WRITTEN EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY SO THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU WRITE YOUR BOARD EXAMS
Writing exams in a large group in an unfamiliar setting may be a new experience for you. These instructions are intended to assist you in preparing yourself for the exam environment and to help avoid any embarrassment or confusion.
Getting there
Be sure you know the exact location where the exams will be written and allow plenty of time to get there. Plan to arrive early so you are not rushed for time.
What to wear
Dress in comfortable clothes. Remember you will be sitting in one spot for several hours at a time, so have an extra sweater on hand in case you feel chilly.
Candidates are requested not to wear scents (ie. perfumes or essential oils), due to allergies. Please do not wear clothing with school logos.
What to bring with you
Photo ID such as a driver’s license.
A telephone number where you can be reached on the following Wednesday.
Have your own supply of tissues, throat lozenges, medication, etc. as required. You may bring quiet food.
Bring your own HB pencil(s) and an eraser with you.
Glasses of water will be available throughout the exam sessions.
Why do you have to arrive so early?
The first examination will start when all of the preliminary procedures have been completed. It is very important that these procedures be conducted in an orderly manner. Candidates are requested to cooperate with the invigilators to ensure that everyone is treated as fairly as possible and that there are no unnecessary delays.
Outside the examination hall there will be a registration desk. Here’s what to do:
Line up in an orderly manner to present your photo ID and complete any documents such as a sign-in sheet. You will be assigned an ID number when you register. Make a note of that number and proceed to the examination room.
When you go into the examination room:
Leave books, purses, wallets, bags, heavy outer garments etc. in the designated area. Plan ahead so you are prepared for this. It is your responsibility to ensure that no notes or anything that could be interpreted as a “cheat sheet” is still on your person once you take your place at the exam table.
The exam tables are set up ahead of time. At each place there will be an envelope with a number on the outside. Find the place with the number you were assigned at the registration desk and be seated.
DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE. This is very important. If you are among the first group of candidates to enter the examination room, you may have to wait a while until all the other candidates have been processed at the registration desk. Please be patient until everyone else is seated.
Opening remarks by the Chief Examiner (who will CHAIR the examinations for this sitting)
After everyone is seated, the CHAIR will greet the candidates on behalf of the College of Massage Therapists and make some announcements. Please listen very closely so that you do not delay the start of the exam by asking for the announcements to be repeated.
DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO BY THE CHAIR. Failure to comply may disqualify you.
You will be given instructions at that time about filling in the bubble sheets (answer sheets). If you did not understand the instructions, or if you could not hear, raise your hand and one of the invigilators will help you. Now is the time, not later!
The CHAIR will start the exam and note the time on a flip chart, along with the finish time. You should note these times on your own watch and pace yourself during the exam. From time to time, the CHAIR or one of the invigilators will write a time-check on the flip chart to assist you.
During the examination
Needless to say, during the examination, you must not act in any way that could be interpreted as trying to see another candidate’s answer sheet or have anything around you other than the materials listed above. In accordance with section 58(2) of the Bylaws an applicant who cheats or otherwise conduct himself improperly during the examination shall be disqualified from further participation in the examination, and in future examinations, except with the consent of the Registration Committee.
Be as quiet as possible. The other candidates are all trying to concentrate, so try not to disturb or distract them.
If you have to leave your place make sure that your answer sheet is under the exam booklet and can not be seen by anyone else.
If you require to go to the washroom you will be given an identifying “key” as only 1 candidate at a time is allowed to leave the room. If 2 persons of the same gender require to go to the washroom, the second one will be escorted by one of the invigilators.
What is the role of the invigilators?
If this is your first experience of writing exams in this kind of setting, you may need to be aware of the role of the invigilators which may be quite a bit different from what you may be used to in other settings.
The invigilators are hired by the College to administer exams and to ensure that examination conditions are observed. They have to keep an eye on all the candidates while the exam is in progress.
They are not able to help you with any of the questions, diagrams, etc., so please do not ask them.
When answering exam questions you must do the best you can on your own. If you think there is a typo, raise your hand, so that it will be dealt with.
Do not distract the invigilators from their task of invigilation or disturb the other candidates unless you have a serious reason.
Written Examination Feedback Form
Please use the Written Examination Feedback Form provided in your envelope to write any comments you wish to make about a particular exam. Feedback is used by the examiners to assist them in identifying problematic questions. Do not make comments orally to invigilators.
Hand in your completed form at the end of the exam.
The written exams are important for every candidate. Your cooperation with the invigilators and your courtesy towards other candidates will help to ensure that everyone has the chance to do their best.