A SAM Path contains three parts: A Pre-Test followed by optional Training followed by a Post-Test
Locate the SAM Path you intend to take such as:
You then start a SAM exam which is the Pre-Test.
View this video for details about completing a SAM Exam:
You can do all of them or none or some. Press Submit (lower left corner) whenever you are done.
You will then get your pre-test score. This is not your final SAM Path score unless you got 100%.
Some additional information about answering SAM Exam Questions:
SAM pre and post exams use a simulated application interface. You do not need the actual application to do a SAM Path
Be sure you maximize the SAM pop-up window in your browser (preferably Firefox, Chrome, or Safari):
The gray task instruction block sometime covers up part of the screen you need to see. This may be moved by clicking and dragging it elsewhere.
Each question or task has three attempts available. For most questions, SAM allows as many "alternate" answers as the real application.
If you miss any questions on the pre-test, training will be created based on the questions you missed. It may take a minute or two for that to be generated. **NOTE: Your pre-test score is not significant by itself. It simply customizes your course of study according to what you already know or don’t know. The training score is added to the pre-test score to get the SAM Path score. You can even just submit the pre-test without doing any questions and still get 100% for the SAM Path by completing all of the training.
The training is optional (but recommended). If you are happy with your pre-test score, you can decide to skip the training. Note however, that once the due date passes for a SAM Path, it can only be restarted from the beginning for late credit. It is not possible to resume just the training for late credit once the due date has passed.
After you complete the pre-test you can raise your score by completing the corresponding SAM Training
Launch the SAM Path again. This time you will see a training screen. Click Start.
This video explains how to complete a SAM Training:
Some additional information about SAM Training:
Your training is customized to include only those tasks which you missed in the pre-test.
Don't overlook the Guide link - it contains some good information about this task such as why and when you would do this.
Observe- view the video to show you how to perform a task.
Practice- follow along with guided prompts to learn a skill.
Apply- execute the task unprompted. You MUST complete the Apply component to receive credit for each task. You may proceed to the Apply component at any time. It is not necessary to complete the Observe or Practice components unless you need to. If you have trouble completing the Apply step of a task, go back to the Practice/Observe tabs to see exactly what to do and where to put things.
There are unlimited attempts on SAM Trainings, so every SAM Path can result in 100%, regardless of the pre-test score, if you complete the all of the trainings.
Take the Post-Test:
Once Training is complete, a post-test (or post-exam) will be created. This will be similar to the pre-test, but it will only contain the questions you missed on the pre-test presented in a different scenario. This may also take a few minutes to generate. Sometimes refreshing the browser or closing out of MindTap and going back in will help you find the next component of a SAM Path.
When you finish the Post-Test, your SAM Path is complete.
Your Post-Test score is added to your Pre-Test score for your final SAM Path score.
