I. Preparation: Before You Arrive
Where is the Academic Testing Center?
Check MyDSP Early
Please log into MyDSP before arriving at the Testing Center to confirm the following details:
- Start Time: Be aware of your confirmed start time. Rooms and proctors are scheduled only for the time listed in the portal. Arriving late may impact your ability to receive your full testing period.
- Room Location: Know exactly which room you are assigned to. During busy check-in periods, confirming room numbers at the front desk slows the process and increases the chance of errors—especially when multiple rooms are assigned for the same course. We recommend writing your room number on a small piece of paper or Post-it if you worry about memorization.
- Allowed Materials: Review what materials are permitted or required for your exam (e.g., bluebook, calculators, notes) and what must be put away before checking in your personal belongings.
- ID Requirements: For DSP exams, an ID is only required if the entire class is having IDs checked (excluding Computer-Based Exams). If you are unsure, having your ID is a good idea.
Please note: food and drink are not allowed in the Testing Center unless approved as an accommodation. Closed water bottles are okay.
II. The Check-In Process (Lobby Protocol)
Know Your Exam Type
Know whether you are taking a Computer-Based Exam (CBT) or a Paper-Based Exam, as each has a separate front desk and check-in line.
Important note: “Computer-Based Exam” refers specifically to exams where the entire class is scheduled to test on computers at the Testing Center. If it is a Canvas exam, but students in your class are testing in the main classroom using their personal laptops, you will follow the Paper-Based check-in instructions.
Know Your Room Number
You will be checking in your phone and laptop and will not be able to reference the portal after check-in. Post-its are available if you need to write down your room number so you don’t have to memorize it.
Bag Preparation
- Remove all authorized exam materials (calculators, notes, writing utensils, bluebooks, etc.).
- Place your phone and any unauthorized electronics inside your bag. Please silence or turn off your phone—including alarms—to avoid disruptions in the lobby.
- Hand your bag to the student workers at the CBT front desk.
Earplugs & Noise-Reducing Earmuffs
The Testing Center is equipped with both foam earplugs and noise-reducing earmuffs. These are available to any DSP student testing in the Testing Center. Students may also choose to use their own non-electronic earplugs, such as Loops. (Electronic headphones or earbuds are not permitted unless approved as an accommodation.)
Remain Quiet in the Testing Area
Once you have checked in and entered the testing area, please remain quiet to avoid disturbing students who are already testing.
IV. Questions & Support
Student Workers vs. Staff
The Paper-Based front desk is staffed by DSP student workers, called Exam Coordination Assistants, who are happy to help with navigating the Testing Center and basic exam questions. However, they are not authorized to address complex exam or accommodation concerns. For these issues, please email testproctor@sa.ucsb.edu
High Volume Reminder
During peak times, the Testing Center experiences a high volume of students entering the lobby and checking in for exams, both paper- and computer-based. Arriving unprepared—such as not knowing your room number—creates delays and increases the risk of confusion and human error.
The Testing Center has additional seating in a conference room located inside the lobby. Please do your best to avoid blocking the entryway and access to the front desks by finding a seat if you arrive very early to your exam.