Policies & Procedures

The Appalachian State University Office of Testing Services is committed to providing an optimal  testing environment for our examinees, free from distractions and with a vigilant eye towards security and attentive customer service. We strictly observe the guidelines set forth by the National College Testing Association and follow a well-established set of procedures to ensure a consistent and quality testing experience for our examinees. It is important that you review the following policies to ensure that you are properly prepared for your exam appointment in our center.

By Appointment Only

Our seats are limited, and many exam providers require advance registration through their systems. Consequently we are unable to accommodate “walk-in” examinees, so please refer to our “Tests Offered” page for instructions on how to register for your test and reserve your seat.

ID Verification

A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID must be presented for verification when you check in for your exam. Occasionally test providers or credentialing organizations will require two forms of ID for check-in, so please familiarize yourself with the ID requirements for your specific exam before arriving at our testing center.

Late Arrivals

All of our exams are scheduled based on seat availability, so please call ahead if you are running late. Our ability to seat you if you arrive late will be determined by the number of tests scheduled for that day. 

Testing Aids and Materials

In most cases, you will not be permitted to bring your own materials into the testing room. We will provide any scratch paper, pencils, or special exhibits that might be required for your test. Most exams provide on-screen calculators, however occasionally an exam provider will allow an examinee to bring a personal calculator provided it meets the exam provider’s specifications. Please familiarize yourself with the exam material requirements for your specific exam before arriving at our testing center.

Personal Belongings and Electronic Devices

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices/cell phones are not allowed in the testing rooms. We provide secure lockers for stowing any personal belongings that you are unable to leave at home, but please know that all cell phones and portable electronic devices must be turned off before stowing. The Appalachian State University Testing Center is not responsible for the theft, loss, or damage to any personal property brought to the center.

Note: Once you have checked in for your exam, accessing or attempting to gain access to unapproved items such as study materials or personal electronic devices will result in the immediate termination of the exam, and an incident report will be submitted to the exam provider.

Secure, Distraction Free Environment

We administer a number of exams in our two testing labs throughout the day. Consequently there is often a steady flow of examinees checking in or out, actively testing, or waiting for their scheduled exams. Please be mindful of other examinees and refrain from behavior that might be distracting.  Our staff members/proctors monitor examinees at all times, so please raise your hand if you have any questions or issues that need to be addressed.

Our staff center employs active proctoring techniques with staff members/proctors observing examinees through lab windows and conducting frequent walk throughs. Additionally our center utilizes audio and video computer surveillance as well as recording technologies to maintain a testing environment of academic integrity. If needed, these electronic feeds remain available for review by our staff and/or test providers. 

Examinee Conduct Expectations and Violations

Examinees who violate academic honesty and test integrity policies will be asked to stop testing immediately, and the misconduct will be reported to the appropriate organizations. Once you have checked in for your exam, accessing or attempting to gain access to unapproved items such as study materials or personal electronic devices will result in the immediate termination of the exam, and an incident report will be submitted to the exam provider.

The Appalachian State University Office of Testing Services reserves the right to terminate exams and report violations of our policies committed by any examinee.

Visitors not allowed

Visitors are not permitted in the testing rooms. Our center provides a small seating area for examinees who are waiting to test, and there is limited hallway seating located just outside of the testing center for friends and family. Please inform a test center staff member if you have a friend or family member who will be waiting for you. Restrictions do apply with regards to electronic devices and study materials.

Breaks - Restrooms, Water, and Snacks

Many tests allow examinees to take breaks after notifying a test center staff member. Raise your hand to notify the proctor or staff member that you need to exit the testing room. A water cooler is located in the test center waiting area, and restrooms and vending machines are located on the same floor. Breaks may or may not deduct from the time allotted for an exam as the policy varies for different types of exams. When taking a break, be sure to confirm with a staff member or proctor whether “the clock will keep counting down” in your exam.