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.

  • Complete the necessary answer sheets and stack them in the correct order.
  • Answers must be stacked face-up with the name grids aligned in this order: The Info Sheet, The Weight Sheet (optional), The Key Sheet, and the Student Sheets
  • Every OMR job must include the INFO, KEY, and STUDENT sheets – the WEIGHT sheet must be included only when any question is to be worth more than one point.
  • Submit and pick-up exams and scored results at the IT Service Center during regular IT Service Center hours. 
    • OMR jobs are processed by IT Service Center staff within 24-48 hours.
  • Indicate how you want results sent to you:
            If you want printed copies of the exam results - (up to five copies - complete Question #2 on the INFO sheet to specify the number of copies you need as well).
            If you want to receive results via email, (complete Question #6 on the INFO sheet as well).
  • You will be notified via email when the OMR job is ready for pick-up. Your NDSU Bison ID is required to submit and pick up exams.

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.

Requirements

Must show NDSU photo ID to pick up processed OMR jobs


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:
2025-05-28
Sites:
NDSU IT Knowledge Base