---
title: "Exam Scanning"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/TL/10726900391/Exam%20Scanning"
format: markdown
---
ITS provides a paper-based exam scanning service through **Gradescope**. This service is available to all UConn instructors. 

The Gradescope Bubble Sheet service scores up to five different versions of multiple-choice exams that can have up to 200 questions. Student exams are scored against an answer key provided by the instructor. Instructors may scan the tests using a scanner in their office, or using the high-speed scanner provided on level 1 of Homer Babbidge Library.

> ℹ️ At the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester, ITS retired the Scantron exam scanning service. Instructors are encouraged to use Gradescope for paper-based multiple choice exams. Old bubble sheets used with Scantron are not supported.

> ✅ ### Instructors, download the exam template here → [200-question template](https://gradescope-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/examples/bubble_sheet_v2/template.pdf)

## Required materials

Gradescope does not require the purchase of custom exam sheets. Here’s what you need to get started:

- **Printer and 8.5x11” paper** to print the free [exam templates](https://gradescope-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/examples/bubble_sheet_v2/template.pdf). Legacy bubble sheets for Scantron are not supported.
- **Scanner** to scan the exam submissions to email or directly to a computer. Most department-owned Xerox machines have this functionality.
  - ITS provides a self-service high-speed scanner in Homer Babbidge Library. ITS will provide hands-on support during business hours.

## Get started

To begin administering paper exams through Gradescope, use the following articles to guide your process. If you want assistance getting started, please reach out to [techsupport@uconn.edu](mailto:techsupport@uconn.edu). We can help you through the creation and grading of your exam, as well as answer any questions you have about the service.

1. [Create the exam answer key in HuskyCT](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TL/pages/27132231690)
2. [Administer the paper exam to students](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TL/pages/27132559382)
3. [Scan and grade exam submissions](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TL/pages/27171586076)

## Comparison to Scantron

Gradescope was chosen as the new solution for bubble sheets due to its increased convenience for instructors and its modern feature set. To see a comparison of features between the legacy and modern systems, expand the table below.

<details>
<summary>Click to expand...</summary>

|  | **Scantron (old)** | **Gradescope (new)** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-200 question paper exams | :check_mark: 100 questions per side of exam sheet | :check_mark: 100 questions per side of exam sheet |
| Can be scanned at any scanner | :cross_mark: Must use specific scanner available only at Storrs and Hartford | :check_mark: Any departmental scanner with multi-page scanning is supported. ITS will also provide a high-speed scanner in Storrs. |
| Automatic HuskyCT integration | :cross_mark: Requires manual results upload | :check_mark: Submissions are graded and organized directly in the Gradescope module in HuskyCT |
| Automatic grading | :check_mark: Submissions are graded at the time of scanning according to a paper answer key | :check_mark: Gradescope online services grade all submissions according to an answer key that you create |
| Retroactively update answer keys | :cross_mark: Submissions must be re-scanned and processed with a new paper answer key | :check_mark: Answer keys can be updated and grade changes are reflected in a few clicks |
| Free exam sheet template | :cross_mark: Must be purchased and shipped from vendor | :check_mark: Free 8.5x11” PDF download |
| Exam customization | :warning: Only supports multiple versions | :check_mark: Multiple versions, custom point distributions, multiple correct answers supported |
</details>

## Alternatives to using Gradescope

- [Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) Testing:](https://edtech.uconn.edu/bring-your-own-device-byod-testing/) For faculty looking to move away from paper exams, online testing is available through HuskyCT. Online testing can be offered in the classroom or as an at-home assessment. For faculty wishing to administer online testing in the classroom (BYOD testing), UConn’s ITS has verified that all lecture classrooms have Wi-Fi capabilities sufficient to support this testing. Any classroom listed in UConn’s classroom directory ([classrooms.uconn.edu/classroom-directory/](https://classrooms.uconn.edu/classroom-directory/)) as “fixed-auditorium” has been verified.
- [The Respondus LockDown Browser:](https://irc.uconn.edu/lockdown-browser/) LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment when used for taking a test in HuskyCT. When taking a test using LockDown Browser, students are unable to print, copy, go to other websites, access other applications, or close a test until it is submitted for grading.

## Related Pages

> Macro (children)