The Next-Exam Software

Next-Exam Manual – Digital Examination Platform of the Austrian Bildungsportal

1. Introduction

Next-Exam is a next-generation digital examination platform, developed by the Austrian Bildungsportal (BMB). It is an Open Source solution designed for the secure administration of tests, school assignments, and final exams.

Next-Exam offers a simple and secure solution for conducting digital written work, ensuring data protection, security against cheating, and above all, protection against data loss during the exam.

2. Software Architecture

Next-Exam consists of two separate applications:

Both versions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

3. Download and Installation

3.1 Download

The current and official version of Next-Exam can be downloaded from:

• Official website: https://www.next-exam.at
• GitHub: https://github.com/Bildungsportal/next-exam/releases

3.2 Technical Features

• Portable application (no complex installation required)
• Minimal effort required for system administrators
• Designed as Free Open Source Software
• Available in German and English

3.3 LFV Version

• We have added a French translation and removed functions specific to Austrian services (Bildungsportal)
• Next-Exam-Teacher is installed on teacher workstations in computer rooms (C110, C120, D127, Primaire, and D124)
• Next-Exam-Student is installed on student workstations in computer rooms (C110, C120, D127, Primaire, and D124)

4. Usage – Teacher Version

4.1 Creating a New Exam

To start a new exam:

1. Name the exam – Enter an exam name
2. Choose the location (optional) – Select the save folder (default: Documents)
3. Click on "Exam starten" – This launches the exam server

Students can then connect to the server.

4.2 Exam File Management

• An Exam directory is created on the desktop for each exam
• All files are retained until manual deletion (via the yellow X next to the exam name)
• The exam server is stopped via "Exam verlassen"

4.3 Bildungsportal Integration

A Bildungsportal plugin enables exam management via the Austrian education portal (BIP). It is not available at LFV.

5. Usage – Student Version

5.1 Connecting to the Exam

The student launches Next-Exam Student and connects to the teacher's server. For this, the teacher must communicate the exam PIN code as well as the IP address of their workstation, which is displayed on Next-Exam-Teacher. The LFV network topology does not allow automatic detection.

5.2 macOS Configuration

Attention Mac users: If the screen only displays the background, you must authorize Next-Exam in:

System Preferences > Privacy and Security > Screen Recording and System Audio

5.3 Features During the Exam

Next-Exam Student offers several features:

5.4 Security and Lockdown

• Local password lockdown
• Disabling of Mission Control when starting Next-Exam Student (macOS)
• Optional password when exiting manually (in case of connection loss)

6. Supported Exam Types

Next-Exam enables the following:

• Language assignments (French, English, German, etc.)
• Mathematics assignments
• Secure Eduvidual exams (not available in the LFV version)
• Locked website viewing

7. Roadmap

Next-Exam development continues with the following milestones:

Planned features:

• Deeper integration into the Bildungsportal
• Anti-cheat client to prevent manipulation during exams

8. Resources and Support

8.1 Official Documentation

• Next-Exam Manual: https://bildungsportal.github.io/next-exam/
• Bildungsportal page: https://www.bildung.gv.at

8.2 Development Team

The BMB relies on a team of experienced experts and teachers who continuously develop Next-Exam and support schools in its introduction and use.

9. Summary of Advantages

This manual is based on the official Next-Exam documentation version 1.1.0.
For the most recent updates, consult the official GitHub repository.