Technical FAQ
Exam Server Access
Some institutions have recently been reporting blocked access to CTSNet and affiliated organization web sites. In all reported cases this has been tracked to the institutions network security department setting a firewall rule blocking access to the IP address range that CTSNet uses. It is critical that you check access to the CTSNet exam servers prior to the day of the exam. If you encounter problems reaching the servers, contact your local IT department to resolve this issue.
To test access to the CTSNet exam servers, click on the links below. You should be taken to a page with information regarding the 2008 Intraining Exam.
Supported Browsers
For optimal performance, we recommend using a recently released graphical browser such as Netscape 4.0 or higher or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. This software has not been tested with the AOL browser.
Platforms
PC running Windows 95/98/ME or Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP. Macintosh with MacOS 7.5 and above . Pentium III 400Mhz with 64Mb RAM suggested minimum PC configuration. Motorola 68040 CPU, Power Mac, Imac, G3 and above minimum Macintosh configuration. Screen resolution 800x600 minimum. Dedicated network connection. There has been minimal testing using the exam on Microsoft Vista.
Pop-up Blockers
Pop-up blocking software will interfere with the normal operation of the exam tool. Disable pop-up blocking software during exam use.
PC Environment
During the exam process, ensure that no other applications are running on your PC that might use network or CPU resources and conflict with the delivery of the exam.
What to do in the event of a PC crash
All submitted answers and exam start times are saved in the server database. Restart your machine, log back into the exam and continue. The exam timer will continue to run while your PC is down but an additional “grace” period for technical difficulties can be used at the end of the exam.
What to do in the event of a server crash
If your exam session terminates because of a server crash, you will see a message such as “Unix error 2: server unavailable”. Shutdown your browser sessions and start a new browser. Log back into the exam and continue. The exam timer will continue to run while the server is unavailable but an additional “grace” period for technical difficulties can be used at the end of the exam.
Proxy Servers
Problems have been encountered with the exam application when delivered on networks behind proxy servers. Examples of problems include apparent repetition of previously answered questions and exam questions from adjacent examinees appearing randomly during the exam process. The exam should NOT be administered in a proxied network environment. Proxy servers are controlled within your local network domain. If you have any questions regarding your in-house network configuration, contact your local network administrator.
Exam Completion
Exam completion occurs when the exam is concluded using the “conclude exam” link at the top of the in-progress exam page, or when the exam timer ends. At this point the examinee will be taken to an examreview page which displays the exam score. References are available for review from the exam review page upon all candidates completion of the exam.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance for troubleshooting exam software related problems will be available 6am – 4pm EST. The number to reach the CTSNet technician is 1-877-866-4444. Assistance will be limited to exam software related issues only. CTSNet userid’s and passwords must be obtained prior to the exam. Local network and hardware issues should be referred to in-house technical support.
UserID’s and passwords
CTSNet userids and passwords must be obtained prior to the exam. Contact the CTSNet Editorial Office for member registration using the CTSNet feedback page. The practice exam must also be taken to determine browser, platform and network suitability for exam administration.
Bandwidth
The exam application has been developed to require very little network resources. However, it is suggested that the exam be taken in an environment with a dedicated Internet connection with at least a 64Kb per PC bandwidth available.
DNS Issues ("Cannot find server or DNS Error")
Occasionally, internal domain name server issues can cause your browser to display "Cannot find server or DNS Error" pages. If you encounter this problem, shutdown and restart your PC or Mac, log back into the exam and continue. If you continue to encounter the error pages, contact your local systems administrator for assistance.
Cookies and Javascript
The exam application makes extensive use of browser cookies and javascript. Browser security settings must allow the delivery of cookies and the use of javascript for the exam to work properly.
Program Director Access
Program directors may access their residents scores via the ExamDirector application available at http://www.ctsnet.org/examdirector/abts/
Known Issues
Proxy servers cause apparent cross browser replication and repetition of pages. Images do not close upon question submission or skip due to a Internet Explorer on Windows XP problem. Image windows can accumulate if not explicitly closed.
