CBTF Getting Started for Students

Overview

Follow these steps to prepare for your first CBTF exam. Each step includes when to complete it so you know what to do and when.

Before the Semester / First Exam

StepsDetails
1

Log in to PrairieTest and activate your account
When: After your course staff announces that PrairieTest is set up

Log in at us.prairietest.com using your CalNet credentials — do not use "Sign in with Google." Accept the invitation to join your course when prompted. Your course staff will complete the remaining configuration on their end.

When Reservations Open

StepDetails
2

Make your exam reservation
When: After your course staff announces that reservations are open for a given exam

Log in to PrairieTest and click the green Make a reservation button under "Exams available for reservations." Select any available timeslot within your exam window and click Reserve this session.

You can change or delete your reservation up to 90 minutes before your scheduled exam by clicking your existing reservation and selecting Change or delete this reservation. After that point, you will need to contact cbt-help@berkeley.edu, ask your course staff, or visit a CBTF location in person to have your reservation deleted before you can rebook.

For full instructions including screenshots, see Making, Changing & Deleting Reservations.

On Exam Day

StepDetails
4

Arrive at your CBTF location 10 minutes early
When: The day of your exam

Bring your Cal ID to check in quietly at the front desk — other exams may be in progress. The proctor will verify your identity and assign you a seat number.

  • Turn off or silence your devices  and place your belongings in the designated storage cabinet
  • Go to your assigned seat and log in
  • Click the PrairieTest shortcut in the upper left corner of the desktop and log in with your CalNet credentials (not Google)
5

Take your exam
When: After the proctor starts your session

AllowedNot Allowed
  • Scratch paper provided by the CBTF
  • Closed water bottle
  • CBTF-provided noise cancelling headphones
  • Personal belongings on your desk
  • Personal headphones or earbuds
  • Cheat sheets or notes of any kind
  • Bathroom breaks during regular exams
  • Questions to proctors about exam content

If you encounter an issue with a question, use the Report issue with this question button in PrairieLearn to flag it for your instructor to review.

When you are done, make sure to save and submit your assessment. Click the Assessment Overview button on any question page, then click Finish Assessment on the overview page. Do not close the browser without submitting.

Need Help?

For questions about your reservation, email cbt-help@berkeley.edu or visit a CBTF location in person. For questions about your exam content or grades, contact your instructor or course staff directly.

For Students

Watch our CBTF check-in video for when you arrive for your exam.