SOLAR

SOLAR is SQA's free online e-assessment system. The latest information about SOLAR; how it works, available subjects & tests, and instructional videos, can be found on the SQA SOLAR Website.

Once an SQA centre has access to the system they can upload candidates and schedule them for tests in subjects they are approved to offer. The tests are secure, quality assured, pre-verified and both summative and formative. Candidates (students) access the SOLAR online system using a unique keycode, and in most cases are provided with an instant result.

Contact Learning Technologies if you would like to know more about SOLAR.

Schedule Tests On Campus

We advise where possible, SOLAR tests be scheduled to be taken on campus. Please timetable the test in one of the following rooms as any relevant software (Surpass Viewer, Chrome Browser, Secure Client) necessary for students to sit the tests is pre-installed in these locations;

City Campus
C.06.059, C.06.060, C.06.061, C.06.063, C.06.064, C.06.066, C.06.067, C.06.069. C.06.070, C.06.078, C.06.079, C.06.080, C.06.081, C.06.082, C.06.083, C.06.086, C.06.087, C.06.089, C.06.090

Riverside Campus 3rd floor
R.03.015, R.03.017, R.03.024, R.03.027, R.03.029

Delivery methods

SOLAR assessments are either created using a software called Flash, which requires extra software when sitting the test (usually Surpass Viewer) OR are created in HTML and can be run in an internet browser. SOLAR is currently in the process of converting Flash tests into HTML tests. Until this is complete, there are some differences in how the tests are delivered. We recommend confirming and testing the delivery method before you set up a live test and we are happy to help you through this process.

SOLAR Videos & Guides created by Learning Technologies

Videos

The guides below are for Advanced or Admin users only and may require a further login to view. In most cases, contact LT to request adding candidates to SOLAR at least 7 days in advance of the test.

Bulk upload candidates Advanced/Admin
Enquirer report to bulk upload candidates Advanced/Admin
Adding an individual candidate Advanced/Admin

Guides

Learn the basics

SQA Video Guides

These Guides were created by SQA SOLAR. They are split by test type, ie if the test is a Flash or HTML test. However, most Test Administration functionality (schedule tests, invigilate, results, add candidates) can be done by logging in using the HTML login. However, please contact us if you are unsure of your test type (HTML or Flash) and how you would deliver the test to students (Browser or using Surpass Viewer)

Please refer to the full list of SOLAR Video Guidance

SQA Video Guides for HTML Assessments

SQA Video Guides for Flash Assessments

These are included as we have some Flash tests at COGC. However most Test Administration functionalities can be carried out using the HTML login and watching the more recent HTML Guidance videos.

Request an Account

To request a SOLAR account, contact your faculty allocated Learning Technologist or the LT Helpdesk. We will create the new account and SOLAR will then send your login details in a separate email.

FAQ's

Click on the line below to access some recent staff questions about SOLAR.

1. How can I get my students added to SOLAR?

If you would like to add candidates (students) to SOLAR, contact learning technologies email learningtechnologies@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the test date. We will need the following information:

From enquirer the exact class codes (course reference) and from SOLAR the subject you want the candidates linked to.

E.g. class code from Enquirer: ELHNDADMIT/F192A and subject from SOLAR: Administartion and IT: Higher National.

Please give Learning Technologies at least one week's notice as there can be issues with adding candidates who have used the system before at another college.

2. Are my subject assessments available on SOLAR?

Check the full list of formative and summative assessments available on SOLAR.

3. What types of questions are available?

They range from multiple choice questions to more project based type questions and extended answers, which tutors can then mark online via the system. Questions are randomly assigned from an itembank, so there a breadth of questions presented. Multiple choice questions are automatically marked and results are made available to students upon completion of an assessment.

4. Can we give Additional time for a candidate with special needs?

Yes. Some assessments are timed and you will see this in the test information. If you require to provide additional time to a candidate for an assessment which still has a time duration specified, you can amend this at the individual candidate/test level while scheduling a test AND/OR setting for the candidate to apply to all their solar tests. Follow this link to the Solar website, 'Adding reasonable adjustments' or contact your Learning Technolgist who can assist.

5. Can we restrict the number of resits?

The system will only permit a candidate to attempt an assessment a maximum of three times: 1st time, 2nd time - Re-sit & 3rd time - Exceptional circumstances. Once the candidate has completed the third attempt, if the candidate wasn't successful then unfortunately the candidate does not get to re-sit the assessment again.

6. Are there any cost implications for faculties using SOLAR?

The SOLAR system is free to all SQA's approved centres - we're an approved centre.

Solar Centre Operating Guide
This guide does not provide any information on how to use SOLAR. User guides and training materials can be accessed via the links above. This guide sets out the arrangements for centres delivering assessments to their candidates using SOLAR, the principles on which SOLAR is managed, and the roles and responsibilities of SQA and of centres in using SOLAR.

A note on GDPR Compliancy:

Please be mindful of how you use your data and those of your students when working with these tools.

If in doubt, contact us and please remember to complete or re-explore the GDPR course in the Mandatory Training for Staff in Canvas.