Testing for CSM Courses

The CSM Testing Centers provide facilities for faculty to schedule make-up tests and tests for Distance Learning, Online, Hybrid, and Independent Study courses.


Course Make-Up Tests:

The Testing Centers do not provide full-classroom testing services, but do administer course make-up tests for individual students who have received permission from their instructor. While most faculty only allow make-up testing under extreme circumstances, and require prior notice, students should check their syllabus for their professor's specific make-up policy.

The Testing Centers can not be responsible for:

  • collecting homework or additional assignments from students.
  • distributing homework or additional assignments to students.

Distance Learning, Online, Hybrid, and Independent Study Tests:

The Testing Centers can administer course exams for Distance Learning, Online, Hybrid, and Independent Study classes. If you are taking a course in such a format, you may be required by your instructor to take your exams at a CSM Testing Center. Your instructor will be able to provide you with information such as your exam dates, the length of the exam, any materials allowed, etc. 

The Testing Centers can not be responsible for:

  • collecting homework or additional assignments from students.
  • distributing homework or additional assignments to students.

Taking Tests for CSM Courses at Remote Locations

College of Southern Maryland students who are unable to come to a campus testing center may request to have their exams proctored at another college or university test center with the approval of their instructor. For information on how to arrange a remote test site for a CSM course exam, please view the Student/Proctor Agreement Form below. 

Student/Proctor Agreement Form

Students who wish to take their exams at a remote location are responsible for finding an appropriate proctor. Once an appropriate proctor has been secured by the student, both the student and proctor will complete their respective portions of the Student/Proctor Agreement Form, and then return the completed form to the CSM Testing Center.

If the course instructor approves of the chosen proctor, future exam materials can be sent to that proctor for the duration of that course.

Students who know that they will need the services of a remote proctor are encouraged to begin this process as early in the semester as possible.  Please note that if you are planning on taking exams for multiple classes remotely, a completed Student/Proctor Agreement Form is needed for each class. 

Helpful Tips

To take a course test at the Testing Center, you should do the following:

1.  Review your syllabus for information. 

  • Where you can take the test?  Is it available at all Testing Centers or just one campus testing center?  Does your instructor offer you a choice of where it can be taken?
  • When will the test be available?  Be sure you find out the first day and last day the test will be available, and if there is a cut off time for giving out or finishing the exam.  You also want to know how much time you will have to complete the test itself.
  • What are you allowed to have, if anything, when you take the test?  Your instructor will inform you if formula sheets, notes, calculator, reference books, or any other items are permitted.
  • If you don't know the answer to any of the above, contact your instructor for more information.

2. Arrive at the Testing Center prepared.

  • Be sure to check the Testing Center's schedule, and make sure to check the "Special Hours" section for any changes to the regular operating schedule prior to planning your visit. All testing must end at closing.
  • Bring a photo ID such as your CSM student id or a government issued id such as a driver's license.  No one is admitted to the Testing Center without proper photo ID.
  • Know your CSM ID number.
  • Know the course number and title as well as the name of your instructor. 
  • Minimize the amount of non-testing items you bring, as outside items are not permitted and will need to be locked and stored prior to testing.
  • Make appropriate arrangements for childcare before coming on campus to take your test, if necessary.  Babies and children of any age are not permitted in the Testing Centers. 

3. Check-In to the Testing Center.

  • Allow plenty of time to get checked into the Testing Center as well as enough time to complete your exam.
  • Be prepared to turn off your cell phone and put it and all other personal belongings in a storage locker during your exam.
  • Any testing aids allowed such as notes, calculator, textbook, etc. will be examined by the Testing Center staff to be sure it meets instructor guidelines. Notes and scratch paper will be collected at the end of the exam.

4. Take your exam.

  • Testing Center staff are responsible for maintaining exam security, and provide a proctored environment suitable for all test takers. 
  • To ensure exam integrity, you will be monitored while taking your exam.
  • Inappropriate behavior or exam violations may result in immediate dismissal from the Testing Center, and will be reported to your instructor.

5.  Contact your instructor if you have an issue with taking the exam.

  • Exams are no longer available after the deadline provided by your instructor.
  • If you have missed the deadline, you must get permission from your instructor to take the test. Your instructor must then contact the testing center to make arrangements.

The CSM Testing Centers provide facilities for faculty to schedule individual Make-Up Tests and tests for Distance Learning, Online, and Independent Study courses.

Please be aware that the Testing Centers do not provide full-classroom testing services, but do administer make-up tests for individual students. 

The Testing Centers will not:

  • Collect homework or additional assignments from students.
  • Distribute homework or additional assignments to students.
  • Administer full classroom exams for courses that are not: online, hybrid, distance learning, or independent study.
  •  Ensure your syllabus clearly states your testing policy for all students.
  •  Fully complete a Testing Center Cover Sheet (found below).

All directions for test administration must be included on the Test Cover Sheet.  This includes: course information, instructor contact information, materials allowed, time limit, deadline date, and ADA accommodations if applicable.

  • Place all tests (ensuring there is at least one per student) and testing materials (class roster, SCANTRONs, etc.) in the test envelope. Attach the completed Cover Sheet to the outside of the envelope of test materials.
  • Drop tests off at the Testing Center of your choice, and tests will be delivered to the necessary campus.  Please be sure to allow at least 2 business days for test materials to be sent between campuses. Be aware that there is no campus mail service on Saturdays.
  • For online exams that do not require any that any physical handouts be distributed, you can submit a completed Testing Center Cover Sheet and roster via email.

Exam Pickup Policy

  • In order to preserve exam security, instructors who are unfamiliar to Testing Center staff or other affiliated support staff will be asked to provide photo ID when they come to pick up test materials.
  • It is the instructor's responsibility to pick up their exams. The Testing Centers must be notified in advance if another department faculty member or CSM staff member will be picking up exams on your behalf.

Testing Center Exam Cover Sheets:

Note: Printed copies are also available at Testing Centers.

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