10 fast facts about exams

The Semester 2, 2023 exam timetables  are out now and available online here.  

We’ve answered a few commonly asked questions you may have on how face-to-face, supervised and unsupervised online exams are going to work this Semester.  

1. When and where are exams held? 

When: The Semester 2, 2023 examination period runs from Friday 3 November – Saturday 18 November 2023. In order to reduce the length of the assessment period, some online assessment tasks have been scheduled on Saturdays. You need to be available during all official exam/assessment periods*. 

Where: The location of each of your exams will be included in your timetable  – find the timetable here. If there is a location listed, your exam will be face-to-face, if your exam is unsupervised online or supervised online, the location will show ‘Online’ or ‘Online Supervised’. Learn about how exams are delivered.

Make sure to check all pages of the timetable (or search for your subject codes). Some of the locations will be different from your lectures and classes so make sure you know where they are in advance. Keep checking in on the details regularly, as they may change.

*Please note: Students are required to be available for all days of the exam period, including weekends. If permitted, you may arrange an alternate exam time

2. How do I know if I have an exam for my subject? 

It may seem like a silly question, but not all subjects have exams and you may want to double-check so you don’t get caught short. Some subjects have exams as part of their assessment requirements and some don’t. If you need to double-check if your subject has an upcoming exam, you can do so using the Handbook

3. What are the rules for exams and what can I bring in? 

It’s definitely worth familiarising yourself with the exam rules – including bringing your student ID card, what else you need to bring and your expected behaviour during the examination.  

What to bring: remember to bring your writing materials (pens etc.) and your student ID card, so that exam supervisors can verify your identity. You can also bring other items listed in the exam rules and allowable materials list – read the full list here

What NOT to bring: smartwatches or other items not on the allowable materials list. 

4. What happens on the day of the exam? 

If you have a face-to-face exam, your seat number will be listed by student ID outside the exam venue. Find the subject code of your exam to locate your student ID and seat number. You can check approximately 30 minutes before the start of your exam.

If you have an supervised or unsupervised online exam, the details of your exam will be listed in your subject LMS.

Make sure you arrive or log in on time. If you’re running late/miss the exam – you won’t be allowed to sit the exam if you are more than 30 minutes late from the start of writing time. Be aware that you will not get any extra time if you arrive late to the exam. 

If you miss your exam entirely contact your subject/instance coordinator by email immediately. If you believe the reason you have missed your exam is grounds for Special Consideration, complete the online application form no more than five working days from the exam. 

5. How long do I have to complete my exam? 

On-campus face-to-face and supervised online exams have the exam duration specified on the exam timetable. For unsupervised online exams, refer to your subject LMS. Some unsupervised online assessment tasks will have a set start and finish time. Some online assessment tasks are to be completed within a “window of time, for example 12 or 24 hours”. You are not expected to use the entire window of time and you should not write more than what is required. Your subject coordinator will provide you with an indicative writing time to give you an indication of how long it will take to complete the assessment task. Check the LMS for the full details of the unsupervised online assessment task and for the allocated time you will have to complete it. 

6. What do I do if I am unable to attend my exam?

If you’re unable to attend your exam due to unavoidable circumstances, you may have options through our support programs. Check the table on this website to see which support options may apply to your situation. If you become unwell before or during your exam, the normal process of Special Consideration applies.

Exams are delivered in a range of modes. Check the exams page for more information.

To see if your exam is online or in person, check your exam timetable.

7. What do I do if I run into trouble during an exam session?

If you’re in an exam venue and you need assistance, raise your hand and a supervisor will assist you.

If you are experiencing unexpected technical issues during your online exam, please contact IT support immediately. 

There is also a range of academic support resources available to you.

8. Two of my exams are on at the same time – what do I do? 

Sometimes exam clashes occur when two exams are scheduled at the same time. If this happens, you’ll be contacted by the Examinations Office two weeks before your exam to make alternative exam arrangements

9. Where can I get study tips? 

Want some tips for studying for an exam and answering specific types of exam questions? The Peer Learning Advisers (PLAs) are available to provide academic support. PLAs are high-performing students who have been carefully selected to help you with your study and assignments. They are friendly and eager for you to drop-in via Zoom for a chat. You can also find a bunch of study tips on the MyLaTrobe website, which has its own page solely dedicated to study advice for students!  

10. I’m really stressed out – where can I get support? 

If your study and exam preparation is causing you added stress and affecting your wellbeing, drop in or call the University’s Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Resource Centre.

The Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Resource Centre can provide you with a safe space to receive information. Speak to one of the Student Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Liaison Officers on a range of health and wellbeing matters and gain access to support services.

Visit the website for a full list of our support services. Have more questions? ASK La Trobe: Exam FAQs