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