Can exams be taken on tablets?

Currently, the primary tablet that can be used to take PAEA exams is an iPad. The iPad Mini is not compatible due to screen resolution requirements, which are listed on the System Requirements page. There are a few important differences in how the iPad app works:

• Using the iPad app may benefit students who require the use of zooming to increase the size of the test text and images by using pinch gestures. We urge students to exercise caution to ensure that pinching does not change their answer selections.
• The iPad version does not currently have the ability to highlight question text or strike out answer options like the computer apps.
• The digital notepad still only uses the keyboard. Students cannot draw with their finger or an Apple Pencil in the notepad, so it functions similarly to the computer version.

The app will ask users to enter lockdown mode before entering the test – clicking “no” will prevent students from entering the test, while clicking “yes” will disable buttons and gestures that allow test takers to access other apps.

Versions of the Microsoft Surface that require that apps be downloaded from the Microsoft Store are not compatible. If a student’s Surface runs the full version of Windows 10 or 11, not Windows 10 or 11 S, they will be able to download and install SecureClient. This primarly consists of the Microsoft Surface Pro devices.