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Ace the testing center before you ace your test

It’s reasonable to say that every student at Weber State University will take a test, quiz or exam in one of the many testing centers at some point in their college career. According to the WSU website on testing center statistics, more than 247, 000 computer tests were taken at Weber State University testing centers in 2012. Here is some general information and advice that every student, seasoned or new, should know about the testing options available.

(Richard Campos / The Signpost)
Drew Peterson prepares an exam for a student in the testing center located in the Student Services building. (Richard Campos / The Signpost)

First and foremost, when visiting a testing center, every student needs to bring their Wildcat number and current government-issued photo identification.

“Remember that no test is ever given without a current picture identification, which includes a driver’s license, passport or military identification. WSU Wildcat card also serves this purpose,” Tracey Smith, director of testing at Weber State, said.

Other testing center policies include information on items allowed in the testing center, limiting the use of cell phones and even wrist and pocket watches. The ban on watches happened earlier this year due to the emergence of new technology such as electronic and Wi-Fi capable watches.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the testing centers are very picky about the types of headwear and eye wear allowed. For example, hats and bandanas are banned, but small hair ties and head bands are acceptable.

The different testing centers have different hours that vary by semester. However, all of the testing centers are closed Sundays and holidays. Knowing the testing center hours will make your testing experience much easier.

(Richard Campos / The Signpost)
It’s important to follow the designated hat policies the testing centers have. (Richard Campos / The Signpost)

“When taking a test, make sure you have gotten there with plenty of time to finish. They will kick you out one hour after closing time, and sometimes you have to wait in line,” Candace Johnston, a recent WSU interior design technology graduate, said.

Currently, there are eight testing centers: five on the Ogden campus and three others throughout the area. Long distance testing, or proctor services, are offered for students who live more than 50 miles from WSU and allow students to take tests closer to their current locations, rather than commuting to use one of the testing centers.

The Ogden campus testing centers are locating in the Shepherd Union, the Student Services Center and the Science Lab, along with the Social Science and Marriot Health buildings.

The Davis testing center can be found at the Davis Campus located at 2750 University Park Blvd. in Layton.  The West testing center is located in Roy at 5627 S, 3500 W. Last of the remote locations is the Morgan testing center located behind the Morgan High School at 241 East Young Street in Morgan.

“My advice, online at the testing center website, you can see how many computers are available in each testing center. Super helpful for when you’re on campus during a busy testing week, and you want to see which centers aren’t full,” Haille Van Patten, WSU communication major, said.

All testing centers offer computer, or Chi-Tester, exams. Most offer paper exams, while a few testing centers offer different services as well. For example, Accuplacer, Math Mastery and Castle exams are only offered at the Union testing center. CLEP, ACT and Kryterion exams are given at the Student Services testing center.

Other tests offered through the WSU testing centers include SAT, POST and even GED testing.

Make sure you know everything you need to before going to a testing center. If you’re already worried about the test you’re taking, you don’t need to be worried about testing center policies, too.

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