Student FAQ
Answers to common student questions about the CBTF. If you don't find what you're looking for here, email cbt-help@berkeley.edu or ask your course staff.
Reservations & Scheduling
When should I make my reservation?
As soon as reservations open for your exam. Popular timeslots fill up fast, so don't wait until the last day. Your instructor will let you know when the reservation window opens.
I missed my exam reservation. What do I do?
If the testing window is still open, you need to get your missed reservation deleted before you can rebook. You can do this by:
- Emailing cbt-help@berkeley.edu
- Visiting a CBTF location and asking a proctor in person
- Asking your course staff to delete it on your behalf
Once deleted, you can rebook into any remaining open slot. There is no guarantee seats will still be available, so act quickly. If the testing window has already closed, contact your instructor — CBTF proctors cannot schedule exams outside the testing window.
I can't make my scheduled exam time. What should I do?
If your exam hasn't started yet, log in to PrairieTest and reschedule to a different available slot. You can self-reschedule up to 30 minutes before your reservation. If it is impossible for you to take the exam within the provided window, contact your instructor as soon as possible. Do not rely on proctors to arrange extensions or accommodations.
I'm sick and can't make it to my exam. What should I do?
Reschedule your exam to a later slot in the window if one is available. If you cannot reschedule or the window has closed, contact your instructor. Do not come to the CBTF if you are unwell.
Can I change my reservation after I've already booked?
Yes, up to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. Log in to PrairieTest, click your existing reservation, and select Change or delete this reservation. See Making, Changing & Deleting Reservations for full instructions.
Arriving & Checking In
What happens if I arrive late?
Each session has a 10-minute check-in window before the exam starts. Here's what to expect depending on how late you are:
| Arrival time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 minutes late | You will be admitted but will not receive extra time. Your exam ends at the originally scheduled time. |
| More than 10 minutes late | You will not be admitted and will be marked as a no-show. Your reservation must be deleted before you can rebook. |
This applies even if you have a DSP extra time accommodation — you still need to arrive 10 minutes before your reservation start time.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your Cal ID and a mobile device with Duo Mobile set up for CalNet two-step authentication. You will need Duo to log in to PrairieTest on the CBTF computers.
During the Exam
What am I allowed to have at my desk?
Only a closed water bottle is permitted at your workstation. All other personal belongings must be stored before you sit down.
| Item | Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closed water bottle | Yes | |
| Scratch paper | Yes (provided by CBTF) | Must stay in the room. Cannot be taken out after the exam. |
| CBTF-provided noise cancelling headphones | Yes | Available at your workstation. |
| Personal headphones or earbuds | No | |
| Personal noise cancelling headphones | DSP only | Only permitted if listed as a DSP accommodation. |
| Cell phone | No | Must be placed in the bin at the proctor's desk or stored in your bag upon check-in. Use during the exam is an academic integrity violation. |
| Personal calculator | No | No physical calculators are provided or permitted. If your instructor has enabled a calculator for your exam, it will be accessible as a built-in tool directly within PrairieLearn. |
| Notes, cheat sheets, or textbooks | No | No paper materials of any kind. Formula sheets, if allowed, are provided digitally through PrairieLearn. |
| Bag or backpack | No | Must be stored in the designated cabinet before you sit down. |
| Food | DSP only | Only permitted if listed as a DSP accommodation. |
| Internet access | No | CBTF computers only have access to PrairieTest and PrairieLearn. All other websites and applications are blocked. |
| External software (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.) | No | All tools needed for your exam must be provided through PrairieLearn by your instructor. |
Can I use a calculator?
Personal calculators are not permitted, and 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. Check with your instructor before your exam to find out whether a calculator will be available and how to access it.
Can I use the internet or other software during my exam?
No. CBTF computers only have access to PrairieTest and PrairieLearn. All other websites and applications are blocked. Your instructor is responsible for providing any tools or resources you need through PrairieLearn.
Can I use my cell phone while waiting for the exam to start?
No. Once you check in, your phone must be placed in the bin at the proctor's desk or stored in your bag. Using a phone at any point during your exam session is considered an academic integrity violation and will be reported to your course staff.
Where do I find my formula sheet or reference page?
Click the Assessment Overview button in PrairieLearn and review the exam instructions. The reference page will be linked there if your instructor has made one available. If you have trouble opening it, raise your hand and let a proctor know.
What if I encounter a word or term I don't understand?
Make your best assumption and continue. Proctors cannot answer questions about exam content. Use the Report issue with this question button in PrairieLearn to flag it for your instructor's review.
What should I do if I have a problem during the exam?
Notify a proctor immediately. Do not leave the CBTF without speaking to a proctor first. If you leave without reporting an issue, proctors will not be able to document what happened or when, which makes it much harder for your instructor to help you afterward.
- Exam content issue (confusing question, possible error): Notify a proctor and use the Report issue with this question button in PrairieLearn. Follow up with your course staff after the exam.
- Software or PrairieLearn issue: Raise your hand immediately. Proctors will coordinate with CBTF administrators to troubleshoot.
- Computer freezes: Raise your hand immediately. If the issue is resolved within 10 minutes, you may receive extra time to compensate. If it takes longer, the proctor will assess the situation and determine next steps.
The student next to me is being disruptive. What should I do?
Raise your hand and let a proctor know. They will handle it. You do not need to address the other student directly.
I left the CBTF without reporting a problem. What do I do now?
Contact your course staff as soon as possible and explain what happened. Proctors can only document issues that are reported during the exam session, so the sooner you reach out to your instructor, the better.
DSP Accommodations
How do I make sure my DSP accommodations are applied to my exam?
Your course staff submits your accommodation list to the CBTF lead at the start of the semester. To ensure your accommodations are entered correctly:
- Make sure your accommodations are registered with the DSP office and your instructor has access to them
- Log in to PrairieTest at least once early in the semester. Accommodations cannot be entered for you until your account exists in the system
Once entered, your accommodations (such as extra time or reduced distraction) will be factored in automatically when you make a reservation. Accommodations do not apply retroactively. If you made a reservation before your accommodations were entered, delete it and rebook so your accommodations are reflected correctly.
Can I use scratch paper?
Yes. The CBTF provides scratch paper for every session. It must stay in the room! Do not take it with you when you leave. Return any unused scratch paper to the clean pile and toss any used ones in the recycling bin.
Academic Integrity
What counts as cheating at the CBTF?
- Using your phone or any unauthorized electronic device during the exam
- Bringing unauthorized notes, cheat sheets, or materials into the CBTF
- Writing exam content on your body, clothing, or personal belongings
- Using CBTF scratch paper as an unauthorized aid (e.g., writing notes on it before the exam)
- Taking scratch paper or any other materials out of the CBTF
- Sharing specific exam content with classmates who have not yet taken the exam
I saw someone cheating. What should I do?
Notify a proctor during the exam or before you leave. All reports are handled confidentially. Your identity will not appear in any incident report. Reporting cheating helps maintain a fair testing environment for everyone.
What happens if I'm caught cheating?
The proctor will document the incident and submit a report to your instructor. The proctor will not determine any grade penalty, that is up to your instructor and course staff. You will typically be allowed to finish your exam, but the incident will be on record. Your instructor will follow up with you after the exam.
Still have questions?
Email cbt-help@berkeley.edu for CBTF and reservation questions. For questions about your exam content, grades, or accommodations, contact your instructor or course staff directly.