Overview of Testing

Quick Test Facts


  • Tests are administered by DELTA Testing Services.  For most of you this means that you will be taking the tests at one of the DELTA testing centers on campus.  Remote testing using Examity is not allowed. (Students who live more than 50 miles from campus can make alternate arrangements for remote testing with a live proctor.) 
  • Appointments are required.   
  • Tests are administered using WebAssign.
  • Tests are timed using a built-in timer in WebAssign.  You will have 90 minutes for each test, and 150 minutes for the final exam.  The timer begins the moment you download the test and cannot be paused.
  • Tests are password protected.  Your test proctor will be given the password that allows you to access the test. You may only access tests at approved testing locations. 
  • You will be allowed to bring one page of notes, scrap/blank paper, and a (optional) calculator.  No other notes, books, or electronic devices (including cell phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, etc.) are allowed. Note that for test security purposes, the testing center will require that you turn in your one page of notes and any scrap paper that you used during the test.  You will not be able to get these papers back.
  • Only the four approved online tools (Row Operations Tool, Matrix Tool, WolframAlpha, and Desmos Graphing Calculator) can be used while testing.  Links to these tools will be found at the top of the test or exam.
  • Make a note of your score on the test (the grade of your final submission) before you leave the test room. You will not be able to see your test after your time has expired.

Test Logistics and Location


--- DELTA Testing Services provides two locations for students to take tests and the final exam. These locations are described at the DELTA Testing Services website.

--- IMPORTANT:  All testing at the DELTA testing centers is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  Make sure that you access the DELTA Testing Services website above and sign up for your tests and exam as soon as possible to avoid scheduling issues.  Note that you are required to take each test and the exam within the given test/exam window.  It is up to you to make sure that you have set up an appointment that works with your schedule.

Make Your Testing Appointments Now. Click here!

--- If you live more than 50 miles from campus, you may attempt to negotiate special arrangements for taking tests without coming to campus. If you wish to pursue this option you should see the DELTA off-campus testing page the first week of class.  That page will give you a deadline for submitting a remote proctor for the approval of DELTA Testing Services. Once your remote proctor has been arranged, you will need to inform the instructor and Jenn that you will be taking your tests with a remote proctor.

Note that for test security reasons we do NOT allow the use of Examity for test proctoring in this course.

--- The computers at DELTA Testing Services testing locations are Windows desktop computers. You will want some time to get accustomed to your computer and to get logged into the NCSU computing environment. When you report to a testing center for a test, allow time to find parking, if applicable.

--- SUBMISSIONS: Whereas you are allowed up to 50 submissions on WebAssign homework, you are allowed only 3 submissions on the tests. (This means that you can submit each answer blank up to 3 times.) These submissions must be used BEFORE time expires for the test. Make sure you know when your deadline is for finishing the test, and carefully monitor your time during the test.

--- WebAssign does not warn you when time is running out. If you wait too late to attempt your submission, your submission will be rejected.

--- Students who require accommodated testing should take the following steps as early in the semester as possible.

1) First make sure that you understand everything on the following page.

2)  Then, if you have not already done so, log into the DRO student portal and use it to "Send Accommodation Letters", as detailed on the following page.  

3)  After this has been done, send an email to the instructor and Jenn letting them know that you have requested that your accommodation letter be sent.  They will verify that it has been received and will discuss all necessary details with you.  This is particularly important if you require extra time on your tests because Jenn will need to set that up in WebAssign for you.  

4)  Immediately after sending the email above (even if you haven't gotten a reply yet), please review the following page that covers how accommodated testing works for DELTA classes.

5)  After getting a reply from the instructor and/or Jenn regarding your accommodations, please use the link at the bottom of the following page to make your testing appointments.  You should go ahead and set up all 3 tests and the final exam as early in the semester as possible in order to avoid times/dates filling up.  
DELTA: Make Testing Appointments (bottom of the page)

(Note: The instructor plays no role in deciding upon requests for special accommodations. Such requests should go directly to the NCSU Disability Resource Office.)

Tools

If you own and already know how to use a hand-held graphing calculator you may bring it and use it on the tests and the final exam. (Note that TI-Nspire calculators are not allowed in the testing center and cannot be used. All other types of hand-held calculators are permitted.)

In this course there are four online tools that are approved for use during the tests and final exam.   These four tools (Row Operations Tool, Matrix Tool, WolframAlpha, and Desmos Graphing Calculator) are all linked to under the Important Links in the side bar on the right side of the page.  Links to these tools will also be at the top of all three tests and the final exam so that you can link to them directly at the testing center.    No other websites or online tools are allowed to be used during the test.
No electronic devices (other than a calculator, as previously discussed) are allowed.  This includes cell phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, etc.

Use of Notes

For each test and the final exam you may bring and use one page of notes. These notes must meet the following criteria.
  • No larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
  • Both sides of the paper may be used.
  • Notes can be electronically printed and/or handwritten.
The testing center will require you to turn in these notes before you leave the testing center.  You will not be able to get these notes back.

Other

You are encouraged to bring blank/scrap paper to work problems during the tests.  However, please note that the testing center will require you to turn in these papers before you leave the testing facility and you will not be able to get them back.