FSU Distance Learning Exams

Proctored Exam Procedures for Off Campus Students

ALERT! Beginning January of 2010, new Distance Learning policies and procedures are in effect.

Many instructors use proctored testing to assess a student's progress in online courses. Students in online courses must fulfill their responsibilities in arranging and taking a proctored exam. Reviewing the questions on this page will inform you of the procedures you must complete before you can take your proctored exams.

Please read this information carefully. All online learning students requiring proctored exams must select a proctor by the end of the second week after the start of the term. Exam information will not be distributed to a proctor unless the student has a proctor request on file at Assessment and Testing AND the student/proctor match has been approved. If the nearest listed proctor is over 100 miles away from you, please contact our office as soon as possible - it is in your best interest to understand all proctor requirements and time constraints before Drop/Add is over. Please note that testing center's hours of operation are not a valid reason to request an alternate proctor - you may need to alter your work schedule to accommodate your exams.

Academic integrity applies to all FSU students, on campus and online, at all times. See FSU's Academic Honor Code and University policy for violations.

Note: Failure on the part of the student to assume these responsibilities will be a matter to resolve with the instructor and could result in a failing grade on the exam in question.

Registration and Payment

Fees vary for the use of a testing facility and the proctor's time to receive, monitor, and return your exam. Please contact your chosen proctor to determine if there is a fee, what it is, and when it must be paid. Testing centers often require prepayment, and your receipt for payment may serve as your ticket to the proctored exam session. Some proctors also require students to bring return envelopes for paper-based exams. At this time you will also want to review your exam schedule with your approved proctor to ensure they will test you during your given windows. The Assessment and Testing coordinates the delivery of exam materials between the instructor and the proctors and ensures that exams will be available at the scheduled dates and times. If possible, schedule your exam date and time with the proctor well in advance of the testing window provided by your instructor. Please note:

• Some proctors block out certain times or days of the weeks for distance learning exams. i.e. Finals Week.
• You must arrive with enough time to allow full time for your exam. Do not show up an hour before closing if your exam is two hours long - you will not be seated.
• Check with your proctor the day before your exam to ensure they have the necessary exam information.
• On test day bring with you an ID accepted by your chosen proctor. Failure to provide proper ID will result in being turned away.
  
  • FSU student ID (& a Driver's License if there is no photo)

Testing Center Guidelines

1. Students must present a valid ID card.


2. Students' cell phones must be turned off completely while in the testing room. If a student's cell phone vibrates, makes any alert or sound, or is otherwise found to be on, before or after being seated, the student's exam will be terminated and/or the student will forfeit the chance to test. Students must wait until they exit the testing room prior to turning their cell phone back on.


3. Students may not bring loose papers (study guides, notes, or blank paper) into the testing room, unless specified in the instructions on their exam. If scratch paper is provided, it must be turned in before leaving.


4. Calculators are not provided by proctors. If they are allowed by the professor for the exam, the student must bring his/her own.


5. Hats, head gear, wraps, etc. may not be worn during exams (except that which is prescribed for religious purposes).


6. Students are expected to exhibit proper decorum when using proctoring facilities. Violations of the following rules may result in the student being expelled from the proctoring site for the remainder of the semester.
   
   • There is no talking in the testing room, except to proctors.
   • Leaving the testing room with any test content (questions, directions, etc.) or with any student responses is strictly prohibited.
   • Inappropriate behavior towards staff or other students.


7. Proctors are not responsible for students' grades. Students are responsible for taking any disputes to the instructor. This includes concerns about test questions/answers, scores, or concerns about being turned away for any reason.


8. Computers in the testing room may not be used for any purpose other than to take exams. Any student caught attempting to use computers for any other purpose will be asked to leave immediately - regardless if the exam has started or not.

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