FAQs asked by teachers and other professionals

What is my password?
The default password given to you when you first install your Lucid software is lucid - it is must be entered exactly as shown as it is case-sensitive. You can change the password by going to the Reports and Administration module in your software.
The default password pre-2004 was 'let me in' and this is still depicted in the printed CoPS manual (page 9). We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change of default password which was undertaken to avoid incorrect use of the original password. The default password is normally printed on the CD face.

Why doesn't my password work today?
Assuming you have entered the password correctly and nobody has changed it, the usual cause is the CAPS LOCK key being lit on your keyboard. If you're not sure, try running a text program such as Word ® for Windows. Type in your password on a blank page - does it appear as expected?
If you have changed the password but forgotten it Lucid may be able to email you a utility program to recover the password within 3 working days.

How does my software licence work?
When you install Lucid assessment software, it will run on your computer for a time period of either 1,3 or 5 years. After this period the software asks to be renewed by entering a new serial number at the point where you would normally enter your password. The new serial number is supplied when you purchase a renewal of your licence. If there is a major new version of the software available, a new CD is normally supplied with your renewal pack.

Apparent score anomalies in Rhymes, Wock or Single Word Reading
In these assessments in particular it is possible for a pupil to get an unexpectedly low centile score even if he/she only got one or two test items wrong.
Although this may be alarming it is statistically accurate (from the original norming sample) and reflects what is known as a ceiling effect. In simple terms, nearly all of the pupils in the original standardisation sample got all the items right.
The anomaly can be stark in Rhymes as there are as few as 8 test items. As an example, a six year old would achieve a 'perfect' centile score of 99 for getting all 8 correct but only 35 if he/she got just one item wrong.
Another example is a 5 year old tested on Wock who is scored 99 centile for all 15 correct but only 32 centile if two items are answered incorrectly.
There is usually no need for concern and the low centile can be viewed as a statistical blip.
Severe ceiling effects are also possible in Single Word Reading (LASS) - see page 9 of the LASS Teacher's Manual for further clarification.

How can I find out when my software licence expires?
You can usually find the date upon which the software will either stop working or shut down some of its functionality by clicking on the 'Licence information' button which is at the top-right of the Start-up menu.

Why won't my Lucid serial number work on my new computer?
Lucid's serial numbers normally employ a special format which only allows them to be used within a particular calendar year. This means that if you wish to install your software onto a different computer the serial number may not be accepted. In the later editions of the software such as Version 5, you may be permitted to install in a non-licence renewal year if you provide information about your invoice month and year to the registration screen. If you have previously installed your software and wish to move it to another computer this can be done by transferring the database files from the original computer to the new one. This process is described on the other FAQs page.

Downloadable Fact Sheets (PDF)