1. Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE)
Overview of the New TIDE
Welcome to the online training module for the Test Information Distribution Engine, also known as TIDE. The version of TIDE released in fall 2016 has been redesigned to improve functionality and workflow. This introductory training module provides an overview of TIDE’s new look and feel. The TIDE User Guide on the AzMERIT portal has additional information about the features of TIDE.

2. TIDE Account
When you are initially added to TIDE, you’ll receive an with instructions to activate your TIDE account. This contains your user role, a temporary password, and an activation link.
To activate your account, click the link in the activation . A page will appear with fields to re-enter your and temporary password. Click Secure Login, and a new page will appear prompting you to reset your password. In the Password and Confirm Password fields, type a new password for your account. Passwords have a length requirement and must include different character types; see your TIDE User Guide for details.
After entering your new password, click Submit. Return to the Login Page and log in using your and new password. When you log in, a form for adding a security question will appear. Select a security question and enter an answer. You will be required to add three security questions in order to proceed. You’ll need this information in order to reset a forgotten password.
Please note that if an account is created for an incorrect address, it will need to be deleted, and a new account created for the user.

3. Logging in to TIDE
To log in to TIDE, go to the AzMERIT portal. Click the appropriate user role card. On the next page, click the TIDE system card. Enter the username and password you created when activating your account. Then click Secure Login to go to the TIDE home page.

4. TIDE Home Page Dashboard
New layout for
Preparing for Testing
Administering Tests
The TIDE home page dashboard appears after you log in. You will notice that TIDE has a new look for The dashboard is designed to reflect the stages of the testing process as directly and simply as possible. The two sections contain menus for tasks associated with activities to be completed before and during testing.

5. Banner A banner is displayed at the top of each page
Navigate to other AIR systems
A banner appears at the top of each TIDE page showing the current test administration and your current user role. You will also find a General Resources dropdown, a Help button that displays the TIDE User Guide, a Manage Account drop-down list where you may view your account details, and the Logout button.
The General Resources drop-down list shows any resources available for download, such as the voice pack.
The drop-down in the upper left corner allows you to navigate to other AIR applications.

6. Overview of TIDE Tasks Preparing for Testing
Tasks in the Preparing for Testing section are typically performed before testing begins. This category includes tasks for managing records for users, students, and rosters. This section also includes tasks related to paper testing materials.

7. Overview of TIDE Tasks Administering Tests
Tasks in the Administering Tests section are typically performed during the administration window.
Activities include printing test tickets to distribute to students before testing, printing On-Demand Pre ID labels, and submitting requests for test improprieties.
New this year, TIDE can also monitor test progress and generate test participation reports. This feature was previously available in the Online Reporting System.

8. Navigation-Section Menu
Each of TIDE’s sections list menus for the tasks available in that section. To expand a task menu and view its set of related tasks, click the down arrow on the end of that menu. In this example, the Users menu is expanded to show tasks for adding users, viewing/editing/exporting users, and uploading users. To perform a task, click the name of that task listed in the menu. To collapse the menu of tasks, click the up arrow.

9. Navigation Tools
When you enter any task page, a navigation toolbar appears at the top of the page. This toolbar allows you to access each section that was available on the dashboard. Click the home icon to return to the TIDE home page at any time.
Some pages in TIDE are divided into multiple panels. Each panel contains a group of related settings and fields that you can edit. You can click the minus sign in the upper-left corner of a panel to collapse it, or click the plus sign in a collapsed panel to expand it. Additionally, a floating Go To Section toolbar appears on the left side of pages with multiple panels. This toolbar includes a numbered button for each panel in the form. You can hover over a button to display the label of the associated panel and click the button to jump to that panel.

10. Help Text
Most pages in TIDE have help text that describes the page and how to use it. To show or hide detailed help text on a page, click the gray more info link under the page title.

11. Log out of TIDE Click the Logout button on the banner to exit TIDE.
For more information, refer to the TIDE User Guide posted on the AzMERIT portal at
When you are finished working in TIDE, click the Log out button in the top right corner of the screen. For more information and detailed instructions for completing tasks in TIDE, please download the TIDE User Guide from the AzMERIT portal.