web browser on each student computer.
Six steps to run a CBT exam: install, activate, add people, add questions, run the exam, get results
The six steps from installation to printed results.

The steps in order

  1. Install SQL Server Express

    Download the free Microsoft SQL Server Express, choose the Basic installation type, accept the licence terms and install it on the server computer.

  2. Install CBT System

    Download the installer from the Download page on the server computer, run it, and start CBT System from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.

  3. Open the Setup page and note your computer code

    On the server, open a browser and go to http://localhost:5000. The Setup page shows a 16-character Computer code. Copy it, because your licence is made for it.

  4. Buy and activate your licence

    On the price list, choose how many computers and for how long, enter your school details and the Computer code, and pay securely with Flutterwave. Download the licence file, then upload it on the Setup page.

  5. Create the administrator and add your school identity

    Enter your school name, an optional logo and a short instruction for students, then the administrator's email and a password, and press Complete Setup.

  6. Connect the student computers

    On the server, type ipconfig in Command Prompt and note the IPv4 address. On each student computer, open a browser and go to that address followed by :5000/StudentLogin. Bookmark the page.

  7. Add classes, subjects, students and questions

    Add your classes and subjects, add students one by one or from a spreadsheet, and add questions by typing them in or uploading a Word, Excel or CSV file.

  8. Create the exam and run it

    Create the exam with its class, subject and duration, and switch it active when it is time. Watch progress on the Live Monitor, and afterwards open Reports to print the ranking.

Tips for a smooth exam day

  • Install and test everything at least a day before the exam, with a few student computers.
  • Use a dedicated server computer with an SSD, and avoid running other heavy programs on it during the exam.
  • Set the correct date and time on the server, because CBT System checks that the clock is right.
  • Keep a backup of your data using the built-in backup and restore.

The full instructions with troubleshooting are in the installation guide. Ready to start? See the price list.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up a CBT exam?

Installing the software takes under an hour on the server computer. Most of the time goes into adding students and questions. Many schools are ready to run their first exam in a day.

What do I need to install CBT software?

A server computer running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), the free Microsoft SQL Server Express, and student computers on the same network with a web browser.

How do students open the exam?

Each student opens a web browser on their computer, goes to the server's address ending in :5000/StudentLogin, and signs in. Bookmark the address to make it easy.

Can I upload questions from Word or Excel?

Yes. You can upload questions from Word, Excel or CSV files. The upload page shows how to prepare your file, with an example and a template to download.

Where do I find the results?

Objective questions are marked automatically. Open Reports to print ranking reports, class summaries and question analysis, or export results to CSV.

Keep reading

Offline CBT software that runs on your own school networkHow it works CBT software for schools: what to look for before you buyBuying guide Computer-based tests or paper exams? What changes for your schoolComparison

Run your next exam on your own computers

Install Chuvor CBT, then buy your licence online in a few minutes.

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