Contents

• Overview 
• What is the Test Cycle URL? 
• Step-By-Step Instructions 
  • Access the Test Cycle URL 
  • Share the Test Cycle URL 
• What Testers See
• Next Steps

Overview

This guide shows Program Admins how to access and share the Test Cycle URL in an Award Cycle in Next. 
 

What is the Test Cycle URL? 

• The Test Cycle URL is a private link that lets you preview and test an award cycle before publishing live. Only users with the URL can access the cycle to submit test applications, so Admins must share it with testers.
   

⚠️Before You Begin: Activate Test Mode 

The Test Cycle URL is only generated once Test Mode is active. 

• Is Test Mode on? Proceed to the instructions below.

Need to turn it on? See ➡️How to Activate Test Mode.
 

Step-By-Step Instructions 

Access the Test Cycle URL

1. In the Program, click Program Settings in the left-hand menu.
   
   

2. In Program Settings, click the drop-down arrow on the far right of the Program URLs section. 

• All award cycles currently in Test Mode appear. 

📌 Note: You can have multiple award cycles in Test Mode at the same time. Each cycle has its own Test Cycle URL.

Share the Test Cycle URL

1. Click Copy on the far right of the award cycle you want to test. 

2. The Test Cycle URL is copied to your clipboard. Paste it into an incognito window to test the cycle yourself and/or share it with testers.
 

⚠️For Invitation-Only Programs: Remember to share the Invitation Code with the Test Cycle URL. Test applicants will need it to apply. Find the code under Program Settings > Program Info under the invitation-only toggle at the bottom.
 

What Testers See

When testers open the Test Cycle URL, the award cycle appears exactly as it will to applicants once it's live.
 

Before logging in, testers will see: 

a. A Preview Mode notice (Click Got it to close).

b. The Program Info page. 

c. The Eligibility Check (if included in the award cycle) 

d.  Intake Form(s) (application forms).

📌 Note: Testers who are not logged in can complete the Eligibility Check and view a preview of the Intake Form(s). They must log in to complete the Intake Form(s).  

Next Steps 

• Test the Award Cycle: For instructions on how to log in as an applicant and submit test applications, see ➡️ How to Submit Test Applications. 

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