--- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # User Documentation * ## [Introduction to TAO](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/introduction-to-tao.md) * [What is TAO](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/what-is-tao.md) * [TAO versions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/tao-versions.md) * [Platform administration](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/platform-administration.md) * [Setting up TAO Community Edition](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/setting-up-tao-community-edition.md) * ### [TAO Studio](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/tao-studio.md) * [Getting started](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/getting-started.md) * [Navigating the dashboard](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/navigating-the-dashboard.md) * [User preferences](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/user-preferences.md) * [The Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/the-library.md) * [Creation pathways](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creation-pathways.md) * [1 more pages](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/tao-studio.md) * ### [Item creation](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-test-materials.md) * [Creating a test item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test-item.md) * [Adding interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-interactions.md) * [Adding other content](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-other-content.md) * [Item style editor](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/item-style-editor.md) * [Item language](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/item-language.md) * [4 more pages](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-test-materials.md) * ### [Test assembly](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/putting-tests-together.md) * [Creating a test](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test.md) * [Using the test XML Editor](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-the-test-xml-editor.md) * [Configuring tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-tests.md) * [Previewing a test](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/previewing-a-test.md) * [Publishing a test as a delivery](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/publishing-a-test.md) * ### [Content banking](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/managing-your-resources.md) * [Managing items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/managing-items.md) * [Managing assets](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/managing-assets.md) * [Managing tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/managing-tests.md) * [Access Control and Permissions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/access-control-and-permissions.md) * [Using metadata for classification and search](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-metadata-for-classification-and-search.md) * ### [Rostering](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/rostering.md) * [Global and Group roles](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/account-and-group-roles.md) * [User management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/copy-of-user-management.md) * [Group management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/group-management.md) * [Organization management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/organization-management.md) * [Importing rostering data using a CSV file](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/csv-imports.md) * ### [Planning](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assessment-planning.md) * [Sessions management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/sessions-management.md) * [Paper-based sessions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/paper-based-sessions.md) * [Session security options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/session-security-options.md) * ### [Importing/exporting data and resources](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-exporting-data-and-resources.md) * [Importing data via CSV file](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-data-via-csv-file.md) * [Importing/exporting Content Bank resources](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-exporting-content-bank-resources.md) * [Exporting TAO Portal resources](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/exporting-tao-portal-resources.md) * ### [Monitoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/monitoring.md) * [Monitoring a live session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/monitoring-a-live-session.md) * [Navigating the Support space in TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/navigating-the-support-space-in-tao-portal.md) * ### [Scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/processing-completed-tests.md) * [Configuring automatic scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-items-automatically.md) * [Configuring scoring for tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-tests.md) * [Scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-tao-ignite.md) * [Additional scoring options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/additional-scoring-options.md) * ### [Test delivery](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/taking-tests.md) * [Taking tests in the TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/taking-tests-in-the-tao-portal.md) * [Standard interactions for test takers](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/standard-interactions-for-test-takers.md) * [Test navigation for test takers](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-navigation-for-test-takers.md) * [Using test taker tools (TAO Advance)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-test-taker-tools.md) * [Using accommodation tools (TAO Advance)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-accommodation-tools.md) * [1 more pages](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/taking-tests.md) * ### [Reporting](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reporting.md) * [Viewing session reports](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/viewing-session-reports.md) * [Viewing a test taker's report](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/viewing-a-test-taker-s-report.md) * [Viewing custom reports (TAO Insights)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/viewing-custom-reports-tao-insights.md) * [Exporting and interpreting CSV session results](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/exporting-and-interpreting-csv-session-results-1.md) * [Data Explorer](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md) * [2 more pages](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reporting.md) * ### [Developing features](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/developing-features.md) * [Beta features](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/beta-features.md) * [Labs features](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/labs-features.md) * [Experimental features](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/experimental-features.md) * ### [TAO Core (deprecated)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/tao-core-deprecated.md) * [Platform administration (TAO Core)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/platform-administration-tao-core-1.md) * [Importing and exporting (TAO Core)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-and-exporting-tao-core.md) * [Test-takers (TAO Core)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-takers.md) * [Sessions management (TAO Core)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/preparing-test-sessions.md) * [Delivery (TAO Core)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/delivering-tests.md) * [5 more pages](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/tao-core-deprecated.md) * ### [Appendix](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/appendix.md) * [Glossary](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) * [Contributing to TAO](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/contributing-to-tao.md) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Access Control and Permissions Access control and permissions determine who can access specific areas and content in your TAO instance, and what actions they can perform there. Proper configuration ensures that users are working in the correct sections of the TAO Content Bank, maintaining content security and editorial integrity - especially in large item or test banks. In TAO Ignite, authentication and role management are handled through the TAO Portal, while permissions in the TAO Content Bank are controlled using ACL (Access Control Lists). This mechanism applies to items, tests, and assets, but this article will focus on items. The process is the same for other content types. ## What is Access Control (ACL) The Access Control List (ACL) is the system that allows administrators to grant permissions to specific users or roles for content in TAO. These permissions determine whether a user can view, edit, or manage items and folders. ACL permissions are essential in large content banks, where different authors and reviewers may need varying levels of access to certain folders or subjects. ## Roles and Permissions Only specific roles are meaningful for content permissions. The following roles are available and can be selected when managing Access Control: * `Content Developer` : All users with the Content Developer role in TAO Portal will receive this role in the TAO Content Bank. Can author and edit content. * `Developer` : All users with the Admin role in the TAO Portal will receive this role in the TAO Content Bank. Can manage system-level content and permissions. * **Back Office**: TAO system role, granted by default to all authenticated users. By default, it is assigned via ACL to all libraries with full read, write, and grant capabilities, but can be added and removed at will, when needed to restrict access only to certain roles or users. ## Types of Permissions There are three levels of access permission in TAO. These can be applied to both users and roles: | **Permission** | **Description** | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Grant | Allows a user to give other users or roles access to the folder or item. If this permission is enabled, it enables the write and read permissions automatically. | | Write | Allows a user to create, edit, import, and export items in the selected area. (Includes read access automatically.) | | Read | Allows a user to view the folder or item without making changes. | Permissions are cumulative; if a user does not explicitly have **Write** access but holds a role (like Back Office) that does, that user automatically inherits those permissions. ## How to configure Access Control You can define access permissions for any folder or individual item in your Content Bank. ### 1. Select the Folder or Item 1. In the **Content Bank**, navigate to the item or folder you want to manage. 2. Click to select it. ### 2. Open Access Control 1. In the Button Bank (below the item library), click **Access Control**. 2. The Access Control panel opens, displaying two sections: * **Users** * **Roles** ![access-control-cb.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_12894078119ee663086bae5312029931ca190d5744b7151d5924ec2dfdef54f8/access-control-cb.png?cb=1b61d5c008f93d40df3135909451d236) ### 3. Define Permissions In the **Users** section, you can grant specific individuals permission to the selected folder or item. In the **Roles** section, you can define which Portal roles have access. Use the search bar above each section to find users or roles. If a role (for example, Content Developer) is listed under Roles, only users assigned to that role in the Portal will be granted access to the resources (according to the Grant/Write/Read permission). ### 4. Set Permission Levels For each user or role: * Check **Grant** , **Write** , or **Read** as needed. * If configuring a folder, you can select **Recursive** to apply these permissions to all subfolders and items within it. ### Step 5: Save and Confirm Click **Save** when finished. Users who log in to the Content Bank will see a yellow lock next to any folders where they have limited access. The options available in the button bank adjust automatically based on their permissions: for example, users with **Read** access only will not see editing options such as **Authoring** , **Delete** , or **Access Control**. ![An item with Read-only permissions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_ff05029c180c5ecc503db8a1b65d01db29d0cb7ac9fdc4e88e4cf47da035ac23/restricted-item-permissions-read-only.png?cb=5a5c0d1b5b37720d136f13e3e18c5b86) An item with Read-only permissions If a user attempts to open a folder they have no access to, a red lock and a warning message will appear. ## Re-organization and permission retention When moving or copying folders or items, users can choose to either retain the existing permissions or inherit the permissions of the destination folder. For more information, see [Moving, copying, and duplicating items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/moving-copying-and-duplicating-items.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Accessing TAO deliveries **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. When a test delivery is published, it is automatically sent to TAO Grader, where the test items which need manual scoring are identified. To see the list of the TAO deliveries in TAO Grader, click on *DELIVERIES* in the main menu. As well as identifying which items in the delivery need to be manually scored, the subject field of those items will also be shown, if it has been defined. If there is a problem with a delivery (which renders it invalid, meaning that the scoring task cannot be carried out), a warning is displayed in red under the delivery test title. A typical warning is 'invalid outcome declarations', as shown for the first delivery in the image above. This warning would be issued if, for example, the minimum score is more than the maximum score (e.g. 15/5). In this case, you need to go back to TAO to repair the items and re-publish the delivery. To ascertain the number and content of test items which make up the manual scoring tasks of a particular delivery, click on the *DETAILS*button to the right of that delivery. ![access-deliveries1.webp](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_6f4eaf97fbe9082335ec60acce3ed1b707f323b89dc903e6e230682f90c9eb91/access-deliveries1.webp?cb=b30c59f9d85744cf20be341775e2a967) You will be taken to a detailed overview of it, which shows the following information for all the test items requiring manual scoring: * The *Item title* (in small letters)*\& outcome declarations* (in capitals), as well as the minimum and maximum scores: e.g. Grammatical Accuracy (GRAMMAR): ¼. * The *Scoring criteria* for that item: e.g. *x-tao-scoring-english* The Scoring Project Manager should verify that this information is correct, to ensure the delivery content is properly configured for manual scoring. Now that users have been imported and you are aware of the content of the TAO deliveries which are awaiting manual scoring, it is possible to create a scoring project. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Global and Group roles In the TAO Portal, there are two types of roles: [global roles](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#GlobalRoles) and [group roles](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#GroupRoles). Understanding the permissions associated with these roles is important when creating or editing a [user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User) or [group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Group). ## Global roles Global roles give users access to functionality across the whole application. A global role is assigned when a user account is created or edited. Users assigned to these roles have rights across the TAO Portal within the group and [organizational unit](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit) they are enrolled in. The user will have those same rights within any organizational unit below their own in the [hierarchy](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#HierarchyTree). The TAO Portal supports the following Account (global) roles: * Global admin \[ADMIN\] * Content developer \[CONTENT_CREATOR\] * Group creator \[GROUP_CREATOR\] * Public sessions manager \[PUBLIC_SESSION_MANAGER\] * Battery manager \[BATTERY_MANAGER\] * [Support](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/navigating-the-support-space-in-tao-portal.md) \[SUPPORT\] * Data Explorer viewer (DATA_EXPLORER) The names in brackets, such as \[ADMIN\], represent how each role is assigned in a CSV import. For more information, see [CSV imports](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/csv-imports.md). Data Explorer viewer is only available when creating or updating a user via CSV import. A user with this role will have access to [Data Explorer](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md), for the whole organization or a particular group. For more information on how this role is used in a group, see the section below on group roles. The table below summarizes the access and rights of each role: |-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | | **Global Admin** **\[ADMIN\]** | **Content Developer** **\[CONTENT_CREATOR\]** | **Group Creator** **\[GROUP_CREATOR\]** | **Public sessions manager \[PUBLIC_SESSION_MANAGER\]** | **Battery Manager \[BATTERY_MANAGER\]** | **Support \[SUPPORT\]** | **System Manager** **\[SYSTEM_MANAGER\]** | | **Account-wide settings** | | | | | | | | | Access to System Settings | Yes | | | | | | Yes | | Access to authoring (Content Bank) | Yes | Yes | | | | | | | Create groups | Yes | | Yes. When a **Group Creator** creates a group, they are automatically assigned as **Group Manager**. | | | | | | Create, read, update and deactivate users | Yes | | | | | | | | **Group-level actions** | | | | | | | | | Read, update, and deactivate groups | Yes | | | | | | | | Add/remove users in a group | Yes | | | | | | | | Create, update, and delete Organizational units | Yes | | | | | | | | Assign users/groups to Organizational Units | Yes | | | | | | | | View deliveries | Yes | | Yes | | | | | | Create, update, and delete deliveries | Yes | Yes | | | | | | | Create, read, update and delete sessions | Yes | | | | | | | | Create, update, and delete public sessions | Yes | | | Yes | | | | | Create, update, and delete batteries | Yes | | | | Yes | | | | Monitor session | Yes | | | | | | | | Grade session | Yes | | | | | | | | View sessions list | Yes | | | | | | | | Enter session | Yes | | | | | | | | Exempt test taker from session | Yes | | | | | | | | Take session | | | | | | | | | Review session | Yes | | | | | Yes, when the user also has the Group Role of **Proctor** , **Scorer** , or **Score Reviewer**(see section below). | | | View session scores | Yes | | Yes | | | | | | View session reports | Yes | | | | | | | | View individual reports | Yes | | | | | | | | Access Support Space | Yes | | | | | Yes | | ## Group-related roles Group roles pertain to a given group only. These roles are assigned as part of the enrollment of a user to a specific group and provide the right to perform certain actions within the scope of the given group. The TAO Portal supports the following Group-related roles: * Group manager \[GROUP_MANAGER\] * Scorer \[GRADER\] * Test-taker \[TEST_TAKER\] * Proctor \[PROCTOR\] * Score Reviewer \[REVIEW_GRADER\] ← for more information on this beta feature, see the section below the table * Booklet Publisher \[BOOKLET_PUBLISHER\] * Scan Uploader \[SCAN_UPLOADER\] * Group viewer \[GROUP_VIEWER\] ← for more information on this beta feature, see the section below the table The names in brackets, such as \[GRADER\], represent how each role is assigned in a CSV import. For more information, see [CSV imports](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/csv-imports.md). The table below summarizes the access and rights of each role: |------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | | **Group Manager** **\[GROUP_MANAGER\]** | **Scorer** **\[GRADER\]** | **Test-taker** **\[TEST_TAKER\]** | **Proctor** **\[PROCTOR\]** | **Score Reviewer \[REVIEW_GRADER\]** | **Booklet Publisher \[BOOKLET_PUBLISHER\]** | **Scan Uploader \[SCAN_UPLOADER\]** | **Group viewer \[GROUP_VIEWER\]** | | **Group-level actions** | | | | | | | | | | Read, update, and deactivate groups | | | | | | | | | | Add/Remove users in group | Yes | | | | | | | | | View deliveries | Yes | | | | | | | | | Create, Read, Update and Delete sessions | Yes | | | | | | | | | Monitor session | Yes | | | Yes | | | | | | Grade session | Yes | Yes | | | Yes, if read-behind scoring is enabled | | | | | View sessions list | Yes | Yes | | Yes | Yes | | | Yes (for groups they are assigned to) | | Enter session | Yes | Yes | | Yes | Yes | | | Yes (for groups they are assigned to) | | Preview session | Yes | Yes | | | | | | | | Exempt test taker from session | Yes | | | Yes | | | | | | Take session | | | Yes | | | | | | | Review session | Yes | Yes | Yes, if allowed by the session's configuration. For more information, see [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md). | | Yes | | | | | View session scores | Yes | Yes | | | Yes, if read-behind scoring is enabled. | | | | | View session reports | Yes | | | | | | | | | View individual reports | Yes (for any test-takers) | | Yes, if allowed by the session's configuration. For more information, see [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md). | | | | | | | Assign groups to Organizational Units | Yes | | | | | | | | | View paper-based sessions | Yes | | | | | Yes, but not uploads tab | Yes | | | Generate session booklet | Yes | | | | | Yes | Yes | | | View and upload paper based responses | Yes | | | | | | Yes | | | View Data Explorer | | | | | | | | Yes (for groups they are assigned to) | ### Group roles and beta features **Read-behind scoring** The group role Score Reviewer pertains to sessions with read-behind scoring enabled. Read-behind scoring is currently a **beta feature** . For more information, see [Reviewing scores (read-behind scoring)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reviewing-scores-read-behind-scoring.md). **Group viewer and Data Explorer** Use the **Group Viewer** role (in combination with the global role of Data Explorer viewer) to give users limited access to [Data Explorer](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md) data for specific groups only. To set this up: 1. Enroll the user in the group as a **Group Viewer**. 2. Assign the global **Data Explorer Viewer**(DATA_EXPLORER) role via CSV import. 3. The user must enable **Beta Features → Data Explorer** in their [user settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/customizing-an-account-in-the-tao-portal.md) to have access to Data Explorer. Without this enabled, the user will have read-only access to the sessions list for that group (not live monitoring). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Adaptive testing options The **Path** and **Prerequisite** editors in test Part properties allow test authors to create multi-stage adaptive tests using scoring-based rules between test parts. Multi-stage adaptive testing (MSAT) is a test design where test-takers are routed through pre-assembled groups of items (in this case, **test Parts**) based on their performance/score of the first Part of the test they complete, rather than receiving subsequent test parts one-by-one. ## Prerequisite: Configure the Test level properties ### 1. Configure the test's scoring properties. The Test level properties icon can be found in the Test bar at the top of the canvas. Click on the dropdown **Scoring**. In **Outcome processing** , select either **Total Score** or **Cut Score** . In the graphic below, Total Score is selected. For descriptions on each of the scoring options, see [Configuring scoring for tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-tests.md). ![msatdemo1.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_f8391ee8c1cd30c1cd08779f74999bfb7da3c60d9872b8638160c3726dcefab4/msatdemo1.png?cb=7b36ad60776baa01dae5f2f8fef0f6c7) If you have **Categories** set for your parts or items, check the **Category score** box. ### 2. Click on the **Test Part** level properties icon. **Test part** level properties icons can be found in each grey **Test part** bar when [++authoring a test++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-settings.md). Multi-stage adaptive testing is only available for tests with three or more test Parts. Configure the areas of the Part (described in [Test Part settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-part-settings.md)) as needed. ### 3. Configure the Path and Prerequisite editors (see below). The Path and Prerequisite editors can work in tandem but one is not required for the other to function. ## The Path editor The Path editor allows you to set conditions where, depending on the test-taker's performance in the Part being edited, redirects the test taker to a different test Part. 1. Click **Add a Path**. 2. Under **Target** , select the test Part the test taker will be redirected to if the conditions are met. Choose **Test End** to exit test takers from the test if the conditions are met. In this example, the test taker will be redirected to test Part 3 from test Part 1: ![msatdemo2.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_062a30b3d4db975cde275ca6a44d9ee88db014ce333140437acb232cbaaa368f/msatdemo2.png?cb=3705edfd3e64baf74d13c06e800048a5) 3. Under **Variable**, select the score variable that will be used to determine the conditions. This element should be configured to reflect how the test taker performed in the test Part being edited. The options are: * **Score total**: The total number of points achieved in the test Part being edited. * **Score total max**: Use this option if the test taker needs to achieve the test Part's maximum amount of points to be redirected to the Target. * **Score ratio**: What percentage the test taker achieved (how many points achieved out of the maximum available). 5. In the **Op.** (operator) box, select an option. The operator calculates whether the test taker achieved the conditions; for example, if a test taker needs to achieve less than the amount of points designated in the Value field, select \<. 6. In the **Value** box, enter the number of points or the ratio the test taker needs to achieve to be redirected to the target. Repeat this process if multiple paths are needed. ### Category Paths If categories are set for Parts or specific items in the test Part, you can redirect the test taker depending on how they performed in that specific Category. The same scoring variables (total, total max, and ratio) will be available for each category. If you use one of these options, ensure that the **Category score** box in test Scoring is checked (see above). For this example, if the test taker scores a total of less than 3 points in test Part 1, they will be redirected directly to test part 3. ![msatdemo3.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_668525f9c0f33192d965a9cae72cbab9f91ca23e465e1c7ab214a8dd38dae4bf/msatdemo3.png?cb=8b9058666630c4429c58a1cf0783ea66) ## The Prerequisite editor The **Prerequisite** editor allows you to set conditions for a specific test Part, so that the Part is only shown to test takers who meet those conditions. This is to prevent test takers from viewing a test Part if they do not meet the conditions set in the **Prerequisite** editor. This is especially useful for tests with several test Parts (more than 3). For example, if a test taker is redirected to part 3 from part 1 (due to Path configuration), they will continue the subsequent test Parts in order. If that test taker should not view any of those subsequent test Parts, you can set a Prerequisite for that test Part rather than configuring another Path. 1. Click **Add a Prerequisite**. 2. Under **Variable**, select the score variable that will be used to determine the prerequisite. This element should be configured to reflect how the test taker performed in the selected test Part (typically a test Part that would be presented before the test Part being configured). The options are: * **Score total**: The total number of points achieved prior to arriving at the selected test Part. * **Score total max**: Use this option if the test taker needs to achieve the maximum amount of points available (from completed test parts) to view the current test Part. * **Score ratio**: What percentage the test taker achieved (how many points achieved out of the maximum available) from completed test parts prior to viewing the test Part being edited. 4. In the **Op.** (operator) box, select an option. The operator calculates whether the test taker achieved the prerequisite; for example, if a test taker needs to more points than the amount designated in the Value field, select \>. Repeat this process if multiple paths are needed. ### Category Prerequisites If categories are set for Parts or items, you can allow or prevent the test taker from viewing the Part with a prerequisite depending on how they performed in a specific Category. The same scoring variables (total, total max, and ratio) will be available for each category. If you use one of these options, ensure that the **Category score** box in test Scoring is checked (see above). In the graphic below, the test taker will not be directed to test part 2 if their accumulated total score (prior to test Part 2) is greater than or equal to 3. ![msatdemo4.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_5cc06a9ab6f714dbdc96d5bcb8610f2aa627020397954291cc73200f0b83d3b3/msatdemo4.png?cb=e528e82faeb9d5f5779bd5e3216756bb) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Adding a tooltip to a word or phrase Tooltips allow item authors to provide additional information to specific words or phrases within an item's content. To create inline tooltips, follow the steps below. ## 1. Once you have created and provided text for a new Item, select the word or phrase for which you want to add a tooltip. ![tooltip-add.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_34cd5ba2fd75d0814b3776fd99c2c6241e2057d85731f7ad1cef8f2471b2e662/tooltip-add.png?cb=03e1173419041c3687c30d8d2af712d4) Adding a tooltip ### 2. Click on the Tooltip icon in the [Assessment Builder Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#AssessmentBuilderBar). The tooltip icon is located in the middle of the Assessment Builder Bar and looks like a comment bubble. ### 3. Add your tooltip text and click **Done** . Words or phrases with tooltips will appear as underlined during the test; test takers can view these tips by hovering over and clicking the word or phrase. **Example in TAO Advance** ![Tooltip example](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_949cf5e2c966d3b6e8189f668dd3ec59a8dacdcd6ccc28648249182bd0f15b5d/tooltip-example.png?cb=19900df8ef5a3f6c490194ceec50ea3e) Tooltip example --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Adding assets (or media) to an item Items and interaction can contain Assets (media), e.g. images, videos, sound files or passages (previously called shared stimuli). These can be files which are stored in the Asset Manager, or files from your desktop. In some versions this is called the Media Manager, or the Resource Manager (and the files are called 'Media' rather than 'Assets'), but they all function in the same way. The names are used interchangeably. When you use a resource from the Asset library in an item, it isn't integrated in your item, but instead is only referenced by it. This means that if the resource is updated, any items that reference it will automatically be modified to include the updated version of the resource. See the [Asset Manager](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-the-asset-manager.md) chapter of the User Guide for further details. There are two ways of adding an asset, or resource, to your item: * Use a Media interaction. Please refer to the chapter on [Media Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/media-interaction.md) for instructions on how to do this. * Existing media can be added via the Asset library when using a text block. Media can also be added from the edit toolbar when editing any type of interaction or Text Block. In this case, you will be prompted to upload your media to the item in Asset library before inserting it into the interaction: ![Edit toolbar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_8ee0f33a16fa12774bf202442ddb8025b7e71e5ba64985b8321420f3c99a22de/add-media-edit-toolbar.png?cb=cedbae0db963e9e5499e33b00595204a) Edit toolbar The steps below describe how to add an asset from your **Asset library** to a typical text block in your item. ## 1. When authoring your new [Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item), drag a text block onto the canvas from the Inline Interactions menu on the left. A toolbar appears in the gray bar above the item containing a series of icons (see graphic above). ### 2. Click on the relevant icon to include a file from the Asset Manager in your item. Using the image icon or the media (video, audio) icon will show you the resources available of that type in the Asset library. Clicking on the floppy disc icon will show you the passages (or shared stimuli) available. Clicking on any of these icons will take you to the Asset Manager, shown in the image below. The left panel is a [Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Library): the Asset Library. Above the Assets folder, you will see which resources (if any) the item contains. The middle panel shows the list of assets which are available within the highlighted [Class](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Class) (i.e. folder) in the Asset library. The right panel provides a preview of the asset you select. To include a media file from your desktop in your item: 1. Select the relevant icon in the toolbar (the landscape for an image, or the music tape for an audio or video file). 2. Select where you want the asset to be uploaded to (either the item's folder directly, or a particular Class in the Assets library). 3. Click on Add file(s), then the blue Browse button to browse your computer. Most image and audio formats are supported. 4. Select the green **Upload** button. 5. Click the green **Select** button. This uploads the asset you have chosen into the text block. If you chose to upload your asset to the item's folder, the media file becomes an integral part of the item, and is not in the Asset library when you save your item. ![adding-media-asset-library.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_9e5e2dc6235c33e7273f9a3733a5a3837b5eb4b126e4b411643c0e39a201447a/adding-media-asset-library.png?cb=0851164ecaa8889f18c02efdd458910e) Adding media in the Asset Manager To include an existing media file in the Asset Library: 1. Select the relevant icon in the toolbar (the landscape for an image, or the music tape for an audio or video file). 2. In the Asset library, select the class where the asset is stored. Browse the assets available and choose one to include in your item. 3. Click the green **Select** button. This uploads the asset you have chosen into the text block. To upload a new file to the Asset library, see the chapter on the [Asset Manager](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-the-asset-manager.md) for further details. To create a new 'Passage' to add to the Asset library, see the chapter on [Inserting a passage (or shared stimulus)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/inserting-a-passage-or-shared-stimulus.md). ### 3. Edit the asset using the Properties panel. If you begin typing without hitting return, the text will center vertically. If your text extends beyond the first line, however, it will wrap underneath the image (or other media). If the image is followed by a longer text, it is best to click on return on your keyboard at least once before starting to type. Certain elements of images (and other types of media) may be edited in the Properties panel on the right: * Alt Text * Size * Responsive mode: Allowing images to adjust based on screen/environment size. With this box checked, you define a percentage instead of a fixed size. Once the item is rendered, the image size will adjust based on available space. * Position: There is an option to align an image either inline, left, right, or center: ![Image alignment in TAO Advance](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_84420300bca60c38098786a38b184f6e925d1daab38755004d0088972df5575b/image-alignment-options.png?cb=1e1008943eb1d9b4827905392d275ca6) Image alignment in TAO Advance For adding media containing an audio file, you have the option of limiting the media player's visible buttons. Check the **Compact Appearance** box to display the **Play** button only. ![media player](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_cc2b282efc34a358eb4b07e51b538243af4fc7143b4f93740e6472abe43324ce/normal-media-player.png?cb=f8df3a2feae4c7aad8d3f7c510b0eb66) Media player ![compact media player](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_802c2b3eeb7aad0071a9d6010caf14da08bbbdddf8ccd90d6d707a622527be13/compact-media-player.png?cb=3bb2d3d6e195fec8840e99d5de6ad66e) Compact media player --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Adding interactions "Interactions allow the candidate to interact with the item. Through an interaction, the candidate selects or constructs a response." [Question and Test Interoperability standard, published by IMS Global.](https://www.imsglobal.org/question/qtiv2p2p4/QTIv2p2p4-ASI-InformationModelv1p0/imsqtiv2p2p4_asi_v1p0_InfoModelv1p0.html) [Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction) are inserted into an item during the item authoring process. They are the building blocks for [Items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item) (which in turn are the building blocks for Tests), and serve as the basic unit for Test-taker responses. The term **Interaction** should not be considered interchangeable with the term **Item**: other than conceptually, interactions cannot exist outside of an item, thus there are no concrete instances of interactions outside of items. One way to conceptualize the difference is to compare a TAO assessment to an examination delivered on paper, and think of the interaction as the pen the test-taker is holding, and the item(s) as the exam paper itself. Identifiers which can be configured in Interactions need to contain only ASCII characters due to QTI restrictions. ASCII character replacements are described on sites such as [Oracle](https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E29584_01/webhelp/mdex_basicDev/src/rbdv_chars_mapping.html) and [ASCII Code](https://www.ascii-code.com/). ## Interaction types There are four categories of interaction: [Common Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#CommonInteractions), [Inline Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#InlineInteractions), [Graphic Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#GraphicInteractions) and [Custom Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#CustomInteractions) (also known as PCI interactions). Currently, 19 of these interactions are recognized by the QTI standard. 17 of these are available in TAO. In the library on the left of your newly created item, you will see the Common Interactions catalog, and the other types of interaction are below this. You can navigate these catalogs to choose the types of interaction you want to use for your item. The following gives you a brief description of each category: * **Common Interactions** **(QTI)** cover many of the simple interactions that are often used in assessment. For more information, see [Common interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/common-interactions.md). * **Inline Interactions** **(QTI)** are interactions which contain text-based elements. For more information, see [Inline interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/inline-interactions.md). * **Graphic Interactions** **(QTI)** are interactions which contain graphic elements. For more information, see [Graphic interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/graphic-interactions.md). * **Portable Custom Interactions (PCI)** are developed for a specific scenario, mostly to fulfill a specific need of a customer. For more information, see [Custom interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/custom-interactions.md). ## Adding interactions to an item ### Creating the item's layout For a detailed demonstration of how to work with item layouts, see [Working with layouts in the TAO Item Editor](https://knowledge.taotesting.com/working-with-layouts-in-the-tao-item-editor). The image below shows the Interactions library. The Common Interactions catalog is open, and the other catalogs are below it: ![Adding an interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_56f8a5352cbcd55c2a7e0bac9521b9c314c8678a84738b1c7b620dcc199b4f4d/adding-interactions-update.png?cb=30657fdf876f41856f0a4e914335e34c) To add an interaction, drag and drop the desired interaction from the Interaction Library to the Canvas. An item generally contains only one interaction type, but you can create an item which contains more than one interaction: Item complexity ranges from simple items with a single interaction to composite items with multiple interactions. Once you have added and prepared one interaction in your item, drag another interaction template from the [Interactions Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#InteractionsLibrary) onto the [Canvas](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Canvas) below or beside the interaction you have just authored, and repeat the authoring process for the new interaction. See the video below for a visual demonstration of how to configure multiple interactions in an item using this method: Once you have added one interaction, you can also click the plus **+** icon to add an interaction directly below the existing interaction (maintaining the layout). ## Configuring interaction scoring In TAO, interactions include the mechanisms used to score the interaction itself. For simple Items, correct answers add to the Test score, unlike incorrect answers. Scoring a composite item using standard response templates (*match correct* , *map response* , or *map response point* ) are often a more complicated sum. See the chapter on [Scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/processing-completed-tests.md) for more information. When creating an item with multiple interactions, there are a few things to consider in regards to scoring: * The score from the response in each individual interaction will be added up and consolidated for the item. * Configuring scoring for these types of items increases the complexity of response processing for automatically scored items (such as the system flagging an item as answered or skipped, due to partial responses to only some of the interactions). * It is recommended for this reason that such items (i.e each interaction within the item) should be configured for [manual scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-items-with-manual-scoring-tao-ignite.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Adding other content An [Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item) is formed of an [Interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction), or a set of interactions, which can be accompanied by other types of content. Interactions allow the candidate to interact with the item. Other content -- resources such as media and text -- can be used as supporting material for the test question or task being created. Both Interactions and any other content are inserted into an item during the item authoring process. This section of the User Guide contains chapters on the form of the other content which you can use in items. The main type of content you may wish to add is what are called Assets (or media) in TAO. See the chapter [Adding assets to an item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-assets-or-media-to-an-item.md) for information on how to use resources from the Asset Manager in your item. If you want to create a (text) passage to add to the item, follow the instructions in [Inserting a passage (or shared stimulus)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/inserting-a-passage-or-shared-stimulus.md) to add a passage to your item from the Passage editor or outside of TAO. You can also enter text into your item for direct use by [Inserting a Text Block](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/inserting-a-text-block.md) and then putting text into it (this method can be used for adding resources either in the form of supporting material, or to text-based interactions). There is also a chapter on [Using math expressions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-math-expressions.md) in items, as well as a chapter on the [Word processing options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/word-processing-options.md) which are available. Finally, a description of the [End Attempt](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/end-attempt.md) option is included here, which can be inserted into your item if you'd like to give test-takers the option of exiting an item without submitting a response. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Additional scoring options ## Outcome declarations ### External scoring options When configuring an outcome declaration for an item's scoring method, you must select an option under the **External Scored** drop-down. ![external-scoring-options.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_057757281cd31a24ddda21163af22426f869b1bc633c4d2737d3be26430a218b/external-scoring-options.png?cb=ad19a51286ad9921ab85a18d19168b4e) The descriptions for each option are as follows: * **Human** : This must be selected for the item to be labelled as needing [manual scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-items-with-manual-scoring-tao-ignite.md) in TAO. * **None** : Means the outcome declaration will not be used for manual scoring. If this option is selected, you will not be able to configure a score range under **Value**. One typical use case for **None** would be for custom scoring, when defined outcome declarations are used to calculate or aggregate scores based on custom formula. * **External machine**: Used if there's a custom integration with a third-party manual scoring engine, which requires a custom implementation. ## Response/outcome processing ### Custom scoring If your assessment requires scoring logic beyond the available options, you can define a custom scoring rule by editing the item's or test's response processing rule. Custom scoring rules are written in IMS QTI Response Processing XML. This allows you to implement scoring logic such as: * awarding points only when multiple conditions are met * combining the scores from multiple interactions * applying conditional scoring * implementing partial credit rules * calculating scores across multiple items (test-level scoring) Because response processing uses the IMS QTI specification, creating custom rules requires familiarity with XML and QTI response processing. #### Custom item scoring This option is found under **Response** --\> **Response processing** --\> **Custom → Edit processing rules** ![item-response-customScoring.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_d83fe37c56dcd5063b9c12f5cfd3b92ebce58079e994c48422c65030dc980da6/item-response-customScoring.png?cb=eadf0991d84e021a974703ac6fb56909) ##### Custom test scoring This option is found under **Test properties** → **Scoring** → **Outcome processing → Custom** For writing custom test scoring rules, you must open the test XML editor. For more information, see [Using the test XML Editor](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-the-test-xml-editor.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Advanced search using filters You can narrow a search even further when combining the filter by category and filter by tag features. ## Search using categories and tags For example, if you have categories set up for Grade and Subject matter, and want to search for Grade 8 Math questions: 1. From the **Add filter** dropdown, select **Subject**. 2. From the filter tile, select **Math**. ![search-add-filter.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_a333b4c8624959a11e3a5bc58a16e09df44e652f137c0031e862e43732554b56/search-add-filter.png?cb=51e00843e6bf863fc8ab19f4cdf16dfa) 3. In the **Filters** search bar, type "gra". 4. From the list of possible grade values, select Grade 8. ![filter-by-tag.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_840411f27abb6de4c35781d2685ac5e74c4f19e324b379d68f12fa6e9b10b837/filter-by-tag.png?cb=50af04634b746fd64c53905abed4627f) 5. The list will now reflect all Grade 8 Math questions. ## Saving a library filter When you have already built a useful filter in the Library, you do not need to recreate it later in settings. After applying category filters, select **Save as saved filter** directly from the filter area. ### Save from the library 1. Open **Library**. 2. Apply one or more category/tag filters (see section above). 3. Select **Save as saved filter**. 4. Enter a clear name, such as **View: Math Grade 8**. 5. Save the filter and confirm the success notification. This option is the fastest path when the view you want is already visible on screen. The saved filter is created with the active category/tag rules. Saved filters are managed in Studio Settings. For more information, see [Creating a saved filter for library search](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-saved-filter-for-library-search.md). #### Using saved filters 1. Open **Library**. 2. Select **+ Saved filter**. ![savedfilters6.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_abc29b516380e3109a7df546f709a726e68f4f9b0fb10ed28320085c2c33f5cc/savedfilters6.png?cb=586cca8b33585d0da9f436f66be413e8) 3. Choose a view. 4. Review the filtered file list. Saved filters are best for recurring work: department banks, source-specific imports, review queues, grade-level collections, or combinations that multiple authors need to use consistently. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Appendix ## License *Version 2, June 1991* *Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc.* *51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA* *Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.* ### Preamble The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom to share and change it. By contrast, the GNU General Public License is intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free software --- to make sure the software is free for all its users. This General Public License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation's software and to any other program whose authors commit to using it. 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For software which is copyrighted by the Free Software Foundation, write to the Free Software Foundation; we sometimes make exceptions for this. Our decision will be guided by the two goals of preserving the free status of all derivatives of our free software and of promoting the sharing and reuse of software generally. **NO WARRANTY** **11.** BECAUSE THE PROGRAM IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE PROGRAM *"AS IS"* WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. **12.** IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MAY MODIFY AND/OR REDISTRIBUTE THE PROGRAM AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Assembling a test with questions from the library Test assembly **organizes existing digital questions into a deliverable assessment**. This module explains how to create an assembly project, select questions, organize sections, choose fixed or filtered question sources, configure randomized selection, and review or export assembled test results. There are two options for creating a test in TAO Studio: [Creating a test project](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test-project.md): This option directs you to a lightweight version of the test editor. Use this option to easily create simple tests with minimal customizations. [Creating a test using the editor](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test-using-the-editor.md): This option directs you to the test editor, which offers the full range of editing capabilities. **Important**: Both options require you to use existing questions in TAO Studio. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Planning The TAO Portal provides a centralized location to create, deploy, and analyze assessments. [Sessions management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/sessions-management.md) [Paper-based sessions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/paper-based-sessions.md) [Session security options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/session-security-options.md) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Assigning categories for different types of content The TAO Studio library stores all content in a single list, making filtering, search, and metadata especially important for organizing and locating content. For each type of content imported or created in TAO Studio, you can configure which categories are available for tagging and specify whether a category must be assigned before the content can be added. When importing or creating content, you will be prompted to enter metadata values for each entity used or generated. Mandatory categories are marked with a red asterisk: ![add-metadata-filecontent.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_8f7b8bd61ca7757cb91463be07db213fd91e991cb3756dacc3212e7e9023d8a3/add-metadata-filecontent.png?cb=d2a6eec88884bdf1e22d081c0c6f2230) The categories that present during the process are designated by Studio Settings. To access the form listing all content types, select **Studio Settings --\> Content Organization --\> File content** ## Configuring metadata according to content type You can view any existing categories per content type beneath the title. Categories that are mandatory when creating or uploading that content type are marked by an asterisk\*. 1. Next to a content type (such as **When creating content** \> **Questions** ), select **Edit**. Each category assigned to that file type is listed in the Edit view. 2. Click the dropdown below **Add a new category** . This menu contains all [existing categories](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md) that were created either by the TAO Studio platform or by users in your organization. 3. Select a category to add it to the content type list. 4. For each category that is listed, you can make it mandatory by checking or unchecking the box. 5. Exit the Edit view. The new configuration will save automatically. ![file-content-assigning.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_b73661164ffd9853e189ab368a88e5f0b4e69786baff9354237ffb400db74308/file-content-assigning.png?cb=911dea358fb36f68b617289049eccc14) Defaults set in System Settings can be overridden by authors when creating a project. ## Content types Categories and tags may be added to source materials, questions, and tests when following one of the [++creation pathways++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creation-pathways.md). It is also important to add metadata when [++importing content into the library++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/uploading-content-to-the-library.md) directly. The content types are organized according to the which types are used/available when performing a certain activity: ### When uploading a file These content types apply to files that are imported or uploaded to TAO Studio. This includes files added as part of a conversion or generation project, as well as files uploaded directly to the library. File types include: * Exam/question files * Study materials * Assets (images/audio files) * PCI packages * Shared stimulus (passages) #### When creating content These content types apply to questions or tests that were: * [Converted](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/conversion-from-exam-files.md) from existing external exam questions * [Generated](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/generation-from-study-materials.md) from study materials * Built from scratch ([items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-content-from-scratch.md), [tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assembling-a-test-with-questions-from-the-library.md)) #### Generated by application (deliveries) [Deliveries](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/publishing-tests-created-in-tao-studio.md) are the published, usable versions of tests created within TAO Studio. ## AI-generated category tags Whenever you are prompted to enter values/tags for categories, there is an option to use AI to fill in the categories for you. Note that AI-based categories and manual selection can be combined. For example, you can manually select a tag for a category (i.e, a specific grade level) and then check the AI option to leave all other present categories to be populated automatically. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Assigning groups to an organizational unit [Organizational units](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit) are composed of [users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User) and [groups](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Group) and are part of a [hierarchy structure](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#HierarchyTree). Using the hierarchy structure ensures that groups included in an OU cannot access data in a different OU. ## 1. Navigate to the **Groups** section in the main menu of the TAO Portal, or via the side bar menu (Groups). ### 2. Click on the ellipses of the group you want to assign to an OU. Click **Edit**. ### 3. Under the Organizational unit section of the editing form, click **Re-assign** . Select the OU that you want to assign the group to. ![Re-assigning a group to a different OU](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_eb058daad17ed687bfbf7f497279745aa978ae1fcf12e821ff6025350985c2ef/assign-group1.png?cb=cae77453f7a010797d8bfe3350f0b631) Re-assigning a group to a different OU ### 4. Click **Save Group** to update the group's OU assignment. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Assigning scorers to scoring projects **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. Once a scoring project has been created and one or more deliveries have been linked to it, scorers need to be assigned to it before manual scoring can begin. Assigning scorers (users) to a particular scoring project is called *ENROLLMENT* in TAO Grader. To enrol users on a project, follow the steps below. ## 1. Click on the *ENROLLMENT* button inside your scoring project. This will bring up the list of scorers and reviewers who are enrolled to work on a given scoring project, and shows the type of tests they can mark (scoring criteria), along with their workload (see the image below). ![assign-scorer.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_86d7346b81acae595afc2c844efdcac08edd2a5ad0f3787979ee0c2f7898b000/assign-scorer.png?cb=86212b8e620ecf47579938a9881b3068) In the example, two scorers and two reviewers have been enrolled, but in a new project, the list will be empty, so the scorers (and reviewers) who you, as Scoring Project Manager, wish to undertake the scoring on this project need to be enrolled. ### 2. Click on *UPLOAD ENROLLMENTS* on the right. You will need to upload a CSV file containing the *username* (the same as in the user's CSV file), the *role* and the*assignment_criterion* , as shown below. The following is the corresponding entry in the assignment file for the *jdoe* user you created earlier, which assigns them to the *x-tao-scoring-english* category: username,role,assignment_criterion jdoe,scorer,x-tao-scoring-english The assignment_criterion must follow the x-tao-scoring-\ format. The two possible options for *role* are *scorer* and *reviewer*. A user can be enrolled as both a scorer and a reviewer for the same scoring project, though they cannot score the same responses twice, of course. If the *Assignment strategy* has been configured as *Item group* , and no scorer or reviewer has been enrolled for a given subject, an '!' appears next to the *ENROLLMENTS* tab as a warning. If the *Assignment strategy* for scoring has been configured as *Test-taker group*, scorers and reviewers need to be assigned to particular classrooms (for example 'Classroom A' or 'Classroom B', as in the image below), rather than subject categories. ![assign-scorer1.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_0d42c97775ae79ea104abf269a0ff7ca22006b9b0c83e14d9c764bb4b18cef97/assign-scorer1.png?cb=23abbc5e07008444b6cc2b2c8ba8a5a6) When a Scoring Project has been set up with the necessary delivery information and has scorers assigned to it, the manual scoring environment is ready, and scoring can begin as soon as the responses start to arrive when the test-takers complete the test. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Assigning users to an organizational unit [Organizational units](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit) are composed of [users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User) and [groups](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Group) and are part of a [hierarchy structure](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#HierarchyTree). Using the hierarchy structure ensures that users included in an OU cannot access data in a different OU. ## 1. Navigate to the **Users** section in the main menu of the TAO Portal, or via the side bar menu (Users). ### 2. Select the ellipses for the user you wish to assign to an OU. Click **Edit**. ### 3. In the User Edit Form, click **Re-assign** . ![reassign-user-ou.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_7c217ce00ac1434781a7b9bd987c17f13aa2c1c33c297d179d976a75ec2936e7/reassign-user-ou.png?cb=5c568951c7e31c99e289c838cc792e2a) Re-assigning a user's organizational unit Select the OU that you want to assign user to. ![Assigning a user to an OU](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_49a287e72087832af0e52cead737313db4ba7bae4bffcc2f5473e4c017fe83e3/assign-users-ou2.png?cb=52fc63bc51776cd1260a799c122e3ce1) Assigning a user to an OU ### 4. Click **Save Changes** to update the user's OU assignment. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Associate interaction The Associate [Interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction) assesses the Test-taker's ability to match associated words or phrases. ![Associate interaction in TAO Advance](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_9b6d73332dd215796e98103e1f01d9088895f2b4f65a9fff3f0b02f4db93efc3/associate-interaction-full.png?cb=10c4381160d75b00a6f2baae8ecc1913) Associate interaction in TAO Advance Once you have generated a new [Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item), and clicked on **Authoring** in the [Action Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ActionBar), follow the steps below to create a new Associate Interaction: ## 1. From the Common Interactions Library on the left, drag the Associate icon onto the blank Item and drop it onto the Canvas. This opens a new Associate Interaction window. There is a question field at the top, two *answer tile* options below this, and then an example of linked boxes at the bottom. ### 2. Fill in the question field where it says **define prompt** , describing the associations (matches) being sought. This could be in the form of a question ("Which country goes with which capital city?") or instructional ("Match the country with the capital city."). See the chapter [Word Processing Options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/word-processing-options.md) for details on text editing options such as using italics or bold text in your item, and inserting features such as shared stimuli or media, tables or formulae. Drag-and-drop is enabled for this type of interaction. Test-takers can also use click-and-click to move objects; this is an accessibility feature for test-takers with trouble using drag-and-drop. ### 3. Fill in the answer tiles for the question. You will need more than two, so select **Add choice** as many times as needed to provide all the options to be made available to the test-taker. We recommend adding the appropriate matches first (e.g. the correct countries and capitals) in separate tiles first, and then adding the incorrect (unmatched) options. ### 4. Complete optional configuration of the interaction if required. You can choose to configure your interaction in the following ways: * Shuffle the choices * Orient the display of choices to the top, bottom, left, or right of the association boxes. * Specify the correct number of associations. This will default to be the same number, if there is a set amount of associations within the choices. ![associate-interaction.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_dc8298dcc22101c92f0cc112b442fb2386b3e0f202c2cf80a65605f6be05b72b/associate-interaction.png?cb=ce9b78a10efa0b1ac9a084ad3deeabe5) These options are available in the [Interaction Properties Panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#InteractionPropertiesPanel) on the right. See the section [*Configuring Interactions*](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-interactions.md) for details. ### 5. Click **Response** on the right of blue interaction header to define the correct answer(s). This will provide all the answer tiles created in the previous step, and a series of associate pair boxes, which are to be filled in the next step. ### 6. Click on the first element to be associated, and then click on the first box. Click its match (association), and then click on the second box. This will provide the first set of correct responses. Continue with this procedure until all association pairs have been linked in the association boxes, leaving the incorrect associations unmatched. ### 7. Complete the item's Response Properties configuration (if required) in the Response Properties Panel. You can choose to configure the interaction response in the following ways: * Determine how the item is to be scored. See the topic [Modifying the scoring method](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/modifying-the-scoring-method.md) for details. * Whether the item is to be automatically or manually (human) scored * Give partial credit for partially correct answers * Insert modal feedback These options are available in the [Response Properties Panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ResponsePropertiesPanel) on the right. ### 8. Click the blue **Done** button. Your associate interaction is now complete. After this step, you can preview and test-run your interaction by following the instructions given in Steps 5 and 6 in [Creating a Test Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test-item.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Atomic roles (TAO Core) Atomic Roles in TAO are granular roles which allow users only very restricted access to (and restricted capabilities in) a particular area of TAO. They can, however, be combined to create higher-level roles. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. The atomic roles in TAO can be divided into three categories: * roles which grant the user *viewing* rights * roles which grant the user right to *edit* some area or object in TAO * roles which grant the user some form of *managerial*rights, i.e. organise TAO objects. These roles have been implemented with the creation and management of items and assets in mind. Many of them, therefore, exist in parallel -- in other words, a role used for ***Items*** often has an equivalent for ***Assets***. For this reason, parallel roles have been grouped together as they have the same description. The following sections give a list of the roles for each of the three categories. A description is provided for each role in that section. ## VIEWING ROLES *Item/Asset previewer*: Users with these roles can view items/assets. *Item/Asset revision history viewer*: Users with these roles can view the revision history of items/assets. *Item/Asset viewer*: Users with these roles can view the properties of an item/asset (but not the item/asset itself). *Item/Asset class navigator*: Users with these roles can navigate the item/asset library and view the properties of each class within the relevant library. ## EDITING ROLES *Item/Asset resource creator*: Users with these roles can create items/assets -the latter applies to new passages only. *Item/Asset content creator*: Users with these roles can author (or modify) existing items/assets. In the case of assets, this role can also replace the asset with a new one. *Item class editor*: Users with this role can edit the properties of a class of items (e.g. add a new property in order to classify it according to new criteria). *Item/Asset properties editor*: Users with these roles can edit the properties of an item/asset (for example add a new property in order to classify it according to new criteria). ## MANAGING ROLES *Item class creator*: Users with this role can create a new class of items. *Item class schema manager*: Users with this role can view and edit the 'Managed Schema' of an item, and add new properties to it (e.g. add a new property in order to classify it according to new criteria). *Item manager*: Users with this role can copy or duplicate an item. *Item/Asset importer*: Users with these roles can import an item/asset, or a package of items/assets. *Asset exporter*: Users with this role can export an asset. *Item/Asset deleter*: Users with these roles can delete an item/asset. *Item/Asset revision creator*: Users with these roles can create a new version of an item/asset and add a descriptive message to define it. *Item/Asset revision manager*: Users with these roles can restore a past version of an item/asset (in other words, reinstate an old version from the item/asset history). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Audio interaction An **Audio** interaction enables the Test-taker to record a short spoken response, typically to test his/her speaking ability. The Audio Interaction is one of the Portable Custom Interactions which is part of the standard TAO package. In this interaction, the test-taker is presented with an image of a tape recorder. They can record speech by clicking on the record button, then check the recording using the play-back button. The response format is an audio file. For Safari users, playback of audio recordings is only supported if the recording was created in a different browser. A connection via `https` is always required when using this interaction. ![audio-interaction.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_97e41ddbfb7ed5e5401758e913559cfd6319851949a6627c33ee1dcc66bea9f1/audio-interaction.png?cb=c1ed991054c19a0bced7b885432013d3) ## 1. Drag Audio onto the canvas from the Custom Interactions dropdown. If you want to add a question or a prompt for the test taker to respond to, drag **Text** from the Inline Interactions drop down and add your text. ### 2. Configure the interaction's display and functionality properties. Under Interaction Properties, the following aspects of the interaction are configurable: * **Allow playback**: Check this box to allow test takers to listen to their recording after completing it. * **Hide stop button**: This hides the stop button from test takers. When this box is checked, test takers cannot pause and resume while completing their recording. * **Auto start recording**: Checking this box forces the test taker to begin their recording immediately upon moving to the interaction. * **Auto playback recording**: Check this box to auto play the test takers response to the test taker after completion. * **Play sound**: Check this box to add a sound at the beginning and end of the recording; this indicates to the test taker when the recording has started and ended. * **Max attempts**: Adjust the number of attempts the test taker is allowed. Add "0" to allow unlimited attempts. * **Time limit**: Set the maximum amount of time allowed for the recording in seconds (the minimum is 5 seconds). The recording will be cut off when the maximum time is reached. * **Recording format** : Select either **compressed** (default) or **uncompressed**. With a compressed recording, the audio is saved as a smaller file (.webm or .ogg). With uncompressed, the recording saves as a much bigger .Wav file. * **Audio bitrate**: Adjust the audio recording's bps (bits per second). This number determines the tradeoff between audio quality and file size. With the default value (20.000bps), a 2 minute recording renders a roughly 300KB audio file. ### 3. Configuring the response/scoring. Select the **Response** tab to define the scoring methods for the interaction. The Audio Interaction is generally suited for manual scoring. **Configure Response Processing** : Either you need to define custom processing rules, or [add some outcome declarations which would trigger manual scoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-items-with-manual-scoring-tao-ignite.md) (recommended). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Basic search using filters ## Filtering by category The **Add filter** dropdown menu shows all available filter categories and the number of files currently associated with each category. These counts follow the search and filters you already applied, so typing a name in the top search bar can reduce the numbers you see. 1. Select **Add filter**. 1. The filters that display correspond with columns in the library table, and any existing [custom categories](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md). 2. Use the number beside each category to understand how many files are represented there. 2. Select a category. You can narrow the search further by selecting a subcategory from its tag panel or by using the search bar within the filter. ![category-file-content-filter.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_6485857c2db71b63fd5bf9092f344135797f16cd36ccb639f594669a25a5b505/category-file-content-filter.png?cb=4d987ddb24813d5f1fd73d8527e980ba) **Tip**: Search text, tag filters, category selections, and saved filters can be combined. Start with the broadest filter, then add the next filter only when the result list is still too large. ## Filtering by tags Tags are the individual values that are assigned to entities within an broader category. For example, if the you want to search for Grade 8 materials, and your organization has grade level as a mandatory category, these steps tell you how to use the value Grade 8 for a narrow search. You can search across tags by typing part of a tag name. This is faster than opening categories filters if you know the name of the tag. 1. In the Library, click **Find by tag** 2. Type a few letters, such as **gra**. 3. Review matching suggestions, such as **Grade 8**. 4. Select the tag. 5. Confirm that the file list narrows to content with that tag. You can remove the selected chip later, or add more tags to refine the same result set. ![filter-by-tag-grade.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_e478f6f4508888af0e8e4bd3c0e0ba835b96b31d6c7fc1f883a838b4d3c699ae/filter-by-tag-grade.png?cb=208bd97da0a27eaf896c17e08ca7d49d) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Batteries management A battery is a collection of two or more deliveries to be presented either sequentially, or randomized for the test taker as a single entity. There are two ways to configure the deliveries within a battery: * Configure them in sequence, where the test-taker will complete each delivery in the order defined in the battery. * Randomly select one single delivery from those listed in the battery to be launched for the test taker. For more information on how to create a delivery, see [Publishing a test as a delivery](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/publishing-a-test.md). ## Benefits * Sequential batteries define a strict order for test takers to complete linked assessments. * Batteries with randomly selected deliveries ensure that not all test takers within a group are completing the same exact assessment. * Batteries (in general) allow easier manipulation and correction of deliveries; since the test-takers are assigned to batteries, instead of deliveries, if one of the previously assigned deliveries needs to be updated, or even replaced, this can be done easily by adding its replacement on top or instead of the current delivery within the battery. This way, any new test taker will automatically be exposed to the new delivery, without the need to change the way they start the assessment. This is becoming even more important in the context of launching the assessments from a third-party platform, such as an LMS, as it doesn't require changing the launch link for the assessment. Batteries management can be accessed via the **Batteries** tile upon login, or via the side bar menu (Batteries). Admins and Battery Managers will see a table listing all batteries: * **Battery name:** The name assigned to a battery. * **Battery ID:** The unique identifier for the battery. * **Description:** The description of the battery. * **Deliveries:** Displays the number of deliveries in the battery. The **Battery name** and **Description** columns can be collapsed to assist with readability. The **Preview** capability is not available from Batteries management. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Beta features This topic will direct you to the documentation for TAO's current beta features. * **Data Explorer** : Data Explorer provides a centralized location to search for data within every section of the Portal. Users have access to an extensive list of filters to assist in narrowing down their search. This data can then be exported as a CSV file. For more information, see [Data Explorer](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md). * **Custom reports** * [Viewing custom reports (TAO Insights)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/viewing-custom-reports-tao-insights.md) * **Importing deliveries** * [Using deliveries in the TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-deliveries-in-the-tao-portal.md) * **Preliminary Vertical Alignment Support**: Support for vertical text alignment is available as a beta feature in TAO Authoring, with other subsequent improvements scheduled. This feature becomes active only for languages that are relevant for a vertical orientation. * **Read-behind scoring** : Support for read-behind scoring is available to be enabled during session creation. Read-behind scoring is a process used in assessments with manual scoring, where a score reviewer reviews a percentage of test responses that have already been scored by one or more scorers. For more information, see [Reviewing scores (read-behind scoring)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reviewing-scores-read-behind-scoring.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # CentOS, RedHat and Fedora (TAO Core) The following instructions are for installing TAO on CentOS 7 and can easily be adapted for RHEL7 and Fedora 19. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. The following instructions are for CentOS 7 and utilize */var/www/html/tao* as the working directory for installation and */var/www/html* as the DocumentRoot. Should you choose a different Operating System version, another Red Hat-based flavor, directory location, or DocumentRoot you will need to adjust these paths as appropriate. These instructions make the assumption that you have access to the command line. If necessary, refer to your hosting company for how to proceed if you do not have SSH access to your environment. ## Server Preparation Make sure the server is up to date: sudo yum update Add the *Epel* repository and install yum utilities: sudo yum -y install epel-release yum-utils wget Prepare server to install PHP 7.2 and MySQL. In order to install PHP 7.2, we will need to install a third party repository and then configure it for the correct version: sudo yum -y install http://rpms.remirepo.net/enterprise/remi-release-7.rpm sudo yum-config-manager --disable remi-php54 sudo yum-config-manager --enable remi-php72 Add the MySQL community repositories in order to install MySQL 5.7 and then configure it for the correct version: sudo yum -y install http://repo.mysql.com/yum/mysql-5.7-community/el/7/x86_64/mysql-community-release-el7-7.noarch.rpm Once the system is up to date, you will need to install the required packages to create your LAMP stack as well as the packages necessary to complete your TAO installation if they have not yet been created: sudo yum install httpd \ php \ php-cli \ php-common \ mysql-community-server \ mysql-community-common \ php-xml \ php-zip \ composer \ php-curl \ php-mbstring \ libhttp2-mod-php \ php-mcrypt \ php-mysql \ curl \ wget \ zip \ tidy \ unzip \ php-dom \ php-mcrypt \ php-opcache \ php-tidy \ policycoreutils-python \ nano ## Configure MySQL During installation, a temporary root password will be set for MySQL. In order to retrieve it you will need to first start MySQL: sudo systemctl start mysqld And then locate the temporary password from the *mysqld.log:* grep 'A temporary password' /var/log/mysqld.log |tail -1 To complete the configuration of the database, you will use the *mysql_secure_installation* script and the temporary password. You will be prompted at this time to change your root password as well as other configuration options. Your passwords must have 12-characters including at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one special character. You will need to run the following script: /usr/bin/mysql_secure_installation At this point you can log in to the database and create a new user and/or database for installing TAO, if you wish. Create a new database and user for TAO: sudo su - mysql -p create database ; create user ''@'localhost' identified by ''; grant all privileges on .* to '@'localhost' with grant option; flush privileges; quit exit ## Configure Apache Using the editor of your choice, you will need to configure the ServerName as well as the directory you are installing TAO in. If you are using virtual hosts, you will need to follow the Apache instructions which can be found here ( ). sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf Configure ServerName: ServerName Configure Directory: Options FollowSymLinks MultiViews AllowOverride all Order allow,deny Allow from all You will also want to configure Apache to server PHP pages first by editing the _dir*module* section to have index.php first. DirectoryIndex index.php index.html Verify your Apache configuration and then restart for your changes to take effect. sudo apachectl configtest sudo systemctl restart httpd If you are setting up TAO for internal use/testing only, you can turn off the firewall. Otherwise, you will need to open your *firewall*for the port you plan to use for accessing TAO. sudo systemctl disable firewalld sudo systemctl stop firewalld ## Install TAO Download TAO Package from website or GitHub and prepare to install: wget https://releases.taotesting.com/TAO_3.3.0-RC2_build.zip unzip TAO_3.3.0-RC2_build.zip sudo mv TAO_3.3.0-RC2_build /var/www/html/tao Or use Git to download the latest release from GitHub directly: sudo yum install git sudo git clone https://github.com/oat-sa/package-tao.git /var/www/html/tao cd /var/www/html/tao sudo git checkout release-3.3-rc02 Change ownership to the Apache user: sudo chown -R apache:apache /var/www/html/tao Ensure the correct version of composer is used. By default, the version of composer installed on CentOS, RedHat and Fedora is composer 2. Before you can install TAO you will need to downgrade this to version 1, with the following command: `sudo composer self-update --1` Install TAO components on the server utilizing composer and then change ownership of the newly created tao directory to the Apache user: cd /var/www/html/tao sudo composer install sudo chown -R apache tao sudo chown -R apache config Configure selinux to allow access to the necessary directories. sudo semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/tao/ sudo restorecon -R /var/www/html/tao/ sudo setsebool -P httpd_unified 1 sudo chmod a+w tao/views/locales/ sudo chmod a+w config Install MathJax on the server if necessary: sudo wget --no-check-certificate https://hub.taotesting.com/resources/taohub-articles/articles/third-party/MathJax_Install_TAO_3x.sh sudo chmod u+x MathJax_Install_TAO_3x.sh sudo ./MathJax_Install_TAO_3x.sh You can now complete your installation either on the command line with the following command: sudo -u www-data php tao/scripts/taoInstall.php \ --db_driver pdo_mysql \ --db_host localhost \ --db_name \ --db_user \ --db_pass \ --module_namespace http:///first.rdf \ --module_url http:// \ --user_login \ --user_pass \ -e taoCe in which case your TAO instance will be available at: http:///tao Or you can install TAO in your browser by going to `http:///tao` if you have followed the instructions above. If you haven't followed the above instructions for your Apache configuration you will need to adjust the URL as appropriate. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Change admin password (TAO Core) Instructions on how to change the admin users password if lost. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. As with any user, the admin (Super User) user's password can be changed in the TAO interface by another user who has the *Global Manager* (or *System Administrator* ) role. For instructions on how to change a user's password, see the chapter on [Users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/users.md) in the Management section. Should you not have access to another user with the appropriate role, you can still change the admin user's password if you have access to the command-line. To do this you will need to SSH to your server, and then 'cd' to where you installed TAO. Once in the correct location, generally */var/www/html/tao*, you will need to run the following command to change your password: `php tao/scripts/resetRootPassword.php` and then enter a new password when prompted: `Enter new password for user 'admin':` --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Changing IPs (TAO Core) These instructions will assist you in changing the IP of your TAO instance should it need to be moved on the network. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. Should you need to change the IP of the server where you installed TAO, you will need to make changes to TAO and potentially your web server. Depending on your environment, you may need to configure networking and firewalls to allow access to your computer as well. To reconfigure TAO, you will need to edit *generis.conf.php* in the config directory where you installed TAO: nano config/generis.conf.php In this file you will need to update the `ROOT_URL` parameter: define('ROOT_URL','http:///tao/'); Do not change the`LOCAL_NAMESPACE` parameter as this is used by TAO as an identifier prefix. If you followed the installation instructions, you will need to change your apache.conf or httpd.conf file for the Listen and ServerName parameters. If you configured Apache or used a different web server, please refer to their documentation as necessary. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Choice interaction Choice [Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction), or multiple choice questions, present a test type that has been made popular by such time-honored exams as the SAT, ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, etc. Choice interactions are preferable to free-response test interactions in cases where a large quantity of test questions need to be covered in a short exam period. ![Choice interaction in TAO Advance](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_c687e7c9cac49752e473a6d820d3017e2b0c58f5fb853a75bc278404b3965569/choice-interaction-qti.png?cb=51f8d3e5b1b9b9cc0e184c65ae08dfb5) Choice interaction in TAO Advance Once you have generated a new [Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item), and clicked on **Authoring** in the [Action Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ActionBar), follow the steps below to create a new Choice Interaction: ## 1. From the Common Interactions Library on the left, drag the Choice icon onto the blank item and drop it onto the Canvas. This provides the answer choices for your choice interaction. ### 2. Enter the question in the question field at the top of the interaction where it says "define prompt*"* . See the chapter [Word Processing Options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/word-processing-options.md) for details on text editing options such as using italics or bold text in your item, and inserting features such as shared stimuli or media, tables or formulae. ### 3. Enter the answer choices. A choice interaction has three default answer choices. Click on **choice #1** to type the first answer choice in this field. Repeat this step with the other choices to populate the other fields with your answer choices. You can add more choices by clicking the blue **Add Choice** field below the first three choices (keep clicking until the desired number of choices appear in the item), and you can delete choices by clicking the trash can icon to the right of the choice you wish to delete. ### 4. After defining all answer choices, set the minimum and maximum number of answer choices that the Test-Taker will be asked to provide (before he can continue to the next question). This can be done by selecting **Other Constraints** in the [Interaction Properties Panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#InteractionPropertiesPanel) on the right. Setting the minimum to "0" allows the Test-taker to skip the question. By default, your choice interaction is made of checkboxes. Leaving the maximum on "0" allows test-takers to select an unlimited number of choices. To set up a [radio button](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Radio-Button) test interaction, select a maximum of 1. This means that your test-taker will not be allowed to select more than one choice. You can see on your interaction that radio buttons will be displayed. ### 5. Complete optional configuration of the interaction if required. You can choose to configure your interaction in the following ways: * present the answer choices in list format * shuffle the choices * present the answer options horizontally These options are available in the Interaction Properties Panel on the right. See the chapter on [Configuring Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-interactions.md) for details. ### 6. Click **Response** on the right of the blue interaction header to define the correct answer(s). This activates options for setting the correct answer. ### 7. Select the correct answer by clicking the box in front of it. You can select more than one answer (if the maximum choices from step 4 is greater than 1). ### 8. Complete the item's Response Properties configuration (if required) in the Response Properties Panel. You can choose to configure the interaction response in the following ways: * Determine how the item is to be scored. See the topic [Modifying the scoring method](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/modifying-the-scoring-method.md) for details. * Whether the item is to be automatically or manually (human) scored * Give partial credit for partially correct answers * Insert modal feedback These options are available in the [Response Properties Panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ResponsePropertiesPanel) on the right. ### 9. Click the blue **Done** button. Your choice interaction is now complete. After this step, you can preview and test-run your interaction by following the instructions given in Steps 5 and 6 in [Creating a Test Item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-test-item.md). ## Related links * [Order interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/order-interaction.md) * [Choice interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/choice-interaction.md) * [Associate interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/associate-interaction.md) * [Match interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/match-interaction.md) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Classifying items with metadata **Metadata** is useful for classification - it can help identify items used in a specific course, for a specific instructor, within a specific test, etc. **Properties** define the metadata schema entered for an item class - values for these properties can then be added to any item. By defining metadata properties at the class level (folder), you can automatically apply them to all items within that class. Although this section only covers Metadata that apply to Items, the procedures for applying Metadata to other entities are very similar. **TAO Core (deprecated)**: Add metadata properties to tests, test-takers, groups, assets, and deliveries **TAO Ignite**: Add metadata properties to items, assets, tests, and deliveries. ## Prerequisite If you want to use close-ended metadata, you must first create lists (which can then be referenced from individual classes). For more information on types of metadata and creating lists, see [Using metadata for classification and search](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-metadata-for-classification-and-search.md). ## 1. Adding or editing metadata properties for a class (folder) ### 1a. Click on an Item [class](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Class) (folder). The **Properties** form for the class you are reviewing allows you to change the label of the class. Select **Manage Schema** . This will bring up **Manage item class schema** form that shows the Metadata properties set for all the Items in that class. These properties define the Metadata which apply to a given Item (within the class). For items/item classes, the following Properties listed cannot be edited: **Item Content** , **Original Filename** , **Item Model** , **State** , and **Lock**. Other properties in the list of class Metadata can be both edited and, if necessary, deleted. ![Adding and editing metadata for an item class](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_57338bc837fc7569d3e5387ef25f829946a05286f1507db0d923636bc26ae603/manage-schema-metadata.png?cb=9ab0a66debf3da42b6e9f039c84a9bd5) Adding and editing metadata for an item class ### 1b. To add a new Property in the **Manage item class schema** window, click on the blue **Add Property** button below the Property list. This adds a new Property at the end of the list. Before it can be used in TAO, you will need to add information to it (see the next step). ### 1c. To edit a Property in the Properties window for the class, click on the **Edit** icon. The **Edit** icon is located on the right of the Property name, and looks like a pencil. The following fields display: * **Property Label:** Enter the new name (to be changed from *Property_X)*. This field is required. * **Alias** : This field is used as an alternative to the label, to be able to differentiate between various resources which have the same name (in Search, for example). The alias is also is also used for a [statistical metadata import](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/how-to-import-statistical-analysis-results-in-the-.md), as a way to identify the property name to be imported via CSV. * **Language dependent** : This indicates if the value of this field can be translated (the default is **false**). * **Form Field Order**: This defines the position of the new Property in the list of all the properties pertaining to that item. Use number values for this field. * **Validation rules**: Default is empty. If this is checked, that property value cannot be empty for a given resource. It enforces validation, checking that there is a value set for it. * **Field type**. This is important as it describes how the Property is defined and modified from each individual item (within the class). A drop-down menu provides six basic choices: * **Text** (three options: *short-field* , *long-box* , and *long-HTML editor*) * With these options, you will enter values as text (the length of which is dependent on which option you choose) with each item's property. * This field type is an open-ended field, where the user can enter any value * **List**: * Single choice: * *Single choice - radio button*(only one choice can be selected; the list of values will be rendered as radio buttons) * *Single choice - drop down*(only one choice can be selected; the list of values will be rendered as a drop down list) * *Single choice - search input*(only one choice can be selected; the list of values will be rendered as a searchable input) * Multiple choice: * *Multiple choice - check box*(multiple choices can be selected; the list of values will be rendered as checkboxes) * *Multiple choice - search input*(multiple choices can be selected; the list of values will be rendered as a searchable input) * This field type is a closed-ended field, where the user can only select values from a predefined list of values; see below how to manage the lists in TAO * With these options, you will choose one or more values from a list in each item's property. * **Tree** (*multiple node choice*) * **Calendar** * this field type allows choosing a date \& time value * **Password** * this field type allows entering a text value, which will not be displayed visibly to the end-user * **File** * this field is deprecated and not used anymore in TAO, but still offered for backwards compatibility with older versions Once you've selected the values which apply to this Property, click on the blue **Save** button: This will save and reload the window. Remember that you can delete the Properties you add by clicking the trash can icon. ## 2. Assign metadata values from the class schema to individual items Once you have configured a property for a class, you can assign values to individual items: 1. Select an item in the class. 2. In the **Edit Item** form, each property assigned for the class displays. Add a value for the specific item in each Property listed. ![adding-md-values-item.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_3081088a8266b3f7d1ab31a7167646839a685b10cf7afb2859d4187f0a233dbd/adding-md-values-item.png?cb=8f33be29f8e94ef2c5322a547fc502c9) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Collecting and uploading response sheets This article describes how Scan Uploaders scan collected response sheets and upload them into TAO. Response sheets are scanned then uploaded into TAO. They then become part of the test taker's response set; if the test contains items that were not paper-based, all responses are included in the same set, allowing scorers to score as usual. ## 1. Access paper-based sessions 1. Log into TAO Portal 2. Navigate to **Paper Sessions** The Scan Uploader's view contains two tabs: 1. **All paper sessions**: View all paper sessions for groups where you are enrolled as the Scan Uploader. When uploading a PDF, the upload report displays an error for any pages that matches responses in session where the current user is not enrolled as a Scan Uploader. No scan is attempt will apply to those responses. 2. **Response uploads**: Upload responses and view upload history ### 2. View session details and monitor progress Click **Enter session** to view a session's details. From this view you can: * Compare expected vs uploaded pages per test-taker * View which test takers have finished or need scoring The Scan Uploader's session overview includes a **Review test** button for each candidate. ### 3. Scan and upload response sheets **Important**: Before uploading, ensure your scanned PDFs meet these requirements: * QR codes must remain visible and undamaged * Scan at sufficient quality to reliably capture QR codes and responses * Scan pages straight (not tilted) to improve readability * The scan window is active 1. Scan each response sheet and save it as a PDF. PDF files can include: * Multiple test-takers' response sheets * Response sheets from multiple sessions * Pages in any order 2. Go to the **Response uploads**tab. ![scanner-view.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_8d4906b52fc5108eab067dd0e9f1c6f0ed1617beded23f3b09f99db8b03643a6/scanner-view.png?cb=a80ebdfcbb529dcdb998e4ad8a41275e) 3. Click **Select a file** or drag and drop your PDF(s) into the drop zone (max size: 52.43 MB). There is no limit on the number of upload attempts or files. #### How TAO processes scans 1. TAO reads QR codes per response sheet page 2. Matches pages to: * Test-taker * Session * Item 3. Attaches the test taker's response to the QR code ### 4. Review and verify upload progress Processing may take seconds to minutes depending on volume. Once the scans are uploaded, you can select the button on the right side of each listed scan to view each response separately. ![view-processed-scans.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_0e3bdc5ae1c517597390af3147b78cceac9e68a8e6bde766b7a96387c2e45685/view-processed-scans.png?cb=11d5b46a0b40a0ffd166000da9445979) **Track uploaded vs expected pages** : The **Response upload status** column in the session list (or session overview) will show the status of each response sheet (**Uploaded** with a green checkmark = successfully processed). Once the status for each test taker's response is **Uploaded**, check for: * Successfully matched pages * Unmatched pages (QR issues) #### Handling QR issues If QR codes fail, choose one of the following workarounds and re-upload files as needed (no limits): * **Physical fix**Replace QR code and re-scan 1. Print the original QR code again from the booklet PDF 2. Cut and paste it over the damaged QR code area on the paper 3. Re-scan and re-upload * **Digital fix:** Edit PDF to restore QR code 1. Use an image/PDF editing tool 2. Replace the damaged QR code region with a clean digital version of the original QR code 3. Upload the corrected PDF --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Command and shortcut restrictions This article describes the what is restricted to test takers when keyboard shortcuts are disabled for a session. Disabling keyboard shortcuts is used to prevent actions which can move candidate outside of test, open browser/system UI, copy content, paste outside content, or use browser navigation shortcuts. This plugin does not block normal typing. It blocks only configured events and shortcut combinations. **Important** : Some OS-level or browser-reserved shortcuts will still be available, because the browser or OS handles them before JavaScript receives event. In this case `disableCommands` cannot prevent it. ## When keyboard shortcuts are restricted When configuring a session, there is an option to prevent keyboard shortcuts: * **Session configuration on the Portal** : This option is enabled by checking Prevent right-click menu in Security options. For more information, see [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md). * **CSV import** : This option is enabled by the following fields. For more information, see [Importing sessions using a CSV file](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-sessions-via-csv-import-1.md). * `session_securitySettings_preventRightClickAndKeyboardShortcuts`: Add 1 to this field to disable keyboard shortcuts. * `session_securitySettings_disableCommandsConfig`: Add 1 to the fields with this prefix to disable certain keyboard shortcuts. For `shortcutWhitelist_shortcut` and `shortcutWhitelist_platform`, add which platform specific short cuts should be disabled, and which platform they apply to. Add text to both of these fields, with a line \| separating each shortcut/platform (no spaces). * **LTI launch** : This option is enabled by the following plugins. For more information, see [Custom Parameters (delivery launch)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/developer-documentation/latest/public/custom-parameters). * `taoQtiNuiTest/runner/plugins/security/disableRightClick/plugin` * `taoQtiNuiTest/runner/plugins/security/disableCommands/plugin` ### Events prevented by the plugin | Event | Default behavior | |-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Copy | Allowed only from valid editable/allowed target. Otherwise prevented. | | Cut | Allowed only from valid editable/allowed target. Otherwise prevented. | | Paste | Allowed only when pasted text is same as last valid copied text. Otherwise prevented. | | Dragstart | Used to remember if drag started from valid target. | | Drop | Allowed only if drag started from valid target. Otherwise prevented. | | Keyboard shortcut | Prevented when shortcut is listed for current platform/browser. | **Keyboard shortcuts remain available when the cursor is in:** * Text response fields (including essay or extended text responses) * Text input fields (such as short answer or fill-in-the-blank questions) * Editable text areas, such as rich text editors * Any field that explicitly allows copy and paste * Buttons, menus, or other controls within the areas listed above #### Copy, cut and paste logic By default, copying or cutting content from the test page is blocked. However, you can still copy or cut text from supported editable fields, such as text response areas, short answer fields, rich text editors, and other permitted input fields. You can only paste text that was copied from one of these supported fields during the current test session. Pasting content copied from outside the test, or from areas where copying is not allowed, is blocked. When entering mathematical expressions, the math editor also accepts pasted content in `$$...$$` format if the original copied content came from a supported editable field. If copy/cut/paste is prevented, the plugin triggers any prohibited-action and sends a message to the security log: | Action | Security log reason | |---------------|---------------------| | blocked copy | copy-attempt | | blocked cut | cut-attempt | | blocked paste | paste-attempt | #### Drag and drop logic Drop is accepted only when drag started from valid target. If not, the plugin triggers the prohibited-action when the user tries to drop. ### Configuration This section describes the default values for different shortcuts in Ignite. These options can be adjusted which using CSV import or LTI launch to configure a a session - these specifications cannot be made from session creation on the Portal. | Option | Meaning | Default Value | |-------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------| | canCopy | Copy and cut are allowed. | true | | canCopy | Copy and cut are always prevented. | false | | canPaste | Paste is allowed. | true | | canPaste | Paste is always prevented. | false | | canDragAndDrop | Drag and drop is allowed. | true | | canDragAndDrop | Drop is prevented. | false | | shortcutWhitelist | Selected shortcuts are not prevented. | | Whitelist example: { "shortcutWhitelist": [ { "shortcut": "Meta+F", "platform": "mac", "browser": "chrome" } ] } If platform is not set, whitelist works for all platforms. If browser is not set, whitelist works for all browsers on matching platform. #### Shortcuts allowed inside inputs These shortcuts are not blocked on keydown when target is valid editable/allowed place: backspace, Meta+C, Meta+V, Meta+Alt+V, Meta+Shift+Alt+V, Meta+X, Ctrl+c, Ctrl+v, Ctrl+x When any non-special-character-input shortcut is pressed then it is prevented with no effect, such as losing window focus or menu popping up. **Important**: Even when keydown is not blocked, later clipboard event can still be blocked by copy/paste rules. ## Prevented shortcuts ### macOS - common for Safari, Chrome and Firefox | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |------------------|----------------------------------| | Meta+C | Copy to clipboard | | Meta+V | Paste from clipboard | | Meta+Alt+V | Paste style | | Meta+Shift+Alt+V | Paste and match style | | Meta+X | Cut to clipboard | | Meta+: | Show / hide spelling and grammar | | Meta+Alt+W | Close application | | Meta+Shift+W | Close current window | | Meta+M | Minimize window | Safari has only shortcuts from this common macOS list. ### macOS - common for Chrome and Firefox | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |-------------------|-------------------------------------| | Meta+\[, Meta+\] | Browser back / forward navigation | | Meta+1 ... Meta+8 | Switch to tab by number | | Meta+9 | Switch to last tab | | Meta+D | Add bookmark | | Meta+F | Find in page | | Meta+G | Find next | | Meta+L | Select address/location bar | | Meta+O | Open file | | Meta+P | Print page | | Meta+R | Reload page | | Meta+S | Save page | | Meta+W | Close tab or popup | | Meta+Shift+G | Find previous | | Meta+Shift+T | Reopen/undo closed tab | | Meta+Shift+H | Open home/history depending browser | | Alt+F4 | Close window | | Ctrl+pagedown | Switch to next tab | | Ctrl+pageup | Switch to previous tab | | Alt+home | Open home page | ### macOS - Chrome only | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |-------------------|--------------------------| | Ctrl+enter | Show contextual menu | | Meta+Alt+M | Minimize all | | backspace | Go to previous page | | Meta+Shift+? | Browser help | | Meta+Ctrl+F | Enter or exit fullscreen | | Meta+Y | Open history page | | Meta+Shift+J | Open downloads page | | Meta+Alt+U | Open page source | | Meta+Shift+B | Toggle bookmarks bar | | Meta+Alt+C | Inspect element mode | | Meta+Shift+D | Bookmark all open pages | | Meta+Alt+I | Open developer tools | | Meta+Alt+J | Open developer console | | Meta+Shift+M | Switch browser user | | Meta+Shift+N | Open incognito window | | Meta+Alt+B | Open bookmark manager | | Meta+H | Hide Chrome | | Meta+Alt+H | Hide other windows | | Meta+Shift+I | Email current page | | Meta+Shift+P | Open page setup | | Meta+, | Open settings | | Meta+E | Use selection for find | | Meta+Shift+Delete | Open clear browsing data | | Meta+Alt+Right | Switch to next tab | | Meta+Alt+Left | Switch to previous tab | ### macOS - Firefox only | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |--------------|-----------------------------| | F5 | Reload page | | Meta+B | Toggle bookmarks sidebar | | Meta+J | Open download history | | Meta+K | Select search bar | | Meta+U | Open page source | | Meta+Shift+R | Force reload page | | Alt+enter | Save link target as | | Meta+Left | Back one page | | Meta+Right | Forward one page | | Meta+enter | Open link in background tab | | Meta+F4 | Close tab or popup | | Meta+F5 | Force reload page | | Shift+F3 | Find previous | | Shift+enter | Open link in new window | ### Windows - common for Chrome and Firefox | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Ctrl+c | Copy to clipboard | | Ctrl+v | Paste from clipboard | | Ctrl+x | Cut to clipboard | | Ctrl+esc | Open Windows menu | | Ctrl+F4 | Close tab or popup | | Shift+F6 | Move focus to browser pane | | Alt+esc, Alt+tab | Switch applications | | Alt+space | Open active window menu | | Alt+F4 | Close window | | PrintScreen | Take screenshot of whole screen | | Alt+PrintScreen | Take screenshot of active window | | Meta+D | Minimize all | | backspace | Back one page | | F1 | Browser help | | F3 | Find next / find again | | F5 | Reload page | | F11 | Enter or exit fullscreen | | Ctrl+1 ... Ctrl+8 | Switch to tab by number | | Ctrl+9 | Switch to last tab | | Ctrl+d | Add bookmark | | Ctrl+f | Find in page | | Ctrl+g | Find next / find again | | Ctrl+h | Open history | | Ctrl+j | Open downloads | | Ctrl+k | Select search/address bar | | Ctrl+l, Alt+d | Select address/location bar | | Ctrl+n | Open new window | | Ctrl+o | Open file | | Ctrl+p | Print page | | Ctrl+r | Reload page | | Ctrl+s | Save page | | Ctrl+t | Open new tab | | Ctrl+u | Open page source | | Ctrl+w | Close tab/window | | Ctrl+Shift+G | Find previous | | Ctrl+Shift+T | Reopen/undo closed tab | | Ctrl+Shift+W | Close window | | Ctrl+Shift+Delete | Clear browsing data/private data | | Ctrl+tab, Ctrl+pagedown | Switch to next tab | | Ctrl+pageup | Switch to previous tab | | Ctrl+F5 | Reload ignoring cache / force reload | | Shift+backspace | Forward one page | | Shift+F3 | Find previous | | Alt+left | Back one page | | Alt+right | Forward one page | | Alt+home | Open home page | ### Windows - Chrome only | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |----------------|----------------------------| | F6 | Move focus to browser pane | | F10 | Open Chrome menu | | F12 | Open developer tools | | Ctrl+e | Focus address/search bar | | Ctrl+q | Quit Chrome | | Ctrl+Shift+B | Toggle bookmarks bar | | Ctrl+Shift+C | Inspect element mode | | Ctrl+Shift+D | Bookmark all open pages | | Ctrl+Shift+I | Open developer tools | | Ctrl+Shift+J | Open developer console | | Ctrl+Shift+M | Switch browser user | | Ctrl+Shift+N | Open incognito window | | Ctrl+Shift+O | Open bookmark manager | | Ctrl+Shift+Q | Quit Chrome | | Alt+e, Alt+f | Open Chrome menu | | Ctrl+shift+tab | Switch to previous tab | | Shift+esc | Open Chrome task manager | | Shift+F5 | Reload ignoring cache | ### Windows - Firefox only | Shortcut | Prevented behavior | |-----------------------|-----------------------------| | Ctrl+b, Ctrl+i | Toggle bookmarks sidebar | | Ctrl+Shift+R | Force reload page | | Alt+enter | Save link target as | | Ctrl+\[ | Back one page | | Ctrl+\] | Forward one page | | Ctrl+enter | Open link in background tab | | Shift+enter | Open link in new window | | Shift+MouseScrollDown | Back one page | | Shift+MouseScrollUp | Forward one page | ### Screenshots note On Windows, PrintScreen and Alt+PrintScreen are part of disableCommands. On macOS, screenshot shortcuts like Meta+Shift+3, Meta+Shift+4, Meta+Shift+5 are not part of disableCommands. They are handled by preventScreenshot. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Common interactions * [Choice interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/choice-interaction.md) * [Order interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/order-interaction.md) * [Associate interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/associate-interaction.md) * [Match interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/match-interaction.md) * [Hottext interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/hottext-interaction.md) * [Gap Match interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/gap-match-interaction.md) * [Slide interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/slide-interaction.md) * [Extended text interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/extended-text-interaction.md) * [File Upload interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/file-upload-interaction.md) * [Media interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/media-interaction.md) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Configuring a question in an item This article provides brief descriptions of how you can edit and configure interactions, as well as links to relevant authoring articles. When you click editable text or areas within the interaction, the rich text toolbar appears above the canvas. Use it for the prompt, passage text, table text, feedback text, and answer-option text. ![item-toolbar.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_c2c45b370c4d732eea7ad26dec3ef68a8e5a87fe132db92116fec10087964187/item-toolbar.png?cb=2b8d4f719e43746a27326308976a73aa) The following options are available from the toolbar: ## Paragraph and structure * **Paragraph format**: changes the selected block style, such as normal text or another available paragraph style. * **Numbered list**: creates or removes an ordered list. * **Bulleted list**: creates or removes an unordered list. * **Block quote**: formats selected text as a quoted block. * **Table**: inserts a table for structured content, comparisons, data, or layout that genuinely needs rows and columns. ### Text formatting * **Bold**: emphasizes important text. * **Italic**: marks emphasis, terms, titles, or conventional notation. * **Strikethrough**: shows removed or invalid text when that is part of the item content. * [**Underline**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/word-processing-options.md): underlines selected text. Use sparingly because underlining can be confused with links. * **Subscript**: places selected text below the baseline, useful for chemical formulas such as H2O. * **Superscript**: places selected text above the baseline, useful for exponents, ordinal markers, and units such as cm2. #### Alignment * **Align left**: aligns text to the left margin. * **Center**: centers the selected paragraph or block. * **Align right**: aligns text to the right margin. * **Justify**: distributes text across the full line width. #### Insert tools * **Insert special character**: inserts characters that are hard to type, such as mathematical symbols, accented characters, or punctuation marks. * [**Insert math expression**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-math-expressions.md): inserts a MathML-based mathematical expression (see below). * [**Insert shared stimulus**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/inserting-a-passage-or-shared-stimulus.md): links shared stimulus content into the item when your workflow uses reusable passages or assets. * [**Insert image**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-assets-or-media-to-an-item.md): adds an image into the selected text area. * [**Insert media**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-assets-or-media-to-an-item.md): adds audio or video into the selected text area. * [**Tooltip**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-a-tooltip-to-a-word-or-phrase.md): adds a small explanatory note attached to selected content. * **Link**: adds or edits a hyperlink. ### Math expressions Use **Insert Math Expression** for mathematical notation that needs to render as math rather than plain text. MathML preserves structure for fractions, roots, superscripts, subscripts, operators, and other expressions so the item can display and export the equation more reliably than a screenshot. Good uses include: * Inline expressions inside a sentence. * Display equations that should stand apart from the passage. * Fractions, roots, powers, subscripts, inequalities, and symbolic notation. * Expressions that need accessible alternative text or semantic structure. Authoring workflow: 1. Click the exact text location where the expression belongs. 2. Open **Insert Math Expression**. 3. Build or paste the expression in the math editor. 4. Insert the expression into the item. 5. Confirm it appears in the correct location and aligns with surrounding text. 6. Reopen or preview the item to verify the expression is readable and preserved after save. Use toolbar **subscript** and **superscript** for simple text-level notation. Use **Math Expression** when the notation is a real equation or contains structured math such as a fraction, square root, matrix-like layout, or expression that should be accessible as math. For more information, see [Inserting a math expression](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-math-expressions.md). ## Style editor The **Style Editor** changes the appearance of the item, not the individual interactions. The appearance of individual interactions must be customized by the toolbar. ### Style Controls * **Add Style Sheet**: attach a custom stylesheet when your organization uses one. * **Background color**: changes item background styling. * **Text color**: changes text color. * **Border color**: changes border color. * **Table headings**: changes table-header styling. * **Font family**: selects the font family. * **Font size**: sets or adjusts text size. * **Item width**: controls how wide the item is on screen. For more information, see [Item style editor](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/item-style-editor.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Configuring categories and tags Taxonomies help your workspace categorize content. In TAO Studio, understanding categories and tags (metadata) is imperative to making it easy to filter files, organize generated materials, report on tests, and make sure each content type asks authors for the right metadata. Categories and tags should be added to source materials, questions, and tests when following one of the [creation pathways](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creation-pathways.md). It is also important to add metadata when [importing content into the library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/uploading-content-to-the-library.md) directly. To access the taxonomy creation form, select **Studio Settings** → **Content Organization** → **Categories \& tags**. Recommended workflow: 1. Understand default categories. These categories are meant to be broad, and provide the first level of metadata to an entity. 2. Create custom categories. These categories can be more specific and contain smaller sets of entities. 3. Assign metadata arrangements to specific file types. This ensures that users are asked to provide the correct set of values when creating or importing. ## Default categories While this article describes how to create custom categories, TAO Studio provides a set of default categories to help users organize content when getting started with the platform. Assigning values to these categories is recommended but not required. However, content should always be assigned relevant metadata or tags when it is imported or created. As your content library grows, untagged content can become difficult to find, organize, and manage. ## Adding a custom category To access the taxonomy set-up, select **Categories \& tags** from the **Studio Settings** [menu](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/user-preferences.md). Select **Add category** to define a new metadata field. 1. Add the category name. 2. Select the category **Type**. ### Category types #### List **List** creates a controlled flat set of values (entered in the **List tags** text box), such as Easy, Medium, and Hard. When you create a List category, the values are tags. When assigning questions or tests tags from this list, you will not be able to add new tags. This must be done from the action menu to the right of the category: ![add-taglist.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_4bc5e909c3d0f3ec95d7ed481a74509c5d74975b627a9db4933b44cc59b25d07/add-taglist.png?cb=054cc3479ce18571fa0f2bccf9a8b66c) ##### Hierarchal **Hierarchical** creates a tree. First-level values become the top nodes, and later child tags can be added under them. **Example** : For a course taxonomy, you might create a **Literature** category, choose **Hierarchical** , add first-level values such as **subject or language**, and decide whether selecting a parent should automatically select child tags. To add levels to the hierarchy, select the action menu to the right of the category or a parent tag: ![add-tag-hierarchy.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_61645f665e0b9bb4bdcc2b5152c9b719c2a3a68a9a4ff57f526aae3473e7b513/add-tag-hierarchy.png?cb=f2e09f6d8aa6f86544fdf2078209ba1e) Enter the new child tag name, such as a specific book if the hierarchy is Literature \> English. ##### Open value **Open value** lets authors enter a value instead of selecting a predefined tag. Choose the data type, such as text, number, date and time, or yes/no. These values will be assigned to questions and tests when those are being created. ## Assigning categories to content types Once you have created categories, use the [**File content**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-categories-for-different-types-of-content.md) settings page to control which categories are collected for each document type that is created (items, tests) or imported (source materials, assets) in TAO Studio. ## Deletion safeguards Categories may already be used by documents or project configurations. When you try to delete a protected category, TAO Studio checks usage, shows a warning, and reports an error if the category cannot be removed. To delete safely: 1. Open the category row menu. 2. Select **Delete**. 3. Read the usage warning before confirming. 4. If deletion fails, keep the category and remove the related document or project references first. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Configuring interactions [Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction) can be configured in a number of ways to suit your assessment scenario. This section tells you about the ways you can configure your interactions so that they do and appear as you want them to. * [Modifying the scoring method](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/modifying-the-scoring-method.md) provides a brief description of how to modify the way interactions are scored to suit your purposes, and directs you to the Scoring chapter (where response properties and outcome processing are described in greater detail). * [Giving hints and feedback to the test-taker](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/giving-hints-and-feedback-to-the-test-taker.md) describes deciding whether you want to give some kind of assistance to the test-takers, and if so, what the nature of this should be. * [Placing constraints on the response](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/placing-constraints-on-the-response.md) describes how to limit what test-takers give as a response to the question or task in the interaction. * [Displaying answer options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/displaying-answer-options.md) describes how to present the responses which test-takers choose from (when you have several different options with certain types of interaction, e.g. in choice interactions). * [Removing default instructions (TAO Advance)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/removing-default-instructions-tao-advance.md) describes how, in TAO Advance, authors may want to remove TAO-generated instructions from several different types of interactions. The configurations and features described in this chapter are located either in the [Interaction properties panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#InteractionPropertiesPanel) or the [Response properties panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ResponsePropertiesPanel). The image below shows, on the right, where you access the properties from your interaction (by clicking on *Question* or *Response*), and on the left, the properties panel which opens (in this case for the Response, where scoring can be set): ![image-20240408-163037.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_b89bd4a8f33bfa853d84b3f9cb59457082a70daabca5adfc3c0e4458e1d9fbb5/image-20240408-163037.png?cb=a84cbf749d97280327ca78e4a2c25a87) Response properties --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Configuring tests [Tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Test(orAssessment)) can be configured in a number of ways to suit your assessment scenario. This section tells you about the ways you can configure your tests so that they do what you want them to, and also appear to the test-taker as you would like them to. It contains a chapter on [Test settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-settings.md). Here you can find information on how to set a time limit for your test, how to configure the test if you want the questions to be answered in a fixed order or not, how many attempts test-takers can have at particular items in the test, if they can pass on certain items, as well as if the items can be shuffled (in which case they appear in random order to the test-taker). It discusses briefly what settings are possible for scoring your test (there is more detailed information on this in [Scoring tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-tests.md).) It also contains a chapter on [Test-taker tool configuration](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-taker-tool-configuration.md). Here, you can find information about the [Test-taker tools](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Test-TakerTools) which are available in TAO. These comprise a set of tools designed to aid the Test-taker in various ways when taking Tests, many of which are accommodation tools which aim to improve accessibility. Finally, there is a chapter on [Providing test-level instant feedback](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/providing-test-level-instant-feedback.md), which tells you how to configure the test to provide direct feedback about how well test-takers have done in their assessment. Tests are configured in the [properties panel](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#PropertiesPanel) of the test, as shown on the right of the image below. These are accessed by the cogs on the right of whatever part of the test you want to configure. The image below shows the properties for one of the items in the test (the cogs to the right of the item are blue). ![properties-config-test.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_e9eba7a545b68929d94899cce8c970f1aa3eb830db1bc711697480428b739dfb/properties-config-test.png?cb=cacd994eb45844eb89d01b95c9465bb2) Configuring a test --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Contributing to TAO When contributing to the TAO project, please first discuss the change you wish to make via issue. Contributions to the TAO codebase are made using the fork \& pull model. This contribution model has contributors maintaining their own copy of the forked codebase (which can easily be synced with the main copy). The forked repository is then used to submit a request to the base repository to "pull" a set of changes. For more information on pull requests, please refer to [GitHub Help](https://help.github.com/articles/about-pull-requests/). The TAO development team will review all issues and contributions submitted by the community of developers in the first in, first out order. During the review, we might require clarifications from the contributor. If there is no response from the contributor within two weeks, the pull request will be closed. ## Contribution process If you are a new GitHub user, we recommend that you create your own [free GitHub account](https://github.com/signup/free). This will allow you to collaborate with the TAO development team, fork the TAO project and send pull requests. 1. Check the open an closed issues for similar proposals of intended contribution before starting work on a new contribution. 2. Create and test your work. 3. Fork the repository of the TAO extension you wish to contribute. 4. Create a branch that follows the GitFlow branching model. 5. Once development has been done, create a pull request that targets the development branch of the extension you are contributing. 6. If your code depends on changes in another extension, create a draft pull request, until all required pull requests are created. 7. Once your contribution is received the TAO development team will review the contribution and collaborate with you as needed. ## Code of Conduct ### Our Pledge In the interest of fostering an open and welcoming environment, we as contributors and maintainers pledge to make participation in our project and our community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of any differences between us. ### Our Standards Examples of behavior that contributes to creating a positive environment include: * Using welcoming and inclusive language * Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences * Gracefully accepting constructive criticism * Focusing on what is best for the community * Showing empathy towards other community members Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants include: * The use of sexualized language or imagery and unwelcome sexual attention or advances * Trolling, insulting/derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks * Public or private harassment * Publishing others' private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission * Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting ### Our Responsibilities Project maintainers are responsible for clarifying the standards of acceptable behavior and are expected to take appropriate and fair corrective action in response to any instances of unacceptable behavior. Project maintainers have the right and responsibility to remove, edit, or reject comments, commits, code, wiki edits, issues, and other contributions that are not aligned to this Code of Conduct, or to ban temporarily or permanently any contributor for other behaviors that they deem inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful. ### Scope This Code of Conduct applies both within project spaces and in public spaces when an individual is representing the project or its community. Examples of representing a project or community include using an official project e-mail address, posting via an official social media account or acting as an appointed representative at an online or offline event. Representation of a project may be further defined and clarified by project maintainers. ### Enforcement Instances of abusive, harassing or otherwise, unacceptable behavior may be reported by contacting the project team at [community@www.taotesting.com](mailto:community@www.taotesting.com). All complaints will be reviewed and investigated and will result in a response that is deemed necessary and appropriate to the circumstances. The project team is obligated to maintain confidentiality concerning the reporter of an incident. Further details of specific enforcement policies may be posted separately. Project maintainers who do not follow or enforce the Code of Conduct in good faith may face temporary or permanent repercussions as determined by other members of the project's leadership. ### Attribution This Code of Conduct is adapted from the [Contributor Covenant homepage](http://contributor-covenant.org/), version 1.4, available at . ### Templates Contribution Template ### Subject of the issue Describe your issue here. ### Your environment * Which browser and version are you using? * Which PHP version are you using? * Which Database engine and version are you using? * Which Web server are you using? * Which extensions are installed, and what version are they? ### Steps to reproduce Tell us how to reproduce this issue. ### Expected behaviour Tell us what should happen ### Actual behaviour Tell us what happens instead Pull Request Template _Before you submit a pull request, please make sure you have to following:_ - [ ] The title of this pull request offers a good description of what is changed (as it is used in release notes). - [ ] Your branch follows the [GitFlow](https://datasift.github.io/gitflow/IntroducingGitFlow.html) branching model. - [ ] The code follows the [best practices (to be defined)](#). - [ ] The functionality has been manually tested (if applicable). - [ ] The update script has been run, and causes no issues. - [ ] The functionality has been tested after a clean install. - [ ] A new unit test has been created, or the existing test has been updated. - [ ] All new and existing tests passed. - [ ] The module version has been bumped in both the manifest.php, and Updater.php files. --- **Depends on** - [ ] List other pull requests that depend on this pull request - [ ] Also list pull requests that require this pull request --- Describe the changes you made in your pull request here **Testing the changes** Please provide a description of how to test the changes made in this pull request. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Conversion from exam files Conversion projects help authors **turn existing exam, question, and booklet files into reusable digital content**. This module explains how to create a conversion project, add source files, choose whether to create questions or a full test, add metadata, review completed results, and send validated outputs back into the library workflow. ## 1. Create a conversion project 1. Open the dashboard. 2. Select the **From exam files** card or **Create questions and tests** \> **From exam files** in the left sidebar. 3. Click **Start Conversion** in the top-left corner to create a project. You can also view recent conversion projects from this view. ### 2. Name and tag the project 1. Add a name for the project (such as **Biology Final Exam 2024**) and optionally a description. **Tip**: Use names that include the subject, exam type, and year. Clear project names make repeated conversions and results easier to find. 2. For users or organizations that have set up [categories](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md) as a way of tagging documents and output files, enter the correct values for each mandatory category (at minimum). ![startconversion-project.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_f1afd2ed86d0a8babfbf4c57bfa04a4fe842915d51d1f82b0f58ae4839f15956/startconversion-project.png?cb=bb6906d47326f6d6eddbf77f46701990) 3. **Optional**: Under the Advanced configuration dropdown, set which metadata categories apply to the project's output files: 1. Select **Manage Categories** for either Test or Question, or both (depending on the desired output of the project). 2. The list displays which Categories are already assigned to that output type. Select a category to make it mandatory. 3. Click **Delete** to remove the category from the list (does not delete the category from the system). 4. Add an existing category from [Studio Settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md), or create a new category (this will be added to the list in Studio Settings and will be available for other projects). 5. The system will default to using whichever categories are assigned by [Studio Settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-categories-for-different-types-of-content.md). Click **Reset** to return to the defaults. 6. Click **Apply**. 4. Click **Start Conversion** at the bottom of the dialog. You will be redirected to the project setup page. ### 3. Conversion setup Steps in the setup process are designated by light blue boxes. 1. In Step 1, click **Upload files** to add source files material. You will need to enter mandatory category values for the source file(s), or allow AI to fill in the values. These source files should contain **questions**, not an overview of the course or subject matter. Typical source files include: * PDF/DOCX tests or compilation of exam questions * [CSV question lists](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/formatting-csv-files-for-question-conversion.md) * QTI item packages More than one source file may be used for a project. 2. Once the source file(s) are uploaded, ensure the documents you wish to use are selected them from the files list. Then, proceed to Step 2. ### 4. Choose what to create ![create-test-conversion.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_6a2f2b9cc786c5a780cad931442fd452ffa517921b4d0ec0e3e28e1affd232ff/create-test-conversion.png?cb=5b352320ef8afbc5e926b1e65cbf24b7) 1. Select the [quality of the output](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/output-quality.md), if it differs from the default setting. The change applies only to this conversion. 2. **Optional**: Add any notes on what to create, such as question types. The text adds guidance; it does not replace the built-in conversion rules. 3. Select whether you want to create questions (items) or a full test: * **Questions**: create separate reusable question items. * **Full Test**: create one assembled test output when the source should remain a cohesive assessment. 4. Add required metadata in **Add details** . Metadata comes from the taxonomy configured for the output document type (either in [Studio Settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-categories-for-different-types-of-content.md), or from the **Advanced configuration** in project setup), so the fields can change depending on whether you create questions or a test. Use **AI-assisted tagging** only when you want TAO Studio to suggest metadata during processing. Review those tags later before relying on them for library filtering. 5. Click **Convert**. ### 5. Viewing conversion results You can view your progress by clicking the bell icon in the top-right corner. ![fromexamfiles2.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_8710343c1966461f7ba1100ecdeb00364fbdb44069906836e255aadf199fa545/fromexamfiles2.png?cb=50a1b7aa13ffb012eac777faa6fdfafc) Once the conversion is complete, you will be redirected to the **Results** tab. The conversion results will display as one or more color coded tiles under Converted questions/test. Content that has passed the TAO Studio validation will be colored green. Yellow designates that the content may be usable but does not completely meet the standards. Failed conversions are typically a result of source files that could not sufficiently be reproduced into items or a test (for example, an overview of a course). **Result actions** Under the conversion results, you will see a menu of the available actions: * Select **Preview** to review generated content. This will open a split view dialog, with the source material on the left and generated questions or test on the left. Use the blue arrows to navigate through questions. ![fromexamfiles-preview.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_33919a338b7f34ee02e082054d2c47605cb9d03e554b761f059841670b7101cc/fromexamfiles-preview.png?cb=c05381bfb574417c3f229089ff9de4df) * **View in** [**library**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/the-library.md): If you select this option, the library filter will be automatically set to the current project. Open an output file and check Relationships \> Origin Document to confirm it still points at the conversion source. If you select View in library, the filter is for the specific execution of the project. If you repeat execution, it will generate different questions/tests. If you view a separate execution in the library, you will only see that execution's results. * **Repeat execution**: run conversion again with the same setup. When the output name matches, TAO Studio updates the existing library file (a new revision on the same item) instead of creating a duplicate row. Outputs with the same display name from a different source stay separate. * **Download** the questions or tests to your computer * **Delete** removes all results --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # User management In order to use the TAO Portal, you first need to define [users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User) and their roles in the system. The system then uses internal authorization processes to provide each user with access to the correct areas of the Portal in accordance with their assigned role. For more information on permissions associated with different roles, see [Global and Group roles](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/account-and-group-roles.md). User management can be accessed via the **Users** tile upon login, or via the side bar menu (Users). The image below shows the User management landing page: ![Global admin user management view](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_9f51bbfc0afa511d32a7f516ed7c52ba92a496dba31c088b01bc15c9c42ab300/user-management-new1.png?cb=175dbe9f0024f9300101ecb417676c1d) Global admin user management view An admin will see a table listing all TAO Portal users: * **Name**: The name assigned to a user. Names can be updated. * **Status**: The status of the user: Enabled, Disabled. A disabled user cannot log into TAO Portal. * **Username**: The login ID used by the user to identify themselves in TAO Portal. * **Email**: An email assigned to a user. Emails can be updated. * **Roles**: The list of the account roles assigned to a user when created/updated. It should be empty for test-takers since test-takers have only group roles. * [**Groups**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Group): The list of groups of which the user is a member of, regardless of his role in the group (it could be empty as a user can be not enrolled to any group). * [**Organizational unit**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit): The organizational unit a user is assigned to. [Organizational units](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/organization-management.md) (OUs) are used to classify users and groups in different segments of an organization within a hierarchy structure. The list can be ordered by **Name** , **User Name,** or **Email.** ## Using search in User management The search box on top-left of the table can be used to search users by **Login**, User Name (legal name), or tags. You can also opt to only include active users in the search. * The match occurs against every word typed in the field. For example, if you are looking for the user "Natalie Training", you could type either 'Natalie' or 'Training'. * If you type more than one word, the search will use each word individually and return records that match either one of the words or both. * The search will return all records of each typed word in both login terms and user names. * Search tries to fix typos and incomplete terms. * Search replaces most special characters with spaces, transforming the search term and the record's value into a multi-word string. This means that, for example, a search for the input 'natalie-test-taker-1' would be treated similarly to 'Natalie Test taker 1'. By default, the list of users only displays active users. To view all users (active and deactivated), select the filters icon next to the search box. Uncheck **Only active users**. Related links: * [Creating a new user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-users.md) * [Editing an existing user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/editing-existing-users.md) --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a delivery (TAO Core) Assembled [Deliveries](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) provide the means of publishing Tests. A delivery can only be assembled after test Items containing [Interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) have been created and the test has been assembled. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. To create a delivery, complete the following steps: ## 1. Click on **Deliveries** in the [Assessment Builder Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md). This will take you to the Deliveries page, and will show the last delivery that has been created. On the left-hand side of your screen you will see the [Delivery Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) of existing deliveries. The last delivery which was created will be highlighted in the library. In this tour, however, you will create a new delivery. ### 2. Click on **New delivery** in the button bank under the library. This brings up the "Create a New Delivery" dialog box, which asks for a test selection. From the pull-down menu, select the test that is to be sent to test-takers in this delivery. Once selected, click **Publish**. ![new-delivery.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_4bf1527f8db9c461d8e0238369b77bcf57975535450e991ae286c1e07a73e721/new-delivery.png?cb=b959b502516e179ce415d42933573faf) Creating a new delivery To create a new delivery in a different folder, select the desired folder in the library, and then click on the New delivery icon in the button bank. To create a new folder (in TAO these represent new classes), click on New class in the button bank, and then give it a label. Highlight where to put the new folder relating to the new class. If you open the delivery you have created, a properties panel will come up. You can use this panel to define the conditions in which the delivery should be delivered to test-takers. Set the delivery properties: **Label:** The default name of the delivery is 'Delivery of *Test Name*'. This can be changed as needed. **Title:** Give your delivery a title. **Maximum Executions:** If left empty, test-takers may take the delivered test an unlimited number of times. Setting this number to any non-zero integer will limit the test-takers to that number of attempts. ### TAO Core (3.x) only For more information on configuring the following parameters in TAO Advance, see [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md). * **Start Date** and **End Date:** These fields establish both the earliest date and time and the latest date and time the test can be taken. Clicking on either date field provides a graphical interface which allows you to set the date and time (using a calendar, and slider controls for hours and minutes). However, it is also possible to provide the date and time by typing them in manually in the following order: year, month, day, and 24-hour clock (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM) * **Display Order:** This allows you to specify the order in which the deliveries are presented. As a test-taker you are presented with a list of all the deliveries which are assigned to you. These are normally unordered unless you set *display order* to a numeric value. This numeric value defines the position of delivery in the *Available* list. * **Access:** If the *Guest Access* box is checked, people who are not registered as test-takers can view the delivery. This enables a test author or an administrator to preview the test without having to assign it to a [Test Center](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) to try it out. * **Test Runner Features:** Checking the *Security plugins* box ensures restricted access to the delivery by showing it in forced full-screen mode, and detects certain key presses, such as print screen for creating a screenshot. When combined with proctoring, the test will be halted upon detection of the relevant key presses, or of loss of focus (if the test-taker uses alt-tab or exits full screen mode). You can now deliver your test to test-takers using the delivery you have just set up. See the section on [Delivering Tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/delivering-tests.md) for information on the various options for how to deliver tests to test-takers. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a group (TAO Core) [Groups](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Group) are organized collections of Test-takers who take the same assessments throughout the duration of a course of study. Examples of a group include Laboratory Sections, Discussion Groups, or any cohort or subdivision of students assessed using the same examinations, test administrators, and grading criteria as others within their group. Since a group is made up of individual test-takers, it is necessary to enter the metadata for each test-taker prior to assigning test-takers to groups. **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. To create a group, complete the following steps: ## 1. Click on the Groups icon in the [Assessment Builder Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#AssessmentBuilderBar). This will take you to the Groups page, and will show the last group which you, or the user before you, created. On the left-hand side of your screen you will see the [Group Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#GroupLibrary) of existing groups. The last group which was created will be highlighted in the library. In this tour, however, you will create a new group. ![new-group.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_46b439a90c6bef5fb188867f3ced22f787dafee905bde481e879d81939107dec/new-group.png?cb=621065eec7df6cdaf7f5a9a54a4ad8ce) New group ### 2. Click on the **New Group** icon in the button bank under the library to create a new group. This brings up the "Editgroup" dialog box for the newly created group. If desired, rename the group through the Label field, and then click Save. To create a new group in a different folder, select the desired folder in the library, and then click on the New Group icon in the button bank. To create a new folder (in TAO these represent new classes), click on New class in the button bank, and then give it a label. Highlight where to put the new folder relating to the new class. (Do not confuse Class with Group -- 'Class' in this instance means a folder, while a 'Group' means a class, section, or any other cohort of students). ### 3. Populate the group. To the right of the Edit group canvas are two other canvases: *Select group test takers* on the left, and *Deliveries* on the right. To select test-takers for your group, check the boxes by the relevant names in the left canvas, and then click **Save** . If a delivery has already been assembled for this group, it will appear in the list of deliveries in the right canvas. It should be selected before clicking **Save**. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a new group Admins and Group Managers (group creators) can create new [groups](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit) from the **Groups**tile in the TAO Portal, via the side bar menu (Groups). ## 1. Select **CREATE GROUP** in the top-right of the Group management interface. The **Create Group**form displays: ![Creating a new group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_2571531d952147d867e134d8368390a9f3fd4756d4fe48a888a6ec1a6d375d81/create-group-new.png?cb=1b36c373cf1a9b66700ddf25e61188bc) Creating a new group ### 2. Populate the fields in the Group Settings tab. The **Group Settings** tab contains main information about the group you are creating. The mandatory information is marked by an asterisk \*: * **Name\***: The group name. * **Description**: The group description. * [**Organizational Unit**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#OrganizationalUnit)**\*** : The organizational unit a group is assigned to. The default OU is Root. For more information on organizational units, see [Managing organizational units](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/managing-organizational-units.md). While a [user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User) can only be assigned to a single OU at any given time, a user can be part of multiple groups (each belonging to a different OU). * **Active flag**: To create an enabled (active), disabled (inactive) group. By default Active is checked. Sessions linked to inactive groups are not accessible by the test-takers anymore. #### Tags You can add one or more tags to a group. Tags can be used when [searching for a specific group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/group-management.md). Tags can be used in datastore queries for filtering/aggregation * via API * via [Data Explorer](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md) ### 3. Select the **Users** tab to assign users to the group. ![assigning users to a group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_050fb7fdcb5063d9425313b2c75478d04deb123c5afda67b3a785318fb0b2412/create-group-add-users.png?cb=8170261fc9de88f6282442da0f7318bb) Add users to a group This is not a mandatory step. Users can be enrolled into groups when updating an existing group or via [User Management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/copy-of-user-management.md). ### 4. Click on **Add Users** to access the list of available users. ![list of available users to assign to a group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_2e92e584fbf59e6a392e6cbc417b7f3d9c511cdf807c47ee88611cad42d3dd62/groups-availableusers.png?cb=d880beae2c72ea51f12214d7d08353f7) Available users When adding users to a group, only the users belonging to the same organizational unit (OU) as the group - or to a parent OU - can be seen. Similarly, the current user who is adding users to the group can only see (and add) users belonging to their OU or below. If it is important that that your organization's information per unit is kept separate, the organizational hierarchy should be created before creating a user or group. However, this is not mandatory, as users/groups can be re-assigned at a later stage (if new OUs are created). For more information on organizational units, see [Organization management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/organization-management.md). To find specific [users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#User), use the top-left search box. Select one or more users using the check boxes available on each row. For a description of user information see[User Management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/copy-of-user-management.md). To assign a [group-related role](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#GroupRoles) for a user(s) within the group, select a role at the top right of the table. The options for group-related roles are the following: * Test-taker * Group Manager * Scorer * Score reviewer (see [Reviewing scores (read-behind scoring)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reviewing-scores-read-behind-scoring.md)) * Proctor * Booklet Publisher * Scan Uploader * Group Viewer For more information on role permissions, [Global and Group roles](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/account-and-group-roles.md). **IMPORTANT:** A user can be enrolled in multiple groups with a different role. For example a user could be enrolled as a Scorer in one group and as Group Manager in another one. However, this cannot be done in a single operation. To assign a user to a secondary role, open the **Add Group** interface and re-assign the user to the group with each role you want to assign to the user. If a user is assigned a test-taker role + any other role, they will be able to switch between the test taker view and the administrative view by selecting their avatar in the top-right of the Portal interface. For more information, see [Managing your TAO Portal account](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/customizing-an-account-in-the-tao-portal.md). Once users are added, they appear in the **Users**tab together with the corresponding role: ![List of created users and their corresponding role (in a group)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_0e54c614767881afff7f25f1f5ba188471680f47dd2ae9243ad11ea196ed961e/add-users-group.png?cb=9e8fe602162acb9f067841ccde59de76) List of created users and their corresponding role (in a group) You can remove all assigned users by using the **Remove from all** button, or click the X on the right side of a line to remove a specific enrollment. ### 4. When you are finished, select **CREATE GROUP** and confirm the creation of the group. Once a Group Creator creates a group, they are automatically assigned to that group as Group Manager. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a session Admins and Group Managers (group creators) can create new [sessions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) from the **Sessions**tile in the TAO Portal, or via the side bar menu (Sessions). ## 1. Select **CREATE SESSION** on the top-right of the table in the Sessions management window. The form for a new session displays: ![creating a new session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_285f5d4fb68907d0dd0796094273f5b07d32ac94084f37e2f64ee391ed56257b/session-form.png?cb=14b96881f3d29b3711d5b2ee47604844) ### 2. Populate the fields in the **Create session** form. The form on this page contains information about the session you are creating. All mandatory information is marked by an asterisk \*. #### Session configuration |-----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Session name\* (required)** | The session name must be unique across your TAO account. | | **Session description** | A description of the session. | | **Group** | The [group](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) to which the session will belong. All the [users](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) enrolled in the group will have access to the session according to their role. | | **Select a delivery or battery\* (required)** | Selecting one of these options is mandatory, and will display a drop-down menu where you can select an existing delivery or battery. * **Delivery** : The [delivery](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md) is the assessment (created in the Content Bank) that will be used for the session. Once a delivery is selected, a **PREVIEW**button becomes available to preview the selected delivery. * **Battery** : A battery is a collection of two or more deliveries to be presented either sequentially, or randomized for the test taker. Once a battery is selected, a **PREVIEW** button becomes available to preview the deliveries in the selected battery. For more information, see [Batteries management](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/batteries.md). | #### Session availability period |--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Timezone** | The timezone in which the session will take place. It is used to interpret any date/time configured for the session. | | **Open to test takers on** | The date (aka **Open date**) when the session becomes available to test takers in the assigned group. This it is not mandatory. If left blank, the session is available as soon as it has been created. | | **Closed to test takers on** | The date (aka **Close date**) when the session is no longer available to test takers in the assigned group. Any ongoing session will continue to run after this date until the test-taker submits, or until the auto submit is executed (if configured, see the option below). Selecting a close date is not mandatory even if a start date is defined. If left blank, the session is available without any time limit. | | **Auto submit any open sessions on** | Any started but not submitted session will be automatically submitted on this date. | | **Define daily schedule** | This option allows you to define when the session is available on a daily basis. See the section below for configuration details. | ##### Defining a daily schedule Select this option to define which days of the week, and hours within those days, the session is available. * **Working days** * **Every day**: The session is available every day of the week (at the designated times defined in Timelines) * **Select specific days**: The session is available for specific days of the week (at the designated times defined in Timelines) * **Working hours timelines** * In **Timeline 1**, configure the first time period (by the hour/minute) that the session will be open * Click **Add Timeline** to add additional hours The daily schedule can be used in combination with the open/close dates, or used to define the hours the session is active even if no open/close date is defined. ![daily-schedule-session.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_dee5e4f15e66aa9baf7b6793f684ab63fb9f092a3a2d899539b3947e269ad284/daily-schedule-session.png?cb=92c3ae9a51d51a2e2ec4306e19d62cab) #### Session configuration options ##### Scoring |-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Open to scorers on** | The date and time the scorers are permitted to view and score the assessment. This date can be set in the past. | | **Closed to scorers on** | The date the assessment is no longer available to score or rescore. | | **Score test takers anonymously** | This feature ensures that manual scoring users, such as scorers and reviewers, cannot identify test taker names, thereby reducing personal bias during the scoring process. Instead of names, users will see an anonymous identifier. | | **Read-behind scoring** | Read-behind scoring is a beta feature which allows manual scoring to be comprised of a two step process: scoring and score reviewing. For more information, see [Reviewing scores (read-behind scoring)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/reviewing-scores-read-behind-scoring.md). Read-behind scoring must be enabled as a beta feature in System Settings ([System Settings - TAO Grader](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/system-settings-grader.md)). | ###### Configuring read-behind scoring 1. Select **Enable read-behind scoring**. 2. Select the open and close date to determine when the review will occur (optional). 3. In the **Percentage of read-behind review box**, enter the numerical percent (such as 50 for 50%) of test responses that the reviewer will have access to. 4. (Optional) Select **Score test takers anonymously** to remove the visibility of the names/usernames of the scorer(s) and reviewers during the scoring/review process. ![enable-read-behind.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_5c9e6f7eb23f71ad30399d03c5a12241880225f0b6bdb1dbf7a3ec2744e92944/enable-read-behind.png?cb=c7f870ac8cc092b4e805f03b209fe303) ##### Paper-based sessions Enable this option for a paper-based session. For more information, see [Paper-based sessions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/paper-based-sessions.md). ##### Tags You can add one or more tags to a sessions. Tags can be used when [searching for a specific session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/sessions-management.md). Tags can be used in datastore queries for filtering/aggregation * * via API * via [++Data Explorer++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/data-explorer.md) A session will inherit the tags of its assigned group. ##### Session options |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Make session public** | only available to global admins and users with the public sessions manager role. For more information, see [Creating a public session (Public Session Managers)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-public-session.md). | | **Hide print button** | removes the option to print during the session. | ##### Session execution options |-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Session execution start date** | Use this field to enforce an exact start date / time for all test takers in a session. When this feature is enabled, a waiting page will display for everyone joining the session before the designated date / time. | | **Session execution end date** | When the session execution start date is configured, the option to add an end date becomes available. The configured execution end date is for visual purposes only (for the custom waiting page, see below) and does not affect the actual ability to start the session. To set an end date for the session, see the **Closed to test takers on** option. | | **Custom Session name on waiting page** | Add a name/title for the test taker waiting page (optional). | | **Spellcheck** | * Enable or disable spellcheck for written responses (see [Extended text interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/extended-text-interaction.md) ). | ##### Email notification options These options are only available if email notifications are enabled via **System Settings** \> **Beta Features** . For more information, see [System Settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/system-settings.md). Additionally, a user's account settings will override what is configured at the session level by the administrator. For more information, see [Managing your TAO Portal account](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/customizing-an-account-in-the-tao-portal.md). Email notifications for various session events can be configured for test takers enrolled as a session; examples of these notifications are session enrollment or scores becoming available. This functionality requires test takers to be assigned mandatory and unique emails. For more information on creating or editing a user, see [Creating a new user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-users.md) and [Editing an existing user](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/editing-existing-users.md). |---------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Notify test takers after the session is created** | Test takers will be notified when a session they are assigned to is created. The notification will provide details such as the session name, the session's start and end dates, and link to their tenant portal URL. | | **Notify test takers if the session is modified** | Test takers will be notified when a session they are assigned to is updated/edited. | | **Notify test takers when the session results are available** | * Test takers will be notified when a session they have completed is graded and they can view their results. * Notifications cannot be sent sooner than the global submission date for the session. * Notifications can be sent at a specified date (if defined): * This date cannot be sooner than the "Auto submit any open sessions on" date. * If an auto submission date is not defined for the session, notifications cannot be sent out sooner than the "Closed to test takers on" date. * If the closing date is not defined for the session, notifications cannot be sooner than the "Open to test takers on" date. * If the open date is not defined for the session, notifications can be sent at any date after the session is created. | | **Notify test takers after the session is deleted** | Test takers will be notified when a session they are assigned to is deleted/no longer available. | ##### Review options The Review Options control what will be visible/available to test takers (in Finished Sessions) once the session is submitted. |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Enable test takers to review finished sessions and their response** | enables the capability to review the test as it was submitted, showing all the answers provided by the test taker. **Important**: This option must be selected for the other review options to take effect. If this option is selected, you can then determine the start and end date of that review period. These dates remain editable even after session delivery/scoring/reviewing has started. | | **Automatically start the review right after finished session** | displays the test review to the test taker immediately upon submitting the test. The session will also appear in Finished Sessions once the test taker has exited out of the review. | | **Show correct answer** | shows test takers the correct answer on top of their own answers. | | **Show scores** | permits test takers to view the scores of their responses, and their overall score. | | **Show responses unshuffled (not applicable to test takers)** | If enabled, responses display in their original order (regardless of whether item shuffling is enabled via [Test settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-settings.md)) during test review sessions by session administrators. | ##### Report options **Enable test takers to access a session report**allows test takers to view a report of their performance. ##### Security options Security options control the behavior of the test at runtime, particularly in relation to authorization to start a session, and test takers restrictions during a session. **IMPORTANT:**The security options are intended to limit the possibility of cheating. Their use in synergy reduces but does not completely eliminate the possibility. |-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Secure Browser Required** | This option only applies if [lockdown browser](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/system-settings-secure-browser.md) has been enabled by an administrator. This setting requires test takers to download and run the secure browser to enter the session. * When enabled, the option to **Pause the test on breaches** becomes available. This option will pause the session if the lockdown browser malfunctions. The test taker will need to select **Exit Test** from the pop-up, close the browser, exit any blacklisted applications, and re-launch the browser. When enabling the lockdown browser on a session, the following settings cannot be used: * Require fullscreen * Prevent right-click menu and keyboard shortcuts * Prevent screenshot * Remote/external proctoring | | **Require a verification code to access the session** | Selecting this option requires test takers to enter a TAO-generated code to access the session; once this code is generated, select it to copy before providing it to test takers. To view what this looks like for test takers, see [Taking tests in the TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/taking-tests-in-the-tao-portal.md). ![passwordcode-session.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_274f623f41d6b7606daaa03a08f2cd9b897eae2af546e54864bbe34ec77b65e9/passwordcode-session.png?cb=e388c0db8cbb4a30c5b8a9976c68ef2a) | | **Require authorization to start** | requires the test taker to wait for the proctor to authorize the state of the session before starting their test (see [Monitoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/monitoring-a-live-session.md)). | | **Require fullscreen** | forces the test-taker to go into fullscreen mode and will prevent them from moving to any other tab or windows. If this happens, a warning page will be shown until the test-taker returns to fullscreen mode or back to the test page. If test-takers take any forbidden actions, then an event will be logged. * **Pause the test when test takers leave fullscreen or the test window (require proctor to resume)** displays only with **Require fullscreen** is selected. This option pauses a session after any forbidden activity. The test taker will then have to wait for further authorization from the proctor to restart the session (see [Monitoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/monitoring-a-live-session.md)). ![require-fullscreen-session.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_93300a8ea9d008ea63d79f6700c64c6231b06b77d81e9cfb7a224420e1b80a16/require-fullscreen-session.png?cb=1ea8afa8df14e79dd73670e61faeb49a) When the **Require fullscreen** feature is enabled, test takers may run into an issue that forces them to exit the fullscreen (closing an antivirus popup, for example), unintentionally ending and locking the assessment. A grace period can be configured so that in the event of such an interruption, the test taker is not automatically locked out when they do not launch fullscreen mode right away. To configure this grace period, please speak to your Account Manager. | | **Prevent right-click menu** | disables actions like copy/cut-paste, tab switching, open bookmarks, open developer mode, and many others. Any of these forbidden actions will be logged. Copy/cut/paste is still permitted within test takers' edited content (such as an essay they are writing in a text box or extended text box). | | **Prevent screenshot** | if enabled, will disable the capability to take screenshots. If a test taker attempts this forbidden action an event will be logged. **IP-based security controls**: For additional security options that are not displayed in the session form, see the section below the steps. | | **Show a watermark during the assessment** | Display a unique watermark for each test taker. The watermark helps discourage test content leakage by displaying an identifier for each test taker while preserving content readability and remaining excluded from text-to-speech. For more information, see [Session security options](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/session-security-options.md). | ##### Accessibility options The Accessibility options control which supplementary tools will be available to test takers during a session. For more information on how these tools appear to test takers, see [Using accommodation tools (TAO Advance)](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/using-accommodation-tools.md). The following accessibility tools are available: |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Zoom** | Allows test takers to zoom in to any area of the screen. | | **Contrast theme** | Helps test takers distinguish text and other elements of an interaction using color contrast. | | **Custom pointer** | Allows test takers to customize their pointer to suit their needs. | | **Text font and spacing** | Allows test takers to change the font and spacing of the text in an interaction. | | **Read aloud** | When enabled, this tool acts as a screen reader in the defined language of the current question.By default, this option is content based and will be available only during specific interactions. | Only tools that are selected from this list will display during the session. If selected, contrast theme, custom pointer, and text font and spacing display another option: **Always display tool options**. Selecting this box expands each tool (and the tool's options) by default for the duration of the session. If this box is not selected, the test taker will need to manually open the tool to use it. #### External proctoring For TAO environments where remote proctoring is enabled, it can now be enabled / disabled for a specific session. Select a remote proctoring configuration from the dropdown, or leave the default (no remote proctoring). For more information, see [Remote proctoring](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/remote-proctoring.md). Remote proctoring is not enabled by default. To configure remote proctoring for your environment, please speak to your Account Manager. ### 3. When you are finished, click on **CREATE SESSION** and confirm the creation of the session. ## Security options: IP-based session controls TAO Advance can be configured with the following optional security controls: * **Enforce a single active test session per test taker** so that only a single active connection is allowed for any given session / test-taker combination. As soon as another browser or tab is opened for the same test-taker and the same session, any other opened connection will be closed and the latest one is kept active. This functionality is disabled by default. To configure these behaviors for your environment, please speak to your Account Manager. * **Pause an ongoing session when a change in public IP is detected** , requiring proctor intervention to resume. This can prevent various ways of cheating, for instance, by asking a 2nd individual to continue a test on behalf of the initial test-taker. For more information on activating this security measure for your organization, see [System Settings - TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/system-settings-portal.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a paper-based session This article describes how to create [++paper based sessions++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/paper-based-sessions.md). ## 1. As an admin, enter the Sessions module of the Portal. Follow the process of [creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md). ### 2. Under **Paper-based options** , select **Paper-based session** . ![paper-session-creation.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_d2df23d807bf115d49d332e12a98ee0de797cb191dd1dd78146fdc85b0e9e282/paper-session-creation.png?cb=aed90438440bb32788fab907a9215202) Populate the following fields: * **Booklet filename (mandatory)**: PDF booklet filename. Enter the text (i.e, Grade 9 English) * **Sheets per interaction (mandatory)**: Number of response sheets per item. Add a numerical value (must be at least 1). * **Scan upload start date**: This field determines when Scan Uploader users can begin uploading completed responses. * **Scan upload end date**: This field determines when Scan Uploader users can no longer upload completed responses. Complete any other session configuration options. These will apply to what the test taker sees in the online portion of their test. Click **Create Session**. #### 3. Enter the Paper sessions module of the Portal. You will see the newly created paper session listed. From this view you can [enter the session or generate a booklet](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/delivering-paper-based-sessions.md). ## CSV import For more information, see [Importing a paper-based session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/importing-a-paper-based-session.md). ### **Important requirements** Before scans can be uploaded: * Test-taker sessions must exist and enrolled to the session * The test must be launched at least once --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a public session (Public Session Managers) Creating a public session provides test takers, including non-authenticated users, with a way to familiarize themselves with TAO tests. Public sessions do not produce exportable results, but admins can view how many anonymous users took the test via the [monitor live](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/monitoring-a-live-session.md) feature. Only users assigned to the global Public Session Manager role have access to this feature. Public Session Managers can only create or update public sessions (though users can be assigned more than one global role). There are fewer configuration options for a public session, so a Public Session Manager will only see the options described in this topic (reviewing and reporting options are removed). If a user has more than one [global role](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/account-and-group-roles.md), they will see the interface described in [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md) with the option to make a session public. To create a public session as a Public Session Manager, complete the following steps: ## 1. Log in as a Public Session Manager. ### 2. Select **CREATE SESSION** on the top-right of the table in the Sessions management window. The form for a new session displays. ### 2. Populate the fields in the **Create session** form. 1. To make the session public, navigate to the Session options section of the form. 2. Select**Make session public**. This option is only available for public session managers or admins. If you are logged in as a public session manager (with no other assigned global role), this box is selected by default. 3. Complete the remainder of the form. Most of the fields described in [Creating a session](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-a-new-session.md) are available for public sessions. * The following fields are not available for public sessions: * Automatic submission (**Auto submit any open sessions on**) * Group * All scoring features * All email notification options * **Enable test takers to review finished sessions and their response** (this option enables the capability to review the test as it was submitted once a test taker logs in) ### 3. When you are finished, click on **CREATE SESSION** . When the form is submitted, a confirmation dialog box will appear to confirm that the session is public and any test-taker will be able to access it. Select **Yes** to confirm the creation of the public session. For information on how test takers interact with public sessions, [Taking public tests in TAO Portal](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/taking-public-tests-in-tao-portal.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a saved filter for library search This article describes how to manage saved search filters. Saved filters are managed in **Studio Settings \> Content organization \> Saved filters**. They are useful for repeated views, such as a subject review queue, a source-specific collection, or a quality-control list. 1. Open **Studio Settings** from the side navigation. 2. Go to **Saved filters** under **Content organization**. 3. Select **New filter**. ![savedfilters1.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_d0f30efd44f67ad995b7be3d00cd478aa0979a1fb6f9207000930565f32e8919/savedfilters1.png?cb=4311465775126b70f04f90c10626cdf8) 4. Enter a clear name, such as **View: Jane Eyre Discussion Questions**. Use names that describe the practical use of the view, not only the tag values. 5. Choose whether the filter is private or can be shared with others in your organization. 6. Save the filter. 7. Edit the saved filter later to assign the categories and tags that should define the view. ![savedfilters2.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_5a756ddcb20d687c59dc2b625d823a7196cb8794ff935c233be16906d533aed8/savedfilters2.png?cb=72f4f4245ea5c1e80e95c166fddbd362) 8. You can add multiple categories to the same filter: ![savedfilters4.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_92a966a5b36980de69fcbaa6973d90df0c4df92b5259c3d24de7e10127962d25/savedfilters4.png?cb=5a25cf852ed0e96757f82f291b23597d) 9. Click **Save changes** . To learn how to use these filters, see [Searching for content](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/searching-for-content.md). --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a scoring project **Important** : The features described in this section are **deprecated**. A Scoring Project provides a way of configuring what is going to be scored and who by, and of monitoring the scoring process. It can contain more than one delivery; it often matches an assessment 'campaign'. To create a new Scoring Project, go to the *Scoring Projects* page and follow the steps below. ## 1. Create a Scoring Project. To do this, click on the button on the right, labeled 'Create a new scoring project', as shown in the image. ![scoringproject1.webp](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_511cc563e9cf00b6b482a6485ec3399ad5e5805959b66fc83a18e6e65a7247f7/scoringproject1.webp?cb=bdf4989d45a6430c04b9aba605fe941d) ### 2. On the screen which appears, enter the following information, as in the image below: * a project name * the start date and end dates * an *Assignment*strategy * a *Scoring*strategy. ![scoringproject2.webp](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_d29179852d5b333309d96cd97587c8810bee924c966023f7863ae1bd77c2d5cd/scoringproject2.webp?cb=e715f413a653a75fe1e642b9ea3318c6) The start and end dates are optional. A ***start date*** can be set for a scoring project which is in the future. An upcoming scoring project will be visible to the scorers and reviewers who've been assigned to it, but if the start date is still in the future, they won't be able to open it until it becomes current. Having a start date in the future can help both project managers with project assignment, and scorers with planning the time they spend on scoring projects. Once the ***end date*** of a scoring project has passed, it is no longer possible to score the responses in it: scorers and reviewers will not be able to load (or refresh) that project page. If a scorer or reviewer is in the middle of scoring a test item when the project expires, a message will be displayed telling them that the project is now inactive. If they click on the *Okay*button next to the message, they will be taken back to the projects list. In this way the scoring project manager is able to enforce the strict observance of scoring project deadlines. The ***Assignment Strategy*** concerns how scorers (and reviewers) are selected for the project. There are two possible options: by *Test-taker group or by Item group* . Selecting scorers by *Test-taker group* means that the scorers chosen will mark the responses of all of the test-takers in that particular group (regardless of subject categories). In other words, using *Test-taker group* means that a teacher can be assigned as the scorer for a whole classroom. *GroupId* information is sent to the manual scoring system along with the test-taker's response. Currently, *Test-taker group* is only possible when launching tests with LTI: the *GroupId* needs to be set as the *ContextId* in the test-taker LTI launch. Selecting scorers by *Item group*, on the other hand, means that scorers are chosen on the basis of the subject category of that test item (for example Math or English). The ***Scoring Strategy*** refers to how often test responses are marked. There are two possible options: *Single* , where a test item is scored by a single scorer, and *Read behind*. With the latter option, a certain percentage of the scored items are reviewed. When this is selected as a scoring strategy, a window appears entitled 'Read behind sampling ratio.' In the drop-down menu you can select the percentage of the responses that should be reviewed. ### 3. When you have entered the information required, click on the button *CREATE NEW SCORING PROJECT* at the bottom of the screen. Only do this when you have entered all the information required. The new project will appear on the *Scoring Projects* page (which lists all current scoring projects). Two tasks remain before the scoring process can begin. Firstly, the TAO delivery (or deliveries) which you wish to be scored in this scoring project needs to be linked to it, and secondly, users (scorers) need to be enrolled (or assigned) to carry out the scoring tasks. See the chapters [*Linking deliveries to projects*](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/linking-deliveries-to-scoring-projects.md) and [*Assigning scorers to projects*](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-scorers-to-scoring-projects.md) for more information on how to do this. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a test TAO defines a [Test](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Test(orAssessment)) as a collection of [Items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item) designed to assess the academic progress of a Test-taker. This approach allows for the rapid assembly of tests administered across computer networks. The image shows an example of a constructed test. If there are enough items in a test, it can be divided into separate test-parts and sections (as described in the steps below). ![image-20240408-163814.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_cfe5f0c7d60aa8c7547725476041e73763a790fcccd6ae1b4aa2cda33d22e4b1/image-20240408-163814.png?cb=a830cd832d09a23208285f688cd259f0) Now, let's walk through the steps of creating a test. ## 1. Click on the Tests icon in the [Assessment Builder Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#AssessmentBuilderBar). This will take you to the Tests page, and will show the last test which you, or the user before you, created. On the left-hand side of your screen you will see the [Test Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#TestLibrary) of existing tests. The last test which was created will be highlighted in the library. In this tour, however, you will create a new test. ### 2. Click on the **New test** icon in the button bank under the library. This will create a new test in the highlighted folder. To create a new test in a different folder, select the desired folder in the library, and then click on the New test icon in the button bank. To create a new folder (in TAO these represent new classes), click on New class in the button bank, and then give it a label. Highlight where to put the new folder relating to the new class. ![Creating a new test](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_527fd6fa4f34327f743dfd0caf0ce31d5c5a76f0901dd32f578930ff5a5baf8d/create-new-test-updated.png?cb=f41ec4d984d0cddb2e705ff2c9f16311) Creating a new test #### 3. Label and save your test. Once you have created a new test, this will bring up a new dialog box which gives you the option of naming, or labeling your Test. After labeling your test, click on **Save**. This produces an empty test, which you can now populate with items. It is always a good idea to save test assembly work every ten minutes or so, to prevent losing your work. #### 4. Click **Authoring** in the [Action Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ActionBar) to insert items into your test. This will take you to the empty test you have created. You can now start to populate the [Canvas](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Canvas) in the middle (the test assembly) with items. Tests can be divided into a hierarchy: [Test parts](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Test-Part), and [Sections](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Section), and subsections. A Test part is the first tier division of a test, while a section is the second tier division. Test divisions, however, are optional, and they are added in reverse order. For instance, if a test has no divisions, all items will simply be added to Part 1 Section 1. If only one level of division is needed, adding sections will allow a test to be divided into two. If both levels are required, you need to add new test parts. To add new sections, click on the blue **New section** button below the existing sections in the test. To add new test parts, click on the blue **New test part** button below the existing test parts. At the start of any section, a [Rubric Block](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/providing-test-level-instant-feedback.md), or explanatory text, can be entered prior to the insertion of items. To do this, click on the icon with the letter "A" on it, and then click on the blue **New Rubric Block** button that appears. Add your text in the space provided. #### 5. Search for items for your test. The [Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Library) on the left shows the items which can be used in your test. ![Searching for items in test assembly](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_8f2962476d542847a1821af6742c631e761a12b0cfc1e176b0da427a5ed1ec76/search-for-items-test-assembly.jpeg?cb=e264f4e846717f3dc4a865dba1952cfc) Searching for items in test assembly There are two ways of searching for items in test assembly: ##### Basic search: browse by keyword or Item library Click on **Item** in the drop-down menu above the library. The available item classes, or folders, will be shown in the library below. Click on the folder you wish to open, and the items in it will appear in the library. By selecting one of the two icons to the right of the Item drop-down menu you can choose to view the available items either as a list or in a tree. Type a keyword (for example, an item's Label) into the search box. ##### Advanced search: Metadata properties Click on the **plus** sign to the right of the **Search** box to carry out an advanced search (by metadata properties). The **Search by properties** dialog will appear. Clicking on **Choose a value** in the **State** box will open a drop-down menu, which enables you to filter the available items according to their status. Items which have passed through the review process and have been approved are marked **final**, and it is recommended that you use only these items in your test. ###### Available (default) Filters | **Field** | **Purpose** | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | Label | Search by custom labels or tags applied to the item. | Clicking on **Apply** will take you to that item. Click **Reset** to clear your selection. #### 6. From the library, select the item you wish to add, and then click on the blue button that reads **Add selected item(s) here** . ##### Item options ![item-options-test-assemble.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_683e94c427f030d37ba83eadc3a740b32b59c7b3bc4d99718739783768e75248/item-options-test-assemble.png?cb=4c94e3a57cccdd7609ef5452571c834a) * Select the eye icon to preview an item. * Select the list icon to go to the item's location in the item library (in a separate tab). * Select the pencil icon to go to the item's authoring canvas (in a separate tab). * It is easiest to add items in the order in which they are to appear in the delivered test. If an item is added out of order, however, this can be corrected by clicking the upward or downward arrow buttons which appear after the properties icon on the right of the item. * Delete unwanted items by clicking on the trash can icon. #### 7. See the chapter on [Test Settings](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/test-settings.md) for information on adjusting assessment settings such as the time/attempts to be allowed. #### 8. See also [Configuring a test](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-tests.md) for details of other configuration possibilities. #### 9. Finally, the scoring method must be defined for the test. Possible scoring methods are described in [Scoring Tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/scoring-tests.md). ## What you can do with your test Existing tests can be moved, copied and duplicated. See the section [Moving, copying and duplicating tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/moving-copying-and-duplicating-tests.md) for information on how to do this. Once a test has been created, it can be published directly from the Tests page, rather than going to the Deliveries page to assemble it. See the section [Publishing Tests](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/publishing-a-test.md) for information on how to do this. ## Finding an existing test You can use the *Search Test* button on the right of the Action Bar to look for already existing tests. A list of tests with that name will appear. Click on *Open* if you want to open one of them. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a test item [Items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Item) are formed of questions and other types of [Interaction](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Interaction), allowing the Test-taker to interact with them. These items comprise parts of the Tests which are used to assess Test-taker performance. Items are created and populated with interactions, and can be combined with supporting materials such as titles, texts, images and other media, which help the [Test-taker](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Test-taker(orCandidate)) understand the expectations and context of the assessment material presented within. Now, let's walk through the steps of creating an item. ## 1. Click on the Items icon in the Assessment Builder Bar. This will take you to the Items page. The [Library](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#Library) on the left-hand side will show existing items. The last item to be edited (either by you or a previous user) will be highlighted in the library. In these instructions, however, you will create a new item. ### 2. Select a folder. Click on the **New item** icon in the button bank under the library. This will create a new item in the selected folder. To create a new item in a different folder, click on that folder in the library, and then select the New item icon in the button bank. To create a new folder (in TAO these represent classes), click on the New class icon in the button bank. Select a location within the library, and the new folder (class) will be created there. ![creating a new item](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_9f58d1efdd1ceba0ee6ff597099f5cf8fa12c90d59f9ae092ea0da586548b13b/create-item-updated.png?cb=29b7796a9941251db5e50ee8dc3df89c) Creating a new item The 'Access control' button (in the button bank under the library on the left) is only available if the extension `taoDacSimple` is installed. ### 3. Label and save your item. Creating a new item will bring up the **Edit Item** dialog box with the option to name (or label) your item. After labeling your item, click **Save**. This produces an empty item, which you can now populate with interactions. The following option is also available: * **Submit an item for review** : For more information, see [Item status](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/item-status.md). ### 4. Click on **Authoring** in the Action Bar. This will take you to the empty item you have created. In Item Properties, edit the internal **identifier** or **Title** of the item. You can now start to fill this with content such as interactions, as well as any other resources that are needed. Interactions provide the question (or task) you wish to set for the candidates. They allow the test-taker to interact with the item. You may also add other content, in the form of images and other media, and texts, to your item, in order to provide further contextual information if needed. See the sections [Adding interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-interactions.md) (including [Configuring interactions](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-interactions.md)) and [Adding other content](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/adding-other-content.md)for information on what you can put in your item, and how to do it. To view how common interactions display and operate for the test taker in TAO Advance, see [Standard interactions for test takers](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/standard-interactions-for-test-takers.md). ### 5. Preview your Item. Once you have added the content you wish to the new item, you can preview it to see how it will appear to the test-taker, and what it looks like on various screen sizes. To preview your interaction or item, click on the **Preview** button in the [Action Bar](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ActionBar). A pop-up window will appear. ### 6. Test-run your Item. At this stage, it is also a good test-run the item if it is to be scored automatically. Before you do so, however, you may need to configure the [scoring method](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/modifying-the-scoring-method.md) you wish to be used. Once the scoring method is configured, click the blue **Save** button in the pop-up window (the window will appear whether the interaction has been saved already or not, just to ensure that the latest version of the Interaction is not lost during testing). Answer the question correctly or incorrectly to see if the interaction(s) in your item performs as expected. Clicking **Submit** will bring up a black screen below the demonstrated interaction which shows the score for the answer you have given. If the scoring method configured awards partial credit, it is a good idea to try out not only answers which are either completely correct or completely incorrect, but also to test the various ways in which partial credit may be awarded. Once testing is completed, click the **Close** button at the top of the page. This will take you back to the point where further changes to the interaction may be made (click on the item to return to **Authoring**), or where the Interaction can be dismissed until the test is assembled. ### 7. Select the settings for your item. There are two settings to configure for your new item. This is done in the [Item Properties](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#ItemProperties) to the right of the canvas. **Language:**Select the language of the item, using the drop-down menu. This will be used for the text-to-speech functionality. The default language is English. **Time dependent:** Check the [Time dependent](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/glossary.md#TimeDependentItem) box if you wish the length of time a test-taker takes to complete the item to be recorded. This information will be used when the response is processed. Existing items can be moved, copied, or duplicated. See the chapter [Moving, copying or duplicating items](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/moving-copying-and-duplicating-items.md) for more information on this. --- version: "2026-10 rc2" variant: "public" language: "en" --- # Creating a test project TAO Studio's new test assembly functionality is currently under development and offers a limited set of configuration options. However, it can be used to create and assemble simple tests. ## Prerequisite You have questions in your library by having completed one of the following workflows: * [Conversion from exam files](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/conversion-from-exam-files.md) * [Generation from study materials](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/generation-from-study-materials.md) * [Creating an item from scratch](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/creating-an-item-from-scratch.md) ## Steps ### 1. Create an assembly project 1. Open the dashboard. 2. Select the **From existing questions and tests** card or **Create questions and tests** \> **From existing questions and tests** in the left sidebar. 4. Click **Start Building.**You can also view recent projects from this view. ### 2. Name and tag the project 1. Add a test name. **Tip**: Use names that include the subject, exam type, and year. Clear project names make repeated conversions and results easier to find. 2. For users or organizations that have set up [++categories++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md) as a way of tagging documents and output files, enter the correct values for each mandatory category. ![create-assembly-project.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_28c8b3f768c96c111a60e4da8d94b583e3f2953e4c23c75dfddca5a48fbd1150/create-assembly-project.png?cb=fcac250b2e4c88c3b0041c25c08b93da) 3. **Optional**: Under the Advanced configuration dropdown, set which metadata categories apply to the project's output file(s): 1. Select **Manage Categories** for Test. 2. The list displays which Categories are already assigned to the Tests output type. Select a category to make it mandatory. 3. Click **Delete** to remove the category from the list (does not delete the category from the system). 4. Add an existing category from [++Studio Settings++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/configuring-categories-and-tags.md) to the list, or create a new category (this will be added to the list in Studio Settings and will be available for other projects). 5. The system will default to using whichever categories are assigned by [++Studio Settings++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-categories-for-different-types-of-content.md). Click **Reset** to return to the defaults. 6. Click **Apply**. 4. Click **Create Project**. You will be redirected to the project setup page. ### 3. Test assembly - adding questions from the library Steps in the setup process are designated by light blue boxes. 1. In Step 1, click **Select from library**. This will open a dialog where you can select approved questions from the library. 1. You can search by name, or filter by tag/category. 2. Click **Add filter** to select a Category. You can add multiple categories to narrow down the search. 3. Use the **Filter by tag** option to type a specific category value (metadata/tags). Once applied, the search will automatically apply the Category the tag belongs to as a filter. For example, type "gra" to see all the grade values that belong to the Grade Level category. Once You select a grade value, the search is filtered by Grade Level → Grade. 4. For more information on filters and library search, see [Searching for content](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/searching-for-content.md). ![test-assembly-library-filter.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_634601f3d6aad03e4331691894f24c66f633dcd2f2a225eea12d6279dc07509a/test-assembly-library-filter.png?cb=bdaea0a30e45acab4d0ba156f92b1d33) 2. Once the questions are selected, you can preview them by clicking the eye icon, or remove them by clicking the trash icon. ![test-assembly1.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_df82d84b2b109fa5454709d637cbc4fda24ef973c548b67c2235701737bc789f/test-assembly1.png?cb=bb9e59b1cdd975428b30e48dfcdd62f7) 3. Once you have approved all of the questions, select them in the list, then proceed to Step 2. ### 4. Test assembly - defining the structure Build sections by clicking add sections, and select the pencil icon to name a section. A section can represent a subject area, skill domain, test part, or delivery group. Typical structure: 1. **Project**: the assembly workspace. 2. **Sections**: the main groups inside the test. 3. **Questions**: the library items assigned to each section. Use section names that reflect the assessment blueprint, such as **Algebra** , **Reading Passage 1** , or **Non-calculator Section**. ### 5. Test assembly - add questions to sections For each section, choose question sources: 1. **From your question set** : Use **From your question set** when the section should use specific questions already selected in the project. This is best for fixed tests where every learner should see the same items. Within this mode, you can: 1. Choose the questions assigned to the section. 2. Review the selected question order. 3. Move questions up or down. 4. Remove questions that do not belong. ![test-assembly2.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_05d917ca99084919ace80fe753ffcc525e640e1ac221c26018ab99230b44d5b8/test-assembly2.png?cb=0823135b7bc8fe8710f1e38f56a5ebe1) 2. **Randomly from the library** : Use **Randomly from the library** when the section should draw questions from a filtered library pool. This is useful when the test blueprint says something like "choose five Algebra questions from the approved bank." When using the library source: * * Apply taxonomy filters so the pool matches the tags you need. * Enter the number of questions to include. * Check the available file count before executing. ![testassembly3.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_984fad1583ca23a844d3feedd301aac6252578e77c1a2ba1a2f90b2a57705ff2/testassembly3.png?cb=a0c621953a23b80d5ba6f5c229d07b2d) ### 6. Test assembly - randomization Randomization helps produce different candidate experiences while preserving the section blueprint. You can configure a section to select question randomly from the library (see step 4), or you can randomize a question set that you have selected: 1. Select a section. 2. Use the **From your question set** source. 3. Enable **Pick randomly from this question set** when available. 4. Enter how many questions the section should use. 5. Check the maximum available count so the section does not request more questions than the project contains. Do not randomize when questions rely on a fixed order, such as a passage followed by dependent sub-questions or instructions that must always appear first. ### 7. Test assembly - delivery options When the structure is ready, add output details and create the assembled test. 1. Add required metadata in **Add details** . Metadata comes from the taxonomy configured for the output document type (either in [++Studio Settings++](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/assigning-categories-for-different-types-of-content.md), or from the **Advanced configuration** in project setup). Use **AI-assisted tagging** only when you want TAO Studio to suggest metadata during processing. Review those tags later before relying on them for library filtering. 2. Select **Create test assembly**. ### 7. Viewing assembly results Once the content is complete, you will be redirected to the **Results** tab. Under Assembled test, you can view the test as a .zip file. Tests that have passed the TAO Studio validation will be colored green. Yellow designates that the test may be usable but does not completely meet the standards. Under the assembled test results, you will see a menu of the available actions: * Select **Preview** to review generated content. This will open a split view dialog, with the source material on the left and generated test as it will appear to test takers on the left. Use the number line/blue arrows to navigate through the test. ![test-preview.png](https://userguide.taotesting.com/__attachments/a_85e5e7cde8e1a5f8376a37cc1b6f066cdf20527c0571b84ecd4c8114206975f0/test-preview.png?cb=6767260390aadb0bb9119cada15b1816) * **View in** [**Library**](https://userguide.taotesting.com/user-documentation/latest/public/the-library.md). After assembly, open a source question and check **Relationships \> Project Usage** to see which assembly projects use it. * **Repeat execution**: runs the build again with the same setup. When the output name matches, TAO Studio updates the existing library file (a new revision on the same item) instead of creating a duplicate row. Outputs with the same display name from a different source stay separate. * **Download**: Download the final package with a recognizable versioned filename, and keep the result card available while the test is still under review. * **Delete** the execution result [Next Page](https://userguide.taotesting.com/llms-full.txt/1)