Test Proctoring Services

DSS provides test proctoring services to currently registered students with exam accommodations. If you have testing-related questions, reach out to dsstestgwu [dot] edu.

The DSS Testing Center proctors exams Monday-Friday from 9:00 am -5:00 pm. We're located at Rome Hall, 801 22nd Street, NW, Suite 102. To contact us, please reach out to dsstestgwu [dot] edu (dsstest[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-8250.

Scheduling Quizzes or Exams - Without a Course Instruction Template

The Course Instruction Template (CIT) is a form completed by instructors when DSS is responsible for proctoring all exams for students with testing accommodations in a course. This form includes instructor contact information and other key details that remain consistent throughout the semester. Instructors need to complete one form per course, but they can replicate it across sections of the same course through the Instructor Portal if needed. The CIT simplifies exam scheduling and administration, reducing email communication between instructors and testing center staff. 

• Log in using your GW credentials to access AIM: Registered Student Login
• Once you’re logged in, you will need to ensure your E-Form Agreements are signed and your accommodation letters are sent to your Instructor for the course you need to schedule your exam for. Contact dssgwu [dot] edu if your courses are not listed.
• On the left side of the webpage on your dashboard, under "Accommodations”, select "Alternative Testing"
• Review the Important Message and Note section. Courses marked with asterisk do not have a Course Instruction Template  specified by the instructor. Notify your instructor to complete the Course Instruction Template at their earliest convenience to ensure a space will be secured for you
• In the Schedule an Exam section, click on the drop down menu to “Select Course” for the course in which you are requesting to schedule a quiz or exam for, then select “Schedule an Exam”
• In the Exam Request section, click on the “Exam Type” drop down menu to select the type of test you will be taking based on your syllabus or information from your instructor in Blackboard: Final, Midterm, Online Exam or Quiz
• Select the date you are requesting to take your quiz or exam (Must be scheduled 7 days in advance)
• Select the time (choose your class time unless you and your instructor have agreed on an alternate start time which has been communicated to DSS) *The earliest you may begin an exam is 9:00 am and all exams must end by 5:00 pm. (Finals: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm).
• List the standard length of time for the quiz or exam (in minutes), this may be overridden by your instructor’s information in the Course Instruction Template as the length of time for quizzes and exams may differ from the length of time of your course
  • This field allows DSS to secure a space for you
• In the “Services Requested” section, choose the accommodations you wish to utilize
• Select ”Add Exam Request” 
  • Add Required Note: “By selecting the check box below, you are indicating that you have read and agreed to the following message:”
    • “Although I have submitted my quiz or exam request as a placeholder, I am aware that my instructor has not yet completed the Course Instruction Template and my request cannot be processed until the template has been completed.”
• At the top of your screen, you will see a green check mark to confirm your submission
   

Scheduling Quizzes or Exams - With a Course Instruction Template

• Log in using your GW credentials to access AIM: Registered Student Login  
• Your dashboard may notify you of Required E-Form Agreements you need to sign, review these documents and acknowledge them using the prompts on the screen
• You should now see a list of your enrolled courses under “Accommodation Requests” 
  • If your courses are not listed, please contact dssgwu [dot] edu
• On the left side of the webpage on your dashboard, under "Accommodations”, select "Alternative Testing"
• Navigate to the “Schedule an Exam” section, click on the drop down menu to “Select Course” for the course in which you are requesting to schedule a quiz or exam for, then select “Schedule an Exam”
• Once you have reached the “Schedule an Exam” page, you will see a list of “Upcoming Exams for this Course”, respond to each required prompt in the “Exam Request” box which include:
  • Available Exam Dates (Select the quiz or exam you wish to schedule)
  • Time (Requested start time)
  • Services Requested (Select the approved accommodations you wish to apply to this quiz or exam)
  • Required Technology
  • Additional Note (Include any pertinent information you wish to share with DSS)
• Once the required field have been completed, select the “Add Exam Request” button to complete the process 
  • Important Note: DSS will review your request to ensure it aligns with information provided by your instructor; once your request has been approved or if you need to provide additional information, you will be notified via email
• At the top of your screen, you will see a green check mark to confirm your submission
   

Modifying Previously Scheduled Quizzes or Exams

• On the left side of the webpage on your dashboard, under "Accommodations”, select "Alternative Testing"
• Find the quiz or exam you wish to modify under “Upcoming Exams Scheduled” for the current semester
• Select the blue “View” option associated with the request you intend to modify
• This takes you to the “Exam Detail” form, where you can change any or all of the original options you selected previously
• Select “Update Exam Request”
• Your request will be reviewed and approved, or a rescheduling option sent by DSS via AIM
   

Canceling Previously Scheduled Quizzes or Exams

• On the left side of the webpage on your dashboard, under "Accommodations”, select "Alternative Testing"
• Find the quiz or exam you wish to CANCEL under “Upcoming Exams Scheduled” for the current semester
• Select the blue “View” option associated with the request you intend to CANCEL
• This takes you to the “Exam Detail” form, where you can specify a cancellation reason using the drop down menu
• You will be prompted to confirm you wish to CANCEL
• At the top of your screen, you will see a green check mark to confirm your cancellation request 

Important Note: Your request to cancel will be reviewed by DSS and all determinations will be sent to you via email
 

Late Request Consideration

In order to schedule a late exam, your instructor must login to the DSS Instructor Portal and complete a Course Instruction Template (CIT). Please contact dsstestgwu [dot] edu if you need assistance with scheduling late exams.

Alternative Testing Services

DSS provides alternative testing services to registered students who have requested Faculty Notification Letters for the current semester, and have approved test accommodations.

How do I Schedule a Quiz or Exam with DSS?
Log in using your GW credentials: AIM Student Login

DSS Testing Center Contact Information
Rome Hall, Suite 102
dsstestgwu [dot] edu
202-994-8250

DSS Testing Center Hours of Operation
Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fall and Spring Semesters
Finals Week
Monday - Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
 

Essential Considerations

Instructors have the option of administering testing accommodations on their own which allows students to have equitable access to ask questions, receive directions, information about corrections and clarifications in a comparable manner to their peers. If you choose to take your exams with your instructor, you will need to plan ahead and make arrangements early in the semester.

We recognize that the complexities of class scheduling and space constraints do not always make administering test accommodations in class possible. If your instructors are not able to provide a testing space and your test accommodations, then your instructors must login to the DSS Instructor Portal and complete a Course Instruction Template (CIT) in order for the student to schedule quizzes and exams with DSS.

Best Practices

Submit test proctoring requests at least seven (7) days in advance of each quiz and exam. The earlier you sign up for your quizzes, tests and exams, the better! It is best practice to avoid waiting until the last minute in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

One way to plan for this is to review the syllabus for each of your classes at the beginning of the semester and submit all of your exam requests. If you need support, students have found the strategies provided by Student Success to be helpful when organizing and planning out their exam schedules.

Inclement Weather, University Closings, Date Changes, and Time Conflicts

In the event that the university is closed due to inclement weather, and this closing affects your exam arrangements, please contact dsstestgwu [dot] edu and copy your professor to reschedule your exams.

If the date of your exam changes, contact us at dsstestgwu [dot] edu as soon as possible with an email indicating that your professor has moved the exam date in addition to details on the new exam date and time. 

If you have back-to-back exams with several time conflicts, this is especially prevalent during midterms and finals, speak with your professors and negotiate an alternate exam start time as appropriate due to your back-to-back exam schedule and testing accommodations, (i.e. extended time.)

To Stay Informed regarding inclement weather or other University updates, you can always check the Campus Advisories page for the most up-to-date information and sign up for GW Alerts.