FAQs

What are the office hours for the Testing Center?
The Testing Center is open for testing Monday–Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Please call (818) 677-2369 or email with your questions.

How do I schedule a test?
You can make an appointment to take a test during our regularly scheduled testing hours by:

• Emailing testing.center@csun.edu
• Calling (818) 677-2369

What do I need to bring with me to the testing appointment?
You need to bring picture identification such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification card. Also, you will need to bring any items your instructor has allowed for use on the test such as your book, notes, or calculator. 

Are cell phones allowed in the Test Center?
Cell phones are not permitted in the Test Center. Small lockers are provided to secure your personal belongings during the appointment.  You will need your phone to scan the QR code for check-in upon arrival.

Can people not affiliated with CSUN use the Test Center?
We are an open Test Center and offer testing services to the surrounding community.

How is the test administered?

• Before the candidate arrives:
• the test proctor will receive the test via email
  • or will receive the test via fax
  • or will receive the test mailed through the U.S. Postal Service/UPS/FedEx
• prepare the testing area
  • have sharpened pencils
  • have scratch paper

Note: the candidate is asked to make an appointment with the test proctor

• When the candidate arrives the test proctor will:
  • have candidate sign proctor rules agreement
  • check photo identification to verify the correct candidate has arrived
  • collect any administrative fees from the candidate
  • ask the candidate to turn off all electronic devices (i.e. cell phone, laptop, iPad, internet jewelry or watch) as electronic devices are not allowed in the testing area
    • place all electronic devices (i.e. cell phone, laptop, iPad, internet jewelry or watch) in a small locker. NOTE: Large backpacks will NOT fit in the small locker provided.
    • a cell phone may not be used as a calculator
  • state the test parameters to the candidate
    • tell the candidate what materials such as notes, books, and/or calculator are allowed with the test
    • tell the candidate the time limit
  • tell the candidate you are unable to make corrections or answer questions regarding the test
    • the candidate may contact their instructor with any questions they have after the test has been completed and turned in
  • sign and date the proctor/candidate instruction letter
  • have the candidate sign and date the proctor/candidate instruction letter
  • seat the candidate in the testing area in the proctor's line of sight
  • provide the candidate with pencils and scratch paper
  • give the candidate the test
  • determine the time the test must be turned in
  • tell the candidate the time the test must be turned in
  • if requested, provide additional scratch paper and pencils
  • give the candidate a 15 minute warning as the time limit approaches, if applicable
  • give the candidate a 5 minute warning as the time limit approaches, if applicable
  • when the time is up, collect the test, allowed notes, and scratch paper from the candidate
  • Proctoring fees are collected
  • ensure a copy of completed exam is not given to candidate
  • immediately report any irregularities in the testing process
  • let the candidate know how you will send the test to their school/instructor
• After the candidate leaves:
  • scan and email the items identified on the proctor/candidate instruction letter
  • if requested, mail the test via the U.S. Postal Service
  • keep the completed test in a secure place for 30 days
  • delete the original test email
  • after 30 days, shred the test

What is a suitable testing environment?

A suitable testing environment:

• providing test administration in a safe manner is of the utmost importance to us. We remain vigilant with enhanced sanitization and distancing protocols.
• is located at the test proctor's place of business
• provides a quiet place free from distractions
  • has no ringing phones
  • is a low traffic area
  • has minimal noise
• provides the test proctor with line of sight supervision
• provides an ethical and professional atmosphere which maintains standards of academic integrity
• nurtures the student and enhances their ability to succeed

What materials are allowed when administering the test?

The test proctor will receive the test via email (occasionally, via fax, U.S. mail, UPS or FedEx) approximately two to three (2-3) days before the scheduled testing dates. The materials allowed on the test will be identified in the proctor/student instruction letter.

These materials vary based on the school/instructor instructions.

How is academic integrity promoted?

California State University Northridge Testing Center identifies academic integrity as the commitment to certain core values: truth, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

Academic integrity is promoted by:

• conducting testing in a supervised distraction free environment
• selecting qualified test proctors dedicated to protecting the integrity of the tests
• maintaining test security
• staff members who are trained to administer and monitor tests
• instructors that believe integrity is an essential corporate value
• providing increased credibility to online courses