Brian Fuller 973577 Posted January 4, 2009 at 02:26 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 02:26 AM When you go to VATUSA to take a test, it tells you up top it's a open book test and to take your time. Yet you take your time, answer the questions and then hit Submit and get a Timeout error and have to log back in. This is pretty annoying. Can you extend the session time a bit? It can take a little bit of time to do a 60 question test. What I did now is print the test beforehand, mark my answers and then go take it. Is this the right way to do it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Bailey 969331 Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:00 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:00 AM (edited) Let me mention something before the rumors kick in. VATUSA division tests are only 25 questions, and I believe you have 2 hours to complete them. Brian knows the details. As for a 60 question test, that would be an ARTCC test and if you have an issue with it then please email me privately. I'm sure you still have atleast 2 hours to complete it. I have never had a problem taking any of the exams I have taken, and I have had more than enough time to look up every answer before submitting. Finally, was this exam taken on the VATUSA Certification Center or a private ARTCC host? Edited January 4, 2009 at 03:10 AM by Guest Alex Bailey ZMA I-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Millsaps 830104 Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:02 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:02 AM Brian, That is an excellent approach to taking the exams...in fact, it is how I personally have taken every examination in my time on VATSIM. Gary Millsaps VATUSA1 "I knew all the rules but the rules did not know me... guaranteed." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Wollenberg 810243 Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:04 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:04 AM Brian, unfortunately the VATUSA folk can't change the time limit for the tests. It's apparently a limit put in place by their web hosting company. Sorry. Bryan Wollenberg ZLA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Sperduto 856560 Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:59 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 03:59 AM I believe you have 2 hours to complete them. Brian knows the details. In theory that is correct, there is no accurate way to predict how long a session can last. 2 Hours is a good estimate though. One thing to keep in mind the test may reorder itself and shift the order of the answers but it will be the same test from the first time, the questions themselves will not change. Brian Sperduto VATSIM Membership Team 1 Lead [email protected] Cross the Pond Oceanic Veteran '07, '08, E & W, '09 E & W '10 W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Kolin Posted January 4, 2009 at 04:44 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 04:44 AM Brian, unfortunately the VATUSA folk can't change the time limit for the tests. It's apparently a limit put in place by their web hosting company. While the PHP session timeout may not be changeable (as an aside, it's a sign they need a better host) that doesn't mean they can't work around it. I time out our sessions after 15-20 minutes but the application code can seamlessly log in again after a timeout. We also use AJAX to dynamically save answers as users move from question to question. It can be done. Cheers! Luke ... I spawn hundreds of children a day. They are daemons because they are easier to kill. The first four remain stubbornly alive despite my (and their) best efforts. ... Normal in my household makes you a member of a visible minority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Jenkins Posted January 4, 2009 at 05:22 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 05:22 AM I'm still trying to digest an ARTCC has a 60 question test... RJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Fuller 973577 Posted January 4, 2009 at 05:50 AM Author Posted January 4, 2009 at 05:50 AM I believe it timed out on me at around 30 mins. This was a test on the VATUSA server, and it was 60 questions. It's also possible that maybe it can be broken down in 5 question pages, saving your answers as you advance. I just wanted to bring it up as a possible issue, and possibly even warn someone taking the test that they should maybe write down the answers they pick, since it's very possible it can reset once they hit submit and then they will have to do it all over again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Sperduto 856560 Posted January 4, 2009 at 06:37 AM Posted January 4, 2009 at 06:37 AM Brian, unfortunately the VATUSA folk can't change the time limit for the tests. It's apparently a limit put in place by their web hosting company. While the PHP session timeout may not be changeable (as an aside, it's a sign they need a better host) that doesn't mean they can't work around it. I time out our sessions after 15-20 minutes but the application code can seamlessly log in again after a timeout. We also use AJAX to dynamically save answers as users move from question to question. It can be done. Cheers! Luke Correct it could be done, but most of the solutions involve completely redoing the testing center itself an option which is not on the table at this moment. For the time being just stick to what Gary suggested the test may be reordered but the questions on the test will remain the same. Brian Sperduto VATSIM Membership Team 1 Lead [email protected] Cross the Pond Oceanic Veteran '07, '08, E & W, '09 E & W '10 W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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