Writing online exams
For a smooth writing exam experience, there are a few things for you to keep in mind when setting up your exam and submitting your answers. Let’s look and walk through it together.
Everything you need to know about writing Athabasca University online exams
Is this your first online exam with us? Or maybe it is the first time writing your exam in one of our invigilation centres? Either way, you’re in the right place. We have some useful tips and insights to make your exam writing experience stress-free.
Things to keep in mind before you arrive at the exam centre
No matter how you choose to write your exam with us, there are 2 important basics to be aware of if you want to be able to participate in your exam:
Arrive on time.
If you’re writing at an invigilation centre, make sure to arrive early! Every latecomer is disruptive to other students writing examinations. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled examination, and you have not notified your exam invigilator in advance, you should try to rebook your examination within 5 days.
Bring your photo identification.
You will have to present a valid form of photo identification to your invigilator in order to be allowed to write an exam. Your identification must be government-issued (passport, driver's license, etc.) or an Athabasca University-issued photo ID card.
Setting up your online exam at the invigilation site
You have 2 options to write your online exam with us: you may write it on your own computer using the ProctorU service, or you can choose to write your exam on a computer at an AU-approved invigilation testing centre with an invigilator physically present.
At invigilation centres
For online exams written at invigilation centres, you must ensure you have everything you need to complete your exam.
Via ProctorU online invigilation
For online exams written with ProctorU, your computer needs an Internet connection, an accepted web browser, and a webcam.
Working through answers and finishing your exam
Completing and submitting your exam questions is not a complicated process but there are a few handy tips that will help as you work through it.
Saving multiple-choice answers
As you begin to answer exam tasks, remember to always click 'save' after entering each answer. While most of your written responses will be auto-saved in case of technical difficulties, your answers to multiple-choice questions will not. If you do not click 'save' after a multiple-choice task, your response will be lost.
Reviewing and wrapping up your choices
Our online exam system allows you to return to any specific task/questions at any time during your exam. That way, you can review and change any answers given before you commit to submitting the completed exam.
If you require blank paper during the exam, please bring it with you. You'll have to present it to the invigilator/proctor for a quick check before you start your exam and hand it in at the end. If you're using ProctorU, any scrap paper used will have to be destroyed in front of the video proctor.
Are you struggling with exam anxiety?
Our counselling experts are here to help. Many of our students have been able to overcome their exam anxiety with our guidance and resources. If you would like to get in touch and get a confidential session and tips from one of our experts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Get in touch with usGet in touch with us
Get answers to any specific questions regarding our learning support services by contacting our team members directly.
Send us a noteUpdated January 11, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)