6
Selection of your evaluators for the performance component of the test is critical. Occupational advisory
committee members and others from the business and industry community should be utilized as evaluators.
Instructors are not to be evaluators of students in their schools or other schools.
All evaluators should be
trained before the testing date on such areas as the testing process, what is expected from evaluators, scoring,
etc. Evaluators should be able to review the "Test Proctor and Evaluator Guide" (which is shipped from
NOCTI with the test materials) during training. Schools should follow up with evaluators to make them aware
of the overall testing results.
All NOCTI written tests are required to be taken online. In preparation for online testing, review the "Online
Testing Proctor Guide" with your test proctors. Online tests must be administered in a proctored environment.
Involve your school's technical support staff by providing the technical specifications found in the resources
section of the online Client Services Center. QuadNet, NOCTI's online assessment system requires no
additional client software downloads. Online testing provides the following benefits: 1) elimination of
hardcopy written test booklets; 2) time savings during administration preparation and follow-up; 3) immediate
preliminary results; and 4) text-to-speech capability for IEP accommodations. Complete score reports,
including individual, group and analysis, are provided within two weeks of test completion, provided tests are
released for scoring from the Client Services Center.
In order to conduct online testing, schools must have the following technical system specifications: 1)
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, or Windows Vista updated with service packs; and 2) Internet
Explorer 6.0 browser or higher. More specific information regarding computer setup can be found at the
Client Services Center. Technical support is available by calling NOCTI at 1-800-334-6283
.
NIMS
T
ESTING
P
ROCESS
For the 2011-12 school year, PDE is once again mandating the use of NIMS Level I online tests as the
acceptable occupational competency assessment for concentrators anticipated to graduate from career and
technical education programs. The NIMS assessments are drawn from industry-validated metalworking
standards. Both performance and theory (written) assessments are developed and piloted by the industry.
Students enrolled in the following approved programs are required to use the NIMS Level I credential tests:
48.0501 Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
48.0503 Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
48.0507 Tool and Die Technology/Technician
48.0599 Precision Metal Working, Other
48.9999 Precision Production, Other
PDE and NIMS have partnered to provide NIMS testing in eleven Level I metalworking credential areas. This
includes both performance and theory exams. These certification areas include:
1. Measurement, Materials and Safety
2. Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
3. Manual Milling
4. Manual Turning Between Centers
5. Manual Turning with Chucking
6. Manual Surface Grinding
7. Manual Drill Press Operations
8. CNC Turning: Programming Setup and Operations
9. CNC Milling: Programming Setup and Operations
10. CNC Turning: Operator
11. CNC Milling: Operator