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.

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

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.  Visit the Placement Testing Website for more information (including ID policies).

Out of Region 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.

Contacting the Testing Center

Please visit www.cscc.edu/testing for Testing Center contact information.

Parking

Please visit www.cscc.edu/parking for parking information.

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 the items in a locker (where applicable) or underneath the testing station. If it vibrates or rings while in the Testing Lab, 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 may only bring the items required for testing (ID, etc.).  Personal belongings must go in a locker (where applicable) or underneath the testing station and cannot be accessed during testing.  Only required exam materials are allowed on your desk in the Testing Lab.

Head Coverings

Columbus State Testing Services understands that there are many reasons why head-coverings are worn, and we want to respect your individual needs.  When preparing for testing in one of our testing centers or when testing virtually, we will need to confirm that you are not using ear buds and that your eyes are visible to our proctors. As we work to uphold academic integrity, we will work with you individually to find a solution.  Please feel free to reach out to us for questions. We want you to have a great testing experience at CSCC.

Students: Please be aware that should you wear a head-covering to a CSCC Testing Center or while testing virtually, we will want to make sure we can see your eyes while testing and know that earbuds have been removed to ensure test integrity.

Calculators

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.

Scratch Paper

All students are provided with Testing Center scratch paper during check-in.  When checking out for your exam, all scratch paper must be returned to the proctor.

Food/Beverages/Gum/Water Bottles

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

Breaks

Break policy varies depending on the type of exam a student is taking. Traditionally, students taking any CSCC Distance Learning Exam are prohibited from leaving the Testing Lab once the test has been started. If a student is approved for frequent breaks as an accommodation and needs to take a restroom break, they must check in and out with Testing Services personnel. Students should not loiter in the Testing Center lobby and are not permitted to leave the building for any reason during testing. Students utilizing the restroom must use the bathrooms located on the same floor as the Testing Center. If the bathrooms located closest to the Testing Center are unavailable at the time of the break, the student MUST notify Testing Center staff prior to going to a restroom on an alternate floor. Students approved for double time as an accommodation, but not approved for frequent breaks, will only be permitted a break after 2 hours of testing and will require a staff escort to the exterior of the restroom. Students taking the Placement Test may take a break in between tests.

Distraction Free Environment

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. Earplugs are available upon request.  Personal earbuds, headphones, or other noise-cancelling devices are not permitted.  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.