Formative Join: How to Join a Formative Class or Assignment With a Code

Formative (once called GoFormative) is a tool teachers use for quizzes, worksheets and live assignments. Teachers can watch answers come in as students work. To get started, you’ll usually need a join code or a link from your teacher.

In this guide I’ll show you how to join a Formative class, how to sign up or log in, and how to fix the problems students run into most.

How to join Formative with a code

According to Formative’s help center:

1. Go to app.formative.com/join.
2. Enter the 6-character join code your teacher shared.
3. If you don’t have an account yet, click Create Student Account. If you do, log in.

Your class will appear in the Class menu on your dashboard.

Already logged in? Click Join Code at the bottom of the left-hand menu and enter the new code.

How to join with a link

If your teacher sent a join link (often by email or in Google Classroom), click it. If you’re logged in, the class is added automatically. If not, click Create Student Account on the Join Class page.

How to sign up as a student

Check with your teacher first. Your school may already have created an account for you.

If not, you can sign up with:

• an email and password you choose, or
• an existing Google, Clever, Microsoft Teams or Newsela account. Make sure you’re signed in to that account in your browser first.

Then enter your first and last name and click Create Account.

How to log in to Formative

1. Go to app.formative.com/login.
2. Use the same method you signed up with. If you signed up with Google, click the Google button rather than typing a password.
3. If your teacher set up your account, use the details or sign-in method they gave you.

Can you join without an account?

Some assignments allow guest access, but Formative strongly discourages it. A guest attempt is single-use: you can’t come back, edit your answers or keep your scores. It’s much better to create a student account.

Formative not working? Try this

• Wrong Google account? If your computer has several Chrome profiles, switch to the one that matches your school Google account.
• Stuck in a sign-in loop or blank screen? Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then try again.
• Password not working? If you use Google or Clever, click that button instead of typing a password. Otherwise use Forgot password? (check your spam folder) or ask your teacher to reset it.
• Signed up as a teacher by mistake? Delete that account under My Account settings and sign up again as a student.
• Class missing? Classes with no activity for 3 months are hidden. Click the gear icon on your dashboard to show inactive classes.
• Images or videos not loading? Update your browser and turn off ad blockers for Formative.

Formative is one of several tools your teacher might use. See my guides to Edpuzzle Join, Nearpod Join and JoinPD for Pear Deck.

Frequently asked questions

What is the website to join Formative? app.formative.com/join. Enter the 6-character code your teacher gives you.

How long is a Formative join code? 6 characters.

Can I log in to Formative with Google? Yes, if you signed up with Google. Use the Google button on the login page.

Is Formative free for students? Yes. Students don’t pay to use Formative.

Related guides on WebTechHelp

• Edpuzzle Join: how to join a class
• Nearpod Join: how to join a lesson with a code
• How to join Google Classroom with a class code

Sources

• Formative Help Center: Students: account set-up and login
• Formative Help Center: Create a free student account