Preparing for Zoom exams
If you have a Zoom online supervised exam, a little preparation will help everything run as smooth as possible. This page will guide you through the required setup and what to expect before, and during your exam.
Before Your Exam Day
- Have a valid photo ID (student card or passport/driver’s licence). We require that your name (in English) and photo is clearly visible to the zoom room invigilator during the ID check. You are welcome to hide other personal information that might be on your ID.
- Ensure you can access: Your exam platform (Canvas) and Your Zoom link
- Your Zoom name must match your full name. Access via Single Sign on (SSO) will ensure your zoom name matches your full name. Details on accessing and updating Zoom on your device can be found on this KnowledgeBase article.
- You will be provided with a practice opportunity to sign into Zoom and follow the process of a typical exam. You will be added to a Canvas course site and the schedule for the practice opportunities will be made available along with further details.
- Use a quiet, private room.
- No other people are allowed in the room.
- You must not be interrupted.
- Students with Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) will have their adjustments already applied.
- Set up a clean desk: Only have permitted materials visible, which will be listed in your exam timetable. Remove everything else.
- If you do not have access to a quiet and secure space, please complete this form by 20th April 2026.
You must have the following items to complete a Zoom online supervised exam, if you don't and require access to a device please complete this form by 20 April 2026:
- A PC/laptop with an up-to-date browser and the ability to run the latest version of Zoom client.
- Ensure you only use one monitor.
- A webcam. If your webcam is fixed in place and can't be moved, please bring a handheld mirror so you can use the mirror to show the room surroundings and edges of your screen as part of the integrity checking process.
- Microphone. Do not use a headset. The invigilator must be able to hear what you hear and say.
- Speakers for you to hear announcements. After the exam commences you can turn down your speaker volume to minimise disruptions. Do not use earphones/headset.
- Software. Ensure your device is updated to the latest version of Zoom and ensure you can log in using your student credentials.
- Power. Ensure you have power cable to support your battery for the length of the exam.
- Internet connection. Ensure your internet connection supports a video quality that allows your face to be clearly identifiable.
- Scanner or suitable scanner app may be required for some assessments. Refer to course specific information for advice and instructions if required.
Before the exam ensure you
- Restart your device.
- Update your browser (Chrome recommended).
- Close unnecessary programs.
- Ensure your PC/laptop and associated equipment, Zoom, your internet and your camera are working.
- You must be visible at all times.
- No virtual or blurred backgrounds.
- Good lighting (your face must be clearly visible).
- This is an example of a Zoom setup with good lighting and face clearly identifiable:
You should know:
- Where your Zoom link is locate.
- How to access Canvas and read your exam instructions.
- What materials are allowed.
- How you will submit your work.
- How to take a practice opportunity to ensure your technology works.
On Exam Day
Before the Exam Starts
- Ensure your exam space is ready
- Check you can access the Zoom link in your Canvas site
- Check your computer equipment is ready and laptop plugged in
- Join Zoom at least 20 minutes early. Please ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes early to allow the ID verification without impacting your exam time.
- You will enter a Waiting Room. The invigilator will admit you from the Waiting Room to verify your identity and workspace. You will then return to the Waiting Room until all students have been checked. Once all checks are complete, you will be re-admitted to the Main Room for the next stage.
- Ensure you have the following turned on:
- Camera and microphone
- Be ready to:
- Show your ID
- Show your workspace
- Adjust your camera if asked
- Your invigilator will turn on Zoom’s all screen mode which will monitor your screen. Be ready to start sharing when instructed.
If you are late, you will not get extra time. If you do not arrive 15 minutes early you may experience delays in getting access to the Zoom room for your exam. You will not be able to enter the Zoom room more than 10 minutes after the exam has commenced.
During the Exam
You must:
- Stay on camera at all times
- Follow all instructions
- Use only permitted materials
- Use Zoom chat to communicate with your invigilator if you have concerns or questions
- Inappropriate behaviour during Zoom-supervised exams may result in an academic integrity breach investigation as outlined in the Student Conduct Rule.
You must NOT:
- Talk to anyone
- Use unauthorised materials
- Leave your desk without permission
- Your session will be recorded
- You may be asked to:
- Show your ID again
- Show your room or desk
- Adjust your camera
- If you wish to take a break during the exam, you must:
- Ask permission via Zoom
- Leave everything visible on camera
- Please note that no extra time is given.
Submission may include:
- Uploading files, OR
- Submitting in Canvas
How to submit:
- Stay on Zoom while you submit your finished exam
- Once your submission is complete, notify your invigilator to give you permission to leave the Zoom room.
- Do NOT leave until told
- Exam submissions made outside of Zoom supervision will not be accepted.
If something goes wrong:
- Stop working
- Try to reconnect
- Contact the invigilator via chat
- Take screenshots if possible and keep a record of what happened with times
Serious issues may allow you to apply for adverse circumstances.
Supervision of exams is in place to ensure that all students complete their exams on a level playing field, with equal opportunity to demonstrate their learning fairly.
Students must
- Stay on camera unless permission to leave (e.g. bathroom break) is granted by the exam supervisor.
- Ensure no other persons are in the room with them during the exam period.
- Only use permitted materials
- Follow all instructions from exam supervisors
- Avoid communicating with any person other than the supervisor for the duration of the exam.
Inappropriate behaviour during zoom supervised exams may result in an academic integrity breach investigation as outlined in the Student Conduct Rule.
Quick Checklist
- ID ready
- Quiet room
- Clean desk
- Equipment working
- Internet stable
- Zoom tested
- Camera and microphone ON
- Turn your speaker volume down so you're not interupted during the exam
- Follow instructions
- Stay visible
- Submit before leaving
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.