Step 1: Register, download, and install the current Exam4 package at https://www.exam4.com/org/599.
Step 2: Launch Exam4.
Step 3: Prepare to start a new exam >> Next
Step 4: Input a made-up Exam ID twice and select Practice Exam from the course dropdown list (twice) and select Next.
Step 5: Check confirmation box and select OK.
Step 6: Set timer and viewer preferences and select Next. Exam4 does not automatically close when exam time is exceeded. We recommend experimenting with the timer so you are comfortable with its operation.
Step 7: Review instructions, check “Got it” box, and select Next.
Step 8: Type in the name of the Exam Mode you would like to test in the input box, confirm selection, and press Next.
Step 9: Begin Exam.
The essay section of the exam is essentially a blank sheet of paper. You will need to annotate for your professor which responses go with which questions. You can insert answer separators that allow you to check word count. Spell check is available from the tools menu, but does not check automatically as you type. The multiple choice menu will pull up the multiple choice/true false response sheet.
Step 10: Notice on the right you have the ability to keep track of word count within each answer. There is also a timer. It is possible to set timers for one hour remaining, 15 minutes remaining, and five minutes remaining. When there is less than one minute remaining, the area above the timer will say "less than one minute remaining." Keep in mind that there is not a pop up reminder when there is less than one minute remaining. Lastly, make sure that you keep your timer visible.
If you are still working on your exam when you set a timer and the time runs out, you will receive a message that looks like this (below). You should immediately close your exam.
Step 11: To close your exam, select End Exam and then choose End Exam Now.
Step 12: The software will ask you to confirm your choice to end the exam. Click to confirm and then on Okay, end exam.
Step 13: Choose the Submit Electronically button and click okay.
A box will pop up that says "Exam Submittal Successful. Please note you will NOT receive an upload notification email from Exam4.
Step 14: To exit the software, select exit from the File and Save Options tab. In the pop-up screen, check "I'm sure" and then Exit Exam Software. At this point you have successfully taken and submitted your exam. You're done!
If you have any technical issues or questions, contact lawit@colorado.edu or visit https://www.exam4.com/support/.
If you have any questions about the exam process, contact the Registrar at lawreg@colorado.edu.
Before Exams Begin
Prior to taking an exam, exam takers should make sure they have the Exam4 software package for the current exam season. This can be checked by opening Exam4 and verifying the version dates.
Exam takers should ensure their laptop is ready to go and fully charged. Bring the power adapter for your laptop.
Arrival For Exams
Exam takers should arrive by 8:00am for morning exams and 1:00pm for afternoon exams to check in with the exam proctors. Plan ahead for weather and traffic issues.
Exam takers who arrive after the exam begins are docked the amount of time by which they are late. The difference is deducted from the total time allotted for the exam.
General Exam Information
- Download the Exam4 software package ahead of time.
- Cell phones are NOT allowed to be used for any reason during exams. They must be turned off and put away during exams. This includes when exam takers are going to the restroom and during two-part exams. It also includes using a cell phone as a timer or calculator.
- Computer-based timers which count time and provide countdown alerts are acceptable. These will not work with CLOSED mode exams. Students are responsible for testing to make sure the timer works with the exam mode of their exam(s).
- The use of dual screens or two devices is NOT allowed.
- Fitness trackers or Fitbits are not allowed.
- If you need to use the restroom during an exam, quietly leave the room leaving all of your belongings. The time on your exam will continue to count down. When you return to the room, be as quiet as possible.
- Make sure you know what materials your professor is allowing you to use during the exam and whether or not you are allowed to copy/paste.
- Do not discuss the exam afterwards with other students as they might be taking it at a later date. If you have questions or concerns about the exam, contact the Registrar's Office in the Dean's Suite, not your professor. Do not email your professor about anything related to exams until after the exam and grading period is complete. This preserves anonymity for grading purposes.
Handwriting Exams
Exam takers are allowed to handwrite exams, but this is strongly discouraged. Those who plan to handwrite should email lawreg@colorado.edu in advance of the exam.
Those who choose to handwrite are required to bring their own blue books from the bookstore. The exam taker must ensure they have enough blue books for the exam and write their exam ID on all blue books used.
Take Home Exams
Any law school course which has a take home exam must be announced by the first day of class according to law school rules. An email from the Registrar’s Office is sent out to all exam takers in the class with the exam at 8:00am on exam day from lawreg@colorado.edu. Exam takers do not need to come to campus to take the exam, but there is a room designated in the law school for exam takers to work on their take home exam. This room may be shared by more than one course at a time. All exam rules and policies apply when using the take home exam room. Alternatively, exam takers can take the exam at home, in the library, or another location of their choosing. Exams must be completed and uploaded by 5:00pm. Physical copies of the exam booklet are available in the Dean’s Suite on the morning of the exam. They must be returned when the exam is complete and exam takers are expected to write their exam ID on the exam booklet. Students must work on their take home exam in the Exam4 software. It causes errors if students draft their exam in Word or some other program and then copy/paste their exam into Exam4. Students are expected to write and edit their take home exam only in Exam4.
Large Classes
Some exams will be assigned more than one exam room. The first room listed on the exam schedule is where exam takers can pick up the exam booklet, but they are free to set up in either room to take the exam. There will be proctors in both rooms.
Rescheduled Exams
The Registrar’s Office coordinates all rescheduled exams and communicates with students about the date and time accordingly. Exam takers with approved rescheduled exams can go directly to the assigned reschedule room and the proctor will have their exam. Exam rescheduling is governed by law school rules. Inquiries can be directed to the Registrar’s Office at lawreg@colorado.edu.
Students With Accommodations
Exam takers who are registered with Disability Services work directly with the Registrar’s Office. Inquiries can be made to lawreg@colorado.edu.
Computer issues
It is extremely important for students to download the Exam4 software prior to each exam season and take a practice exam. This helps to identify potential laptop malfunctions ahead of time. Exam takers who experience issues during an exam should go to the Dean’s Suite with all of their possessions in hand in case they do not return to the room. DO NOT turn off or restart your computer until it has been evaluated by the law school staff. The law school has a limited number of emergency laptops available on a first come, first serve basis.
Sometimes Exam4 causes your computer to change back to the factory default background picture setting after you exit the program. Therefore, you may need to change your background picture back to what it was prior to using the software (if applicable).
Honor Code
Students are held to the Honor Code at the law school and the CU Student Code of Conduct. It is recommended that all exam takers review it prior to exams.
Exam Day
- Turn off and put away cell phones. Bring earplugs or sound muffling earmuffs. Headphones are acceptable as long as they are not connected to music or any sound.
- Bring writing utensils.
- A wristwatch or little clock is okay as long as it does not make noise. No smart watches or Fitbits. Drinks and quiet foods are okay.
- Do not bring items, materials, or resources not allowed by the professor. Remember the Honor Code.
- Make sure to bring a power cord.
- Tablets and iPads are not allowed to take exams. Only laptops are permitted.
Starting Exams
When all exam takers are in their respective rooms and have signed in and picked up an exam booklet, they will be instructed by a proctor to:
- Write their six-digit exam ID on their exam booklet.
- Verify their Exam4 software package version is correct for the exam season.
- Input the unique six-digit exam ID they have been assigned for this exam.
- Select the course exam from the list.
- Input the exam password.
Students should not break the seal on their exam or start the exam until they are directed to do so. Once everyone has read through the instructions and has arrived at the Exam4 exam ID input screen (below), the proctor will read the exam rules then instruct students to enter the exam password into the "protected info (optional)" box.
The proctor will ask everyone to proceed to the next screen and confirm their settings.
Next, students will be asked to set their timer (if desired) and view preferences. The proctor will instruct students on the duration of the exam.
Next, the proctor will ask students to acknowledge the honor code and instructions.
The proctor will walk students through verifying the Exam Mode settings.
STUDENTS MUST NOT BEGIN THE EXAM UNTIL DIRECTED TO DO SO via the "Begin Exam" button. The exam time begins once they go past this point, and it is at this point where the proctor will them to tear open the seal on the paper copy of the exam. Again, students must not tear open the seal on the paper copy until their poctor has given them the go-ahead to go past the "WAIT!" Begin Exam screen (below) and the time has started on the exam. Test questions are not in Exam4, so once a student has opened the exam, they should make sure they have all pages and that they are legible.
If the exam is “CLOSED,” exam takers will not have access to applications/files/Internet. If the exam is "OPEN +Network" access to the internet and computer files is enabled. It is very important to read any messages about what access is allowed or not allowed.
Exam4 saves information every two minutes of the exam. Exam4 tracks time spent on the exam, but will not automatically close the exam when your time runs out. It is the student's responsibility to self-monitor their time and close the exam on time. To finish and close an exam, click on on the upper-left hand corner “End Exam” button and "End Exam Now." The exam will close and the student will be prompted to submit their exam. Exam4 will then upload the exam to the Colorado Law Exam4 Receiver. Students will see a confirmation screen the exam has been uploaded. Once this occurs, they can click the close exam button. Please note that Exam4 does not send out upload notification emails.
Students should drop the paper copy of the exam booklet (and any scratch paper or notes related to the exam) into the collection box in the room provided by the proctor. Exam takers should make sure their exam ID is on their exam booklet along with any notes taken during the exam. They should then leave the room and exam area quietly, to go outside or down on the first floor of the law school. Students must not discuss the exam with anyone else, as other students might be taking it at a later date.
Any questions or concerns about the exam should be directed to the Registrar’s Office and not the professor to preserve anonymity for grading purposes.