Fax-In Scoring

SIGMA's fax-in scoring system combines the easy administration of tests using test booklets and paper answer forms, with rapid scoring and report generation. For tests with short reports, reports are returned within 15 minutes. Longer reports are returned by courier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if applicants do not answer all the questions?

If there are too many missing or improperly recorded responses, SIGMA will not be able to score the test. Please ensure that applicants understand the test instructions, and check that applicants have completed the assessment before they leave.

What happens if I run out of answer sheets and I'm testing in the next few days?

If this happens, contact us immediately. You will need to order more sheets. Do not use photocopies of answer sheets, or reuse answer sheets for different candidates. This will result in duplicate serial number rejection errors.

What happens if the report indicates there are errors when the candidate has answered all the questions?

If a fax machine produces "track marks", this will often interfere with SIGMA's scoring mechanism. When either light or dark marks appear on the incoming fax transmission, the automatic fax-in scoring mechanism will misread responses, often resulting in an unscorable report. One way to check your fax machine for scanning problems is to copy a page with text using the fax machine, then examine it for missing or dark lines. SIGMA can also provide you with 'test' pages that you can fax to the toll-free fax-in scoring number prior to your testing dates. To reduce this error, our technical support staff will examine these test faxes and notify you if there is a problem. Please ensure your name and phone number are indicated in the name box.

Are there errors that we could prevent?

1. Prior to faxing the answer sheet, check for missing responses or for too many responses to a question.
2. Ensure the applicant has not made any stray marks on the answer sheet. If an applicant makes an error on the answer sheet, please use an eraser to completely remove the incorrect response, or correction fluid to "white out" pen marks. Crossing out responses is not a valid means for correcting errors. This will result in duplicate responses, making that question unscorable.

Is there anything else I should know?

1. Use the paper guides on your fax machine to ensure the fax is on a straight paper path.
2. If possible, send the title side of the answer form first. While upside-down faxes can be processed, the time/date information added by your fax machine may overwrite important parts of the form.
3. Do not send a cover page. The fax-in scoring system is automated, and cannot read your cover page.
4. The most important marks on the fax-in answer forms are the four blocks in the corners, the form code in the top left of the form, and the serial number at the bottom. If these are modified or obscured in any way, delays in processing can result.