You should be aware of certain exam procedures before you take an exam. Review the following tips and rules to make your exams run more smoothly and avoid putting yourself at risk of committing an academic offence.
The Arts & Science Academic Calendar is also a valuable reference that further details the exam rules.
On this page:
In-person Exams
Arrive early
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your exam start time. This will give you time for the exam facilitator to validate your photo identification, put away your belongings, review any exam instructions and be prepared to start your exam when the time begins.
If you are late, speak with the exam facilitator as soon as you arrive. They will discuss your options with you. If you are permitted to write the exam, you will not be given extra time due to lateness.
Follow the exam instructions
Make sure you review the instructions provided regarding how to complete the exam. Your exam facilitator will also review some common instructions before the exam starts, including:
- When you can start and when you are to stop writing. If you continue writing after the end of the exam is announced, you will be reported for an academic offence.
- If you have any questions during the exam or must go to the washroom, raise your hand to alert the exam facilitator.
- If you complete your exam early, raise your hand and stay seated until an exam facilitator collects your exam. If you complete your exam within the last 15 minutes of the allotted writing time, stay seated until all the exams have been collected.
Bring your photo ID
You must show your TCard or another valid form of photo identification (ID) to enter the exam room. You will not be allowed to enter the room or write your exam without your photo ID.
If you forget or lose your TCard, you can bring one of the following forms of photo ID:
- Up-to-date passport (any country, in English)
- Current driver’s license (any country, in English)
- Government-issued photo ID (any province or territory)
Put away and turn off all electronic devices (e.g., cellphones)
You’re not allowed to have any unauthorized electronic devices in your possession or on your desk during the exam. This includes any device that has internet, wireless or Bluetooth connectivity or otherwise may communicate with another person or device. Common unauthorized devices are cell phones, tablets, laptops and smart technology including smartwatches or fitness devices with connectivity.
During the exam, if you are found to have an electronic device in your possession, you will be reported for an academic offence even if you are not using it or it is turned off.
Your electronic devices need to be stored away from your desk. If you are not comfortable leaving items at the side of the room, you may store your belongings in your bag under your chair. However, you are not allowed to touch your bag during the exam.
If you want to keep track of the time while writing your exam, you may bring a watch if it is not a smartwatch.
Permitted items on your desk
The only items permitted on your desk are:
- Your photo ID
- Pens and pencils
- A clear water bottle with no labels
- Any other aids allowed by your instructor
Pencil cases and electronic devices mentioned above must be stored away from your desk or under your chair. Make sure to bring your own pens, pencils and anything else you are required to bring as indicated by your instructor as they will not be provided.
Bring only permitted aids
The exam cover will list which aids you are allowed during the exam. “No Aids” means only your writing supplies (i.e. pens and pencils) are allowed on your desk.
Common unauthorized aids include electronic devices, books, class notes and aid sheets. Some exams do permit specific types of calculators (see below).
Check if calculators are permitted
There are some exams where a calculator is permitted. When you are preparing for your exam, ask your instructor if your type of calculator (e.g., a programmable calculator) will be permitted during the exam. Your exam facilitator can verify if your calculator is permitted or not, but waiting to verify your calculator just as you enter the exam may be too late for you to replace it with a permitted calculator.
If a calculator is not specifically mentioned as an authorized aid for your exam, it is not permitted.
If you are found using a type of calculator that is not permitted, you risk getting your calculator confiscated and you may be reported for having an unauthorized aid which is considered an academic offence.
Empty your pockets
Check to make sure you have nothing in your pockets, including unauthorized aids like electronic devices and study notes, while taking your exam. You can hang your coat on the back of your chair, but you are not allowed to reach into the pockets of your clothes or your coat until the exam is over.
During the exam, if you are found to have an unauthorized aid in your pocket or you reach for your coat during an exam, you may be reported for an academic offence.
Keep your eyes and thoughts to yourself
Do not talk or communicate with other students writing the exam. Communication with anyone other than an exam facilitator or instructor can be seen as cheating, and you may be reported for an academic offence.
Protect your work
Be sure to protect your hard work and deter other students from being able to see your exam answers. For example, if your exam contains multiple choice questions, avoid answering with large letters that your neighbours may be able to easily see, and copy!
Online Exams
In-person and online exams, both considered formal exams, follow the same general principles regarding student conduct and the university policies on Academic Integrity, Accommodated Testing, Religious Accommodations, and Exam Conflicts.
Follow the exam instructions
Make sure you review the instructions that your instructor has provided regarding how to access and complete the exam.
For exams on Quercus, review the Quercus Quizzes tip sheet. If your online exam does not use Quercus, your instructor will provide you with information regarding platform and access.
Log in early
Before the start of the online exam, test that your laptop and internet access are working properly. Then, at least 15 minutes before the start of your exam, log into the exam platform indicated by your instructor. This will give you some time to review any additional exam instructions and be prepared to start your exam when the time begins. Please note, you will not be given extra time if you are late.
Report any technical difficulties or major disruptions
If you are having technical issues logging in, notify your instructor and contact the Information Commons help desk at 416-978-HELP (4357) or help.desk@utoronto.ca for technical support. Take screenshots of your issue that include the date and time.
In case of a major disruption, such as a fire alarm, during an online exam that prevents you from completing your exam, follow the steps below:
- First and foremost, ensure your safety.
- Once you are able, notify your instructor immediately and submit any work completed (e.g., save and log out of exam, email solutions to instructor).
- Supporting documentation may differ based on the type of disruption. Do your best to document the incident as much as you are able; this may include a third-party letter that is able to corroborate the incident (e.g., building supervisor, law enforcement).
Bring only permitted items
Follow your instructor’s guidelines about the permitted items during your online exam. Use of any unauthorized aids, including textbooks and lecture notes, online searches, generative artificial intelligence, third-party tutorial services, and consultation with others, may be considered an academic offence.
Unless your instructor explicitly tells you to use outside materials during an online exam, do not:
- Look up material online
- Reference your course materials
- Text your classmates
- Get help from a tutor
If you’re not sure about which aids are allowed, always ask your instructor before the exam. For some exams, your instructor may request that you make a declaration (or attestation) that you have read, understood and followed the Academic Integrity policies outlined in the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters.
