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Exams
Familiarise yourself with the instructions, processes and expectations governing end-of-semester exams.
Overview
In-semester exams
If you have a Semester 2 Early exam scheduled in the next two weeks, you will get access to your exam site in Canvas three days before the exam. This is where you’ll access your exam, the exam instructions, and a list of any materials that are permitted during the exam. Make sure you read the instructions and contact your unit of study coordinator if you have any questions about the exam.
If you’re taking an online exam through ProctorU, make sure you’ve read through the ‘Taking online tests and exams Canvas site’ ahead of time to ensure you’re prepared and set up to take your online exam. If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you do a practice test so you can test out your computer and internet, and so you know what to expect when your real exam starts.
If you do not have adequate space or technology to sit your exam off campus, there are limited spaces on campus you may be able to access to take your exam. As numbers are limited, you should only apply for this option if you've explored all other alternatives. If you have an exam supervised through ProctorU you can book to sit your exam on campus. If you have an open book exam you can book a space in the Library. You will need to bring headphones to minimise disruption for yourself and others during the exam.
We've moved to online exams
This semester, to keep students safe and minimise disruption to studies, we’ve moved our exams online. If you have one scheduled it will either be changed to a take-home quiz or assignment or you’ll complete it online under supervised conditions using a tool called ProctorU.
You should check your exam timetable for details on the type of exams you will be sitting eg. online or take-home. If you have an online exam scheduled, you will complete it through Canvas either using ProctorU, or as a time-based exam in a format set out by your unit of study coordinator.
You should refer to the Canvas site for each of your units for more details on what format the exams or assignments will be in.
Preparing for ProctorU supervised exams
ProctorU is an online testing service, that uses a combination of webcam, microphone, speakers and screen sharing to deliver proctored (supervised) exams.
Make sure you’ve read our guide in Canvas on taking online tests and exams. It includes a video that explains the process of preparing for and taking proctored exams online through ProctorU, has practice exams for you to try and lets you know how to get help if you need it.
As usual you should make sure you understand what will be expected of you during your exam by referring to your unit of study outline and information on Canvas.
Key steps to prepare
- Sign up to ProctorU and read our FAQ’s to help you set it up.
- Do a practice test
- Set up a separate account on your computer to keep your exam environment free from distractions, and to keep your personal and work files private.
See the full list of steps you should take to prepare in the lead up to exam period and also on the day of your exam.
A limited number of laptops and desktops are also available for loan from the University for those students who need them in order to study remotely. Register your interest in The University of Sydney Device Borrowing Service. Expressions of interest are assessed on a daily basis and you will be contacted by the University’s ICT Department in order to arrange pick up.
Tell us if you need extra help
Disability Services helps students who have a disability to access reasonable adjustments for exams. They can also help students who have a temporary condition or injury and require adjustments for their exam. Find out about registering with Disability Services.
Common adjustments converted for online delivery are outlined here. The Disability Services team are actively working on more complex cases not covered by common adjustments.
If you have a condition or circumstance that will affect you taking your exam in the short-term, just for a day, a week, or a few months, you may be able to apply for Special Consideration.
If you do not have adequate space or technology to sit your exam off campus, there will be limited space on campus you may be able to access to take your exam. As numbers are limited, you should only apply for this option if you've explored all other alternatives. If you have an exam supervised through ProctorU you can book to sit your exam on campus. If you have an open book exam you can book a space in the Library.
If you are registered with Disability Services and have exam adjustments in place, you should submit an online enquiry instead, making sure you reference 'on-campus registration' in the 'What is your enquiry about' field. The Exams office will then be in touch to make the appropriate arrangements for you.
Last updated: 10 September 2020
