In addition to studying, there are some guidelines which can help you during an online test or in-person exam and avoid an academic offence. Here are some things to expect during online and in-person tests/exams:
Check the date
Make sure to check and double check the timetable and add the dates to your calendar a few months before your test. For online final assessments, check your syllabus or the Quercus page for the date of your test. For in-person final exams, check the A&S exam schedule. If you are unsure, ask your instructor.
Be on time
You can have tests or exams scheduled at different times of the day, including evenings and Saturdays. It is a good idea to keep those days free. For online tests, make sure you account for the time zone you are writing the test in. You will not be able to change the time/date of your exam unless you have a conflict or a religious obligation.
Online final assessments: Make sure you are logged on at least 15 minutes before the start of your test. If you are running late, contact your instructor immediately after logging in.
In-person exams: Make sure you are at the exam room at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam. If you are running late, speak with the exam facilitator in the exam room as soon as you arrive. They will be able to discuss your options with you and may be able to help you avoid filing a petition.
Know where to go
Online tests: Find a quiet space for your test. Pick a comfortable spot with minimal distractions. Make sure you let people you are living with know that you are writing a test.
In-person exams: Make sure you know the building and the room of your exam. The exam schedule uses two-letter codes to indicate the building your exam will be held in followed by the room name or number. Use the examination locations list to familiarize yourself with the locations.
Don’t forget your TCard for final exams
By exam time, you will most likely be glued to your TCard. But in case you forget it, you can also bring a photo ID to your exam. You will need to present one of the following photo IDs with your signature:
- TCard
- Up-to-date passport (from any country)
- Current driver’s license (from any country)
- Current health card (Canadian provinces and territories only)
Breathe in, breathe out
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or anxious before a test. It is important to remain calm because that is when your brain is at its best. Try some breathing exercises, have some water, meditate and do what works for you.
Put away your belongings
Online assessments: Before the test, organize all the resources you are permitted to use during the test. Make sure you are familiar with your instructor’s guidelines. Some instructors may permit calculators, textbooks and cheat sheets, while others may not. During the test, access only the materials and websites which are permitted. Accessing any resources that are not permitted could be considered an academic offence.
In-person exams: You will be asked to put away your coat, bags and other belongings. During the exam, don’t reach into your bag or pocket as that can be considered an academic offence.
Turn off and put away your cell phone and smart watch
Online assessments: Turn off your cell phone and smart devices (watches and tablets). Close any unnecessary tabs on your screen. Don’t access any websites or chats that the instructor has not explicitly permitted.
In-person exams: Cell phones and smartwatches are considered unauthorized aids and are not allowed during exams. Turning off your cell phone and smartwatch during exams is not enough. Make sure that you put them away. If you are caught with a cell phone or smartwatch on you, even if they are turned off, it may be considered an academic offence.
Focus on your own test/exam
Participating in group chats or collaborating with other students on a test can be an academic offence. Similarly, talking to other students and looking at other students’ exams can be considered an academic offence. It’s best to play it safe and focus on your own exam/test.
If your computer stops working…
- Stay calm
- Note down what happened so you can recall the information later
- Contact your instructor immediately
If you are having technical issues during your final assessment on Quercus, contact your instructor. If your instructor is unable to help, contact Information Commons directly and let your instructor know that you are following up with Information Commons.
Defer your test/exam if you are seriously ill
- If you feel ill during an online test and have to leave before completing the test, make sure to let your instructor know before leaving the test. They may ask you to sign a form and can explain the next steps to you. You may be able to reschedule or defer your test until a later date.
- For in-person exams, if you are experiencing a medical emergency and cannot make it to the exam, or you are feeling too sick to write your exam, you can file a petition to defer your exam. By filing a petition, you will be considered to write your exam at a later date.
Study, study and study
Check out the tips on how to study for exams or see a Learning Strategist to help you study for exams.
