PearsonAccessnext is the online test management system Massachusetts uses to administer MCAS:
- User accounts
- Student registration
- Test sessions
The PearsonAccessnext Online User Guide is generic to all states and programs that use PearsonAccessnext , and addresses all functionality in PearsonAccessnext. This MCAS Reference page outlines MCAS tasks and functions in PearsonAccessnext . MCAS has also created quick guides that address specific tasks, like managing users in PearsonAccessnext and loading a Student Registration Import. To find quick start guides, go to the MCAS support center, and click the PearsonAccessnext and Technology Setup tabs.
As additional functionality develops, use the Link to this Page...(Tiny Link) to monitor MCAS updates.
Use these links to jump to specific sections on this page:
Accessing PearsonAccess Next
- To access PearsonAccessnext go to http://mcas.pearsonaccessnext.com and select Sign in to PearsonAccessnext .
- For the training site go to trng-mcas.pearsonaccessnext.com.
To learn how to Sign In, see System Basics.
Using PearsonAccess Next
Tasks listed on this page are in chronological order (may vary slightly). The timing of some tasks may overlap.
Some features are only available to some user accounts. Each user account has a user role(s) and permissions associated with it. These permissions control the data the user can view and actions the user can perform. If you do not see a specific feature, your account is not configured to access it.
To view User Role Matrix for PearsonAccessnext select User Information drop-down, at mcas.pearsonsupport.com/pearsonaccessnext.
Getting Started
- Confirm that the computers you will use to monitor and manage testing meet the stated System Requirements for PearsonAccessnext .
- Learn the System Basics.
- Learn how to Import and Export Data.
Set Up Technology Configurations
To prepare TestNav configurations in PearsonAccessnext for online testing, view the following online user guide pages:
- Configure Response File Backup Locations.
- Understand Proctor Caching.
- Create a configuration, as described in Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommends using precaching by test to ensure all content is cached before the test starts.
Set Up User Accounts
To setup users, view the following online user guide pages:
Prepare for Testing
There are a variety of tasks related to preparing for testing. Some of these tasks are view-only for MCAS.
To prepare for testing, view the following online user guide pages:
- Create and Edit Student Records.
- Manage Student Tests.
Manage Enrollment Counts: All schools must review and verify enrollment counts.
- Create an Online Test Session.
- Add Students to Online Test Sessions.
- Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching.
Manage Testing
Perform these tasks while testing is in progress:
- Manage an Online Test Session.
- Retrieve Resources for an Online Test
- Move Students Between Online Test Sessions.
- Monitor or Change Student Status.
- Remove Students from Online Test Sessions.
Additional Information
Changes to Student Information: Any changes to student data in PearsonAccessnext must also be made in Student Information Management System (SIMS). Contact your district SIMS coordinator to report any changes (go to profiles.doe.mass.edu/search/search.aspx?leftNavID=11239, click Function, select SIMS Contact, and click Get Results).