Exams

Exam timetables will be published on the CDU Exam Timetable webpage and emailed to students no later than two (2) weeks before the relevant exam period.

Your exam timetable can also be viewed in your Student Portal under 'Timetable' in the left-hand navigation menu. View the New Student Portal User Guide to learn how to use this feature or watch the How to view your timetable guide. Approved Reasonable Adjustments are not visible in the Student Portal timetable and can be found on the CDU Exam Timetable webpage.

Exams are scheduled in Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) (UTC/GMT+9.30).

Generally, exams are held between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm (ACST), Monday to Friday. Where necessary, exams may be scheduled on a Saturday.

A student may submit an alternate exam request prior to a scheduled exam under the following circumstances:

1. medical or compassionate grounds
2. work commitments beyond their control
3. religious or cultural obligations
4. sporting or cultural commitment
5. volunteer community service activity.

An alternate exam request may also be submitted after leaving an exam within the first 30 minutes due to unforeseen circumstances or the sudden onset of an illness.

Please note: A student who remains in an exam for more than 30 minutes from the start time will have their paper graded but may apply for exam Special Consideration, if eligible (see below).

Submit an Alternate Exam Sitting request via the eForm tile in your Student Portal.

Where eligible, applications must be submitted as per the following timeframes:

• within two (2) weeks of the exam timetable publication, or
• within five (5) calendar days after the scheduled exam.

Applications must be accompanied by relevant supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate, letter from employer, statutory declaration, copy of an accident report, etc.).

For further information on supporting documentation, see Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances.

If approved, you will be required to sit the exam in the next alternate exam period. Alternate exam period dates can be found on the Important Dates webpage.

A student who remains in the examination for more than 30 minutes will have their exam graded and may apply for Special Consideration under the following circumstances:

• illness of short duration (less than 6 weeks)
• accident or injury
• disability
• bereavement
• compassionate grounds
• other unforeseen or extenuating circumstances. 

Please note: A student who leaves an exam within 30 minutes of the start time, due to unforeseen circumstances or the sudden onset of an illness, will not be given special consideration but can apply for an Alternate Exam Sitting (see above).

Submit a Special Consideration for Examinations request via the eForm tile in your Student Portal.

Eligible applications will be referred to the Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for approval and must be submitted as per the following timeframe:

• within five (5) calendar days after the scheduled exam.

Applications must be accompanied by relevant supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate, letter from employer, statutory declaration, copy of an accident report, etc.).

For further information on supporting documentation, see Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances.

Students will generally receive a written response within five (5) working days of applying. Approval of a request for special consideration is not guaranteed.

Please refer to the Higher Education Examination Policy for further information.

The Library provides resources, services and facilities to support you during your studies, including exam study skills designed to help you prepare for your exams.

You can also find past exam papers via the library database.

CDU Access and Inclusion coordinates services and support to assist students with a disability and/or health condition. You can register for support, including reasonable adjustments for exams, if your studies are impacted by:

• disability
• medical and/or mental health condition (short term and/or long term)
• primary carer responsibilities. 

Before a Respondus exam or assessment:

• Download Respondus well in advance of your exam date to troubleshoot any issues.
• Review the exam information provided by your lecturer in Learnline.
• Complete a practice exam under the conditions of the official test to ensure your internet connection, microphone and webcam are all working appropriately.

During a Respondus exam or assessment, you must:

• Verify your identity with photo ID including both your name and photo on the same side.
• Conduct a thorough environment check by moving your camera around the room to show your surroundings, including your desk area, front, and behind.
• Ensure you are in a well-lit room.
• Avoid using headphones, earbuds, or any other listening equipment.
• Avoid communicating with anyone.
• Do not use a phone.
• Stay within camera view for the duration of the exam or assessment.

• Respondus Help Center for setting up and troubleshooting
• Respondus student support FAQs
• Live Chat to get help during an exam
• How to troubleshoot internet connection issues

Respondus product privacy policy.