Student FAQ

To mitigate the potential for scheduling conflicts, it is highly recommended to promptly register for your examinations during the designated period. It is advisable to refrain from postponing your registration until the final day. 

In the event that the testing window is still active, it will be necessary to consult with a proctor located within one of the CBTF labs to request the deletion of your existing reservation. Once your reservation has been successfully deleted, you will then be able to proceed with creating a new reservation in the PrairieTest system assuming there are seats available.

However, if the testing window has already closed, it will be essential for you to reach out to your instructor in order to schedule a conflict exam. Please note that CBTF proctors are unable to assist with the scheduling of exams that fall outside the designated testing window.

Can I still take my exam if I show up late?

Exams start at the listed reservation time on PrairieTest. Please make sure you show up 10 minutes before so you can get checked in during 10 minute window before the exam begins.

• If you arrive more than 10 minutes late to your reservation, you will be noted as a “no show”, your exam access will be blocked, and you will have to work with a CBTF proctor to manually delete your reservation and allow you to reschedule.

• This means that if you have an “extra time” accommodation but don’t think you will need the extra time, you still need to show up on time. You should plan to show up 10 minutes early to your reserved test time. A CBTF proctor will be present to let you in (if you arrive while the previous session is still in progress, please wait quietly outside).

What steps should I take if I am unwell and unable to take my scheduled exam?

It is recommended that you reschedule your examination when you have fully recovered or if it is not feasible, communicate with your instructor. It is our utmost priority to ensure your academic performance is not negatively impacted by your health condition. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to prioritize your well-being and avoid attempting the exam while unwell.

What should I do if I'm unable to attend my registered exam time?

We request that you reschedule your exam to ensure fairness for other students who need the available seats. If your exam time has already passed and you are unable to change your reservation, it is essential that you personally speak with a proctor to facilitate the process of signing up for a new available time or email cbt-help@berkeley.edu if you are unable to talk to a proctor in person. Their assistance will be required to secure a new exam slot.

In the case of a conflict with the exam I have scheduled, what steps should I take to address the situation?

• Please attempt to resolve any conflicts with your scheduled exam by adjusting your reservation before seeking assistance. 

• Please remember that these exams are important assessments, and it is your responsibility to be mindful of your schedule and make necessary arrangements. It is essential not to expect immediate accommodation or exam extensions, as it may not be feasible. Please refrain from relying solely on proctors for such accommodations.

• If it is absolutely not possible for you to take the exam within the provided time frame, it is imperative that you promptly communicate this to your instructor. They need to be informed of your circumstances to explore potential alternatives or accommodations.

If you experience any issues during an exam, you should always notify a proctor immediately.  This allows us to provide guidance and document the issue if necessary.

Here are some general guidelines to bear in mind when encountering issues during a test:

• In the case of exam content-related concerns, notify the proctor and then report the issue in PrairieLearn.  You should also contact your designated course staff after the exam. They will be able to assist you further in addressing the problem.

• In the event of encountering software-related difficulties, notify a proctor and follow their guidance. It is crucial to note that if you depart without discussing the issue with a proctor, we will likely not be able to document the precise problem and the time frame in which it occurred. Such information is essential for your instructors to address the situation effectively.

• If you encounter any PrairieLearn-related issues, notify a proctor and follow their guidance. They will assist in troubleshooting the problem by coordinating with the CBTF administrators, who can provide further assistance and resolve the issue effectively.

In the event that your computer becomes unresponsive, what steps should you take to address the issue?

If I encounter a word whose meaning is unfamiliar to me, what actions should I take to clarify its definition?

• In situations where you come across a word with an unfamiliar meaning, it is advisable to make your best assumption. Please understand that proctors may not always be able to provide answers to test content-related questions.

• To access the reference page for your exam, please follow these steps:

  • Click on the "Assessment Overview" button.
  • Review the instructions for your exam once more. The reference page should be clearly indicated within the instructions.
  • If you encounter any difficulties in opening the reference page, please raise your hand and kindly communicate the issue to a proctor. They will be available to assist you promptly.

If I experienced a problem during the exam but left the CBTF without speaking to a proctor, what steps should I take to report the issue now?

• Please remember to report any problems or issues you encounter during the exam to a proctor while it is still ongoing. Proctors are unable to document problem reports that are not made during the exam. Your prompt communication ensures that the proctors can address the problem or accurately record the incident.

As a DSP student, what steps should I take to address any specific accommodations or needs for my exam?

• Make sure you have submitted your requested DSP accommodations to the DSP office so the instructor of your course has access to it.
• At the beginning of the semester, the instructor of your course will send over a list of accommodations to the CBTF so that accommodations can be input before you make a reservation. 
  • In order to make sure accommodations can be input to your account, make sure you log-in to PrairieTest at least once to instantiate your account. Otherwise, accommodations can not be input for you.
• Accommodations (like Extra Time or Reduced Distraction) will be factored in to your profile and will be taken into account when you make a reservation for your exams
• Please note that profile updates do not retroactively affect any previous reservations you have made. If you made a reservation before your profile was updated to reflect your accommodations, it is essential to modify the reservation to ensure that your accommodations are correctly displayed.

Can I use scratch paper during the exam?

• The CBTF provides designated scratch paper for use during your exam.
• After each exam, it is mandatory to recycle all used scratch paper within the CBTF premises. Paper cannot be taken out of the CBTF.
• Any unused scratch paper should be returned to the clean pile for reuse.

Am I allowed to bring a calculator for my exam?

• No. A TI-30 XIIS scientific calculator will be provided with your exam (only in SDH 200 for Fall 2025)

Can I use online apps during the exam?

• The CBTF exam computers are not connected to the internet, so online apps cannot be used during the exam.
• All the necessary software required for the exam is available on the CBTF computers.
• Your instructor will provide information on the specific applications you are allowed to use for your exam.

Am I allowed to use my cell phone while waiting for the exam to start?

• Cellphone use is not permitted once you check in for the exam.
• Using a cell phone during the exam will be considered an Academic Integrity Issue and will be reported to course staff for review.
• Please ensure that your cell phone is placed inside your bag or in the bins provided at the proctor's desk.

If the student next to me is being disruptive, what should I do?

• If you find yourself in a situation where a nearby student is being disruptive, it is advisable to address the issue by politely requesting the person to cease their disruptive behavior. If the situation persists or escalates, you may seek assistance from a proctor to help resolve the matter.

What are some instances that are considered as cheating?

• Using prohibited electronic devices, such as cell phones, during the exam.
• Bringing unauthorized materials into the CBTF.
• Using unauthorized reference materials before or during the exam.
• Transferring information from an unauthorized source onto CBTF-provided scratch paper, essentially turning the scratch paper into an unauthorized aid.
• Writing exam-related information on body parts or personal belongings and using it as a reference during the exam.
• Taking CBTF-provided scratch paper or any other paper out of the CBTF after the exam.
• Disclosing specific exam content to classmates before they take the exam, giving them an unfair advantage over others.

• We request that you promptly notify a proctor either during your test or at its conclusion regarding the observed incident of academic dishonesty. Rest assured that the proctors will diligently address the matter, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Ensuring the security and integrity of exams is of paramount importance at the CBTF. We kindly ask for your assistance in maintaining a fair examination environment for all students. Your cooperation in upholding academic honesty is greatly appreciated and contributes to the overall integrity of our assessments.

• We want to assure you that any reports you make regarding cheating will be handled with utmost confidentiality. Your identity will not be disclosed in the final report, ensuring your anonymity and protecting your privacy. Your cooperation in reporting incidents of cheating is crucial in upholding the integrity of the examination process.

What actions or penalties can I expect if I am caught cheating during an exam?

• According to the CBTF Policies and Procedures, in the event of a cheating incident, the proctor will document your information and prepare a formal report on the incident.

• This report will be submitted to your instructor, who will then initiate the appropriate disciplinary measures based on the CBTF Policies and Procedures.

If I am caught cheating by the proctor, will I receive a zero on the test?

• The CBTF proctors do not have the authority to determine the consequences of cheating on your exam. However, we will take necessary steps to prevent further cheating from happening and make an incident report.
• For example, if you are caught using your phone while taking the exam - the CBTF proctor will take it from you and place it in the phone holder for you and make a report. You will be allowed to continue taking your examination, but we will be contacting your course staff to let them know of the incident and they will determine what course of action to take afterwards.