What Do I Need to Know Before I Test?

Identification

Everyone is required to present valid photo identification when reporting to the Testing Center: Examples of valid photo IDs include a current Cougar (Student) ID card, state issued ID, passport, work/school ID, or other legitimate ID bearing a photo and full name. If an individual does not have identification or if the name on the ID does not match the name in the student's records, an exam will not be administered.

Online Learning Testing: An ID with a name that does not match what's in CSCC's student records must be accompanied by a certificated document (i.e. Marriage License, Name Change Verification Form, etc.) with both the name in the system and the name on the ID provided.

Vendor/Professional Testing: Test vendors often have additional identification requirements. Many require state-issued ID with a signature, as well as a secondary form of ID with signature. Be sure to follow the policies and procedures outlined by each vendor.

Placement Testing: You will need a valid Photo ID with your name matching your CSCC registered name, your 7-Digit Cougar ID Number, Cougarweb Username and Password to take the Placement Tests.  For more information on Placement Testing (including ID policies), please click here.

Remote Testing: Identification is verified when signing into your CSCC student account (Blackboard and CougarWeb).  Additional verification may be required, e.g. Photo ID.

Cougar ID

CSCC students and applicants must give their Cougar (Student) ID number when coming to take a Distance Learning exam or a Placement Test. Cougar ID numbers may be found on student's schedule accessed through CougarWeb.

Reporting for Testing

Students must report for testing in the Center at least One Hour prior to closing for Distance Learning testing. Anyone reporting later than one hour prior to closing will not be allowed to take an exam that day and a Test Denial form will be issued to the student and instructor.  This testing is always on a 'walk in', first/come/first served basis.

In order to take the Placement Test, an individual must report Two Hours prior to the Center's closing time.  This testing is always on a 'walk in', first/come/first served basis.

Students with scheduled appointments for Classroom Make-up Tests should report at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.

In addition to bringing a Photo ID and seven-digit Cougar ID number, students are responsible for knowing all requirements for their exams, including their instructor's name, the course name and number, the name of the test they are taking, and allowed testing aides upon check-in at the Testing Center.

Be mindful that the Testing Center(s) open and close at different times on different days of the week.  Hours vary daily and by the Testing Center location.  See Hours and Location.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell phones and electronic devices (including photo/video capturing devices, fit-bits, calculator watches, smart watches, Google glasses, etc.) are not permitted in the Testing Center when taking an exam.  If you choose not to leave these items at home, you will be asked to store them in a locker and/or turn them off completely and put them away.  If it vibrates or rings while in the locker, you will be removed from the Testing Arena to turn it off.  If it vibrates or rings while in the Testing Arena, your test will be stopped and an Incident Report will be filed and sent to your instructor explaining why your test was not completed.  Students may not use cell phones in Testing Center lobbies but should make/take calls outside of the Testing Center.

Personal Belongings

Students are encouraged to bring only the items required for testing (ID, etc.).  Personal belongings not permitted while testing must be stored in provided lockers.  In Testing Centers where lockers are not available, personal belongings must go underneath the testing station and cannot be accessed during testing.  Only required exam materials are allowed on your desk in the Testing Arena.

Calculators

Calculators are not provided by any Testing Center.  If a calculator is allowed for your exam, you are responsible for this, as well as knowing what type/kind (basic, graphing, model, etc.).  This information is most often found in your course syllabus.  All programmable calculators must have their memory cleared before and after testing.

Food/Beverages/Gum/Water Bottles

No food, beverages, chewing gum or water bottles are allowed in any College Testing Services Testing Center.  Exceptions are made only in documented medical situations.

Breaks

Break policy varies depending on the type of exam a student is taking. Students taking any CSCC Distance Learning Exam are prohibited from leaving the Testing Arena once the test has been started.  Students taking the Placement Test may take a break in between tests.

Distraction Free Environment

College Testing Services does its best to maintain the best possible conditions for testing. It is our goal to provide a quiet, distraction-free testing experience in a comfortable environment. You may bring ear plugs to help remove noise distraction while testing.  You cannot use earbuds, headphones, or anything that has a cord attached.  Please communicate with Testing Services staff if you have any concerns about the testing environment.

Children 14 and Under

No children are allowed in any CSCC Testing Center.  Children may attend with a parent/guardian for instances of inquiry only.  As a matter of safety and proper testing environment, children may not wait in the lobby/waiting areas while a student is taking an exam, even with a parent/guardian.  If an unattended child is discovered while testing is in progress, the examinee will be required to end testing and leave the Testing Center immediately.