Information for Students

Frequently Asked Questions from students

Schedule your exam in advance
You must schedule your exam time in advance, using the Testing Center website. Some exams are scheduled for a specific time by the instructor. If this is the case, you will receive an email stating the date and time you should arrive in the Testing Center. If you have a problem scheduling an exam, please contact the Testing Center by calling 863-8116.

Bring your student ID card
You must have a valid Penn State student ID card to enter the facility and take a test. No ID, no exam!

Take a virtual "walk through" with our Testing Center Check-in video.

Arrive early
Lines at the Testing Center may be long. Arriving early insures you will have time to complete your exam before the next scheduled testing period. Typically, instructors will allow you to start an exam late; however, you will only have until the scheduled end time of your exam to complete it.

• Go straight through the main entry doors and turn to the right, then to the left at the end of the bench, to enter the queuing area.
• If you do not have a backpack to contain your belongings, pick up a blue bag from the bin located next to the queuing line. Remove headphones, and turn off and store away all personal electronics. All personal items are to be contained in either a backpack or one of the blue bags provided.
• Have your Penn State ID card ready.
• Swipe your Penn State ID card at the turnstile.
• Move to the check-in desk to receive your ticket. Your ticket will contain:
  • your picture
  • the name of the exam you are taking
  • time available for your exam
  • items allowed
  • your seat number and directions to your exam station
• Proceed into the e-Testing Lab.
• Find your computer station.
• Stow your belongings under the station.
• Place your ticket in the holder at the top of the testing station.
• Sit down and log in to the computer using your Access ID and password.
• Your exam will automatically begin.

If you have a problem logging on to your computer, make sure you are at the right station. You will only be able to log on to the station to which you are assigned. If you are still having a problem, contact one of the Testing Center staff. When you have completed your exam, log off of the computer, quietly gather your belongings and proceed to the exit turnstile. You will need to swipe your Penn State ID card to exit the lab. There is no unnecessary talking while in the e-Testing Lab.

Academic Integrity
We consider the following to violate academic integrity:

• Copying from another person's work during an examination
• Allowing someone to copy from you during an examination
• Using unauthorized materials during an examination
• Taking an examination for another or permitting another to take an exam for you
• Attempting to enter the testing facility using another student's credentials
• Obtaining or providing to another an un-administered test or answers to an un-administered test
• Removing, copying, or attempting to remove or copy a test, its answers, or any portion thereof from the Testing Center

Individuals found engaging in these behaviors will be reported to the instructor and may be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs. The Testing Center is under video surveillance. If you are caught cheating, video evidence may be presented to the instructor and/or the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Items permitted during testing
Your ticket will list items allowed by your instructor. If items are not indicated on your ticket, they are not permitted. Unauthorized items will be confiscated and your instructor will be notified of this Testing Center policy violation. Your exam may be terminated.
Please note:
If your instructor allows the use of a calculator, you must bring your own. Cell phones are not allowed for any purpose. Please check with your instructor top find our what types of calculators are allowed.

Clothing
Any hat with a brim must be removed during testing, or turned with the brim toward the back of your head. Sunglasses may not be worn in the Testing Center. Heavy jackets and coats must be stowed in your backpack or one of our blue bags.

Restroom use
Students taking a test are allowed to use the restroom within the testing area only. You should turn off the power to the computer monitor while using the restroom. Your exam clock will continue to run while you are away from the computer station.

Technical issues
If you have a technical problem while taking your exam, please notify a staff person immediately, either by coming to the check-in desk or by notifying a proctor in the e-Testing Lab.

Accommodations for students with disabilities
If you have a disability that prevents you from taking a classroom test, please contact the Office for Disability Services. The office will work with you and your instructor to plan your testing sessions, which may or may not include testing at the Center. In order to receive any accommodation you must be registered with the Office for Disability Services and you must fill out forms for each exam you are taking.