diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ac07a84d..c3e77062 100755
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -28,6 +28,35 @@ A place to learn and share with developers what makes web work accessible. This
   - You can find the path to the installed PHP using `which php`. Add that path to your terminal profile's PATH environment value and/or VS Code settings.
 - Java: required in order to use the v.Nu checker during automation and unit testing
 
+  - Install options:
+
+    - Brew Install Options:
+
+      - ```bash
+        brew install java
+        ```
+      - ```bash
+        brew install openjdk
+        ```
+      - Additional tasks
+
+        - ```bash
+          java -version
+          ```
+
+          If you get "Unable to locate a Java Runtime", proceed to next step.
+
+        - Ensure your symlink is correctly mapped (these instructions will also appear after you brew install java)
+
+          - ```bash
+            sudo ln -sfn /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk/libexec/openjdk.jdk \
+            /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk.jdk
+            ```
+
+    - Manual Install Options:
+      - Mac Install <https://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_install.html>
+      - Windows Install <https://www.java.com/en/download/help/windows_manual_download.html>
+
 > Note: Any changes to these prerequisites will need to be reflected in the GitHub Actions in order to run the CI/CD checks.
 
 #### Optional installations (since `npm run server` will run an express server)
@@ -59,6 +88,8 @@ A place to learn and share with developers what makes web work accessible. This
 
    > See the [Chromedriver issues](#chromedriver-issues) section if you encounter an error related to Chromedriver.
 
+   > Make sure your local server is running in another terminal before running `npm run test`.
+
 ## Tests
 
 ### Tools used for testing
diff --git a/bin/php-express/lib/PHPExpress/index.js b/bin/php-express/lib/PHPExpress/index.js
index ace85011..91f76126 100644
--- a/bin/php-express/lib/PHPExpress/index.js
+++ b/bin/php-express/lib/PHPExpress/index.js
@@ -13,7 +13,10 @@ var PHPExpress = function (opts) {
             console.log(`Error was: ${error || stderr}`)
             process.exit(1);
         } else {
-            this.binPath = stdout.trim();
+            const stdoutVal = stdout.trim();
+            if (stdoutVal !== '') {
+                this.binPath = stdoutVal;
+            }
             console.log(`PHP found at ${this.binPath}`);
         }
     });