This example defines both deadline and frequency settings to include the frequency option, except when the test has already been passed to illustrate how both settings influence eligibility.

Test Settings:

• Activation dates: Nov. 01, 2009 thru Dec. 31, 2010.

• Retakes: 2 (first take and two retakes), Only when Test is not passed (checked).

Eligibility Settings:

• Deadline: 30 days after the enrollment date (Dec. 01, 2009).

• Frequency: 3 months after eligibility date
  (except when test has already been passed [checked])

1. Enroll one or more test takers, specifying an eligibility date of Nov. 01, 2009.
   
   Note: The activation (FROM) date described above, may have applied to a previous set of test takers whose eligibility dates fell on, or after, Nov. 01, 2009.

2. Deadline settings: activate (check) and set deadline of 30 days after eligibility.

Under this set of conditions (Test and Eligibility), the test taker can take this test any time beginning Nov. 1, 2009 and up to 29 days thereafter.

Based on the Retakes test settings (up to three attempts if the test is not passed), and assuming the test taker failed the first attempt, the test taker can retake the test a second time (immediately after the first attempt or later). If the second attempt is failed, the test taker is eligible to take it a third time providing the retake attempt occurs within the 30-day deadline.

Here are some possible scenarios based on the Example 2 test settings. The test taker:

• Passes on the first attempt. This test taker is not eligible to take this test again based on the frequency setting, Except when test has already been passed is checked.

• Fails on the first attempt. The test taker takes the test immediately after the first attempt or, in a proctored setting, given a specific date and time to retest. The test taker takes the test a second time and passes it. This test taker is not eligible to take this test again based on the frequency setting, Except when test has already been passed is checked.

• Fails the second attempt and retakes it a third time. Regardless of whether the test is passed, the test taker is not allowed to take it again based on the retake settings.
  
  If the test is passed on the third attempt, the test taker is not eligible to take this test again based on the frequency setting, Except when test has already been passed is checked.
  
  If the test is not passed on the third attempt, and based on the frequency settings, the test taker is eligible to re-test after their third attempt, providing:

• The test has not be de-activated or expired.

• There are, at a minimum, three-plus months left before the test expiration (TO) date. This three-month period is calculated from their last test-taking attempt, in this case, number three.

If the test taker fails the first attempt, but never attempts a retake before the deadline expires, the frequency is calculated based on the completion date of the only attempt, regardless of where within that 30-day deadline period the test event occurred.

Best Practices

Between the various test property behaviors and eligibility options, you get a broad and, at times, bewildering, range of choices. As demonstrated through these examples, test activation, staggered enrollment, retake and prerequisite settings may influence eligibility.

Before activating and publishing a test combining these various settings, test administrators/authors should evaluate the test. Consider allowing other test administrator and/or training staff to evaluate the test before making it available to the test-taking audience.

For this purpose, we suggest creating a Master course and authoring your draft test under this course. Create one or more peer evaluation user profiles and enroll one or more of these users in your Master course. Then, whenever you need or want their feedback, have them log in to the Tester and take the test. Consider enabling the Allow User Feedback option so your evaluators can provide written feedback as they take the test.