Technical Requirements for the 2015 eMCAT
Before schools register an interest, they should read the following specifications carefully to
ensure they have the capability to deliver the eMCAT.
School Factors
 Schools will need an Internet connection that is reliable and is capable of handling the
number of students taking part in the eMCAT all being online at the same time.
 Schools will also need appropriate and sufficiently strong Wi-Fi or cabled connections
for these students in the buildings where they will sit the assessment.
Student Device Specifications
Tablets, Hybrids
This is the preferred class of devices for sitting the eMCAT. Students are able to use the
devices’ touch screens to hand-write their algebraic answers into the system.
iPads
Minimum
Recommended
Device
iPad 4
iPad Mini
iPad Air (or more recent)
iPad Mini 2 (or more recent)
Operating System
iOS 7
iOS 8
Notes about using iPads:
 You will need the Education Perfect App installed – this is a free download. Schools
that require it will be provided instructions on how to access and download it.
 Using a stylus to enter your algebraic working is highly recommended.
Android devices
Minimum
Recommended
Screen Size
8 inch
10 inch
Operating System
Android 4.4 (Kit Kat)
Android 4.4 (Kit Kat)
RAM
1.5GB
2GB or more
Web Browser
Google Chrome
Google Chrome
As an example, the Education Perfect platform has been tested on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
10.1 and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0. Both devices were running Android 4.4, and Google
Chrome was used as the web browser. Both of these devices performed acceptably, though
the 10-inch screen was preferred to input answers onto.
Notes about using Android Tablets:
 The Education Perfect App will need to be installed (this is a free download).
 Using a stylus to enter the algebraic working is highly recommended.
For Android tablets in particular, it’s crucial that users try the app out prior to
sitting the eMCAT. Because of the massive variety of Android tablets available, it is
not possible to test or provide guidance on individual models, and older models really
struggle when running the app.
Windows hybrid tablet / laptops
Windows touch screen devices (such as the Microsoft Surface) are another option for the
eMCAT. They will access the assessment via the following website:
www.educationperfect.com/touch/.
Minimum
Recommended
Screen Size
8 inch
10 inch
Operating System
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
RAM
2GB
4GB or more
Web Browser
Internet Explorer 10+
Internet Explorer 11
Notes about using Windows touch screen devices:
 Using Internet Explorer in Metro mode is the best experience for the Education
Perfect touch site.
 Using a stylus to enter the algebraic working is highly recommended.
 It’s important that users try the site out on their device prior to sitting the
eMCAT. Because of the massive variety of Windows touch-enabled devices available,
it is not possible to test or provide guidance on individual models.
NOTE: A device with a touch screen is highly recommended for the eMCAT, as it allows a
much more natural interface for students to enter their algebraic working.
Laptops / Desktops
Students sitting the eMCAT on a traditional PC / Mac will be able to type in their algebra on
their keyboard. The majority of Laptops and Desktops are supported as long as they have
Flash Player and a recent Internet Browser installed.
Browser Options:
Minimum Version
Recommended Version
Google Chrome
37
Current (42)
Firefox
35
Current (37)
Safari
7
Current (8)
Internet Explorer
10
Current (11)
Flash Player:
 Flash player version 17 or more recent is required to access Education Perfect on
laptops or desktops.
 It is recommended installing the most recent version of Flash Player for security,
performance and stability
Notes about using traditional Windows / Mac laptops or desktops:
 Schools running Windows XP won’t be able to upgrade their version of Internet
Explorer to IE 10, but they will be able to download and run Google Chrome to get an
up-to-date web browser.
 It is recommended running the eMCAT in Full Screen mode on the browser to
maximise the amount of space available to view and answer the questions.
 Netbooks may be able to run the eMCAT but are unlikely to be the best choice of
device because they generally have very small screens and slow processors.
It is critical that schools test out the Education Perfect site before the assessment to ensure
that the device will work properly during the assessment.
Preparing for the eMCAT
Notes for students:
There are a few things that you can do to ensure you have the best possible experience for
the eMCAT:
-
Make sure that your device is running the latest version of the Operating System
software that’s available for it.
Update your Web Browser to the most recent version available. (Some Web browsers
such as Google Chrome will automatically keep themselves up-to-date).
Remember to charge your device the night before the eMCAT to make sure you don’t
run out of power during the assessment!
Make sure that you know your Username and Password before going into the
assessment. If you’ve forgotten these, get them reset before you head in.
Make sure that your device can connect to your school network. It’s worth having this
sorted before the day of the assessment.
-
-
Try it out! Have a test run of a practice assessment on the device you are planning to
use, as the input method is different on touchscreens and desktop computers. These
practice assessments are available on Education Perfect.
Make sure that you are familiar with how to enter Algebra into the Education Perfect
platform. You don’t want this slowing you down during the assessment.
If you’re using an iPad or Android device, make sure that you have the most recent
version of the Education Perfect App.
Notes for teachers
- Prior to starting the eMCAT, students should hard-close any other apps that they have
open on their devices. This is important both to prevent any distractions and to reduce
any opportunity for cheating, and it will also help the assessment to run more
smoothly on the device.