e-Test FAQs

In scoring the Functional Systems a, b, or c are not accepted. Why?
Please do not include the categories a/b/c into the FS score. These categories are only used in the definitions for better organization of the options.

I started an e-Test trial, but my internet connection was interrupted.
You can simply re-login and you will be permitted to complete the Neurostatus e-Test, provided that the time limit has not expired. If the time limit has already expired, you will not be permitted to complete the test, but you will be provided with the “Items for Personal Training” based on the questions you have answered. Please note that you have a total of three trials to complete the Neurostatus e-Test.

How many e-Test trials do I have?
You have a total of three trials. If you do not pass a trial, you have to wait 12 hours before you can start your next trial.

How much time do I have to complete one e-Test trial?
The Neurostatus e-Test must be completed “online” within two hours from starting the test. Be sure to watch the time. The average time needed to complete the e-Test is between 30 to 60 minutes. Once you start the test it will be counted as an e-Test Trial, even if you do not finish it!

Do I have to retake the e-test if I want to participate in another study?
In your personal e-Test account you have the option to request re-certification for another study without retaking the test.

The Neurostatus Training is avaiable in DVD-ROM or USB Stick format (as of January 2024 only USB sticks will be provided). It is an interactive training tool for a standardized neurological examination, the Neurostatus-EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) in Multiple Sclerosis.

It is essential that raters obtain EDSS training via the Neurostatus Training DVD-ROM / USB Stick and familiarise themselves with the Neurostatus-EDSS Definitions Booklet prior to taking the Neurostatus e-Test.

Study administrators should therfore provide all raters with access to the training materials. Please note: If you do not have a Neurostatus Training DVD-ROM at your disposal please contact your study administration to request it.

The DVD-ROM/USB Stick contains:

1. Three complete neurological patient examinations on video, allowing trainee to determine Neurostatus scores, FS scores and EDSS step (see Screen 1).
2. Training feedback after completion of the patients examinations, with highlighted areas for further review (see Screen 2).
3. Topics section addresses difficult aspects of the neurological examination and illustrates the various degrees of impairment/disability in an interactive and enjoyable manner for further review (see Screen 3).
4. Instructions, FAQ, links and references

Note – The answer to every e-Test question can be found in the Neurostatus-EDSS Definitions Booklet, which can be used during the e-Test.

System requirements:
Color display (32 Bit, 1024×768); 512MB RAM; DVD Drive
Window XP Service Pack 2 or later, Windows Vista
Macintosh OSX 10.4

The user can download and install the free Program VLC Player and try to view the DVD with this program as this program supports the most formats. 

We are currently working on the development of a new Neurostatus-EDSS e-learning platform. This platform will offer new patient assessment videos and updated learning content.

• The training content is now available in USB Stick format (as of January 2024).  
• Please contact your study administrators to request USB stick training if you are unable to use the DVD format.
• However, if this is still not possible, please see below the process to be followed. 

1. Rater to study and become familiar with our Neurostatus-EDSS definition booklet. 

2. Rater to take the online-exam Feedback to confirm understanding of the Neurostatus-EDSS definitions. The online exam feedback is available on the dashboard of the rater, or under the following link, click here!

• After the registration procedure, you can immediately start the Neurostatus e-Test for the respective study.
• The e-Test contains 25 questions about the different FS and EDSS scores.
• This e-Test must be completed “online” within two hours from starting the test.
• Be sure to watch the time. The average time needed to complete the e-Test is between 30 to 60 minutes.
• Once you start the test it will be counted as an e-Test Trial, even if you do not finish it!
• While answering the questions, it is recommended that you use the Neurostatus Scoring Documents as a reference for the definitions of different grades and scores.
• Please do not try to copy the answers of an earlier trial. Each e-Test trial is individual and unique.

e-Test and certification procedure on Neurostatus.net:

THREE TRIALS: Investigators have three e-Test attempts to pass the e-Test and to obtain Neurostatus e-Test Qualification.

FOURTH TRIAL: Investigators who have not been successful in three e-Test trials can request one additional, fourth trial after completing a questionnaire providing us with information about potential problems having turned up during the test (Status in administration list ‘blocked’ until fourth test is unlocked).

• After finishing the test you will receive feedback immediately.
• Please print the Qualification Document.
• In the Studies/Qualifications section of your personal e-Test account, you have access to your Qualification Documents at any time.

The Neurostatus e-Test contains three different Levels of Qualification. Based on the phase (1, 2 or 3) of the clinical trial, these levels reflect the expected knowledge of an investigator in performing a standardized examination and EDSS rating.

The Steering Committee of each study will decide which level is needed for a successful Neurostatus Qualification.

Level A = passing 30 of a possible 50 points:
Allows re-certification for studies requiring Level A Qualification.

Level B = passing 34 of a possible 50 points:
Allows re-certification for studies requiring Level A or B Qualification.

Level C = passing 38 of a possible 50 points:
Allows re-certification for studies requiring Level A, B or C Qualification.

• Please note that if you fail to reach the minimum requirements for the Neurostatus e-Test Qualification, you will be allowed 2 additional attempts to qualify (2 additional versions). However, the test will not be available until 12 hours after failed test.
• After 12 hours, you may login again to your personal Neurostatus e-Test account. The ‘To Do’ section will ask you to qualify in a second attempt.
• If you are unsuccessful in all 3 attempts to qualify, there is 1 additional test trial that can be requested. Select link ‘Request one additional e-Test trial’ and complete a short questionnaire concerning specific problems you may have encountered when taking the test or during the preparation for the test.

If you are unsuccessful in all three attempts, there is 1 additional test trial that can be requested.

• Select link ‘Request one additional trial’.
• Complete a short questionnaire concerning specific problems you may have encountered when taking the test or during the preparation for the test.
• By submitting the questionnaire an email notification will be sent to the Neurostatus System Administration. Within 2 business days you will receive a new e-Test trial and/or specific advice for additional training.

In very rare cases Investigators do not pass the exam after four trials. They are asked to contact their study administration for further advice. Study administration may send a request for additional training to Neurostatus.

A personal EDSS Training is offered online, provided by an EDSS expert of the University Hospital Basel (UHB), Switzerland. Duration of training is 45 minutes. The training offers (in short form) the presentation held at investigator meetings, with focus on questions of the Investigator. After the training the Investigator receives a new e-Test on Neurostatus.net website (three trials).

Before you can start your next e-Test trial, you must wait a minimum of 12 hours.

Prior to your next trial, we recommend reviewing your ‘Personal Training Items’. They are provided in the ‘To Do’ section of your personal Neurostatus e-Test account.

In the Studies/Qualifications section of your personal Neurostatus e-Test account you have access to your Qualification Documents at any time.

• valid: Your Neurostatus e-Test Qualification is valid for this study.
• not valid: There is no valid Neurostatus e-Test Qualification for this study.
• reminded: Your Neurostatus e-Test Qualification for this study will expire within the next month. You should retake the e-Test within the next month.
• expired: Your Neurostatus e-Test Qualification has expired for this study! You must retake the e-Test as soon as possible!
• unconfirmed Qualification: The study administration has not yet confirmed your request for qualification.

The qualifications for several studies on Neurostatus.net expire after a limited period of validity (e.g. 12 or 24 months). If a qualification expires for a study for which you are qualified, you will be informed in advance. You will then have to repeat the Neurostatus e-Test to renew your qualification. The renewed qualification will be valid for all the other studies on Neurostatus.net in which you are participating, if the level of qualification corresponds to the level needed in the respective study.

• The study administrator should confirm certifications

• Neurostatus support cannot confirm certifications to new studies. This is done exclusively by the study administrator.

Investigators who have a valid e-Test Qualification on Neurostatus.net can be automatically re-certified for additional studies.

Re-certification processed by the investigator

• Click link ‘Request re-certification for another study’ in your personal e-Test account.
• Select the specific study in the pull-down menu and review your personal data. The system will check if your current e-Test Qualification Level corresponds to the level needed for the respective study.
• By clicking the ‘SEND’ button, a request for confirmation will be sent to the respective study administration.
• After confirmation by the administrator a notification will be sent to your email account.
• You will now have permanent access to your new qualification document in the Studies/Qualifications section of your personal Neurostatus e-Test account.

Re-certification processed by the administration of the new study

• If you are a registered participant in a particular study and if your e-Test Qualification Level allows automatic re-certification, the study administration can process your re-certification.
• You will then receive an email informing you of the successful re-certification by the respective study administration.
• You will then have permanent access to your new Qualification Document in the Studies/Qualifications section of your personal Neurostatus e-Test account.

Please note

• The validity of the Qualification Document of some studies is limited (e.g. to 12 months). If an investigator has been qualified prior to this time period, the investigator cannot receive automatic re-certification for the new study and he/she must then repeat the e-Test in order to receive a qualification for the new study.
• Automated re-certification will only be possible if the Qualification Level of your current e-Test corresponds to the level needed for the respective study or if the Qualification Level is higher.

Please note

• Before closing any specific Study the global administration is asked to download all the certificates to archive them.
• Please note that only the latest passed E-Test / Certificate is available. Any older passed Tests /Certificates cannot be obtained anymore.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any feedback on your e-Test answers.

Please note

• Online practice test: We are pleased to inform you about our new online Neurostatus-EDSS practice test. The practice test is free of charge and does not require user registration. In addition, it will provide feedback immediately after you have submitted your answers so you can check the results and track your progress. You can repeat the practice test as many times as you like
  ⇒ START FREE PRACTICE TEST