Student Guidelines for DSPS Test Taking with Accommodations

DSPS accommodations may be requested for online and in-person classes beginning two weeks before the term starts. Accommodation letters need to be sent and instructor confirmed, ideally at the beginning of each term, to use DSPS test proctoring services and/or accommodations. Learn how to send DSPS accommodation letters to your instructors. The test format for each class will likely vary. Students are encouraged to confirm proctoring needs with each instructor and make the necessary arrangements for services accordingly. Available DSPS services and support this semester are described below for your reference.

Three (3) proctoring options exist:

OPTION 1: DSPS TESTS PROCTORED IN-PERSON

DSPS offers, by appointment, in-person test proctoring for students enrolled in courses that meet in-person only. Requests must be submitted at least 5 days in advance of the requested test date. *Different deadlines apply for booking final exams.

This service is available:

Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: CLOSED

"Schedule a Test or Exam" button on DSPS portal

Students can book in-person test proctoring appointments utilizing the ‘Schedule a test or exam’  tool via the DSPS Student Portal. Tests with DSPS must be booked at least 5 days in advance to be guaranteed services. Note that if this deadline is missed, students will not be able to book exams utilizing this tool

To learn how to utilize the automatic test booking tool, follow the steps in this linked handout. You may also review this video tutorial: Learn How to Book Tests with DSPS. If you need additional assistance, visit the DSPS Lab or email dsps@sbcc.edu to book an appointment with a DSPS Strategies Tutor. You may also contact us via phone at (805)730-4164. 

Test appointments can only be made for courses in which an accommodation letter has been sent to the instructor and the instructor has approved said letter. If a course is not listed when trying to book a test, go back to ‘Accommodation Request’ and check the status of the accommodation letter for that course.

If there are scheduling conflicts that prevent you from taking the test/quiz at the same time as your class, it is your responsibility to arrange an alternate date/time with your instructor over Pipeline e-mail. To book at a different time or day, contact our office in person in room SS 160 or over the phone at (805)730-4164. DSPS will require a copy of the instructor email confirmation with the alternate date/time approved. Forward email confirmation to: dsps-testbooking@pipeline.sbcc.edu

If the five (5) day deadline to automatically book your test online is missed, students may submit a late booking request to DSPS by completing the DSPS Late Test Request Form or by visiting our office in SS160. Late requests are processed as a courtesy during DSPS office hours (excluding weekends and holidays) and services are not guaranteed. Students may be asked to take the test in class if booking late.

The DSPS Test Center is located in the Student Services building, second floor, room SS 250. Please review our DSPS Test Center Rules prior to your visit.

OPTION 2: DSPS REMOTELY PROCTORED TESTS via ZOOM

Remote test proctoring is available for students enrolled in courses that meet remotely or have an approved exception/ accommodation. For more information and instructions on when and how to request a DSPS Remote Proctor, please review our Student Instructions for DSPS Remote (Zoom) Test Taking. This service is available the following days/times:

Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Click Here to Download the DSPS Remote Proctor Request Form
*Request must be initiated at least 5 days in advance; earlier for final exams

OPTION 3: TIMED AND PROCTORED CANVAS TESTS BY INSTRUCTOR OR PROCTORIO/RESPONDUS


3-5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR TEST/QUIZ:

  • Send your instructor a courtesy email to remind them about your DSPS test accommodations and iron out any details. We encourage you to check with your instructors to confirm test details such as:  
    • What does the test/quiz consist of?
    • How will it be proctored?
    • What are the expected start/end times? Any other applicable deadlines?
    • What will be the class test duration? *This is important so you can verify whether or not the time has been extended for you the day of the test/quiz.


THE DAY OF THE TEST/QUIZ:

  • Check the ‘Time Limit’ and ‘Available’ details on Canvas BEFORE you attempt the test/quiz to make sure your extended time has been added properly. The extra time will not be displayed separately, rather it will be added to the total amount of time for the test.
    For Example: If your class gets 80 minutes for a test, but you are approved for 1.5x extended time, your ‘Time Limit’ should read 120 minutes. 
  • Additionally, make sure that the ‘Available’ time window will accommodate your extended time.
    For Example:  If an 80 minute test is only made available from 8 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. (80 minutes), this is too restrictive and will not accommodate your required 120 minutes with extended time. 
  • Lastly, if a test is made ‘Available’ over a few days, make sure you begin the test with enough time to complete it with your extended time in mind, before the cutoff date/time. 

if time limit does not include extended time, or 'available' time is less than total test time, take screenshot and email instructor immediately

IMPORTANT: If the ‘Time Limit’ does not include extended time, or the ‘Available’ time is less than your total test time, take a screenshot or picture and email it to your instructor IMMEDIATELY and BEFORE you attempt the test. Make sure to include dsps@sbcc.edu in your email communication. 


If you have questions or need any additional support, do not hesitate to contact us via email to dsps-testbooking@pipeline.sbcc.edu or call us at (805) 730-4164. Provide us with your name, contact information and availability.