Students > Your course > Exams > Guidelines to sitting your exam

Guidelines to sitting your exam

Information about exam delivery, rules, changing exam times and frequently asked questions.

Your exams will be delivered in one of three ways:

  • Face-to-face (paper or computer lab)
  • Supervised online exams
  • Exams run by your school

Each of these delivery modes are different and it is essential that you understand which form/s your exams will take.

Face-to-face exams are held at a time, date and location as specified on the Final Assessment timetable. These may be a written paper exam or an online exam in a computer lab on campus.

If you have a Learning Access Plan you will receive details of your exam including location via your student email address 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the exam period.

See the below face-to-face exam guidelines, or download the face-to-face exam guidelines [PDF 345KB].

What to bring to your exam

  • You must bring your Student ID card or other form of photo ID (Australian government issued photo ID or your passport) with you to every exam. It must be written in English and displayed on your desk for the whole exam.
  • You can bring all standard stationery (e.g. writing instruments, an unmarked eraser and an unmarked ruler), a clear bottle of water with no labels, and the allowable materials [PDF 114KB] specific to your exam.
  • Mobile phones and smartwatches must be switched off before entering the exam venue and placed in a bag under your chair. Wristwatches must be placed on your desk.

When you arrive

  • Arrive early so you can find your seat number on the list outside the exam venue. You will need to use your student ID number to find your seat number.
  • You will not be permitted to enter an exam venue later than 30 minutes after the exam has commenced. Please note that extra time will not be granted if you do not present for an examination at the correct time and place.
  • Exam staff will provide instructions once you are permitted to enter the exam venue.

During your exam

  • Follow all instructions given by exam staff.
  • Your student ID should be placed on the desk facing up. Exam staff will check your student ID during the exam.
  • Talking is not permitted within the exam venue unless to speak with a supervisor. You must not disrupt or distract others.

After your exam

  • You will not be permitted to leave the exam venue within the first 30 minutes of the start time of the exam or within the last 15 minutes of the exam.
  • Exam materials must not be removed from the exam venue. This includes exam papers, script books, multiple choice answer sheets and other supplied materials.
  • If you feel unwell during the exam or feel that your performance was affected in any way, check if you are eligible for Special Consideration.

Supervised online exams are delivered online using an LMS-based system in conjunction with the Proview proctoring tool and are supervised remotely.

You can sit your supervised online exam at home in a quiet, private room.

For further information, refer to Supervised online exams.

Exams run by your school can include online unsupervised exams or an exam in a specialist lab on campus. Full details of your assessment task will be available on your subject LMS site.

It includes specific exam information and instructions from your subject coordinator. It is important that you read the details for each of your subjects on the LMS site.

Students with a Learning Access Plan (LAP)

If you have a LAP with alternative assessment arrangements, these will be managed according to the delivery mode of your exam.

The exam team will accommodate your requirements and confirm your arrangements two weeks before the start of the Semester 1 and Semester 2 examination periods and at least one week before the start of the Term and Supplementary examination periods

Please contact AccessAbility and Inclusion if you have any questions about your LAP or need further assistance with your studies.

Alternative assessment arrangements for supervised online exams will be managed by the exams team, along with your subject coordinator. We will ensure your supervised online exam set-up caters to your provisions and extra time is allowed where required.

The exam team will confirm your arrangements two weeks before the start of the Semester 1 and Semester 2 examination periods and at least one week before the start of the Term and Supplementary examination periods.

Your subject coordinator will make sure you are allowed the provisions stated in your LAP for each appropriate assessment task.

Academic Integrity

It is the University's responsibility to award credit for honestly conducted work, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you demonstrate academic integrity. If you are found in possession of unauthorised material during an exam or be found to have committed an alleged academic misconduct, you could face disciplinary action.

With the recent introduction of Supervised Online exams, if there is any part of your exam that needs to be reviewed, it will be referred to the Academic Integrity team to investigate.

Academic Integrity

Preparing for your exams

Tips & Tricks

We have a range of support services available to students to help you prepare and remain relaxed in the lead up to exams.

  • The Learning Hub offer help with assessments and study from PLAs and expert staff
  • Student learning can also help to improve your study skills and assist with assignments.
  • Peer Learning Advisers (PLAs) are experienced and successful students trained to assist you with preparing and writing assignments.
  • Career Ready can help to plan for your career and explore the range of options available based on the course of your study.
  • Drop in or call the University’s Wellbeing Resource Centre, or visit the website for a full list of our support services for health and wellbeing.