Frequently Asked Questions

To mitigate the potential for scheduling conflicts, it is highly recommended to promptly register for your examinations during the designated period. It is advisable to refrain from postponing your registration until the final day. 

In the event that the testing window is still active, it will be necessary to consult with a proctor located within one of the CBTF labs to request the deletion of your existing reservation. Once your reservation has been successfully deleted, you will then be able to proceed with creating a new reservation in the PrairieTest system.

However, if the testing window has already closed, it will be essential for you to reach out to your instructor in order to schedule a conflict exam. Please note that CBTF proctors are unable to assist with the scheduling of exams that fall outside the designated testing window.

 Provided that you have not missed your designated time, you are eligible to reschedule your appointment multiple times as needed. You retain the flexibility to reschedule any upcoming reservations that you have not yet missed.

It is recommended that you reschedule your examination when you have fully recovered or if it is not feasible, communicate with your instructor. It is our utmost priority to ensure your academic performance is not negatively impacted by your health condition. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to prioritize your well-being and avoid attempting the exam while unwell.

• Please attempt to resolve any conflicts with your scheduled exam by adjusting your reservation before seeking assistance. 

• Please remember that these exams are important assessments, and it is your responsibility to be mindful of your schedule and make necessary arrangements. It is essential not to expect immediate accommodation or exam extensions, as it may not be feasible. Please refrain from relying solely on proctors for such accommodations.

• If it is absolutely not possible for you to take the exam within the provided time frame, it is imperative that you promptly communicate this to your instructor. They need to be informed of your circumstances to explore potential alternatives or accommodations.

The CBTF scheduler takes into careful consideration multiple factors when assigning seats for different students and exams. As a result, it is possible that individual students may observe variations in the availability options compared to others. However, it is important to emphasize that all students are offered the same designated days and time ranges for their exams.

• To make any necessary changes to your reservation, please access the online platform and check for available slots. It is essential to note that proctors are unable to accommodate students without a valid reservation. 

• Please note that your i-card or the Illinois APP serves as the means for check-in during your exam session.

• Please be aware that your UIN (University Identification Number) is not considered a valid proof of identity. To verify your identity, it is imperative that you provide either the Building Access page on the Illinois App or an official form of identification such as a passport or government ID card.

• Students are granted two opportunities per semester to check-in without their i-card or Illinois APP. However, if this occurs for a third time, access to the lab will be denied, and you will be asked to reschedule your exam. Please note that no extensions will be given for the exam date or time in such situations.

• • Please note that the doors will close 10 minutes after the exam starts. You are allowed to enter before that time, but there will be no time extensions granted.
  • When you enter the exam area, please remember to be considerate and respectful of others by keeping noise to a minimum. Avoid any actions or behaviors that may distract fellow test takers.
  • Arriving after the 10-minute mark, please ask the proctor to delete your reservation so you can make a new one. It is important to avoid scheduling your exam late on the last day, as it may limit your ability to reschedule in case of any issues.

• Please note that logins from CBTF systems do not trigger 2FA authentication prompts, even if you have previously opted-in or typically require the use of Duo for authentication purposes.

• Presenting your i-card or Illinois APP during the check-in process serves as a form of two-factor authentication within this particular environment.

• In the event that you are unable to present your i-card or Illinois APP, it is possible that you may be denied check-in for your scheduled exam.

• In the case of exam content-related concerns, notify the proctor and then report the issue in PrairieLearn.  You should also contact your designated course staff after the exam. They will be able to assist you further in addressing the problem.

• In the event of encountering software-related difficulties, notify a proctor and follow their guidance. It is crucial to note that if you depart without discussing the issue with a proctor, we will likely not be able to document the precise problem and the time frame in which it occurred. Such information is essential for your instructors to address the situation effectively.

• If you encounter any PrairieLearn-related issues, notify a proctor and follow their guidance. They will assist in troubleshooting the problem by coordinating with the CBTF administrators, who can provide further assistance and resolve the issue effectively.

• If someone is still logged into your computer, please ask a proctor for assistance and avoid rebooting the computer on your own.

• If your computer freezes up, please raise your hand and inform a proctor immediately. They will assist you in finding a solution to the problem.

• If the issue can be resolved within 10 minutes or less, you may be given some extra time to make up for the computer freezing.

• If the problem persists beyond a duration of 10 minutes, the proctor will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action for you.

• If you come across a scenario where certain information seems to be missing from your test, we suggest raising your hand and discussing the matter with a proctor. They will provide the necessary assistance and guidance to address any concerns or questions you may have.

• In situations where you come across a word with an unfamiliar meaning, it is advisable to make your best assumption. Please understand that proctors may not always be able to provide answers to test content-related questions.

• To access the reference page for your exam, please follow these steps:

  • Click on the "Assessment Overview" button.
  • Review the instructions for your exam once more. The reference page should be clearly indicated within the instructions.
  • If you encounter any difficulties in opening the reference page, please raise your hand and kindly communicate the issue to a proctor. They will be available to assist you promptly.

   

  If I experienced a problem during the exam but left the CBTF without speaking to a proctor, what steps should I take to report the issue now?

   

  Please remember to report any problems or issues you encounter during the exam to a proctor while it is still ongoing. Proctors are unable to document problem reports that are not made during the exam. Your prompt communication ensures that the proctors can address the problem or accurately record the incident.

• Please follow these steps to ensure that your accommodations are properly addressed:

  • Submit your Letter of Accommodation (LOA) through the designated process or platform (here).
  • A proctor will update your CBTF profile to reflect your accommodations. This update is a one-time requirement per semester and applies to all CBTF courses. It is advisable to complete this process well in advance of your first exam.
  • Please note that profile updates do not retroactively affect any previous reservations you have made. If you made a reservation before your profile was updated to reflect your accommodations, it is essential to modify the reservation to ensure that your accommodations are correctly displayed.

IMPORTANT: Please note that DRES accommodations must be uploaded to the CBTF at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled exam. The CBTF is unable to accommodate DRES accommodations at the time of the exam.

In the event that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) is not submitted within the specified time frame, students have the option to reschedule their exam or take the exam without their accommodations. It is crucial to adhere to the submission deadline to ensure that your accommodations can be properly facilitated during the exam.

• The CBTF provides designated scratch paper for use during your exam.
• After each exam, it is mandatory to recycle all used scratch paper within the CBTF premises. Paper cannot be taken out of the CBTF.
• Any unused scratch paper should be returned to the clean pile for reuse.

• No. A TI-34 MultiView scientific calculator will be provided with your exam.

• The CBTF exam computers are not connected to the internet, so online apps cannot be used during the exam.
• All the necessary software required for the exam is available on the CBTF computers.
• Your instructor will provide information on the specific applications you are allowed to use for your exam.

• If you find yourself in a situation where a nearby student is being disruptive, it is advisable to address the issue by politely requesting the person to cease their disruptive behavior. If the situation persists or escalates, you may seek assistance from a proctor to help resolve the matter.

• Before departing from the CBTF, ensure that the proctors have recorded your name, NetID, or UIN for reference purposes, allowing you to access the Scheduler and secure a new reservation at a later time.
• If it is not the final day of your scheduled exams, you can promptly proceed to the PrairieTest platform and make a new reservation to reschedule.
• In the event that you encounter any difficulties accessing the Scheduler within 24 hours, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for further assistance.

If I experience an emergency or feel uncomfortable and distracted in the testing center, what steps should I take?

• Please inform the proctors promptly in the event of an emergency or if you feel uncomfortable and distracted in the testing center. The proctors will make every effort to assist you in finding a suitable arrangement that accommodates your needs within the capabilities of the facility.

The CBTF upholds the principles of Academic Integrity as outlined in the University of Illinois Student Code.

ARTICLE 1—STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Part 4. Academic Integrity and Procedure
§ 1‑401 POLICY STATEMENT; APPLICATION; DEFINITIONS

(a) Policy Statement. The University has the responsibility for maintaining academic integrity so as to protect the quality of education and research on our campus and to protect those who depend upon our integrity.

(1) Expectations of Students. It is the responsibility of each student to refrain from infractions of academic integrity, from conduct that may lead to suspicion of such infractions, and from conduct that aids others in such infractions. Students have been given notice of this Part by virtue of its publication. Regardless of whether a student has actually read this Part, a student is charged with knowledge of it. Ignorance is not a defense.

§ 1‑402 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY INFRACTIONS

(a) Cheating. No student shall use or attempt to use in any academic exercise materials, information, study aids, or electronic data that the student knows or should know is unauthorized. Instructors are strongly encouraged to make in advance a clear statement of their policies and procedures concerning the use of shared study aids, examination files, and related materials and forms of assistance. Such advance notification is especially important in the case of take-home examinations. During any examination, students should assume that external assistance (e.g., books, notes, calculators, and communications with others) is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Instructor.

What are some instances that are considered as cheating?

• Using prohibited electronic devices, such as cell phones, during the exam.
• Bringing unauthorized materials into the CBTF.
• Using unauthorized reference materials before or during the exam.
• Transferring information from an unauthorized source onto CBTF-provided scratch paper, essentially turning the scratch paper into an unauthorized aid.
• Writing exam-related information on body parts or personal belongings and using it as a reference during the exam.
• Taking CBTF-provided scratch paper or any other paper out of the CBTF after the exam.
• Disclosing specific exam content to classmates before they take the exam, giving them an unfair advantage over others.

• We request that you promptly notify a proctor either during your test or at its conclusion regarding the observed incident of academic dishonesty. You have the option to approach the proctor directly or utilize the designated "REPORT CHEATING" link within the PrairieTest system, based on your preferred method of communication. Rest assured that the proctors will diligently address the matter, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Ensuring the security and integrity of exams is of paramount importance at the CBTF. We kindly ask for your assistance in maintaining a fair examination environment for all students. Your cooperation in upholding academic honesty is greatly appreciated and contributes to the overall integrity of our assessments.

• We want to assure you that any reports you make regarding cheating will be handled with utmost confidentiality. Your identity will not be disclosed in the final report, ensuring your anonymity and protecting your privacy. Your cooperation in reporting incidents of cheating is crucial in upholding the integrity of the examination process.

• According to the CBTF Policies and Procedures, in the event of a cheating incident, the proctor will document your information and prepare a formal report on the incident.

• This report will be submitted to your instructor, who will then initiate the appropriate disciplinary measures based on the CBTF Policies and Procedures.

• The CBTF Proctors are mostly non-engineering professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
• They are there to make sure you are checked-in for the right exam at your reserved time and that everyone is as comfortable as they can be while taking tests in a computer lab with other students.

• CBTF proctors generally do not possess a background in Engineering. Furthermore, undergraduate engineering students are ineligible to serve as CBTF proctors.

• CBTF proctors cannot help you with content questions about your exam. You are expected to rely on your own knowledge and understanding to answer the exam questions accurately. If proctors were aware of the answers, it is important to note that during exams, they are unable to provide you with answers or hints.

What are the responsibilities of the proctors at the CBTF?

• Ensure a safe and secure testing environment for all individuals by providing necessary reminders.
• Efficiently check in students to verify their registration for the exam.
• Assist students in resolving any technical issues that may arise during the exam.
•  Document and report any problems that should be brought to the attention of the instructors.
• Maintain a secure and conducive environment for students to undertake computer-based exams.
• Uphold the principles of Academic Integrity throughout the testing process.
• Promptly report instances of cheating to the CBTF administrators.

Why are CBTF proctors so strict during check-in?

• The proctors undergo comprehensive training to adhere to stringent check-in protocols, diligently safeguarding the integrity and security of the exams.

• By reminding you to bring your i-Card or Illinois APP, the proctors adhere to the established CBTF policies and procedures.

• Providing your i-Card Illinois APP at check-in acts as two-factor authentication in this environment.
  If you do not have your i-Card Illinois APP, you may be denied check-in to your exam.

The CBTF provides TI-34 calculators for every exam.  Personal calculators are not permitted and the Windows calculator is not available on the CBTF computers.

Please take time before your first exam to familiarize yourself with the calculator that you will have in the CBTF.

• CBTF Calculator Cheat Sheet
• TI-34 MultiView Quick Reference Information
• Calculator Tutorial Video
  • Memory (3:31)
  • Button Mode (8:05)
  • Classic vs Math Print (8:20)
  • Square Roots (9:54)
  • Math Print Mode (10:34)
  • Higher Order Square Roots (11:24)
  • Exponents (12:07)
  • Scientific Notation (13:21)
  • Pi (14:50)