Updates to the CBTF

As we improve the CBTF, hardware, software, and policies will evolve. Recent updates and changes to the CBTF are listed below in chronological order.

April 14, 2026

Starting April 14 2026, students will be required to place their phones in the sleeves at the CBTF proctor desk before they can get checked-in to write their exam.

If students do not have a phone or otherwise cannot comply with this policy, their seat number and CWL will be noted down by the proctors and shared with the CBTF Administrators for tracking purposes.

If any student is found to have a phone, or other electronic device while writing their exam, academic misconduct proceedings will be triggered immediately.

March 2026

In collaboration with the CfA, the CBTF is happy to announce that we now have the ability to reserve seats for CfA students in the CBTF! In addition, we have also transitioned one of our newest rooms (Henn 203) to run longer sessions (specifically to accommodate students with extra time).

For example, during the term, standard sessions are 50-mins and start on the hour but in Henn 203, sessions will instead start every 2 hours. All seats in Henn 203 are considered reduced distraction, and we expect > 70% of seats in Henn 203 to be reserved for CfA students.

Students with extra time through the CfA writing in the CBTF will no longer receive an extra 10 minutes in their exam to account for disruptions due to session change-over.

Our new guidance is:

  • CfA students should try to book in Henn 203 first because the sessions in this room will run longer than standard sessions and students will not experience disruptions when sessions change-over in the middle of their exam.
  • CfA students are welcome to still book in other CBTF rooms based on their comfort and availability. There will continue to be reduced distraction and reserved seats in other CBTF rooms as well.
  • Starting April 13th, the +10 mins added to CfA student reservations for session disruptions will no longer be added (you will of course, still get your full extended time)

If you have any questions about this, please feel free to email us at cbtf.support@ubc.ca, or reach out to your CfA advisor.

October 2025

  • We have two new CBTF rooms opening in the Hennings Building: Henn 203 and Henn 312!

September 2025

  • A dictionary was installed on all CBTF computers to help students look up unfamiliar words!

September 2024

  • We now allow students to bring in wired earbuds or headphones to plug into the CBTF machines via the 3.5mm input or the USB type A or USB type C inputs. We will provide some sample background noise or classical music for you to listen to for your comfort and convenience.

May 2024

  • We have updated the CBTF calculator to limit the functionality to only standard and scientific modes.
  • We will now ask all students to leave their phones in a sleeve at the front of the room, rather than with their other belongings.