# Tests and exams

**Source**: https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/
**Parent**: https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/

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 — Tests and exams

# Tests and exams

Suggestions for the design and delivery of tests and exams.​

## On this page

- [Definitions of tests and exams](#definitions)
- [Exam modes](#exam-modes)
- [Open or closed book](#open-closed-book)
- [Invigilated exam requests](#invigilated-requests)
- [Final exam availability](#exam-availability)

## [Exam preparation checklist](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/preparing-for-exams/)

Suggestions for preparing both yourself and your students for exams.

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## [Multi-choice questions](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/mcq/)

Write MCQs that assess reasoning, rather than recall.

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## [Short answer and essay questions](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/essays/)

Design written answer questions that test higher cognitive skills.

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## [Referencing in tests and exams](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/referencing-in-tests-and-exams/)

Pointers about when or whether referencing is appropriate.

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## [Student experience and support](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/student-experience-and-support-during-online-tests-and-exams/)

Information to prepare students and options for support while an exam is in session.

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## [Special conditions and aegrotats](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/special-conditions-and-aegrotats-in-tests-and-exams/)

Guidelines for providing a fair opportunity for all students.

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## [Examiner FAQs](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/examiner-faqs/)

Some of the common questions that arise at exam time.

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## Definitions

- A **test** is defined as an assessment that would ordinarily be conducted in an invigilated setting at a specified time outside of the examination period, that counts towards the final grade of the course, and is time-limited.
- An **exam** is defined as a summative, time-limited final assessment that is conducted at a specified time as per the examination timetable.

## Exam modes

Do you know about the four exam modes? Which mode will your course use?

> Mode A: Remote online non-invigilated exam on Inspera.

> Mode B: ‘Remote online invigilation through Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB)’ will be used for the invigilated first-year core courses due to the scale of these exams, with those exams also being classified as open-book.

> Mode C: In-person invigilation, paper-based exam.

> Mode D: ‘In-person invigilated exam on computer through Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB)’ will be used for most of the confirmed list of invigilated exams (limited to courses with 1,150 enrolled students or less due to campus capacity limitations). This means that students will sit in a room on campus.

[Details about exam modes](https://uoa.sharepoint.com/sites/InsperaOnlineAssessments/SitePages/Exam%20Modes.aspx "login required") are available on the Inspera Online Assessments Hub. Further information about exams is available on the [Staff Intranet](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/teaching-research/examinations.html "login required").

\* IIB prevents students from navigating away from their exam screen, preventing access to files, digital resources, websites and applications. This setting can be turned off if requested or where the exam settings preclude its use, e.g., access to other applications or files are required during the exam and teaching staff understand the implications in doing so.

## Invigilated exam requests

Assessment Services will send instructions to examiners about exam modes and courses with approval for holding [invigilated exams](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/online-exams/invigilated-examinations.html), including a link to an ‘invigilation’ request form. Only new or updated requests for invigilation need to be submitted. Approved exams will automatically carry over with the same mode of invigilation as the most recent semester. No action is needed for unchanged exams.

\* Invigilation is needed for external accreditation, professional registration, paper-based exams with high volume of hand-written answers, or specific academic integrity concerns.

## Open or closed book

An open-book approach may be a new experience to many students. Guide them on which resources you would like them to use, the nature of the responses you are seeking, and whether the use of other learning materials is relevant.

- **Open-book (OB)**: Any written material.
  - Students may refer to and cite any peer-reviewed resource from any source, any book (hard copy or online) and from any appropriate internet source such as a Government or accredited media website.
  - Students are typically assessed on their higher level and critical thinking skills, and this should be included in any assessment rubric.
  - Grading will often reflect the relevance and appropriateness of the sources cited to support arguments or explanations by way of evidence and/or examples.
  - Here is a guide for [redesigning your test questions](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/assessment/tests-exams/essays/) for open-book format.
- **Restricted book (RB)**: May be written upon.
  - Students must only refer to and cite from the resources listed and supplied.
- **Closed book** (CB): No books allowed.

See also: [Book designations](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/staff/education-office/learning-teaching-policies/guidelines-assessments/book-designations-exams.html) and [calculator designations](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/staff/education-office/learning-teaching-policies/guidelines-assessments/calculator-designations-exams.html) as defined by the Assessment Services.

## Final exam availability

For final exams, the availability times are based on the scheduled exam timetable. Students can [view their timetable](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/before-exams/exam-timetable.html) via the instructions on the University website.

Assessment Services will adjust the correct start/end times as well as any provisions for special conditions and overloaded students within Inspera.

See also: [Important dates for submitting exams](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/teaching-research/examinations/dates-timetables.html "login required") and [Inspera exam process for teachers](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/learning-technologies/inspera/exam-processes/).

## On this page

- [Definitions of tests and exams](#definitions)
- [Exam modes](#exam-modes)
- [Open or closed book](#open-closed-book)
- [Invigilated exam requests](#invigilated-requests)
- [Final exam availability](#exam-availability)

## See also…

- [Inspera assessment platform](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/learning-technologies/inspera/)
- [Assessment policy and procedures](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/policy-hub/education-student-experience/assessment.html)
- [Reminder: Exam dates and deadlines](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/teaching-research/examinations/dates-timetables.html "login required")
- [Advice for students on academic integrity](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/online-exams/preparing-for-your-exam/academic-integrity-online-assessment/academic-integrity-faqs.html)

*Page updated 04/03/2025 (fixed broken link to exam modes)*