Reclaiming Time Lost: TSI Shortcut for Proctors


The single most common, yet frustrating, bottleneck on test day is simple: students entering the TSIA2 Voucher sign-in URL correctly, or follow the steps to get there. When testing sessions involve dozens of students, those small errors quickly compound into a massive time drain, pulling proctors away from essential monitoring and support tasks.

I developed the TSI Shortcut Installer specifically to eliminate this step. It's a non-admin solution that automatically creates a clean, visible desktop shortcut directly to the ACCUPLACER/TSIA2 sign-in page (https://www.accuplacer.org/useVoucher). Since it doesn't require admin privileges, you can deploy it instantly across any compatible Windows testing machine (it is tested on Windows 11) without needing IT involvement. No Windows? No problem, I have a solution at the end.

🚀 The Proctor's Advantage: Operational Efficiency

This tool is designed to support the smooth execution of your testing plan. By automating access, you achieve a more efficient start to every session.

Feature

Strategic Benefit for Proctors

Zero Admin Rights

Immediate deployment capability, bypassing lengthy IT request cycles.

Windows Compatibility

Optimized for Windows 11 environments commonly found in testing labs.

Standardized Access

Ensures every machine launches the correct page instantly, reducing setup variance.

Time Reclamation

Eliminates student typing errors and subsequent proctor assistance for navigation.

⚙️ Deployment Protocol: TSI Shortcut Installation (Windows Only)

To maximize efficiency, the installer is packaged as a zip file to be extracted. Note that it must be run by the test proctor in the specific user profile where the shortcut is desired.

  1. Download & Extract: Download the zip file and extract all contents to a simple location (e.g., the desktop).

  2. Execute: Double-click InstallTSI.bat inside the extracted folder.

  3. Shortcut Creation: The system will pause briefly while the installer executes and places the TSI Shortcut directly onto the user's desktop.

  4. Completion: Press any key to close the installer window when prompted.

  5. Cleanup: The batch file attempts to self-delete the extracted installation files. If the files persist, please ensure you delete the extracted folder and contents (except for the newly created shortcut itself) to maintain a clean desktop environment.

🌐 Cross-Platform Access

While the installer is specifically for Windows, if you or a student need to quickly access the TSI sign-in page on a non-Windows device (such as a Chromebook or Mac), or simply want a clean browser link, you can use the alternate bit.ly shortcut: https://bit.ly/tsia2test.

I'm committed to providing simple technical solutions that keep your focus where it belongs, on the student. Let me know in the comments below if you have any feedback or ideas for further optimization.

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