Exams
Exams are different from the quizzes or tests that might be part of your course work. Exams must be written in a supervised environment, with an approved exam invigilator (supervisor). As there are no pre-set dates for exams, you must schedule an exam to write it.
If you have a disability, you may qualify for exam accommodations. Please contact our Accessibility Services office for assistance.
You must complete any exams within your course contract.
On this page:
Requesting exams
Before you request your exam, you should talk to your tutor or student support centre to make sure you’re prepared. Once you’re ready, contact your invigilator to set a date and time to write and to discuss possible fees.
You must book a date and time with your invigilator before you request your exam. You can request your exam through myAU, in the Student Record section.
Please remember the necessary timelines when you make your request.
If you're writing in a new location or for the first time, choose your invigilator at least 60 days before you intend to write your first exam. This will ensure you meet the deadline for requesting a new invigilator, if one is required.
Exam deadlines
All exam deadlines are based on your course contract end date, which can be viewed in myAU by selecting ‘Check your course status’ in the Manage Your Courses section.
Request deadlines
Request your exam date at least 10 days before your preferred write date.
Completion deadlines
You can write your exam at any time within your course contract period.
Regardless of when you write your exam, all coursework (such as assignments, quizzes or papers) must be completed by the course contract end date.
For more information visit the Undergraduate Calendar.
Writing exams
Your course materials will have information about your exam, including
- the maximum amount of time that you have to complete the exam
- if you can bring specific items (like a calculator) into the exam room
- the format of the exam (multiple choice, short answer, long answer, etc.)
This information will also be provided to your invigilator, along with specific procedures for the exam.
You must show your invigilator government-issued photo ID (i.e. passport, driver’s licence) or an AU student ID card to write your exam.
Please arrive a few minutes early for your exam to allow time for check-in, etc.
Online exams
Most of our courses now have online exams. Online exams still require invigilation, and you will need to schedule them the same way you would a paper-based exam.
There are 2 ways to write an online exam.
- On-site with an approved invigilator from our invigilation network. Be sure your location is able to accommodate online exams. You cannot use your personal laptop for on-site online exams.
- At home or work with a virtual invigilator. AU works with ProctorU that provides invigilation through a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection. You can use your personal laptop with virtual invigilation, as long as it meets the minimum technical requirements. There is an invigilation fee to use this service.
Check the Evaluation section of your course syllabus to find out if your course has an online exam.
Supplemental exams
If you’re not happy with your exam grade, you can attempt a supplemental exam (exam rewrite). The higher mark will be used in calculating your final course grade. You request a supplemental exam using the regular exam request process, but you will have to pay the Supplemental Exam Fee.
Note: If you are a visiting student, you should check with your school to make sure your course will still transfer if you write a supplemental exam.
Rescheduling exams
Exams will remain available with your invigilator for 5 days after the scheduled write date. The 5-day window is in place for technical issues, outages, or emergencies. You can write anytime in these 5 days–as long as the invigilator can supervise at the time–without the need to re-schedule with AU. Supplemental Examinations cannot be re-scheduled or re-requested.
If you cannot write your exam within the 5 days, your original exam will be returned to AU unwritten. You will need to submit a new exam request.
Invigilation network
AU has established a Canada-wide examination invigilation network to help students write their exams. If you live within 40 km of an approved AU examination centre, you must write your exam at one of the centres.
If you live outside of Canada, contact examunit@athabascau.ca for help finding an invigilator in your area.
Find an invigilatorI can’t find an invigilator in my area
If you can’t find an exam invigilator within 40 km of your residence, you can ask to have an invigilator established. You must do this at least 60 days before the date you plan to write your exam. Proposed invigilators must meet the invigilator guidelines.
Fees
Most invigilators charge a fee for their services. These fees are your responsibility.
Helpful links and resources:
Updated May 12, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)