What are the minimum specifications my computer needs to run ACAT Online or ACAT-N?

• Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11

• Display resolution 1024 x 768 or higher.  Multiple monitors are not supported.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11, and .NET are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

I thought ACAT Online was a web-based test. Why am I being asked if I want to install a program on my computer?

• ACAT Online and ACAT-N are administered by software downloaded from our website, installed and run on the local computer.

Is my web browser supported by ACAT Online and ACAT-N?

• The latest version of ACAT Online can be started using Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome.

I clicked the ACAT Online button but the program didn't start.

• Clicking on the button downloads an executable (.exe) file to your Downloads folder. If you do not see an option to open the file in your browser, go to the Downloads folder and click on ACATonline_x_x_xxx.exe (the x_x_xxx will be a series of numbers). The program will start. Once started, if the program ends for any reason, it will remove itself from your computer. If you need to start it again, you will have to return to the web page to download it.

I got a warning about running the program on my computer. Should I allow it to run anyway?

• The program is digitally signed by PACAT Inc. and tested to make sure it does not contain viruses or malware.

I have downloaded the program but cannot start the test on my Mac.

• The software that administers the test requires a computer with the Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11 operating system. It is not compatible with the Mac or Android operating systems.

I get a message saying "Your computer screen resolution does not meet the 1024 x 768 minimum required to run this program." but my computer says my screen resolution does meet the requirement.

• This is a problem that can occur in the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems if the display scale is set to a value greater than 100%. To verify and correct the problem, use the following steps.

  • Right mouse click on the screen.

  • Select "Display Settings."

  • Under Scale and Layout, select 125% as the scale.

  • If this does not resolve the problem, repeat the process and select 100%.

I clicked the ACAT Online button and got an error message saying my connection with the server was prematurely terminated. All my other connections appear to be fine.

• This error most commonly happens when a firewall is blocking the application from downloading and running. Because of the variety of security products available, we are unable to provide specific advice for fixing this problem.

I'm not sure what to use for my authentication code.

• Your authentication code will be provided to you by your institution of higher education. Authentication codes consist of a series of 20 letters and numbers. XXXXX XXXXX XX XXX XXXXX
  

• If you do not have an authentication code, you must contact your institution. PACAT provides the codes to the institution but does not assign them to individual students.

I entered my authentication code and the program started. When it ran the system checks, I got the following message. <The authentication code you entered has either expired or been used previously. You should notify your proctor or testing supervisor immediately. The program will exit when you click OK.>

• Under certain circumstances, this error message will appear when the code has been entered incorrectly but has passed the initial verification allowing the program to start. Restart the program and re-enter the authentication code. Make sure you do not confuse the letters L and I. The number 1 is not used in authentication codes and the program automatically changes it to the letter L.

• If the code fails a second time and you are taking the test in a proctored setting (ACAT Online), notify the proctor immediately.

• If the code fails a second time and you are taking the test in a unproctored setting (ACAT-N), notify the instructor as soon as possible.

I was taking the test and my computer shut down. Now it won't let me finish the test.

• If your test is interrupted for any reason and you are unable to resume, you must notify PACAT Technical Support immediately using the Live Chat available at the bottom of the testme screen. If you are taking the test with a proctor present, ask the proctor to contact us as quickly as possible. We reserve the right to refuse to restart a test if we believe the time between failure and a request to restart is excessive.