In-Person Scheduled Exams

What can I bring to my exam? 

• You must bring your UCARD and writing implements such as pens and pencils.
• You should wear layers of warm clothing and you can wear your coat/jacket in the exam hall. 
• We would also suggest you bring your own bottle of water (with the label removed). Non-electronic earplugs are also permitted.
• You can also bring your own hand sanitiser and facemask if you wish to wear one.
• Depending on the instructions of your Module Coordinator you may also need a calculator (you will be informed whether the calculator is to be non-programmable or programmable).
• Electronic devices (powered off), pencil cases, glasses cases and wallets must be placed under your desk or in a location instructed by an invigilator and should not be accessed during the exam.
• All items brought into the Exam Hall are done so at the students’ own risk and may be searched by invigilators. UCD is not responsible for damage or theft.

What do I do when I arrive at the exam centre?

If your exam is taking place in the RDS:

• The RDS will be open 30 minutes before your exam start time
• Proceed to the main entrance (ask one of the onsite Exam Helpers if you don’t know where this is)
• Have your UCARD ready to be inspected (if wearing a facemask, you will be asked to briefly remove your mask for this)
• Know your seat number in advance - you can find this under ‘My End of Trimester Exam Timetable’ in your SISWeb Account
• A cloakroom will be available to store your belongings. Have your belongings ready to be checked into the cloakroom to avoid congestion
• Proceed into the hall and take your seat
• Follow the directions of the invigilators/Exam Helpers at all times

If your exam is taking place in Newman Centre: 

• The Newman Centre will be open 30 minutes before your exam start time
• Proceed to room A105, where you will be allocated your exam room
• Have your UCARD ready to be inspected (if wearing a facemask, you will be asked to briefly remove your mask for this) 
• You will be asked to leave your belongings in a designated area. 
• Proceed to your allocated room and take your seat
• Follow the directions of the invigilators/Exam Helpers at all times
• Please note that you may required to sit your exam in a room in the Arts Annexe, the building behind the Newman Building. A member of staff in A105 in Newman will provide you with directions to the room in question.

If your exam is taking place in the Blackrock Exam Centre:

• The Blackrock Exam Centre will be open 15 minutes before your exam start time
• A shuttle bus service is operated between Belfield and Blackrock by UCD Estate Services
• Proceed to the main entrance of the Blackrock Exam Centre
• Have your UCARD ready to be inspected (If wearing a facemask you will be asked to briefly remove your mask for this)
• Know your seat number in advance - you can find this under ‘My End of Trimester Exam Timetable’ in your SISWeb Account
• A cloakroom will be available free of charge to store your belongings. Have your belongings ready to be checked into the cloakroom to avoid congestion
• Proceed into the hall and take your seat
• Follow the directions of the invigilators/Exam Helpers at all time

 Students are reminded that all property brought into an Exam Centre is done so at their own risk, UCD is not responsible for damage or theft.

What happens if I am late for my exam?

You must regularly check your personalised exam timetable to ensure you know the dates/days and start times of your exams. 

If you are late for an exam session and the exam is still ongoing, please approach an Exam Helper or Invigilator to confirm if it is possible to be permitted entry. 

As per the UCD Examination Regulations, students will, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Invigilator-in-Charge: 

• not normally be admitted to an Examination Hall if they are more than fifteen minutes late. 
• not be permitted to leave an Examination Hall until one hour has elapsed after the time at which the examination began. 
• Students who have left an Examination Hall will not be permitted to re-enter.

If you have missed your exam, please inform your module coordinator as soon as possible.

What happens if I was registered late to an exam?

Assessment schedules exams a month before the exam period starts. If you register to an exam after that date, you will still be able to sit the exam, but please note that 

• The exam will not appear in your personalised timetable
• You will not see your details on the seating lists
• If you are sitting your exam in the RDS, you will be seated in the X-section

Please be reassured that you will never be turned away from the exam halls. 

Instead, please make yourself known to an exam helper in each exam centre who will direct you to where you will sit your exam. Invigilators will take your details and provide you with the required exam paper and answer booklets.

What happens if my exam is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or power outages?

If, due to unforeseeable circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or power outages, your exam has to be cancelled, you will be notified, via your UCD email account, of the new arrangements. If there is a disruption during your exam, please follow the invigilator’s instructions. 

What should I do if I test positive for Covid before my exam?

• Do not attend an in-person exam if you are displaying (opens in a new window)COVID-19 symptoms or other infectious illness symptoms. See the (opens in a new window)HSE website on self-isolation and information on the extenuating circumstances process.

• You will require a medical certificate to verify that you were unable to attend your exam due to COVID-19. You can obtain one from your own GP or from UCD Student health service. To get a medical certificate from UCD Student health service (SHS), you will need to book a telephone consultation with a GP in the SHS by phoning 01 7163134.

• The doctor or nurse will require an identity verified dated screenshot of your positive test as outlined here :  

Will I have to wear a facemask in the exam centre?

Face coverings are no longer mandatory in the exam centres; however, we encourage you to wear one if it makes you more comfortable.

Will there be noise during my exam?

UCD will make every effort to minimize noise levels while exams are taking place. However, as exam centres are located in busy locations, a completely noise-free environment can't be guaranteed and outside noise may occur at times.

Can I wear earplugs during my exam?

Yes, students can wear non-electronic earplugs during their exams.

What if I feel unwell during my exam?

Nurses and/or paramedics will be on hand to support students who feel or become unwell during an exam. Raise your hand for the attention of an invigilator.

What if I have a question during my exam?

Raise your hand for the attention of an invigilator.

What if I witness an incident that breaches the UCD Dignity and Respect policy?

UCD wants everyone in our community, including our students, to help build a culture where inappropriate behaviours are not tolerated and where everyone can safely intervene as an active bystander. Please see the UCD Dignity and Respect website for support and reporting tools.

What do I do when I have finished my exam?

• If you finish early, raise your hand for the attention of an invigilator.
• In all cases, remain seated until you are approached by an invigilator.
• Place all your exam materials (including unused) in your question paper and hand to an invigilator when instructed to do so.
• You will be asked to sign in your exam materials by the invigilator
• Your section will be called to exit when it is safe to do so
• Head directly to collect any belongings from the cloakroom and leave the exam hall promptly.

 I am feeling anxious and need to talk to someone

Exams can be a stressful time for anyone. It’s okay to be nervous about exams, but if you feel like you need support just ask.  

The Student Advisers and chaplains are available to provide support for any student encountering difficulty at this time, see Student Adviser website or the chaplain’s website for appropriate contact details.

UCD has exam procedures and regulations in place so make sure that you are aware of the rules.
Regulation Guidelines

The following regulations are particularly important:

	You must be in possession of your UCD Student Card (UCARD) in the exam hall. Failure to produce your UCARD will be reported to the UCD Student Engagement, Conduct, Complaints and Appeals Office and additional identity checks.
	No Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices. if you attempt to use your mobile phone or any electronic device such as a smartwatch in the Exam Hall – including having the device turned on – this is a major breach of the Exam Regulations and serious disciplinary action will apply.
	Do not remove any UCD examination materials (including the exam paper) from the exam hall.
	No unauthorised materials (e.g. books, notes, etc.) are allowed in the Exam Hall. If you are found in possession of unauthorised materials, disciplinary action will apply.

FAQ

What steps should I take to avoid accidentally breaching exam regulations?

• Wash any writing off your hands and arms.

• Ensure you have your student card with you.

• If you have a phone or an electronic device with you, switch it off completely and place under your desk it where it can be seen.

• Take a moment to make sure you have no notes or paper (including blank paper sheets and post-its) in your possession or on the desk.

• If you do find during an in-person exam that you have notes or your phone/electronic device on your person, alert an Invigilator. It will result in a report being made, but your openness and honesty will be noted.

Mobile Phones/Electronic Communication Devices

Is there somewhere I can leave my mobile phone/electronic device?
Yes. There is a cloakroom available at the RDS Exam Centre, Newman Building and the Blackrock Exam Centre. All property is left at the owner's risk and UCD does not accept responsibility if anything is stolen or damaged. Alternatively, they can be brought into the exam hall, but must be fully switched off and placed under your desk. Students are reminded that all property brought into an Exam Centre is done so at their own risk, UCD is not responsible for damage or theft.

What happens if I use my mobile phone or electronic device during the exam?
The use or attempted use of a mobile phone or any other electronic device such as a smartwatch is not permitted during an examination (unless the use of this device is specifically confirmed by UCD Access and Lifelong Learning through a Needs Assessment prior to the exams, for reasons such as medical)and constitutes a major breach of the UCD Examination Regulations are liable to disciplinary procedures and serious penalties.

All mobile phones/electronic devices must be fully switched off when inside the exam hall.  These items must be placed under your desk, kept in clear sight and students are required to follow invigilators' instructions in this regard. No items may be taken to the toilet.

What happens if my mobile phone or electronic device rings or the alarm goes off during the exam by mistake?
If a mobile phone or any electronic device is found powered on, rings or emits an alarm, this constitutes a minor breach of the UCD Examination Regulations and will be reported to the UCD Student Engagement, Conduct, Complaints and Appeals Office.

If my phone is confiscated in the exam centre, where and when can I collect it? 
Once the exam has concluded, approach an exam helper who will lead you to the exam centre office to collect your phone. Alternatively, you will receive an email to your designated email account informing you when your phone is ready for collection.

UCD Student Cards (UCARD)

Will I be allowed to sit an exam if I don't have my UCARD?
Yes. However, you will have to complete a Breach of Examination Regulations form and will be reported to the UCD Student Engagement, Conduct, Complaints and Appeals Office.  Additional identity checks may be carried out by an invigilator.

Where can I get a replacement card?
Replacement UCARDs may be obtained at the UCard Bureau, James Joyce Library Building, Belfield, Dublin 4. There is a fee of €20 for replacing lost cards.

What happens if I have another exam on the same day or I cannot get a replacement UCARD before my next exam?
You will have to complete a Breach of Examination Regulations form each time you arrive at the exam hall without your UCARD, each incident will be reported to the UCD Student Engagement, Conduct, Complaints and Appeals Office. Additional identity checks may be carried out by an invigilator. 

What do I do if I have not received my external funding and therefore I am unable to obtain my UCARD?
You will be permitted to sit your exams.  However, you will have to complete a Breach of Examination Regulations form. Additional identity checks may be carried out by an invigilator.

What happens if I leave my UCARD behind me in the exam centre?
All UCARDs will be retained in the exam centre which it was left until the end of the exam session. If you have further exams, you should arrange to collect your UCARD immediately from the exam centre.

If I lose my UCARD in the exam centre is there a lost property office where I can collect it?
You should speak to one of the exam helpers in the exam centre.

Where can I get a new UCARD?
UCD student cards are available from the UCard Bureau, James Joyce Library, Belfield, Dublin 4.

If I forget my UCARD, will my passport, driving licence or another form of photo ID be accepted as a form of identity?
No. As per University examination regulations, candidates are required to be in possession of their UCARD, which should be displayed on their desk.

Unauthorised Material

What can I bring into the Exam Hall? 

• You must bring your UCARD and writing implements such as pens and pencils.
• You should wear layers of warm clothing and you can wear your coat/jacket in the exam hall. 
• We would also suggest you bring your own bottle of water (with the label removed). Non-electronic earplugs are also permitted.
• You can also bring your own hand sanitiser and facemask if you wish to wear one.
• Depending on the instructions of your Module Coordinator you may also need a calculator (you will be informed whether the calculator is to be non-programmable or programmable).
• Electronic devices (powered off), pencil cases, glasses cases and wallets must be placed under your desk or in a location instructed by an invigilator and should not be accessed during the exam.
• All items brought into the Exam Hall may be searched by invigilators 

Use of Calculators

What type of calculator can I bring to my exam? 
The use of programmable calculators is not permitted during examinations unless in rare instances their use is specified on the exam paper by your Module Coordinator. UCD invigilators are trained to distinguish between non-programmable and programmable calculators so please check beforehand that you have a non-programmable calculator. This can be done by searching the make/model of your calculator in any search engine.

Here are some important tips to help you prepare for your in-person exams at UCD. You can also watch the following video.

5 Top Tips to help you through your UCD in-person exams

Please make sure you check your designated email account and this web page on a regular basis.

Exam Centres

UCD in-person exams take place in the following exam centres:

• RDS Simmonscourt for Spring End of Trimester exams and RDS Shelbourne Hall for Autumn End of Trimester exams
• (opens in a new window)Blackrock Exam Centre
• (opens in a new window)Newman Building, Belfield
• Arts Annexe Building, Belfield

Directions to exam centres

RDS Simmonscourt for Spring End of Trimester exams and RDS Shelbourne Hall for Autumn End of Trimester exams
Blackrock Exam Centre

See the (opens in a new window)UCD estates website for information on paid parking permits or alternatively information on hourly paid (opens in a new window)visitor parking.

Seat Numbers

Your seat number can be found on your individualised timetable in your SISWeb account and they are also displayed on notice boards at the exam centres. You will have a different seat number for each exam. If you cannot find your name on the list, talk to an exam helper. Check your seat number as close to the exam as possible as it may change.

AEADS Students

For students registered for disability support after the timetable publication date, your current timetable may display the RDS as a venue. However, closer to the exam date this will change to 'Newman'.

Exam helpers

Exam helpers will be in the RDS and Newman exam centre to assist you and will be dressed in bright orange t-shirts.

Classrooms available on campus

I am attending an in-person exam followed by an online exam, is there somewhere on campus I can sit my online exam?
Yes, there are rooms booked on both the Belfield and Blackrock Campuses. Please note that spaces are limited, the rooms are unsupervised and there are limited charging points.

Rooms available for online exams during the exam session:
Blackrock Campus: C201
Belfield Campus: NT1, Newman Building

Other useful links

(opens in a new window)UCD Commuting Policy
(opens in a new window)Transport links for Dublin

Parking is available at Belfield and Blackrock Campus. See the (opens in a new window)UCD estates website for information on paid parking permits or alternatively information on hourly paid (opens in a new window)visitor parking.

Paid parking will be available to students in the RDS throughout the exam period. The price for the daily rate ticket is 10€ per day per car. The tickets will be available to purchase at the RDS on arrival.

There is no online booking required - payment is easy and can be made using your credit card/debit card or cash on arrival.

The tickets are also available for students to purchase on the Apoca Connect Ireland App, which is available for download from the usual App Stores.

If you experience any problems with the system please contact NCPS P +353 1 6349805 F +353 1 6349815 email (opens in a new window)admin@ncps.ie

Normally, dictionaries shall not be used during an examination in UCD, except for students on an international exchange programme, whose native language is not English. These students may bring a hard copy, monolingual English dictionary into an exam.

However, if a module coordinator wishes to allow a student to use a dictionary in an exam it must apply to all students sitting that exam. The permission to use a dictionary and the restrictions of use shall be clearly stated on the front cover of the Exam Question Paper and communicated to all students at the beginning of the module delivery.

Multiple Choice Question Exams (MCQs) provide you with a range of questions or statements with a number of possible answers, where one or more of the answers are correct responses and the other answers are distractors.

MCQ answer sheets are corrected by machine and require careful completion to ensure you receive an accurate exam result. Below are some general instructions.

General instructions

• Mark the answer sheet with a HB pencil only
• Choose only one answer per question
• Never cross out an answer. Use a clean eraser only and erase carefully
• Make sure there are no marks except in designated areas on the answer sheet
• Do not crease or fold the answer sheet
• Do not perforate, staple, or attach anything to the answer sheet

Filling in the Answer Sheet

• Name: Write your name in the grey box provided
• Module: Write the module code of the exam you are sitting in the grey box provided as appropriate to the answer sheet
• Date: Fill in the date of the exam in the grey box provided
• Seat Number: Write the seat number in the grey box provided, if applicable
• Student Number: Your student number must be both written and marked in the box provided. Your seat number should be written beside your name as per the examples below

The correct way to mark an answer (sample shown is the most frequently used of 4 sheet types in the university):

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The symptoms of COVID have now expanded to include cold-like features, especially in vaccinated persons. It is still a potentially lethal virus therefore, you must not attend the campus without first having been tested if you are exhibiting any of the following; 

• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Fever (>38 degrees)
• Loss of smell or taste 
• Runny nose / nasal congestion / sneezing 
• Aches and pains
• Fatigue 

Do not attend an in-person exam if you are displaying (opens in a new window)COVID-19 symptomsor other infectious illness symptoms. See the (opens in a new window)HSE website on self-isolation and information on the extenuating circumstances process.

You will require a medical certificate to verify that you were unable to attend your exam due to COVID-19. You can obtain one from your own GP or from UCD Student Health service. To get a medical certificate from UCD Student health service (SHS), you will need to book a telephone consultation with a GP in the SHS by phoning 01 7163134.

The doctor or nurse will require an identity verified dated screenshot of your positive test as outlined here :

What if I have the flu or mumps or another contagious illness?
You should not attend an in-person exam and follow (opens in a new window)HSE public health guidelines.  You can apply for Extenuating Circumstances.

Will I have to wear a face mask in the exam centre?
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in the exam centres; however, we encourage you to wear one if it makes you more comfortable.

Will there be social distancing in the exam centre and hall?
Exam centres follow Cambridge International guidance, the minimum distance in all directions from the centre of one student's chair to the centre of another's must be 1.25 metres.

Will there be hand sanitisers available in the Exam centres?
All exam centres will have hand sanitiser stations available. We also encourage you to bring your own personal hand sanitiser.

Will it be cold in the exam hall due to the ventilation levels required?
As doors and windows may need to be open at various times, we suggest you wear layers of warm clothing. Coats and jackets are permitted by students in the exam hall.

You should contact your Module Coordinator for academic advice.  Your student advisor will also be able to provide you with guidance and support. Please see the UCD Extenuating Circumstances policy for further details.