Scantron® Test Grading: Instructions

Scantron® Test Grading is a free service offered to Marshall University instructors that uses Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) scanners to grade multiple-choice tests administered to students. You can view Sample Scantron® Test Grading Results here.

This service uses red Scantron® General Purpose Answer Sheets #88483 and transforms the results into usable data, quickly and easily. Individual Scantron® sheets can be purchased at the Marshall University Bookstore in the Memorial Student Center (MSC) for $0.25 per sheet.

Completed Scantron® Test Grading packets can be dropped off at the Circulation and Research Services Desk in the Drinko Library during our regular hours.

If you have any questions, email drinkoaccessservices@marshall.edu or call 304-696-2321 for more information.

Create an Instructor Answer Key using the specifications below. All fields are required for processing. Incomplete or inaccurate key(s) will result in delayed processing.

After filling in the required fields, fill in the correct answer for each test question. If you have more than one version of a test, please be sure to create a separate key for each version. Course CRN(s) can be found here.

All Scantron® sheets must be filled out with a No. 2 Pencil. Ink will not be read or processed by our machines.

Check each Student Answer Sheet to make sure they meet the specifications below. All fields are required for processing. Incomplete or inaccurate sheets will result in delayed processing.

All Scantron® sheets must be filled out with a No. 2 Pencil. Ink will not be read or processed by our machines.

Place your Scantron® sheets and Request Form in a re-usable, sealable envelope (eg. Interdepartmental Mail Envelopes).

If you have more than one version of a test, please be sure to create a separate key for each version and place each exam in a separate envelope. If you want your results as a PDF or Excel, please provide a USB flash drive.

All Scantron® Test Grading Requests must be dropped off in "ready to scan" condition. Failure to adhere to these instructions will result in your exam being placed at the back of the testing queue.

All Scantron® sheets must be stacked uniformly, with all sheets flipped and facing the same direction.

All Scantron® sheets should not be folded, bent, rolled up, ripped, stained with beverages, etc. Damaged sheets may jam the scanner or run the risk of being read incorrectly, resulting in an incorrect score.

Completed Scantron® Test Grading packets can be dropped off at the Circulation and Research Services Desk in the Drinko Library during our regular hours. If you have any questions, email drinkoaccessservices@marshall.edu or call 304-696-2321 for more information.

Instructors are encouraged to reuse envelopes and flash-drives and remain cognizant of the environmental and financial impact of printing.

In a single year, Marshall University will grade over 2200 individual exams which could require nearly 65,000 sheets of paper if printed. By switching to digital results, instructors can help negate the environmental and financial impact of printing.

If you want immediate scores just automate! Use the assessment tool inside Blackboard to deliver assessments.  Remote proctoring services are available for high-stakes exams such as midterms and finals. Contact the Online Learning Instructional Designers at onlinelearning@marshall.edu or 304.696.7117 if you need assistance importing tests.

Below you will find sample test reports of a 50-question multiple-choice exam of 21 students (Marshall University’s average class size).

Names and other identifying information have been randomly generated and do not represent actual Marshall University students or class test results.

Short Form (Print): Provides an overview of a grade result and comparative statistical information for the class. Typically 3-5 printed pages depending on class size.

Long Form (Print): Provides an overview of a student’s grade results, an individual result sheet for each student with detailed results for individual answers and comparative statistical information for the class. Typically 18-30 pages depending on class size.

Long Form (PDF): Provides an overview of a student’s grade results, an individual result sheet for each student with detailed results for individual answers and comparative statistical information for the class. Typically 18-30 pages in an Adobe Compatible PDF file.

Excel (Excel): Provides an Excel File (.xls) with individualized results for students in rows including grade, percent score and total score.

Completed Scantron® Test Grading packets can be dropped off at the Circulation and Research Services Desk in the Drinko Library during our regular hours.

If you have any questions, email us or call 304-696-2321 for more information.