Each exam has a set of rules and regulations that students need to follow. If they do not, this can lead to academic misconduct. On this page, you'll learn how academic integrity relates to exams and how to find out what is and isn't allowed in exams.
Exam rules
Not all exams have the same rules. For example, in some exams, you may be allowed to use notes, but in others this will not be allowed. If you have an exam coming up, check your Canvas modules and email tutors/lecturers to see if there are any special conditions for your exam.
Knowing the conditions as early as possible will help you to prepare for your exam more effectively.
Some things to check are:
what technology, if any, can be brought into the exam (e.g. smart phones or watch, calculators).
if notes may be brought into the exam, and if so, are there any conditions in terms of quantity?
what you are required to do with personal items such as phones. For example, you may not be permitted to keep them on your desk even when switched off.
For online exams, you should consider academic integrity by checking the instructions on what technologies are permitted. Also, you may be required to use a lockdown browser to prevent you from navigating away from the exam screen.
Example exam instructions
These instructions explain the specific rules that apply to this exam.
Exam details
Course code: ISYS2056
Course description: Business Information Systems
Date of exam: 1/11/2025 Start time: 9.15Duration of exam: 2hr 15min
Total number of pages (incl. this cover sheet): 22
Allowable materials and instructions to candidates
Write your full name and student number on each exam booklet together with the number of exam books used.
You must not write, mark in any way any exam materials, read any other text other than the exam paper or do any calculations during reading time.
All mobile phones must be switched off and placed under your desk. You are in breach of exam conditions if it is on your person (i.e. in your pocket).
You can be reported for misconduct if you breach exam regulations.
This is a CLOSED BOOK Exam.
Calculators are not allowed.
Bi-lingual dictionaries are not allowed.
Students must write all answers within the Exam Paper in the spaces provided.
This Exam Paper contains Sections A, B & C. Refer to instructions in each section.
This Exam Paper is worth 100 marks & comprises 50% of the total marks allocated in this course.
After your exam
In many cases, students are not allowed to take exam papers out of the exam room to protect the integrity of the exam. Removing or sharing exam materials can be considered academic misconduct and lead to serious consequences.
Want to learn more? Visit the academic integrity section of the Learning Lab.
