The Blue Book is a test-taking app, not a physical book

The Blue Book is software that schools use to give students tests and quizzes on Chromebooks. It is not a textbook or reference material — it is a locked testing environment that prevents students from opening other tabs, copying answers, or using the internet during an exam. Your school's teacher or testing coordinator installed it on your Chromebook, and you open it the same way you open any other app.

The app looks different depending on which version your school uses. Some schools use the College Board's Blue Book (designed for SAT practice), while others use Bluebook (a different product made by Examplify for law school and professional exams). This guide covers the College Board version, which is more common in high schools. If your school uses the Examplify version, the steps are similar but the buttons and menus will be in slightly different places.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Blue Book app from your Chromebook's app menu or home screen, just like you would open Google Classroom or any other installed app.
  • You will need your school login credentials to sign in, and your teacher must have assigned you a test before you can see it in the app.
  • Once you open a test, the app locks your Chromebook so you cannot switch to other windows or use the internet until the test is finished or time runs out.
  • If the app will not open or you get an error message, restart your Chromebook and check that your internet connection is working.

Finding and opening the Blue Book app on your Chromebook

Look for the Blue Book icon on your Chromebook's home screen or in your app drawer. The icon is usually a blue square with white text or a blue book symbol. If you do not see it on your home screen, click the grid icon (the app launcher) in the bottom left corner of your screen, then scroll through the list of apps until you find Blue Book. Click on it once to open it.

The first time you open the app, your Chromebook may ask for permission to use your camera or microphone. Click Allow if your teacher told you the test requires a camera or microphone check. If your teacher did not mention this, you can click Block — the app will still work for taking the test.

After the app opens, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your school email address and password (the same login you use for Google Classroom or your school's other online tools). If you are not sure what your login is, ask your teacher or your school's technology support office.

What to do if your teacher has not assigned a test yet

Once you sign in, the Blue Book app will show you a list of tests your teacher assigned to you. If the list is empty, it means your teacher has not yet set up a test for you to take. This is normal — your teacher will assign the test before the class period when you are supposed to take it.

Check back in the app a few minutes before your test is scheduled to start. Your teacher will send you a message or tell you in class when the test is ready. Once it appears in your Blue Book app, click on it to open it and begin.

Starting a test and understanding the locked testing mode

When you click on a test in the Blue Book app, it will open in full-screen mode. Your Chromebook is now in locked testing mode, which means you cannot minimize the app, open other tabs, or use the internet. The only thing on your screen will be the test questions and your answers.

At the top of the screen, you will see a timer showing how much time you have left. Some tests have a time limit; others do not. Read the instructions at the beginning of the test carefully — they will tell you whether you can go back to previous questions, whether you can use a calculator, and any other rules for that specific test.

Answer the questions using your keyboard and trackpad or mouse. Click on your answer choice, type in a text box if the question asks for a written response, or use the on-screen tools if the test includes math problems or diagrams. When you are finished, look for a Submit or Finish button, usually at the bottom of the screen or at the end of the last question.

What happens when you submit your test

After you click Submit, the Blue Book app will confirm that your test has been sent to your teacher. Your Chromebook will exit locked testing mode, and you will be able to use other apps and tabs again. The app will show you a message saying your test was submitted successfully.

Your teacher will see your answers and can grade the test. Some teachers grade it right away; others may take a few days. Your teacher will tell you when grades are available and how to see your score.

Troubleshooting if the Blue Book app will not open

If you click on the Blue Book icon and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, try these steps in order. First, restart your Chromebook by clicking the power button in the bottom right corner, selecting Shut down, waiting 10 seconds, and then turning it back on. This fixes most problems.

If the app still will not open after you restart, check your internet connection. Click the network icon in the bottom right corner and make sure you are connected to your school's Wi-Fi. If you are not connected, select your school's network and enter the password if prompted.

If you are connected to the internet and the app still will not open, the problem may be on your school's end. Tell your teacher that the Blue Book app will not open and ask them to check whether the app is working for other students. Your school's technology support team may need to reinstall the app on your Chromebook.

Preventing accidental exit from a test

Once a test starts in locked testing mode, your Chromebook is designed to prevent you from accidentally closing it or switching to another app. If you press keys that would normally close a window or open a new tab, nothing will happen — the test will stay on your screen.

If you need to take a break during a test, do not close the app or restart your Chromebook. Instead, raise your hand and tell your teacher you need a break. Your teacher can pause the test, and you can step away. When you come back, your teacher will unpause it and you can continue where you left off. The timer will only count down while the test is active, not while it is paused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Blue Book app on my personal laptop or tablet instead of my school Chromebook?

It depends on your school's setup. Some schools allow the Blue Book app on any device; others only allow it on school-issued Chromebooks. Ask your teacher before you try to use a different device. If your school requires you to use a school Chromebook, you will not be able to sign in from a personal device.

What if I accidentally close the Blue Book app while taking a test?

If the app closes, restart your Chromebook and open the Blue Book app again. Sign in with your school credentials. The app should show your test again, and you can click on it to resume where you left off. Your answers are usually saved automatically, so you should not lose your work.

Do I need an internet connection the whole time I am taking a test?

Yes, your Chromebook must stay connected to the internet while you are taking a test in the Blue Book app. If your connection drops, the app may pause or show an error. If this happens, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try to resume the test. If you cannot reconnect, tell your teacher right away.

Can my teacher see what I am doing while I take a test in Blue Book?

The Blue Book app prevents you from opening other windows or tabs, but it does not record your screen or track your eye movement. Your teacher can see your answers and how long you spent on the test, but not what you were looking at or doing before you opened the app.

What if I run out of time before I finish the test?

When the timer reaches zero, the Blue Book app will automatically submit your test. You will not be able to answer any more questions after time runs out. If you think the timer was wrong or you had a technical problem, tell your teacher when ready so they can look into it.