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Testing Day Policies & Procedures

The information below is for those taking an accommodated and/or makeup test. If you do not have accommodations and/or are using the computer-based testing facility more information can be found at Computer-Based Testing Facilities (link). 

Taking a test at the Triton Testing Center (TTC) may be different from what you experience while taking a test in a classroom or in an academic department. Read through our policies and procedures carefully so that you’re prepared and ready to begin your test once you arrive.

STEP 1: Arrive 15 minutes before the start of your test (Pepper Canyon Hall 3rd Floor)

Arrive to your test reservation 15 minutes in advance so that you have enough time to
  • store away personal belongings
  • use the restroom
  • ask questions about your test reservation.
We are located at Pepper Canyon Hall 3rd Floor. If you haven't tested with us before, we recommend visiting our office so you'll know where to go. Check out our hours and location for more information.

Late Policy:

 If you arrive late, you will only be given until your originally scheduled end time. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your test, your appointment will be canceled. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and is subject to instructor approval and seat availability.

STEP 2: Store all personal belongings away in the lockers (Suite 380)

Store away all personal belongings except for
  • writing utensil(s) 
  • physical photo identification (e.g. UCSD Student ID or government issued ID)
  • transparent, unlabeled water bottles
  • any aids specifically permitted by your instructor for your test (e.g. approved note sheet, calculator, etc)
  • any other OSD approved aids

Other items aren't allowed in our testing room unless you have 

  • an accommodation that authorizes the item
  • your instructor has permitted the items as a test aid
  • our staff, upon inspection, approves the item.

You'll be redirected to the locker room if found with extraneous items.

Effective FA25: the TTC will no longer provide water bottles, please anticipate bringing a TTC compliant water bottle for your test session. 

STEP 3: Check-in for your test at the lobby (Suite 364)

Head over to the lobby and check-in on the front desk iPad. Take a seat once complete and wait for a staff member to call your name. 

A staff member will then verify your ID, inspect the items that you're taking into the testing room, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

STEP 4: Take the Test

Next, a staff member will escort you to your randomized testing seat. You'll have until your scheduled end time to finish your test. Additional time isn't provided, even if you're late.

All tests are monitored by a live proctor either in person or by camera. Should you have any questions regarding the test or the test session, notify the proctor right away for assistance.

Step 5: Submit the Test

Once you have completed the test, inform the proctor. They will collect all test materials used, including the test file, scratch paper, and any note sheets. 

If you don't finish the test by your scheduled end time, the proctor will proceed to retrieve the test. Your test has concluded, and you are no longer permitted to work on it. This includes but is not limited to, arranging your papers, filling out your scantron, or writing your name and PID. It's important to arrive early and allocate your time wisely.  

As soon as the proctor has the test, you may gather your belongings and go. 

Tips for a Seamless Check-in

  • Print and make a copy of your note sheet(s). The TTC does not offer printing services so you will need to have your note sheet ready upon check-in. Learn more (link) for printing locations on campus. All materials used on the test, including note sheets, are collected and given to the instructor. If you’d like to retain your note sheet, you’ll need to make a copy or take a picture of it before your reservation. 
  • Bring your own scantron. The TTC can only provide generic printable bubble sheets. If your instructor has specified what scantron to use, you’ll need to bring your own. 
  • Leave behind your blue book. The TTC will provide you with lined paper for your test since we're unable to scan the bookstore blue books.
  • Locate the office before your test. Many students lose testing time as they're unable to find our office (Pepper Canyon Hall 364). Know where to go ahead of time and you'll be sure to have your full time.
  • Plan your commute. There may be traffic, make sure to plan your commute and parking situation ahead of time. Note, certain times in the quarter are more impacted than others, such as midterms and finals season, so it may take more time to get to campus and find parking. It's best to come to campus early so you're not late for your test.
  • Have a valid form of ID. UCSD or government issued IDs such as a driver’s license, state photo ID card, military ID, or passport are acceptable forms of ID. Digital IDs and photos of IDs are never permitted. 

What happens to my test once I submit it?

The test is scanned directly to your instructor within one business day.

Note: It's your instructor's responsibility to grade your test. You'll need to contact them if you have any questions or concerns regarding your score.

Why can't I have additional time?

We do not provide additional time for several reasons.

  • It'll run into other students' testing time. There are several factors that come into play when scheduling your test. To serve numerous UCSD students each day, we have to strictly follow the testing schedule, and any delays can disrupt our operations. This is why it's essential to schedule your test at least 3 days in advance as we have started preparations for arranging the test files, staffing schedule, and testing room schedule.
  • We don't have the staff available. We must maximize our resources. The TTC is an appointment-based facility and so our staff are scheduled to work at specific times. If you're late for your test, a staff member may be unavailable as the testing day has concluded.
  • Ensure fairness for all students. Our schedule is complex. Though we may be able to provide some students with the full time even if they're late, it'd be unfair to the students who arrive on time and the students who are tardy but aren't able to receive the full time.

List of Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include but aren't limited to

  • watches of any kind 
  • opaque water bottles (Hydroflasks, Hydrojugs, Owalas, etc.)
  • food or drinks (unless with an accommodation)
    • water is permitted as long as it's in a clear container
  • electronics (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.)
  • audio devices (headphones, earbuds, AirPods, etc.)

Why are these not allowed?  

The TTC has two core responsibilities: maintaining the integrity of the test for instructors and providing a distraction-free environment for all test takers.

Certain items can compromise test integrity or disrupt other test takers. While we provide clear guidelines, this list isn't exhaustive. Staff may approve or deny items based on these principles. Please ask us if you're unsure, we're here to help!