Accommodated Testing

The Test Centre provides a test and exam environment complete with accommodations for students with exceptionalities when those needs cannot be met in the classroom. In order to access accommodated testing at the Test Centre, students must be registered with the Access and Support Centre (ASC).

Students need to:

  • Review the Test Centre’s guide for information: DC – test registration how to with screenshots [PDF – 1.2 MB]
  • Book their assessments at the start of the term once course outlines are provided by signing up online.
  • Ensure they are booked at least seven (7) days before all testing dates. Assessments during weeks 13 and 14 must be booked three weeks prior to the end of the term.

Students who do not sign up at least 7-days prior to their test or exam date may be required to write their assessment with their class.

Class tests with accommodations

Test is to be booked at the same time and date as the class is writing by the student via the portal

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All Durham College policies and procedures apply in the Test Centre, including the Academic Integrity Policy.  Any breaches of academic integrity may result in student materials being confiscated and submitted to the appropriate professor for action.

Policies and procedures poster

Special Spacing

  1. Student books the test via the portal for the date and time the class is set to write. All deadlines apply
  2. When booking, the student must select “spacing accommodation” from their menu options
  3. Student sends an email to testcentre@durhamcollege.ca, and copies the teacher of the course they which to enact the spacing change on and requests it be moved as per their specific accommodation. This step must also be completed prior to posted booking deadlines.
  4. The test centre will advise if the date/time requested is available and will confirm the changes with the student and the teacher

Extra time over-lapping adjustments

If the total test duration (class + extra) over-laps with another course or the same course with a lecture following the test, the student will book the test following the same steps as special spacing.

Memory Aids

Memory aid is a reference tool to trigger a memory
Memory aids are to be understood by the creator only
Memory aid is not the same as a crib sheet
Formulas and definitions are omitted from a memory aid
Memory aid is not an answer sheet, substitute for studying, course notes, or an exception from knowing course material
The memory aid must be completed by the student and pre-approved by the teacher to be eligible for use.
Student should prepare and send the memory aid to the faculty at least one week before the test for review
The deadline for the test centre to receive the approved aid from the teacher is 3 business days before the test.
For more information see here: A students guide to creating Memory Aids

Trouble Shooting

Error: no spots found

  1. Double check the date entered. Is it a holiday or weekend?
  2. Double check the time entered is accurate by typing in the time and the AM or PM as applicable (8:10 am) All classes at DC start at 10 minutes after the hour and should be booked as such.
  3. Look at your “my upcoming events” to determine if you are booked for a meeting with your coach or peer tutor or another test for the same time. If there is a conflicting meeting, you will need to cancel it.  If there is a conflicting test, you will need to email the test centre

Issue: Another test or lecture is overlapping

  • If you have multiple tests on the same day and the extra time overlaps, you will need to email the test centre for resolution
  • If you know you have a lecture immediately following the test, you can book the test with a start time up-to 30 minutes earlier than the class. You will need to indicate in the comments that you are booking ahead so you can attend the lecture.

Rescheduling

Durham College students who are unable to write a test or exam that is booked with the Test Centre should:

  1. Contact their professor immediately. Faculty will determine whether a student will be permitted to write the test or exam on an alternate day.
  2. Contact the appropriate test centre to cancel the booking.
  3. Follow missed test process as outlined on our website
  4. A missed test is subject to the rescheduling fee if a new date/time is requested once booking is confirmed

Test Centres can be reached by email at:

Oshawa campus Test Centre at testcentre@durhamcollege.ca  or
Whitby campus Test Centre at whitbytestcentre@durhamcollege.ca

Non-ATTENDANCE / No-Show

  • Durham College students who do not attend for a schedule assessment in the Test Centre may be subject to a $10 fee, applied to their student accounts.

PROTOCOLS BEFORE ENTERING THE TEST CENTRE

  • Arrive 5 min before test start to secure personal items and complete check-in
  • Present valid ID (Government original (hardcopy) or TouchNet OneCard with photo or Durham College placement badge (with photo)
  • All electronics (smart body devices, phones, tablets, iPods) must be turned off and placed in a TC locker
  • All personal items (coats, hats, bags, notes) are to be secured in a TC locker
  • Only items required for the test will be permitted in the testing room
  • Only water is permitted in the testing room (approved accommodations excepted)
  • Personal laptops are required for any laptop-based program and must be fully charged as charging ports may not be available
  • TC Locker use permitted while in the testing room only
  • Late arrivals may be permitted up to 15 minutes at the discretion of your faculty and/or test centre

    PROTOCOLS aFTER ENTERING THE TEST CENTRE

    • Check in and out at the main reception desk
    • Lower hoods (place hats in locker)
    • Place allowable aids on the desk
    • Refrain from writing on scrap paper until after the test has started
    • Student conversation is prohibited in the testing room
    • Return scrap paper, testing aids and test materials to the main reception desk or where indicated during finals
    • Return lock and key inside the locker