Articles on: Tests

AI page scanning: frequently asked questions

Does scanning cost extra?

No. AI page scanning is a core part of ALTR and is included in every subscription at no extra charge.

Is this replacing manual entry?

No. "Administer Tests" and manual marking work exactly as before. Scanning is an alternative method available for those who wish to use it.

How accurate is it?

In our testing on real Year 1 sheets, the AI read more than 99 in every 100 words correctly. The words it is least sure about are flagged for you in the "Requires review" step, and you can change any verdict before submitting. You always have the final say.

Does the AI decide whether a word is right or wrong?

The AI reads what the student wrote. ALTR then compares that with the expected word using the same rules as manual marking. You review/confirm the flagged ones.

What if the student's spelling was wrong but ALTR marked it correct?

Open the student in the summary with "Review", find the row and tap Incorrect. The handwriting is shown next to each word so reviewing is quick and easy.

Can I scan sheets that were not printed from ALTR?

No. The QR code on ALTR sheets is how the page is matched to the student. To protect students' privacy, ALTR hides the student's name before the AI reads a page, so a page without a QR code cannot be matched and is not sent. Print the student's sheet from ALTR, or enter their results by hand.

What happens if I scan the same sheet twice?

ALTR notices and asks you which copy to keep. If the result is already saved on the student's record, it warns you before recording it again.

What happens to the scanned images?

The scanned page is kept privately with the student's result so you and your school leaders can look back at the original. The student's name is covered before the page is sent to the AI, and Google does not use the images to train its models. Images are deleted when the student or school is deleted, and pages you discard are deleted straight away. See How does AI page scanning work, and how is my students' information protected?

Does the AI see my students' names?

No. The printed name row is covered before the page leaves ALTR. ALTR identifies the student from the QR code on the sheet.

Which devices work?

Any laptop or desktop with a camera and a current version of Chrome, Edge or Safari, any modern phone for "Scan from phone", or a photocopier that scans to PDF.

Why can I not see the 'Print Tests' or 'Scan Tests' buttons?

Your school has not opted in to the Early Access Program yet. Principals and Deputies can opt in under Settings, Profile, "Early Access". Teachers can click "Register my interest" there and we will let the principal know.

Why is 'Scan Tests' greyed out?

Hover over it. Usually it is because no sheets have been printed for that level and testing window yet: print first, then scan.

How do I give feedback?

Click "Report a problem" on the scan summary or a student's review screen to tell us about a misread or anything else that went wrong; it reaches our team with the details we need. You can also use Live Chat on the ALTR website at any time.

Updated on: 30/10/2026

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