CBTF Policies and Procedures
Please read through these policies before your first CBTF exam. Familiarity with these rules ensures a smooth experience for you and everyone else testing in the facility.
Checking In
Exams can only be taken at your scheduled date and time.
Arrive 10 minutes early. Each session has a 10-minute check-in window before the exam begins. Use this time to check in, store your belongings, and get seated. Make sure you know your CalNet login credentials before arriving.
Bring your Cal ID. You must present your Cal ID, a government-issued photo ID, or your CalCentral account to check in. If you do not have a valid ID, your exam may be cancelled and you will need to reschedule once you have identification available.
Late arrivals. No additional time will be given to students who arrive late. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the session start time, you will not be admitted and will be marked as a no-show. You will need to have your reservation deleted before you can rebook.
Student Items & Belongings
Your desk must remain clear during the exam. Only the following are permitted at your workstation:
- Scratch paper provided by the CBTF
- A pen or pencil (bring your own; golf pencils are available if needed)
- A closed water bottle with a secure lid
Everything else must be stored before you sit down. The following guidelines apply to specific items:
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Bags and backpacks | Must be placed on the designated bag racks, not left on the floor. |
| Wallets, pencil cases, and similar items | Store in your bag or leave on the proctor desk. Not permitted at your workstation. Using your own pencil is permitted. Do not bring your entire pencil pouch onto your desk. |
| Electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds, Fitbits, smart glasses, personal calculators) |
Must be left in your bag or placed in the electronics bin at the proctor desk. Keeping any device on your person during the exam will be reported as cheating. Usage of any smart glasses within the CBTF is not allowed even if for a prescription. |
| Baseball caps | Must be worn backwards or removed during the exam. |
| Jackets and sweaters | Store in your bag or drape over the back of your seat. Do not place on your lap. |
| Food | Not permitted at workstations unless you have a DSP accommodation for eating during exams. If so, you will be permitted to eat at a designated location, not your desk. |
| Skateboards | Store under the bag racks. Do not prop against walls or supply closets. |
| Lost or stolen items | The CBTF is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Bring valuables at your own risk. |
Exam Materials
Scratch paper is provided by the CBTF and is available from the supply section. Take only what you need. Raise your hand and ask a proctor if you need more during your exam. Scratch paper must stay in the room and must be recycled before you leave. Do not write on scratch paper before your exam begins. Return any clean, unused scratch paper to the stack for other students.
Calculators. The CBTF no longer provides physical calculators. If a calculator is needed for your exam, your instructor may enable a built-in calculator tool within PrairieLearn. Personal calculators are not permitted. Check with your instructor before your exam to find out whether a calculator will be available.
Writing utensils. Please bring your own pen or pencil. Golf pencils are available at the CBTF if you forget yours.
Formula sheets and reference materials. No personal notes, textbooks, or printed materials are permitted. If your instructor has made a formula sheet available, it will be provided digitally through PrairieLearn. Click the Assessment Overview button in PrairieLearn and review the exam instructions to find it.
Restroom Policy
We strongly recommend using the restroom before your exam begins. The restroom policy depends on the length of your exam:
| Exam length | Restroom policy |
|---|---|
| 50-minute exams | You may use the restroom, but you will not be permitted to continue your exam afterward unless you have a specific accommodation. The exam timer does not stop. |
| Exams longer than 50 minutes | You may use the restroom and continue your exam. Your course staff will be notified that you left the room. The exam timer does not stop. |
| DSP restroom accommodation | You may use the restroom and continue your exam. Course staff will only be notified if an academic integrity concern arises. |
The following rules apply whenever you leave the room during an exam:
- Only one student may be out of the room at a time
- Empty your pockets before leaving and when returning
- Talking to anyone or accessing any materials outside the room is considered cheating
- The CBTF reserves the right to monitor students going to and returning from the restroom
Computers & Software
CBTF computers are Windows-based and only have access to a web browser. All internet access is restricted to PrairieTest and PrairieLearn — all other websites and software are blocked. No additional software (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.) is available. All tools needed for your exam are provided through PrairieLearn by your instructor.
Login credentials for the CBTF computers are posted at your workstation and on the wall near the front of the room.
Lab Behavior
Quiet at all times. Talking is not permitted before or during exams. If you are waiting in the hallway, please keep your voice down as students inside may still be testing.
Log out when finished. When you are done with your exam, log out of the CBTF computer as a courtesy to the next student using the workstation.
Follow all proctor instructions. Proctors manage the testing environment for everyone. If a proctor gives you an instruction, follow it promptly and quietly.
Missed Exams
If you missed your exam and the testing window is still open, you need to have your reservation deleted before you can rebook. You can do this by emailing cbt-help@berkeley.edu or speaking with a proctor in person at a CBTF location.
If the testing window has closed, contact your instructor to arrange an alternative. CBTF staff cannot extend testing windows. For conflict exams including finals, contact your instructor as early as possible — proctors cannot accommodate exams outside the designated testing window.
If you cannot find an available reservation slot, keep checking PrairieTest as slots may open up when other students reschedule. You can also visit a CBTF location at check-in time and ask if any seats are available due to no-shows or cancellations — note that any wait time cannot be added to your total exam duration.
Academic Integrity
The CBTF follows UC Berkeley's policies on academic misconduct as outlined in the UC Berkeley Code of Student Conduct, Section 102.01. All forms of academic misconduct — including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and facilitating academic dishonesty are prohibited.
The following are considered cheating offenses at the CBTF and will result in an incident report being submitted to your course staff:
- Using a cell phone, smartwatch, or any other electronic device during your exam
- Bringing in external notes, index cards, unauthorized help sheets, or any materials related to the exam
- Using a personal calculator or any device not authorized for your exam
- Leaving the lab with used or unused CBTF scratch paper
- Starting your exam before the proctor gives authorization
- Continuing to work after the proctor announces time is up
- Talking to anyone or accessing any materials while outside the exam room
- Sharing specific exam content with classmates who have not yet taken the exam
- Any other activity that violates the UC Berkeley Academic Integrity policy
Proctors will document and report all suspected violations to your course staff. Course staff will determine the appropriate follow-up, which may include submission of a formal Academic Integrity Report. If you witness academic dishonesty, notify a proctor during the exam or before you leave — all reports are handled confidentially.
Questions & Incident Reports
If you encounter any issue during your exam, raise your hand and a proctor will assist you. Proctors cannot answer questions about exam content but can help with technical issues, computer problems, and facility concerns.
If you experience a problem that may affect your exam performance, you have the right to request an incident report. This report is sent to your instructor so they are aware of what occurred. You must speak with a proctor and request the report before leaving the exam! Proctors cannot file reports after the fact.
You can also report issues with specific questions directly through PrairieLearn using the Report issue with this question button. These reports go directly to your instructor for review.
Support Resources
If you are struggling during exam season, UC Berkeley's University Health Services offers a range of mental health resources:
- Mental Health Workshops & Events
- Online Tools to Practice Mental Health Skills
- Connect with Others with Shared Experiences
- Talk to a Mental Health Professional
- Specialized Resources
- Mental Health Crisis Support
Questions?
Email cbt-help@berkeley.edu for CBTF questions. For exam content, grades, or scheduling concerns, contact your instructor or course staff directly.