PearsonAccessnext is the online test management system Massachusetts uses to administer MCAS, and to manage 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 is the MCAS Reference Page for the PearsonAccessnext Online User Guide. It outlines MCAS's tasks and functions in PearsonAccessnext . MCAS has also has created quick guides that address specific tasks, like managing users in PearsonAccessnext and loading a Student Registration Import. All quick start guides can be found on the MCAS support center (mcas.pearsonsupport.com) under the PearsonAccessnext tab and the Technology Setup tab.
NOTE: This page will continue to be updated as additional functionality is developed for MCAS.
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 as close to chronological order as possible. 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 dropdown, 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, see:
- Configure Response File Backup Locations.
- Understand Proctor Caching.
- Create a configuration, as described in Configure TestNav for Proctor Caching. MCAS recommends using precaching by test to ensure all content is cached ahead of time.
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.
- 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 Student Test Tickets to download and print
- Retrieve Seal Codes
- 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, select SIMS Contact from the Function menu, and click Get Results).