Exam schedules
Exams are scheduled in Atlantic Standard Time (AST) in one of four time blocks:
- 8:30 am - 11:30 am
- 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Instructors may also schedule exams at times and places of their choosing. Details regarding these exams, including date, time, duration, and location, will be communicated to students directly by the instructor.
Exam locations
Our primary exam locations are:
If you're not familiar with these venues, please consult our campus maps.
While most exams are scheduled in these large venues, exams may also be scheduled in classrooms across our campuses depending on course requirements and space availability.
Exam formats
Exams may be in-person or online.
There are two types of online exam formats:
Synchronous exams: In synchronous exams, all students write the final exam at the same time and within a fixed window of time.
Example: All students would write a 2-hour exam on April 10 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Fixed range exams: The exam will be a fixed duration, but students can choose when to start writing it over a specified period of time.
Example: A 2-hour exam might be available from 8:30 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time on April 10 until 8:30 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time on April 11. You will decide when to write the exam during that period.
Exam conduct and procedures
To help make sure your exam day is successful, please take note of the following information and prepare accordingly.
Conduct
You are required to bring your Dalhousie ID card to your exams and place it on the top right-hand corner of your desk. Electronic devices (including smart watches, phones, tablets etc.) are to be stored beneath your seat.
You are expected to arrive at your exam at least 15 minutes before the start time to ensure you enter the exam hall on time. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you will not be allowed to enter the examination area.
Once inside the examination area, communication in any form (verbal or non-verbal) is NOT permitted, except directly with the invigilator. Communicating with other students may result in removal from the exam room.
Do not open your exam paper until instructed to do so. Starting your exam early may result in your removal from the exam room. You are not allowed to leave the exam room during the first 30 minutes or the last 15 minutes of the exam. For example, if the exam is scheduled from 2–4 p.m., you may not leave the exam before 2:30 p.m. or after 3:45 p.m.
Cheating is a serious academic offense with disciplinary consequences. If invigilators suspect cheating or the use of unauthorized materials, your exam booklet will be collected, and a report will be sent to your Faculty Academic Integrity Office. You will receive a new exam booklet and be instructed to continue your exam from where you left off. Both exam booklets will be marked to indicate their sequence of use and provided to the course instructor, who may also share them with the Academic Integrity Office upon request.
If you need to use the washroom, raise your hand, and an invigilator will assist you. Electronic devices (including smart watches, phones, tablets, etc.) are to remain stored beneath your seat. You will be escorted to the washroom by a proctor. The proctor may check the washroom before and after you use it.
In case of an emergency, such as a fire alarm, an announcement will be made giving you instructions on what to do. Please follow these instructions carefully.
If you're unwell and cannot attend your exam, contact your instructor to discuss possible alternative arrangements. Alternative assessment times or formats are at the discretion of your instructor. Be aware that required documentation for illness may differ by class – check your syllabus and/or with the instructor.
Finding your seat
Please be aware that in large rooms, multiple exams may be written at the same time. When you enter the exam room, designated seats will be reserved for your specific exam. Look for signage with your course code and listen to exam invigilators who will announce which rows are designated for each exam. It's crucial that you are seated in the correct area to ensure you get the right exam materials.
Permitted materials
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
Backpacks should be left outside the examination area. Avoid bringing valuables to the exam in the first place, as there is no secure storage available.
You may place jackets on the back of your chair.
All electronic devices must be powered off and stored beneath your chair, including smart watches. Headphones of any kind are not permitted to be worn during the exam.
With the exception of religious head coverings, hats and hoods are not allowed to remain on during exams. If you enter the exam room wearing a hat or hood, you will be asked by an invigilator to remove it for the duration of the exam.
Only materials permitted by your instructor should be used during the exam. If you have any doubts about what is allowed (e.g. calculator, reference sheet), please reach out to your course instructor for clarification.
Academic accommodations
If you have academic accommodations, including those for religious obligations, please ensure you follow the procedures outlined by the Student Accessibility Centre.
Exam conflicts
You are asked to raise any concerns regarding exam conflicts or workload with your home faculty.
While most exams are scheduled by the Registrar’s Office, instructors have the option to schedule their own exams during the final exam period. Instructors will accommodate any conflicts between these exams and those scheduled by the Registrar’s Office.
External exams
External exam invigilation is available on Thursdays on both our Halifax and Truro Campuses. You must coordinate the exam and its delivery with your institution.
Invigilation fees
The charge for invigilation services is as follows:
- Exams of up to 3 hours: $60 per exam
- Exams of up to 4 hours: $85 per exam
- Exams of up to 5 hours: $110 per exam
On the day of your exam, you must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time and report to the location in your confirmation of booking email.