Save a Test as a PDF

Saving a Blackboard Test as a PDF file allows you to easily proofread it and provide a past exam copy to the Library. It also allows you to distribute the PDF file for checking purposes to those who may not have access.

Note: If you are producing a Blackboard Test as a PDF for proofreading purposes but it contains random blocks, it is recommended that you produce a copy of the test and change the Random Block setting to show all questions (i.e. if the "real" test is set to randomly allocate one question from a pool of four questions, change the setting to allocate four questions from the pool of four questions). For more information, refer to the Edit Test Options and Random Block guides.

Note: If you are producing a Blackboard Test as a PDF to provide a past exam paper to the library, it is recommended that you produce a copy of the test and add the Exam information to the test Description.

Note: If you exam includes pools of questions you are only required to produce a relevant sample. i.e. If students randomly receive 20 questions out of a pool 50 questions only 20 questions need to be included in the past paper.

Install the bookmarklet in Chrome (optional)

The Learn.UQ (Blackboard) Test Printer Bookmarklet allows you to quickly reformat and save a Blackboard Test as a PDF file.

For step-by-step instructions on installing the bookmarklet in Chrome, refer to the Install the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) Test Printer Bookmarklet webpage.

To show your bookmarks bar in Chrome, select More > Bookmarks > Show bookmarks bar.

Check test settings

Set the test to open in a new window and display all questions at once. 

1. Click on the down arrow next to the test link in your Learn.UQ course.
2. Select Edit the Test Options from the drop-down list.

3. In Test Information, ensure the Yes radio button is selected for the setting Open test in new window.

4. In Test Presentation, ensure the All at Once radio button is selected.
5. Click on the Submit button.

Save the test as a PDF

1. Click on the test link in your Learn.UQ course to open it in a new tab.

2. Click on the Begin button.

3. Press Ctrl + P buttons on your keyboard OR 
4. Optionally, click on the Blackboard Test Printer bookmark in your bookmarks bar.

4. The Print Preview window will be displayed.

Print Preview settings

1. Select Save as PDF from the Destination drop-down list. 
2. Click on More settings to expand the options.
3. Uncheck the Headers and Footer checkbox.
4. Uncheck the Background graphics checkbox.
5. Click on the Save button

Export the test as a Word document (optional)

Once the test/exam has been saved as a PDF file, you can then export it as a Word document using Adobe Acrobat Pro. For step-by-step instructions, refer to the How to convert PDF to Word guide by Adobe.