Test and Exam Tips
If you are writing any tests or exams with the McIntyre Examination Centre (in-person or online), we recommend the following tips to ensure a positive and productive experience.
Comply with MEC’s exam deadline to avoid disappointment.
Request accommodations in Ventus at least 10 business days before a quiz, test or midterm if you have not already requested accommodations for the course at the beginning of the term.
Exam accommodations with MEC are not guaranteed after the 10-business-day deadline.
Before Your Exams
- Check Ventus for accommodation details (course, date, start/end time, location, accommodations, status) of each exam:
- 10 business days before the date of an in-person scheduled test.
- Three (3) days before the date of an online test in Brightspace AND in-person tests to confirm the location.
- Ensure accommodations for each exam are accurate.
- If your accommodations are not accurate, contact your PMC Coordinator ASAP.
- Familiarize yourself with in-person exam location(s) if you are writing your exams on campus:
- During the final examination periods in December and April, additional locations outside of 133 Nideyinan and 710 Dunton Tower are used.
- Use the interactive campus map to plan your route in advance.
- For online exams…
- If there is no accommodation information for an online exam, email your course instructor ASAP to ask if they plan to apply the extra time in Brightspace themselves or if MEC will apply it on their behalf.
- If the exam type is in-person proctored digital exam, which will be labelled as “Online – Brightspace, student brings device”, please make sure to bring your device to the exam and check the location of the exam in Ventus.
- If you are writing an exam that is being e-proctored by CoMaS or Zoom, make sure you are familiar with the technical guidelines before the exam.
- AT reminders…
- If you have Assistive Technology (AT) software (e.g. reading or voice dictation) as part of your exam accommodations, make sure you are trained and comfortable using the software before your exams. AT training with an assistive technologist can be arranged through your PMC coordinator.
- If you have “pre-approved personal music” as an accommodation for your exams, please contact Synclair Calder, SynclairCalder@cunet.carleton.ca, to have your music vetted before your exams if you have not already done so. If you do not submit any music, generic music will be provided to you for your exam.
- Please note smart glasses (e.g. Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer) and smart watches are considered unauthorized devices and are not permitted at formal exam sites.
On Test Day
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your exam begins.
- If you arrive late to an exam:
- There is a 30-minute grace period at the start of formally scheduled exams. If you arrive at your exam location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, you will be admitted without question.
- If you are more than 30 minutes late, proceed to your exam site. The on-site proctor will contact your professor to seek permission for you to write the exam.
- You will not receive additional time to compensate for the time lost due to the late arrival.
- Before you begin your exam, review the summary of accommodations and the amount of time (extra time included) you are entitled to receive for accuracy. Report any discrepancy to the proctor ASAP.
- If you are using assistive technology software or equipment as part of your exam accommodations, make sure they are working properly and report any problems to the proctor right away.
- For in-person evening exams with earlier start times, students will not be permitted to leave the exam site until at least 30 minutes have passed from the official start time of the exam.
Tips for Online Exams
Writing online exams (whether timed quizzes, e-proctored tests, or open-book assessments) requires a mix of preparation, strategy, and technical awareness. Here are clear, practical tips to help you perform your best:
- If you have extra time accommodation, make sure it has been applied in Brightspace. If there is no accommodation information for an online exam in Ventus, email the course instructor ASAP to inquire if they intend to apply the extra time in Brightspace themselves or if MEC will apply it on their behalf.
- Know your exam format (multiple-choice, short answer, essay etc.) and testing conditions (timed, range, open or close book, e-proctored etc.) specified by the course instructor. If you are writing an exam that is being e-proctored by CoMaS or Zoom, make sure you are familiar with the technical guidelines before the exam.
- Set up your exam writing environment – find a quiet, distraction-free space and ensure your internet connection is working and your devices are charged.
- Contact your prof before the exam to ask how to contact them if you have questions during an online exam.
- Save your work frequently.
- If you experience technical problems during your exam, contact the Online Exams Team at onlineexams@carleton.ca.