Last updated: Wed Jan 28, 2026

CBTF Procedures

Below are some things you should know about before coming to your first assessment in the CBTF.

Quick Tips

We have created a reference sheet with some of the key rules important for the CBTF linked here.

Before your test

You should plan to show up 10 minutes early to your reserved test time. A CBTF proctor will let students into the room 10 mins before the scheduled start time.

UBC Card

Your UBC card will be required for check-in. If you have lost your UBC Student Card, or had it stolen, please see the instructions here on replacing it While you wait for a replacement, you may use another piece of government-issued photo ID, but please note a report will be created by the proctor to track students that check-in without their UBC card. If you consistently come to CBTF without a UBC card, a proctor is allowed to deny you entry.

Check-in

You can only take your test during the time you reserved it, in the exact room you reserved it in (unless your reservation is moved by the CBTF Staff). If you do not check in, you will not be able to start your test. Check-in will be conducted by showing your UBC Student Card to the proctor, and then tapping it on the card reader.

image of a card reader on a desk

Arriving late

If you arrive late, no additional time will be provided to you. You will need to finish the assessment in the time remaining in your reservation.

Missed Reservations

Please note that seats in the CBTF are extremely hard to get. It is generally not acceptable to book a spot and then simply not show up - students are able to cancel their reservation and rebook within 30 mins of the start of their reservation. Unless there are mitigating factors surrounding your missed reservation, we don’t usually allow students to rebook (and take up a second slot).

However, sometimes life happens and you miss your reservation. If you miss your booking after exceptional circumstances, please visit ICCS 014 (or 008 if it’s open) during regular business hours (usually 11 AM to 6 PM) and wait for a proctor to be available to cancel/delete your reservation. Proctors are extremely busy from 40 mins past the hour (XX:40, end of the previous session) until 10 mins past the hour (YY:10) so you will need to wait until they have a few mins - be patient! If you are unable to come in person to cancel your booking, please contact your course coordinator or instructor on next steps.

Assigned seats

Upon check-in, a seat will be assigned to you. You must sit in the seat assigned to you at check-in. If the seat assigned to you is not functional, let your proctor know and they will reassign you a new seat.

Personal items (updated Feb 4, 2026)

All personal items such as wallets, keys, watches, phones, pencil cases, eyeglass cases, sweaters, hats, electronic devices, food, water bottles, fidget toys, etc., should be kept in your backpacks and placed on the shelves provided. Students are expected to place their phones in the numbered sleeves at the front of the room. Earplugs are allowed for everyone, but must be provided by the student.

Electronic devices

No electronic devices, such as phones, smart watches, calculators, etc., are allowed during the test. Cellphones must be put on silent and stored in your backpack or left with the proctor. Any device found around your seat will be taken and stored at the proctor’s desk at the front, and reported to your instructor. Students with accommodations may bring noise-cancelling headphones. All students may bring wired earplugs to plug into the CBTF computer.

Test Materials

Scratch paper will already be set out on the CBTF desks. If you need more during the exam, raise your hand and ask the proctor. Pencils are provided, but you may use your own personal writing tools as well. The scratch paper must be returned to the proctor once you’re finished with the test.

Disruptive Behaviour

While entering the CBTF room please keep your voices down as some students might still be taking tests from the previous session (some courses have 2 hour tests). Be respectful to other students, avoid whistling, humming, talking, or gesturing wildly to yourself - this can be very distracting! Of course, talking to other students is absolutely not permitted during the test.

Logging in

When you arrive at your assigned seat, you may need to login to the computer. The login credentials for the CBTF computers are usually written on the whiteboards and signs in the room.

Starting your Test

Nearly all tests in the CBTF will start from PrairieTest. You should start in PrairieTest, and follow the instructions to open the learning platform for your course. Your test might be conducted on one of several platforms: PrairieLearn, Canvas, Dr. Racket, etc… This is something your instructor should already have informed you about. Below are some brief instructions depending on how your test is setup.

PrairieLearn

If your test is on PrairieLearn, use the PrairieTest link provided on the computer desktop - your login credentials (CWL) will allow you to login to both PrairieLearn and PrairieTest. In case you’re curious, PrairieTest is the software that manages access to your PrairieLearn test - your quiz will not be accessible through PrairieLearn.

Canvas Quiz (without Respondus Lockdown Browser)

If your test is on Canvas, use the Canvas link provided on the computer desktop and login with your UBC CWL credentials.

Canvas Quiz (New) with Respondus Lockdown Browser

  1. Use any browser except Respondus Lockdown Browser to log into Canvas and navigate to your test (e.g., Test 2).
  2. Click on the title of the assessment, “Test 2”.
  3. Respondus Lockdown Browser will then automatically launch to start your assessment. Note: You may be prompted to close all other windows before your test starts.

Canvas Quiz (Classic) with Respondus Lockdown Browser

  1. You should use the Respondus Lockdown browser (shortcut on the desktop) browser to log in Canvas and navigate to your test (e.g., Test 2).
  2. Click on the assessment title (e.g., Test 2) to start your test.

Washroom Breaks

Washroom breaks are permitted during your test but please do your best to use the washroom before you start your assessment in the CBTF. Unfortunately, we cannot provide extra time for washroom breaks.

After your Test

In general, you should follow the directions given by your session’s proctor after your test is over. For PrairieTest exams, ensure that you click the End Exam button once you are finished. Depending on the rules of your session, once you are done with your test and you’ve checked and completed your submission, you may be allowed to leave. In some cases, you will have to stay in the CBTF room until the end of your session.

Log out

Please log out of PrairieTest and Canvas and close any browsers or other programs once you have finished your test. Please do not turn off the computers.