Using DOTS
Platform Info
What is ERC DOTS?
ERC DOTS (Drumcondra Online Testing System) is a platform that schools can use to buy and administer standardised tests to students. It supports the administration and reporting of a wide range of ‘Drumcondra’ tests at both primary and post-primary levels, in both English and Irish. Tests of English reading, mathematics, Irish and reasoning (verbal, numeric ability) are available.
After you get set up on ERC DOTS, you will be able to manage all aspects of the administration of tests (purchase of tests, scheduling of test sessions, generation of individual student logins and passwords, downloading class- and individual-level reports of results) from within the system. ERC DOTS streamlines and simplifies testing, removing the burden of marking and reporting from educators. Detailed, step-by-step manuals and graphics explain the whole process from first logging onto DOTS to viewing your final report of the academic year.
For all queries related to ERC DOTS, please email dots@erc.ie.
Moving to DOTS
Please see some helpful materials and information to assist you in getting started with online testing. If you have any questions at all, please just email us at dots@erc.ie
Quick Start PDF Files
Getting Started Videos
#1: Accessing DOTS for the First Time
#2: Purchasing Online Test Credits
Setting Up and Administering Tests
01: Creating Class Groups
02: Adding Students to Classes
03: Creating Test Sessions
04: Preparing for and Administering Tests
05: Generating and Downloading Reports
Trouble Shooting
Access & Login
01. My log-in details are not working / I don't receive any email after using the "Reset Password" function. How can I fix this?
Due to a temporary system issue, a small number of usernames were inadvertently removed. It’s possible that your account was affected. Please complete the following form: https://www.tests.erc.ie/dots-access-request , and we will ensure your access is reinstated as soon as possible.
02. My password won’t work – what should I do?
Make sure there are no spaces when entering your password. You can also use the “Forgot your password?” option. If you do not receive an email to reset your password, please fill out the following form: https://www.tests.erc.ie/dots-access-request
03. I’ve logged in to DOTS but I don't see any option to buy tests - what should I do?
You may not have the “School Coordinator” role. Please contact your school coordinator or the ERC to request the correct access.
Setting Up Online Tests
01. Why can't I see my students from last year?
Student data is deleted annually and must be reuploaded every year. We recommend using the csv import function to ensure the process goes as quickly as possible.
02. The birth date of uploaded students is incorrect. What can be done?
Sometimes formatting issues can result in birth dates being uploaded incorrectly. If this is the case, you can amend them individually by clicking the pencil icon next to the student’s name. A date of birth is not required to conduct the Drumcondra tests.
03. A student requires extra time. Can I add this in advance?
No, unfortunately this must be done while the test session is active. Email dots@erc.ie with the session ID, student’s name, the amount of extra time needed, and the ERC will schedule this for you.
04. How can I assign a specific test form to a student?
You can assign a specific Test Form when creating a session. You will need to create separate sessions for different forms.
05. Why can't I see the classes I created?
When you load the “Classes” page on DOTS, the date range is automatically set to show classes created only in the last 30 days. Try broadening the date range and likely your created classes may appear.
06. Why can't I delete a student?
Schools cannot delete students. Please email dots@erc.ie with the student’s details to request deletion. However, schools do have the ability to edit student details if this resolves the issue.
Administering Online Tests
01. The student login page isn’t displaying correctly on students' devices – what should I do?
For security purposes, students are only able to log in on one device at a time.
If they log in multiple times a “multiple logins detected” message will appear. If this happens, please have the student log out of all devices, clear the cache, and log back in again.
If the message persists, please contact dots@erc.ie.
02. The test questions aren’t loading or are delayed in loading – what should I do?
This may be a Wi-Fi issue due to the volume of users on the school’s Wi-Fi network.
If it affects all students: Have all students log out. Test progress will be saved. Consider staggering testing so fewer devices are using the Wi-Fi at the same time.
If only a few students are affected: Have the affected students log out. Test Progress will be saved. Clear the cache on the browsers and log back in.
If the issue persists, the students log out and take the test on an unaffected device once it becomes available.
03. The test isn’t displaying correctly on students' devices – what should I do?
Have all students log out of testing. Test progress will be saved. Navigate to https://takethetest.erc.ie/ERC/Index#/testpage on an affected browser.
If Math Jax is working, postpone testing and contact dots@erc.ie with the session details and screenshots of the issue.
If Math Jax isn’t working, the devices need to be updated. Apply updates to all devices and retest the page on https://takethetest.erc.ie/ERC/Index#/testpage . Ideally this should be done in advance of testing.
04. Can I reset a student to an earlier part of the test?
Email dots@erc.ie with the session ID, student’s name, and the test part they need to be reset to.
05. How can I add extra time to a student’s test?
Email dots@erc.ie with the session ID, student’s name, test part (A or B), and the amount of extra time needed.
06. There was an emergency, and we had to stop mid-testing. What should we do?
Instruct all students log out of their tests. Test progress will be saved. Reschedule testing for a later date. IF your test session is due to finish before the new date, please contact dots@erc.ie to extend the test window.
07. Some students were absent – can they take the test later?
Yes, if the session is still marked as “Active” they can take the test. If it’s finished, create a new session. Unused test credits are returned to your account.
08. Why can't I view my test reports?
If you have just recently tested: Ensure that you have gone to the “Test Scheduler” page and conclude the testing period by selecting the “Options” button on the right-hand side of the applicable session and selecting “End Session.” Please ensure that all students have finished testing before ending the session.
If you are accessing reports after 30+ days: When navigating to the “Reports” page on DOTS, it is automatically set to display only results from the last month. Try broadening your date range and the results will likely appear.
Try DOTS!
Link here:
ERC
