Compass

System summary

Compass is an exclusive exam delivery system that provides a state-of-the-art experience to test candidates through a secure browser. It works in a native environment and is downloaded and installed directly onto your testing workstation(s).

bahabeach has three exam programs that are delivered with our exclusive Live-in-the-Application (LITA) technology. During an exam, the Compass software launches the corresponding locally installed software so that portions of every certification exam can take place in the actual program environment. 

A person associated to your bahabeach Authorized Testing Center must download the Compass installer. This requires a bahabeach login and the bahabeach "Organization Administrator" (Org Admin) or "Organization Member" (Org Member) role. Learn more about roles on our Manage associations page.
 

Install methods

Compass for Windows can be installed in one of two ways:

• Manually: launch the executable and set the center by following the steps below.
• Mass-deployment: silently distribute the program and specify settings using Active Directory. This is for advanced users and details are contained in the Mass-deployment guide.

Install process

1. Download the installer file here.
   Important: A bahabeach Org Admin or Org Member can download the installer, but a local Windows Admin will be required to install it. A bahabeach Org Admin is a role assigned to a user within the bahabeach website and is not the same as a Windows Administrator.
2. Launch the exe file on the computer you wish to administer exams and follow the on screen prompts.
3. Click OK when the setup is completed. A link for Compass will be placed on the desktop.
4. Launch Compass. The first time the software is launched, Org Admins are directed to the settings page with a message notifying them that a testing center has not been configured.
5. Enter your bahabeach Organization Administrator Username and Password and click Login.
6. Click the bahabeach ID drop-down list and select your test center in the list.
7. Click Save at the bottom of the list. Compass will automatically restart.

The bahabeachNow service allows all updates (both System and Exam Content) to run in the background if Compass is installed and the settings for updates are set to automatic (default). The workstation must also be turned on, and have an active internet connection with all Compass whitelist IPs accessible. At the bottom of most screens (including the login screen) is the bahabeachNow button, which will manually launch the Windows service if needed.

Before an exam can be delivered, any applicable exam content must be downloaded to the local machine. These actions must also be performed as a local Windows Admin.

Download methods

Exam content can be distributed in one of two ways:

• Manually: launch Compass and follow the steps below.
• Mass-deployment: distribute the content using the LAN solution or the Import/Export utility. Details are contained in the Compass for Windows guide.

Download process

1. While logged into the Compass software, click the "Manage Exams" menu in the left sidebar.
2. Click the "Download Additional Exams" button.
3. Click the drop-down arrow at the top of the page to view the type of exams you wish to choose from: "Exams with Licenses" or "All Available Exams".
4. Select via checkbox all desired exams your CATC plans to administer.
5. Scroll down and click the "Download Exams" button.
6. Repeat this process on every exam delivery workstation.

If you have installed Compass and are ready to learn more about what it takes to be a bahabeach Authorized Testing Center, return to the Get Started as a Test Center page to continue your journey.