{"id":8417,"date":"2026-06-05T16:14:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T20:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/?page_id=8417"},"modified":"2026-10-07T13:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T17:28:21","slug":"test-and-exam-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/current-students\/academic-accommodations\/exam-accommodations\/test-and-exam-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Test and Exam Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        Test and Exam Tips\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are writing any tests or exams with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ses\/exam-accommodations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>McIntyre Examination Centre<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;(in-person or online), we recommend the following tips to ensure a positive and productive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"comply-with-mecs-exam-deadline-to-avoid-disappointment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comply with MEC&#8217;s exam deadline to avoid disappointment.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Exam accommodations with MEC are not guaranteed after the 10-business-day deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"before-your-exams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before Your Exams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ventus.carleton.ca\/student\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Check Ventus for accommodation details<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>(course, date, start\/end time, location, accommodations, status) of each exam:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">10 business days<\/strong> before the date of an in-person scheduled test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">Three (3) days<\/strong> before the date of an <strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">online test in Brightspace<\/strong> AND <strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">in-person<\/strong> tests to <strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">confirm the location.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure accommodations for each exam are accurate.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your accommodations are not accurate, contact your PMC Coordinator ASAP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Familiarize yourself with in-person exam location(s) if you are writing your exams on campus:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During the final examination periods in December and April, additional locations outside of 133 Nideyinan and 710 Dunton Tower are used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/campus-map\/\">interactive campus map<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to plan your route in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">For online exams&#8230;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the exam type is\u202fin-person proctored digital exam, which will be labelled as \u201cOnline &#8211; Brightspace, student brings device\u201d,\u202fplease make\u202fsure\u202fto bring your device to the exam\u202fand check the location of the exam in Ventus.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are writing an exam that is being\u202fe-proctored by\u202fCoMaS\u202for Zoom,\u202fmake sure you are\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ses\/e-proctoring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">familiar with the technical guidelines<\/a>\u202fbefore the exam.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">AT reminders&#8230;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have Assistive Technology (AT) software (e.g. reading or voice dictation)\u202fas part of your exam accommodations, <strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">make sure you are trained and comfortable using the software before your exams<\/strong>. AT training with an assistive technologist can be arranged through your PMC coordinator.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have\u202f\u201c<strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">pre-approved personal music<\/strong>\u201d\u202fas an\u202faccommodation for your exams,\u202fplease\u202fcontact Synclair Calder,\u202f<a href=\"mailto:SynclairCalder@cunet.carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SynclairCalder@cunet.carleton.ca<\/a>,\u202fto have your\u202fmusic\u202fvetted before your exams if you have not already done so.\u202f<strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">If\u202fyou do not\u202fsubmit\u202fany music<\/strong>, generic music will be provided to you for your exam.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please note <strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">smart glasses<\/strong>\u202f(e.g. Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer)\u202f<strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">and\u202fsmart watches\u202fare considered\u202funauthorized devices\u202fand are not\u202fpermitted\u202fat\u202fformal exam sites.<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"on-test-day\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">On Test Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan to arrive&nbsp;<strong>15 minutes before<\/strong>&nbsp;your exam begins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you arrive late to an exam:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>There is a&nbsp;30-minute grace period&nbsp;at the start of formally scheduled exams<\/strong>. If you arrive at your exam location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, you will be admitted without question.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will not receive additional time to compensate for the time lost due to the late arrival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tips-for-online-exams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Online Exams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I<strong>f you have extra time accommodation, make sure it has been applied in Brightspace<\/strong>.&nbsp; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.&nbsp; If you are writing an exam that is being&nbsp;<strong>e-proctored by CoMaS or Zoom,<\/strong>&nbsp;make sure you are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ses\/e-proctoring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>familiar with the technical guidelines<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;before the exam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up your exam writing environment \u2013 find a quiet, distraction-free space and ensure your internet connection is working and your devices are charged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact your prof before the exam to ask how to contact them if you have questions during an online exam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save your work frequently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you experience technical problems during your exam, contact the Online Exams Team at <a href=\"mailto:onlineexams@carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">onlineexams@carleton.ca<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"additional-tips-and-resources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Tips and Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/current-students\/academic-accommodations\/exam-accommodations\/managing-your-exam-accommodations\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/current-students\/academic-accommodations\/exam-accommodations\/managing-your-exam-accommodations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Managing Exam Accommodations FAQ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ses\/exam-accommodations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Accommodated Exams at the McIntyre Exam Centre FAQ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Comply with MEC&#8217;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exam accommodations with MEC are not guaranteed after the 10-business-day deadline. Before Your Exams On Test Day [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":0,"parent":5073,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[47,68],"class_list":["post-8417","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-current-students","cu_page_type-exam-accommodations"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8417","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/279"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8417"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8417\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8657,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8417\/revisions\/8657"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8417"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=8417"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}