Overview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

During examinations, NZQA will lock students out if they lose focus of the exam portal. If computers enter sleep mode, this will cause a lock out. This article outlines the steps to check current sleep mode settings and adjust if needed for the duration of the exam.

We are recommending at least a 30 minute sleep time.


This advice is mirrored on the official NZQA Page Here:

https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ncea-exams-and-portfolios/external/device-readiness-check/


Sleep Mode on Windows PC

  1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the windows key in the corner of the taskbar. Type "sleep" and open the item which is labeled Power & sleep settings.

  2. In the settings window, ensure that under Screen the setting On battery power, turn off after is set to at least 30 minutes. Under Sleep ensure that the setting On battery power, PC goes to sleep after is set to at least 30 minutes.
    If there is a chance the device will be plugged in to power, ensure the same settings for When plugged in are set to at least 30 minutes as well.

Sleep Mode on Apple Mac

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left of the screen then select System Preferences...

  2. Select the Battery settings icon.

  3. Select Battery then move the Turn display off after slider to 30 minutes.

  4. Do the same for Power Adapter settings.

Sleep Mode on Chromebooks


If the device is managed by the school and has a Property of Mt Aspiring College label on the back of the device, the settings are managed by IT and do not need to be changed.


For student owned devices, step through the following steps.

  1. Click on the clock area on the bottom right of the system tray then click on the cog to open the settings menu.

  2. Type "sleep" in the search bar and click Power from the results.


  3. Ensure the settings for When idle for both While charging and While on battery are set to Keep display on.