Abstract: A method for testing utilizing a handheld computer having software which includes a launcher and a multiplicity of previous applications includes the steps exchanging the contents of the internal flash-ROM memory for the contents of an external memory module which contains a testing application and a verification application. The verification application ensures that after the exchange the contents of the flash-ROM memory contains only programs which have been authorized by the testing agency to be present when the test is taken, and that all communications and networking capability of the handheld computer are disabled during testing. At the conclusion of testing the handheld computer is returned to its original configuration by a second exchange between the flash-ROM memory and the external memory module.