Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

Below is more information on the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) System at NDSU.

Overview

The Optical Mark Reader (OMR) System, managed by the NDSU IT Service Center, includes an OMR scanner, software for data conversion, and custom programs for scoring. It is primarily used to convert manually completed test documents into digital files and can also be used for research data collection. Instructors can obtain optical scan sheets (Scantron or Opscan) from their academic department or the NDSU Bookstore. The Office of the Provost covers the cost of scan sheets used for exams..

Getting Started

Users should complete the required job sheets, gather the student exam sheets, and stack all sheets in the prescribed order before bringing them to the IT Service Center. The required sheets and the correct order are listed below.

  • Your NDSU Bison ID is required to submit and pick up exams.
  • Complete the necessary answer sheets and stack them in the correct order. See the Required and Optional OMR Job Sheets page for instructions.
  • Answers must be stacked face-up with the name grids aligned in this order: 
  • Submit and pick-up exams and scored results at the IT Service Center during regular IT Service Center hours. 
    • IT Service Center staff will ask for additional information such as how the results will be sent and how scanned sheets will be returned
        • Options for Results: Electronically via Secure File Transfer, Printed
        • Options for Scored Exam Return: Pick up in person, sent via Campus Mail (if results are not printed)
  • OMR jobs are processed by IT Service Center staff within 24-48 hours.
  • You will be notified via email when the OMR job is ready for pick-up.

Best Practices

  • Gather the correct number of scan sheets
  • Provide clear and concise instructions for using the scan sheets
  • Organize the sheets with the required information
  • Review the output files

Learn More/How To's

Use Cases

  • To collect and process exam results efficiently.
  • To convert research data or survey responses into an electronic format.

Universal Design/Accessibility

  • Provide clear instructions.
  • Provide testing accommodations.
  • To ensure students have a fair opportunity to take exams in a manner that is accessible, provide alternative and authentic assessment methods. 

Help, consultation, training

IT Service Center

Intended Audience

  • Faculty
  • Staff

Using this service

Availability

24/7/365 [*Standard outages]

Cost

University-funded: no charge.


Keywords:
OMR, Test, Scoring, Reader, optical mark reader. 
Doc ID:
102053
Owned by:
Sharley K. in NDSU IT Knowledge Base
Created:
2020-05-13
Updated:
2026-04-02
Sites:
NDSU IT Knowledge Base