General Testing Policies and Procedures

All policies and procedures that apply to tests given in the classroom apply to the tests administered by the Testing Center. Please be advised these are general policies for our center. As a tester, you may have to sign a policies agreement depending upon which test company or department the examination will be provided from. Again, our emails are listed on the left for you to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Hours of Operation (Aug. 14 to May 12):

  • Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM - to 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Summer Hours of Operation (May 15 to Aug. 14):

  • Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - to 5:00 PM

Note: These are operational hours for support; testing appointments cannot be made after 3 pm. Questions or concern please email our Testing Center staff about your testing appointments if you have any questions.

Only by Appointments:

Students must have a prior appointment to make sure there is available seating for them to take their exams. General testing is not allowed by the public or every BC student. Please speak with a Testing Center staff member to clarify if you qualify for taking your exams at the Testing Center.

Students must be on time for scheduled test proctoring appointments. - If students are more than 15 minutes late, the Testing Center may not be able to accommodate the student and will have to look at the guidelines per company or department, for which the test is from (commercial or accommodations).

Cancellation:

Notify the Testing Center ASAP of any cancellations. Cancelations or being late 3 times to a scheduled appointment may result in the suspension of the use of the Testing Center.

Note: Missing a scheduled appointment is deemed the same as a cancellation. The same rules apply to an appointment that is missed 3 or more times.

Not Allowed in Testing Center:

NO cell phones or other electronic communication devices are allowed when testing. It is student's responsibility to turn off and turn in such devices to Testing Center staff upon check-in.

All items turned in will be returned upon completion of the test.

No personal items and/or non-approved/unallowable test materials are allowed in the testing area; including, but not limited, to the following:

  • Smart electronic devices (smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, tablets, iPad etc.)
  • Backpacks and/or purses
  • Books
  • Calculators
  • Notes
  • Sharp objects that may be used as a weapon or may inflict harm.

**The above list of items will not be allowed into the Testing Center, apart from items approved by the company or department the exam is given by.

A secure/safe area to store these items will be provided for students during the test's proctoring.

Breaks

Unauthorized breaks will not be allowed during testing time. Students must complete the exams in one sitting unless otherwise specified on the accommodation checklist. If the student leaves the proctoring area without approval, the test/exam will be considered completed. Your time for the exam does not stop unless otherwise specified.

Food Items

No food items near any computer in the Testing Center. They should be put away in your bag or on the windowsill. You must remember to take the food item with you at the end of your exam. If it is left there, it will be tossed - no exceptions. Only pre-approved food or drink required for medical purposes will be permitted in the testing area.

If you are approved for breaks with food, you must put the food items on the windowsill visible to the proctors. When you do decide to take a break, you will let the proctor know, then bring your food items from the windowsill to the lobby to have the break and eat the food. Once done, you will take the food items, place them on the windowsill and go back to your exam.

Note: Water bottles are allowed for all students. Water bottles should be placed on the windowsills and away from computer equipment.

Test Completion

Once the student completes their test/quiz, all testing materials (i.e., test, scratch paper, any approved/allowable notes) must be submitted to the test proctor.

All test materials will be returned to your instructor at the end of the exam day unless your instructor makes different arrangements.

Academic Integrity If any evidence of academic dishonesty (cheating) or use of cell phone, etc. is found, the test will be terminated immediately, and all materials will be taken. An irregularity report will be made immediately; course penalties and disciplinary action will be determined in accordance with standard policies and procedures stated in the Bakersfield College student handbook.