Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

• What are the Testing Center's hours of operation?
  
  
  We are open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. We do not close for lunch during the Fall and Spring semesters. Our office observes all of the same holidays and campus-closures that the university observes (i.e. if campus is closed, our office will be closed as well).
  
  
• Where is the Testing Center located?
  
  
  We are located in Lassen Hall, room 2302. Our address is as follows:
  
       Sacramento State, Testing Center
       6000 J Street - Lassen Hall 2302
       Sacramento, CA 95819-6058
  
  
• How do I get to Sacramento State, and where should I park?
  
  
  If you are not familiar with the Sacramento State campus, please follow this link to find out more information and how to get to campus: http://www.csus.edu/aba/utaps/visitor-information.html.
  
  If you are taking an exam, you should arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to park, find the reporting location, and check in. You should also park in Lot 1, as it is the closest parking lot to Lassen Hall. Also, if you are parking on a weekday, you will need to purchase a daily parking permit. Parking permits are available from one of the daily permit machines. This link will take you directly to an interactive copy of our campus map: http://www.csus.edu/campusmap/
  
  
• Does the Testing Center accept walk-ins?
  
  
  No, we do not accept walk-ins.
  
  If you are inquiring about the EPT/ELM tests, please see http://www.csus.edu/testing/tests/eptelm.html for more detailed information.
  
  
• Does the Testing Center offer proctoring services for non-Sac State students or students taking a course at another college or institute?
  
  
  Yes. We offer proctoring services for paper-based exams only - NO computer/laptop-usage AT ALL. We charge a flat rate fee of $50 per exam ($55 for international exams that require shipping); check or money order only, made payable to Sacramento State. Please note that we DO NOT accept cash, credit, or debit.
  
  
• Does the Testing Center keep records of any test scores for exams taken?
  
  
  No. The Testing Center does not keep any records of test scores or grades for any exams.
  
  
• What materials are allowed in the testing room(s)?
  
  
  The Testing Center provides all answer materials, such as scantrons, bluebooks, and notebook paper. We also provide scratch paper (blank, graphing, or engineering paper) upon request. Other exam materials, such as calculators, notes, or textbooks, must be permitted by the instructor and indicated on the instruction form.
  
  All personal belongings must be locked up in a Testing Center locker. Calculator covers must be taken off the calculator and put away with personal belongings. Other items not allowed while testing include but are not limited to: Electronic devices, such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, mp3 players, etc. Food and/or drinks, unless you have a documented accommodation for such items approved by SSWD.

  
  
  
• How are examinees monitored while testing is in progress?
  
  
  All examinees are monitored at all times, by proctors and camera surveillance. This includes the group room testing room, each private room, and the Testing Center lobby and lockers. All Testing Center staff have access to the video surveillance on a separate monitor at their desks, and recordings are automatically archived up to five days.
  
  When students arrive for their exam appointments, Testing Center staff will check for proof of identification. Students will then be told to lock up all personal belongings in one of our lockers, including cellphones and any other electronic devices he or she may have. Students needing to go back into their lockers for any reason are observed doing so by proctors and staff.
  
  Students using computers will be logged in with Testing Center’s default login and password. Internet and spellcheck are disabled, unless otherwise instructed by student accommodations or instructor notation.
  
  
• Do you offer any testing outside of your regular office hours or on weekends?
  
  
  No. We are not available to proctor or administer any classroom exams outside of our regular office hours.
  
  

FACULTY QUESTIONS

• One of my students receives accommodations from SSWD and wants to take their exams at the Testing Center. What is the process for this?
  
  
  The student will need to make an exam appointment with the Testing Center and provide you with a test instruction form. Once you have approved the student's test date and time, you will need to complete the test instruction form and submit the exam and instruction form to the Testing Center by or preferably before the student's exam appointment.
  
  Test instruction forms are also available on our website at http://www.csus.edu/testing/Test%20Instruction%20Forms/index.html
  
  
• I have a student who needs the exam provided in an alternative format (i.e. braille, enlarged print, electronic copy, etc.), how does thiat work with the Testing Center?
  
  
  Any exams that need any altering or conversion into another format would need to be submitted to the High Tech Center. The High Tech Center is located in the AIRC room 2010 and may be reached at 916-278-7915.
  
  It is still faculty's responsibility to ensure that the Testing Center receives the exam and exam instructions.
  
  
• How do I get my exam to the Testing Center?
  
  Here are your options for submitting your exam to the Testing Center:
  

  • Drop off the exam in-person. We are located in Lassen Hall, room 2302 (if you come after hours, you may slip the exam under our door, provided you have all instruction forms filled out and attached to the exams).
    
  • Have a colleague, TA, or department staff member drop off the exam and exam instructions for you.
    
  • Mail the exam using campus mail (Address to Testing Center; mail zip 6058). Please note that campus mail delivery can take up to 5 business days
    
  • Have the student pick up the exam for your office/department in a sealed envelope and submit it to the Testing Center (any signs of tampering with the envelope will be immediately reported to the instructor).
    
    

  Also, when submitting exams to the Testing Center, please be sure to complete and submit the correct instruction form with each exam. Test instruction forms are also available on our website at http://www.csus.edu/testing/Test%20Instruction%20Forms/index.html
  
  
• Can I email the exam?
  
  
  Due to the large number of exams handled in the Testing Center each day, we do not generally accept emailed exams.
  
  
• How long does campus mail take?
  
  
  Campus mail can take anywhere between 3-5 business days. We receive one mail pickup a day, at approximately 11:00am. We document the instructor and department to whom the exam was sent to and the day the exam was prepared to be mailed. Once the exam has been picked up with the mail, we cannot track its journey or give exaact dates as to when you will receive it. If the exam is time-sensitive, we recommend that you pick the exam up from the Testing Center or have the student return the exam to your office/department (Testing Center staff will ensure the exam is sealed in an envelope and stamped confidential).
  
  
• One of my students cannot take the exam with the class and does not receive accommodations from SSWD. What is the process for this?
  
  
  The student may schedule an appointment online, under Makeup Exams. We offer makeup exam sessions on Mondays at 9am, and Fridays at 9am and 1pm.
  
  
• A student did not give me a test instruction form. What should I do?
  
  
  Test instruction forms are available for download on our website at http://www.csus.edu/testing/Test%20Instruction%20Forms/index.html
  
  
• Can students take online exams at the Testing Center?
  
  
  For students not registered with SSWD, we do not have the facilities to proctor online exams at this time.
  
  We have facilities to proctor online exams for students who are registered with SSWD as all of the computers and accessible equipment are property of SSWD. Students registered with SSWD must call or come in to our office to schedule an appointment with a computer so that we may reserve space for them to test with a computer. We have a limited number of computers and the space to use them gets filled quickly.
  
  
• Can you proctor exams for an entire classroom?
  
  
  We do not have the space nor staffing to proctor exams for an entire classroom. You may want to talk to someone in your department for more options.
  
  
• How will the Testing Center get the exam back to me?
  
  Your options for how the exam will be returned to you are as follows and must be indicated on the exam instruction form:
  

  • Campus mail.
    
  • Hold for pickup - we will secure the exam in our office until you come by to pick it up (if someone else will be picking up for you, please indicate the first and last name of the person on the instruction form. He or she will also need to provide us with their photo ID)
    
  • Student return - Testing Center staff will seal the completed exam in an envelope and stamp it confidential. The student will return it to your office/department/class.
    
    
• How do I ensure that my exam stays secure in the Testing Center?
  
  
  All exams, untaken and completed exams that are marked "hold for pickup," are kept secured in a backroom we refer to as our 'vault'. Only Testing Center staff members have access to this room -- no custodians, student assistants, or proctors are allowed in this area.
  
  
• Can someone else pickup completed exams on my behalf?
  
  
  Yes. You must indicate the person's first and last name on the instruction form and that they will be picking up the exam. They must have their photo ID with them in order to pick up the exam on your behalf.
  
  
• How will you know if my student is cheating?
  
  
  We have student proctors that observe examinees at all times. We also have camera surveillance that observes and records every testing room at all times. Our recordings are kept up to five days. If a student is observed cheating, the recording is copied and burned onto a CD. You are notified by email that your student was caught cheating and will be given the CD for your review.
  
  

STUDENT QUESTIONS

• What are testing accommodations and what is SSWD?
  
  
  The Testing Center provides testing accommodations only to students who are registered with the Office of Services to Students With Disabilities (SSWD). Some disability-related testing accommodations include readers, scribes, wheelchair accessible tables, and computer-assisted and computer-adaptive software. Testing accommodations are determined based on individual documented needs of each student. All accomodations are determined by the Office of Services to Students With Disabilities.
  
  For more information on the Office of Services to Students With Disabilities, please see their website at http://www.csus.edu/sswd or they may be contacted at 916-278-6955
  
  
• I receive accommodations from SSWD and want to take my exams at the Testing Center. How do I make an appointment
  
  
  You may call the Testing Center at 916-278-6296 (press '0' to skip the menu) or drop by the office (located in Lassen Hall, room 2302) and a Testing Center representative would be more than happy to go through the process with you, as the process differs based on accommodations.
  
  
• I cannot take my exam with the rest of my class and I do not receive accommodations from SSWD. Can I take my exam at the Testing Center?
  
  
  With your instructor's approval, you may makeup the exam at the Testing Center. You may schedule an appointment online for a Makeup Exam at our website http://www.csus.edu/testing. For more information on makeup exams, please visit our website or give our office a call at 916-278-6296.
  
  
• How do I schedule an appointment to take an exam during the week of finals?
  
  
  To take an exam during the week of finals, you must call the Testing Center at 916-278-6296 or drop by the office in Lassen Hall, room 2302, to make an exam appointment. There is no online registration for exams taken during finals week.
  
  
• What is the WPJ?
  
  
  The WPJ is the Writing Placement for Juniors exam. For more information, please see the Writing Programs Office's FAQ page http://www.al.csus.edu/writing/gewritingrequirements/gwarFaqs.php
  
  
• How can I register for the WPJ?
  
  
  You can register for the WPJ online at our website http://www.csus.edu/testing
  
  For future WPJ test dates and registration dates, please call or visit the Testing Center. For more information, please see the Writing Programs Office's FAQ page http://www.al.csus.edu/writing/gewritingrequirements/gwarFaqs.php
  
  
• How do I request the WPJ makeup date?
  
  
  To qualify for the makeup exam date, students must first register for the regular test online. All requests should be directed to the Writing Programs Office by 12pm on the Monday following the original exam date. For more information, please see the Writing Programs Office's FAQ page http://www.al.csus.edu/writing/gewritingrequirements/gwarFaqs.php
  
  
• How can I register for the EPT/ELM?
  
  
  You may register online at http://www.ets.org/csu. For more informaiton, please see the EPT/ELM information page on our website http://www.csus.edu/testing/tests/eptelm.html
  
  
• Where can I find my EPT and ELM test scores?
  
  
  Test scores will be posted online at your registration account here: http://www.ets.org/csu/scores/results/. In order to view your test scores, you must log in with your credentials.
  
  If you are enrolling or are currently enrolled at Sacramento State, your test scores should also be posted to your MySacState account. If your scores are not posted on to your MySacState account, send an email to testingcenter@csus.edu with the following information:
  

  1. First name, middle initial, and last name
     
  2. Date of birth
     
  3. Last four digits of your social security number
     
  4. Date you took the exam
     
  5. Admission ticket number
     
  6. Best number to contact you in case of any questions
     
     

  A copy of your score report will then be sent to Admissions and Outreach. You must allow them up to two weeks to post your scores.
  
  
• How will the Testing center receive my exam?
  
  
  Your instructor must submit the exam and instruction form to the Testing Center by (preferably before) your exam appointment.
  
  
• How will my instructor know to bring the exam to the Testing Center?
  
  
  You are responsible for letting your instructor know that you plan to take the exam at the Testing Center. You must also give your instructor a test instruction form with your name, the course, and the date and time you have scheduled (or plan to schedule) the exam. You must also inform your instructor of any changes you make regarding the date and time of your exam appointment.
  
  
• If my test is not at the Testing Center when I am scheduled to test, what do I do?
  
  
  Testing center staff will try to contact your instructor by calling their department office and emailing them. If your instructor does not respond back within a timely manner, you will have to contact your instructor to discuss rescheduling or other options he/she might have for you.
  
  
• How will my instructor get the exam back?
  
  
  Your instructor will indicate their preference on the instruction form.
  
  
• Does the Testing Center score my exan for my classroom test?
  
  
  No. The Testing center does not score any exams or keep any test results.
  
  
• My exam is online. Can I take it at the Testing Center?
  
  
  If you are a student registered with SSWD then yes, you may schedule an appointment by calling or dropping by the office. You must indicate that you will need a computer for the exam.
  
  If you are not registered with SSWD, we do not have the facilities to administer computer-based exams.
  
  
• How do I register to take a Challenge Exam?
  
  
  Procedures to challenge a course or subject may differ for each department. Contact the department of the course you wish to challenge and let the department know that you would like to take an exam to challenge said course/subject.
  
  If the department allows you to take the challenge exam here at the Testing Center, you may schedule to take the exam by calling or dropping by our office. You will need to submit an instruction form to the department with your name, the course/subject, and the date and time of your appointment. The department must submit the exam and exam instructions to the Testing Center before the day of your appointment.
  
  
• When will I get my grade for my exam?
  
  
  Please inquire with your instructor.
  
  
• My schedule does not work with any of the testing times that the Testing Center offers. What should I do?
  
  
  You should talk to your instructor about any other options he/she might have for you.
  
  If you receive testing accomodations from SSWD and your instructor is unable to accommodate your exam, you may want to discuss the situation with your SSWD counselor.
  
  
• How do I get accommodations from SSWD?
  
  
  Please contact the SSWD office at 916-278-6955 or send an email to sswd@csus.edu. If you would like to drop by the office, SSWD is located in Lassen Hall, room 1008.
  
  
• How do I change my testing date?
  
  
  If you scheduled your appointment online, you may reschedule by making another appointment online with the correct date. To cancel the original date, please call or drop by the Testing Center office.
  
  If you scheduled your appointment in person or by phone, please call or drop by the Testing Center to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment.
  
  You must inform your instructor of any changes in date and/or time of your exam appointment.
  
  
• Is there a penalty if I don't show up for my exam appointment?
  
  
  There is no penalty if you do not show up for your exam appointment. Any changes in the date and/or time of your exam appoinment must be approved by your instructor. We cannot administer the exam on a different day or time without prior instructor approval.
  
  
• How much is the makeup fee? And how do I pay for my makeup exam?
  
  
  The makeup fee is $6.00
  
  You must submit a check or money order, payable to Sac State on the day of your exam appointment. Our office cannot accept cash, credit, or debit.
  
  You may pay online through your MySacState account (the charge will be posted to your account by the time you complete your exam) or you may go to the Student Financial Services Center, located in Lassen Hall room 1001, and pay in person.
  
  You will not be charged if you do not take your exam.
  
  
• Why do I have to pay for a makeup exam?
  
  
  The Makeup Exam program is not funded by the University. The fee pays for the student proctors as well as materials needed for the makeup program to function.
  
  
• I am a student registered with SSWD and my instructor is allowing me to use my laptop/tablet/other electronic device to take my exam. Will the Testing Center allow this?
  
  
  If your instrucot has allowed you to use your laptop/tablet/other electronic device to take your exam, you must schedule your exam appointment by calling or dropping by the office. Please let us know that your instructor will be allowing this. Your instructor must also indicate the use of any electronic device on the instruction form as well.
  
  

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

• I received an email stating that I need to take the ELM and/or EPT but I've already taken the exam(s). What do I do?
  
  
  If you received an email stating that you need to take the EPT and/or ELM test and you've already taken the exam(s), please check your MySacState account to see if your scores have been posted. You can find your scores in the drop down menu located in the middle of your Student center of you MySacState. Or you can find your score at the bottom of your Student Center under Application Status. If you have taken the exam(s) and your scores are not posted, you must send an email to testingcenter@csus.edu with the following information:
  

  1. First name, middle initial, and last name
     
  2. Date of birth
     
  3. Last four digits of your social security number
     
  4. Date you took the exam
     
  5. Admission ticket number
     
  6. Best number to contact you in case of any questions
     
     

  A copy of your score report will then be sent to Admissions and Outreach. You must allow them up to two weeks to post your scores.
  
  
• I received a letter that said I am exempt from the EPT/ELM. Where do I send my score report to prove this?
  
  
  Contact the campus Admissions Office where you have been admitted for information on where to send your score report. Sacramento State's Office of Admissions and Outreach can be reached at 916-278-7766.