Exam Proctoring Guidelines - Human Resources - Carnegie Mellon University

Exam Proctoring Guidelines

Proctor Responsibilities

  • Arrive to the classroom 10 minutes before the exam starts.
  • Write the student’s start time, projected finish time, and actual finish time in the sign-in book.
  • Do not place students taking the same exam in close proximity.
  • Review each exam for special requirements requested by the instructor.
  • Make sure each student has the correct exam.
  • Be careful when dealing with perceived irregularities. In most cases students should not be confronted during the exam. The behavior/evidence should be noted and/or collected and turned in with the exam. It is the instructor’s purview to determine any irregularities.
  • Note the student name, start and end time of each break
  • Make sure electronic devices are not in the proximity of the student during breaks; return all electronic devices after the student’s break.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum. Many students have attention/concentration issues and therefore receive Distraction Reduced Testing Environment as an accommodation.
  • Use cell phones only when necessary in an emergency or as communication as issues related to the exam
  • Be aware of noise in the external environment and try to keep it at a minimum.
  • Exams should be delivered directly to the instructor. When this is not possible exams should be slid under the LOCKED door of the instructor’s office. If the exam is given to a general office( ex: math office), note the time, date and name of person who accepted the exam.
  • Unsecured exams: If the exam is to be delivered in an unsecured fashion, (mailed, put in a mail box, put under an unlocked door etc.) always make a copy of the exam to be kept with Disability Resources. Once delivery is confirmed the copy should be destroyed
  • Electronic exams: If the exam is returned electronically, always save a copy of the exam. Delete the exam once delivery is confirmed.

Student Responsibilities

  • Exams administered at Whitfield Hall will start within 20 minutes of the scheduled starting time. Any start time beyond 20 minutes will be noted in the sign-in book.
  • Exams administered on campus will start with in 10 minutes of the scheduled starting time. Any start time beyond 10 minutes will be noted in the sign-in book.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to be on time for the exam. The proctored exam will begin on time unless the student has made prior arrangements to accommodate travel time or other potential conflicts. If a student is late and has not made prior arrangements, late time will be counted against total test time.
  • List name, date, last four digits of social security number, class name and/or section number, instructor’s name in sign-in book. 
  • Notify the proctor immediately upon noticing you are in the proximity of another student taking the same exam.
  • Review each exam for special requirements requested by the instructor.
  • Make sure each you have the correct exam. 
  • Bring any irregularities to the attention of the proctor immediately. In most instances, concerns are easier to correct during the exam than after the exam.
  • Surrender to your proctor all electronic devices during breaks
  • Break times are counted against test time.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum; use cell phones only in case of emergency.