Article verified for Release 16.1 on September 10, 2026.
This article explains how to archive or permanently delete a test from the system.
As a general rule, archiving is recommended when you want to retire a test while preserving its history, while deletion should be used when the test is no longer required.
Enabling the Allow delete data option
Before deleting any data, such as tests, users, surveys, or training courses, you must first enable the Allow delete data option in the System settings.
To do so:
- Click Settings in the left-side menu and select System and Customization.
- Go to the System preferences tab.
- Navigate to the Additional modules setup tab.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and enable the Allow delete data option.
Archiving a test
Archiving a test means removing the test from active use without deleting it from the system.
Once a test is archived, it is no longer available for new assignments or test-taking activities (candidates cannot see that test in their assignment list). However, the test and its associated historical data remain stored in the system, including previous testing sessions, test attempts, results, and other relevant records. This allows administrators to retain access to historical information and use it for reporting purposes.
To archive a test, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Tests and then to the Manage tests sub-menu. Select the desired test.
- Select the Settings tab.
- Select Basic information.
- Click the Options button and select Archive.
Deleting A Test
If a test is associated with active testing sessions or attempts, it cannot be deleted immediately. In such cases, you will first need to remove the related attempts and sessions before proceeding with deletion.
To permanently remove a test, you must archive it first. Once archived, click the Options button again and select Delete.
Note: All data associated with the deleted test, including reports and statistics, will be permanently lost and cannot be retrieved.
Deleting a Test with Sessions
If a test is associated with one or more sessions with completed attempts, you cannot delete it immediately. Attempting to do so will trigger a system warning.
Before permanently removing the test, you must first delete all related test attempts and the associated sessions.
Deleting the attempts
To delete test attempts, follow these steps:
- From the desired test, navigate to the Candidates tab.
- Select all attempts by checking the boxes next to the Actions column.
- Click the Actions button and select Delete selected attempts.
Note: Please note that suspended attempts are hidden by default; you must enable the “Show suspended attempts” filter to view and delete them.
Deleting the Testing Sessions
Once all test attempts are deleted, you can proceed to delete the associated testing sessions.
- From the desired test, navigate to the Testing Sessions tab.
- Click the three dots and select Settings.
- Choose Delete Testing Session.
Note: After removing all attempts and sessions, you can archive the test and then delete it from the Settings tab, as described in the sections above.
For additional related topics, please refer to the following articles:
