Getting Started with the CBTF

Getting Started with the CBTF

Instructor onboarding happens in two phases. New instructors complete both phases before their first semester. Returning instructors skip to Phase 2 to confirm exam dates and verify their setup for the upcoming semester.

Phase 1: CBTF Overview & Eligibility

For new instructors only — led by Jade Lee (cbt-help@berkeley.edu)

Phase 1 is an introductory meeting to make sure the CBTF is the right fit for your course and that you understand what is required on your end before we can confirm your participation. We will cover:

  • What the CBTF is, how it operates, and what it is not
  • Whether your course and exam format are a good fit for the CBTF
  • The tasks you will need to complete before Phase 2

To schedule a Phase 1 meeting, fill out the CBTF Interest form and look out for an email from cbt-help@berkeley.edu to schedule a meeting time.

Before Phase 2, new instructors must complete the following:

1

Fill out the CBTF Interest Form
If you have not already done so, complete the CBTF Interest Form before your Phase 1 meeting. This helps us understand your course, exam format, and intended usage of the CBTF so we can make the most of your onboarding time.
2

Request a PrairieLearn course
If you have not used PrairieLearn before, submit a course request at prairielearn.com/request-course. Existing PrairieLearn users can skip this step.
3

Review the PrairieLearn Instructor Guide
Read through the PrairieLearn Instructor Guide and explore the platform before your Phase 2 meeting. Familiarity with how PrairieLearn works — particularly how questions and assessments are structured — will make your Phase 2 setup session much more efficient. For questions, join the PrairieLearn Slack and post in #pl-help.

Once you have completed the steps above and have finished the first phase on onboarding, we will reach out to you to schedule Phase 2 of onboarding.

Phase 2: Setup Review & Exam Confirmation

For new and returning instructors — led by Jason Jung (cbt-help@berkeley.edu)

Phase 2 is a meeting with Jason to review your PrairieLearn and PrairieTest setup, confirm your exam dates, and make sure everything is in place before the semester begins. We will cover:

  • Any updates to CBTF policies
  • Reviewing your PrairieLearn course instance settings and assessment configuration
  • Linking your assessments to PrairieTest and verifying the connection
  • An overview of what you will be responsible for in PrairieTest throughout the semester
  • Confirming exam windows and any scheduling constraints

Once you've gone through Phase 1 of onboarding. We will reach out to you to schedule Phase 2 of onboarding.

Returning CBTF instructors will be contacted directly to undergo this phase of onboarding (you will not be required to go through Phase 1)

Exam dates will not be confirmed until Phase 2 is complete and the CBTF lead has received confirmation that your Phase 1 & 2 tasks are finished.

During the Semester

Confirm assessment links

After the CBTF lead schedules your exam windows in PrairieTest, log into PrairieLearn and confirm each assessment is linked to its PrairieTest window before the testing period opens.

Keep your DSP list up to date

Regularly update the shared DSP Google Sheet and tag cbt-help@berkeley.edu whenever changes need to be entered. At minimum, the DSP list must be updated at least 5 business days before student sign-ups open for each exam to ensure accommodations are entered in time.

Monitor reported issues

Students can flag problems during an exam using the "Report issue with this question" button in PrairieLearn. A TA or staff member should monitor issues as soon as a quiz opens and resolve all issues by end of course.

Manage overrides

You can grant a student an override if they miss their exam and an exception is warranted. Overrides are limited to 10 per exam and depend on CBTF staffing availability. See Missed & Conflict Exams for guidance.

Additional Resources