GMAT Testing Resources

Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper Scantrons here:

PDFScantron Information Form 2020

If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).

Pre-Testing and Course Planning

Why Pre-Test?

Pre-testing is critical for both you and your students. First, pre-testing gives your students a real testing experience and a benchmark to help them set personal score goals. We know that testing may look different this year with some students testing in-person and others testing online. We are here to help you in any situation. Second, pre-testing helps you plan your course. You can use pre-test data to identify student strengths and weaknesses, adjust your lesson plans, and track your students’ progress throughout the course. And with Cambridge’s pre-testing reports, much of this work is already done for you. Cambridge breaks down the test items and gives you item-level and test-level data about your class, and Cambridge provides customized lesson plans based on your classroom data. We know pre-testing requires a time commitment, but it is key to making your program a success.

How to Pre-Test

Pre-Testing should be completed in four steps:

  • Step 1: Prepare for Test Day
  • Step 2: Administer the Test
  • Step 3: Submit Your Answer Forms
  • Step 4: Review Your Reports

Cambridge offers several testing options for both in-person (paper and pencil) and virtual learning. These include:

Cambridge offers several testing options for both in-person (paper and pencil) and virtual learning. These include:
• Paper test booklets
• Paper answer forms
• Online test (Moodle reports only)*

*If you administer the online test, have students work through the test on their own and then use your provided teacher login to review their results on Moodle. You do NOT need to read the rest of the pre-testing instructions.

Cambridge also supports several proctoring situations to fit your needs. We can help you administer tests in:
• A classroom
• A group remotely
• An independent remote situation

Regardless of how you’re testing this year, you’ll need to prepare for pre-testing. Download and print a copy of this DOCPre-Testing Checklist and then review the information on the following pages to be sure you’ve got what you need to administer your pre-test in any of the situations described above.

*If you are a Program Administrator, you are responsible for ordering the materials and communicating all pre-testing details to your staff. If you still need to order or if you have questions about pre-testing, contact Cambridge at (847) 299-2930.

  1. 1Prepare For Test Day

    The goal of pre-testing is to collect accurate data. In order to gather accurate data you need to (1) simulate the testing experience as closely as possible and (2) communicate your data needs to Cambridge for timely data processing.

    Simulate the Testing Experience

    First, you need to simulate the testing experience as closely as possible. Schedule the pre-test, gather your materials, and prepare your students.

    Schedule the Pre-Test

    It is absolutely necessary that students take the test under actual testing conditions. An important aspect of these conditions is to administer the test in one, unbroken session. If your test prep sessions are normally scheduled for less than the required time it takes to administer the exam, arrange to hold a special long session.

    Allow approximately four hours for testing, including administration and breaks.

    If students are working remotely, consider whether you would like them to take the test on their own or if they will all take the test at the same time. You can open the testing window and tell them when it will close (i.e., you have until next Friday to take the test) or you can have all the students log on at the same time and proctor the test while they work remotely. If your students complete the test on their own, have them set aside four hours to test so that they can complete the test in one sitting as explained above.

    Gather Your Materials

    Be sure that you are familiar with the Proctor Checklist and Proctor Instructions (available in Step 2) and that you have collected and reviewed all the testing materials listed in the Proctor Checklist.

    The proctor information is available for each proctoring situation (paper or online materials, in person or remote proctoring) so be sure to use the instructions that apply to your pre-testing implementation.

    If you are using printed test booklets or an official guide, look at the ScantronTM Information Form (included with your materials) to determine which of the tests students should take as a pre-test. It is absolutely necessary that students take the correct test as a pre-test because some teacher’s guide lessons draw from particular form codes to reinforce concepts. Do NOT administer the same test as both a pre- and post-test.

    If you are self-scoring your tests, either have your students write their answers on a separate sheet of paper or contact a Cambridge rep to order blank Scantron forms. You will also need lined paper to distribute when students respond to the essay prompt.

    A Note about the Pre-Test

    Cambridge uses retired tests from the testing companies that produce the test. Using these retired tests gives you data so you can have confidence in measuring your students’ skills and provides a reliable pre- and post-test analysis.

    If you would prefer to have your students take a computer-based test, Cambridge offers a Score Booster with Cambridge-written tests you can use either for pre-testing or as additional practice. We make sure our tests are designed to accurately reflect the difficulty and range of topics that students see on the real test. Our test writers are experts in the field, and they closely assess each item’s design to make sure that they are as accurate as possible. If you use these Score Booster tests you will not receive our assessment reports, but you will be able to log into the Score Booster platform at www.CambridgeVictory.com to view your students’ test attempts.

    Prepare Your Students

    Notify students ahead of time to bring several No. 2 pencils (online students can use any writing utensil), an acceptable calculator, and a watch to pace themselves while testing (optional). An acceptable calculator is defined as a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator.

    Communicate Your Data Needs

    Before you pre-test, go to https://prepmydata.cambridgeed.com to verify your testing details and finalize your reports (including requesting custom lesson plans). You will log in using your location code and location email address. If you do not know your location code or the email address associated with your account, call (847) 299-2930. PrepMyData helps you confirm that you are ready for testing and that you will receive timely reports. Pre-Slugging Cambridge offers a pre-slugging service (we fill in your students’ names, IDs, etc.). We recommend this service because:

    • The sheets will be returned to the school with the student information already filled in, which saves time on the testing day and reduces the chance of errors.
    • If the school is using a pre- and post-test evaluation of student learning, pre-printing Scantron answer sheets is the best way to ensure that students are correctly matched.
    • You can download and then submit a pre-slugging file in the PrepMyData form. You MUST complete the PrepMyData form at least three weeks before testing in order to receive pre-slugged Scantrons.
  2. 2Administer the Test
    Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper Scantrons here: PDFScantron Information Form 2020 If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
  3. 3Submit Your Answer Forms

    If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form, you will verify that student answers have been submitted on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).

    If you are using print ScantronsTM, you will need the following materials to return your Scantrons for grading:


    Before you mail in your Scantrons, make copies. Then fill out the Scantron™ Information Form. Cambridge uses this form to match your Scantrons to your responses on the PrepMyData form in order to process your data right away. Place the Scantron™ Information Form and your Scantrons in the provided envelope and affix the provided label. Then drop off the envelope at the nearest mailing center.

    NOTE: Before sending in paper answer sheets for scoring, check to be sure students filled out their sheet in pencil. Any pen or light pencil marks can be marked over with a pencil. It is essential not to penalize students who did not understand the importance of using dark pencil marks. If answer sheets are not scannable, the school will be contacted to determine the best way forward.

  4. 4Review Your Reports

    You will receive your students’ reports within six business days after we receive them. They can be delivered in four different ways:

    1. Electronic student reports sent through email to the school within 6 days of receipt.
    2. Electronic student reports expedited and sent to the school within 2 days of receipt.
    3. Printed paper student reports expedited and shipped directly to the school within 3 days of receipt.
    4. Printed paper student reports shipped directly to the school within 6 days of receipt.


    If you used Cambridge’s online answer form, you will receive some of your reports immediately.

    Cambridge’s several data packages are outlined below.

    After you receive your reports, distribute the student reports to your students and review the teacher reports to identify your students’ strengths and weaknesses.

    For more information on how to read your reports, click PDFHERE

    In addition to reports, you should have also received custom lesson plans and a Cambridge Navigator packet. Your custom lesson plans are based on your course length and your students’ pre-test scores. They provide a breakdown of the content you should cover in each hour of class. Click on the link below to download your Navigator packet.

    Navigator Packets

    • The Navigator includes an answer key and explanations for each item on your pre-test. Review the tests with your students as soon after administration as possible. Use the Navigator to discuss items your students found challenging. Download the Navigator for your pre-test form code from the list below.

Practice Testing

Why You Should Assign Practice Tests

Students who complete four practice tests typically show 30 percent more score improvement than those students who do not complete any practice tests. Students achieve this level of improvement because practice tests:

  • reinforce test content;
  • help students become more comfortable with time restrictions and pacing;
  • reduce test anxiety through test familiarity; and
  • give students the chance to practice alternative test-taking strategies.

The practice tests are included in your students’ material. Their book also includes an answer key (and most programs include test explanations) in an appendix. Most practice tests are NOT reprinted in your teacher’s guide.

Students can also use the Score Booster for online practice if it is included in your Cambridge materials. The Score Booster, which offers full-length online practice tests, is available at www.CambridgeVictory.com.

How to Use the Practice Tests

Encourage students to take the practice tests as homework. If you assign a test, discuss the testing experience in your next class. Ask students about pacing and any items they found difficult.

You can also use the practice tests as an “item bank.” If students need more practice with a particular concept, use the Item Index to find similar problems in the quizzes or practice tests and cover them in class or assign them as homework.

Scoring the Practice Tests

Cambridge offers scoring for certain practice tests. If you wish to submit Scantrons for scoring, call your Cambridge customer service representative (847-299-2930).

If you would like to score the tests yourself, use the answer key provided in your student text appendix. The appendix does not include a scoring guide, but you can compare your students’ raw scores (number correct in each section) to their pre-tests.

Post-Testing and Feedback

  1. 1Prepare For Test Day

    The goal of post-testing is to collect accurate data. In order to gather accurate data you need to (1) simulate the testing experience as closely as possible and (2) communicate your data needs to Cambridge for timely data processing.

    Simulate the Testing Experience

    First, you need to simulate the testing experience as closely as possible. Schedule the post-test, gather your materials, and prepare your students.

    Schedule the Post-Test

    It is absolutely necessary that students take the test under actual testing conditions. An important aspect of these conditions is to administer the test in one unbroken session. If your test prep sessions are normally scheduled for less than the required time it takes to administer the exam, arrange to hold a special long session during the day, after school, or on a Saturday. Allow approximately four hours for testing, including administration and breaks.

    If students are working remotely, consider whether you would like them to take the test on their own or if they will all take the test at the same time. You can open the testing window and tell them when it will close (i.e., you have until next Friday to take the test) or you can have all the students log on at the same time and proctor the test while they work remotely. If your students complete the test on their own, have them set aside four hours to test so that they can complete the test in one sitting as explained above.

    Gather Your Materials

    Be sure that you are familiar with the Proctor Checklist and Proctor Instructions (available in Step 2) and that you have collected and reviewed all the testing materials listed in the Proctor Checklist.

    The proctor information is available for each proctoring situation (paper or online materials, in person or remote proctoring) so be sure to use the instructions that apply to your post-testing implementation.

    If you are using printed test booklets or an official guide, look at the ScantronTM Information Form (included with your materials) to determine which of the tests students should take as a post-test. Do NOT administer the same test as both a pre- and post-test.

    If you are self-scoring your tests, either have your students write their answers on a separate sheet of paper or contact a Cambridge rep to order blank Scantron forms. You will also need lined paper to distribute when students respond to the essay prompt.

    A Note about the Post-Test

    Cambridge uses retired tests from the testing companies that produce the test. Using these retired tests gives you data so you can have confidence in measuring your students’ skills and provides a reliable pre- and post-test analysis.

    If you would prefer to have your students take a computer-based test, Cambridge offers a Score Booster with Cambridge-written tests you can use either for pre- and post-testing or as additional practice. We make sure our tests are designed to accurately reflect the difficulty and range of topics that students see on the real test. Our test writers are experts in the field, and they closely assess each item’s design to make sure that they are as accurate as possible. If you use these Score Booster tests you will not receive our assessment reports, but you will be able to log into the Score Booster platform at www.CambridgeVictory.com to view your students’ test attempts.

    Prepare Your Students

    Notify students ahead of time to bring several No. 2 pencils (online students can use any writing utensil) and a watch to pace themselves while testing (optional).

    Communicate Your Data Needs

    Before you test, go to data.cambridgeed.com to verify your testing details and finalize your reports (including requesting custom lesson plans). You will log in using your location code and location email address. If you do not know your location code or the email address associated with your account, call (847) 299-2930. PrepMyData helps you confirm that you are ready for testing and that you will receive timely reports.

    Pre-Slugging

    Cambridge offers a pre-slugging service (we fill in your students’ names, IDs, etc.). We recommend this service because:

    • The sheets will be returned to the school with the student information already filled in, which saves time on the testing day and reduces the chance of errors.
    • If the school is using a pre- and post-test evaluation of student learning, pre-printing Scantron answer sheets is the best way to ensure that students are correctly matched.

    You can download and then submit a pre-slugging file in the PrepMyData form. You MUST complete the PrepMyData form at least three weeks before testing in order to receive pre-slugged Scantrons.

  2. 2Administer the Test

    Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper ScantronsTM here:

    PDFProctor Instructions

    If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).

  3. 3Submit Your Answer Forms

    If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form, you will verify that student answers have been submitted on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).

    If you are using print ScantronsTM, you will need the following materials to return your Scantrons for grading:


    Before you mail in your Scantrons, make copies. Then fill out the Scantron™ Information Form. Cambridge uses this form to match your Scantrons to your responses on the PrepMyData form in order to process your data right away. Place the Scantron™ Information Form and your Scantrons in the provided envelope and affix the provided label. Then drop off the envelope at the nearest mailing center.

    NOTE: Before sending in paper answer sheets for scoring, check to be sure students filled out their sheet in pencil. Any pen or light pencil marks can be marked over with a pencil. It is essential not to penalize students who did not understand the importance of using dark pencil marks. If answer sheets are not scannable, the school will be contacted to determine the best way forward.

  4. 4Review Your Reports

    You will receive your students’ reports within six business days after we receive them. They can be delivered in four different ways:

    1. Electronic student reports sent through email to the school within 6 days of receipt.
    2. Electronic student reports expedited and sent to the school within 2 days of receipt.
    3. Printed paper student reports expedited and shipped directly to the school within 3 days of receipt.
    4. Printed paper student reports shipped directly to the school within 6 days of receipt.


    If you used Cambridge’s online answer form, you will receive some of your reports immediately.

    Cambridge’s several data packages are outlined below.

    After you receive your reports, distribute the student reports to your students and review the teacher reports to identify your students’ strengths and weaknesses.

    For more information on how to read your reports, click HERE. In addition to the reports you received after pre-testing. You will receive a Pre-Post Instructor Summary comparing your students’ performance on the two tests.

    The Navigator includes an answer key and explanations for each item on your post-test. Review the tests with your students as soon after administration as possible. Use the Navigator to discuss items your students found challenging. Download the Navigator for your post-test form code from the list below.

    INSERT NAVIGATOR LIST AND LINKS