8 Tips For Taking Online Exams

Passing online exams is new and can also be stressful for most students because of the strangeness it brings. One should try to be calm and strategic when taking exams online. The concept of online testing can be very similar to physical/ground.

However, there are some differences, such as classroom environments, because exam preparation may require more knowledge and tips. Most institutions conduct online examinations in the Learning Management System (LMS) and use exam integrity tools such as Proctoring software to evaluate student activity. Students should have prior knowledge of how this tool works. Check out below online exam taking tips: 

• Check Test Standards and Format

1. When will the test take place? Do you need to pick it up at a specific time, or can you start at any time during the day?
2. How long did it take to complete the test?
3. Where do you get to the test? (Blackboard, WebAssign, Wiley, and more)
4. What kinds of questions are there for the exam? (Multiple choice, short answer, essay, etc.)

• Find Your Zone

1. Where are you doing the test?
2. Select a place with good internet connectivity
3. Limited distraction: Turn off anything you distract from testing - phone, email, TV, music, and more. Silence: Tell your family/roommate to take the test and not be disturbed. Wear headphones to reduce noise.

• Study

1. Although the test is an "open book," you do not have time to look for every answer. You should remember the information immediately. Create quick reference notebooks with important information. Use graphic organizers (charts, tables, graphs) to organize ideas and easily find information.
2. Take a practice test as a dress test: Observe the time limit and use only the resources allowed for testing. If not, create your own practice test with homework, notes, and a book.

• Check Your Technique

           At least 24 hours in advance:

1. Install all the software you need.
2. Please update your browser. Does the site offer a specific browser? If not, use Google Chrome.
3. Create a backup plan: what will you do when the internet stops working? What if your computer crashes?

          30 minutes before the start:

1. Turn on your computer and check your internet connection
2. Close all windows and programs you don't need, turn off streaming services, and ask others in your home to limit Internet usage at this time.
3. Turn off or mute the phone

• Prepare the Space

1. Collect all the materials you can use: books, notes, reference sheets, calculators, and so on.
2. Have wallpaper and pen/pencil available. Get water and snack.
3. Use an earplug to block the sound.

• Look at the Clock

          Set alarms to remind you when you have 30, 15, or 5 minutes left.

• In Case of Emergency

1. Keep a copy of your answers: Write short answers as essay questions in Word and copy and paste them after the test. Write more calculation and answer options on paper as in a Word document. If a technical problem occurs, you will not lose all your answers.
2. Use two browsers: If you're looking for information, do so in a separate web browser or other devices to prevent the test page from closing accidentally.
3. Technical problems: inform your teacher immediately! Explain the exact problem that is occurring and add a screenshot of all the error messages. Do not wait for your instructor to respond. Contact Campus IT or take my online exam services help on the web. 

• Trust, but Prove

          Please review your work before submitting

1. Did you answer all the questions?
2. Did you answer all parts of each question?

          Confirm submission - DO NOT close your browser or refresh the page until you know your post has been received. Depending on your platform, you may see a message confirming your submission, or you may be redirected to a new site.