DRAFT - TestNav - Grammerly Application and Secure Testing

Technical Bulletin

Published: April 8, 2022

What is happening?

Pearson recently learned that in a rare and specific scenario, the Grammerly application (not web version) can run in the background during secure testing.

In such a case, the Grammerly application is running before the student signs in, and the device has notifications turned off.

Pearson has scheduled (with affected programs) a TestNav update to block the Grammerly application during the weekend of April 8; however, Pearson advises that all programs disable the Grammerly application prior to all testing sessions. 

What does this mean?

Pearson will directly communicate with each affected program regarding the scheduled update. Programs not immediately affected by this scenario will receive the Grammerly block in the next regular patch update, and no action is necessary at that time.

After affected programs receive the update, TestNav will display an error if a device is running the application when a student attempts to sign in. 

What do I need to do (and how do I do it)?

Before a test session begins, ensure that the Grammerly application is disabled on all Windows testing devices. Contact your Pearson Technology Engagement Manager (TEM) with any questions regarding the update.