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.
Make sure you play around with the software and complete the survey once you are finished.
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.
The exam mode will be automatically programmed in Exam4 for your exams. Students will not have to choose an exam mode in most cases. Make sure you are aware of how your computer will function in different modes (OPEN vs. CLOSED, etc).
Step 9: Begin Exam
Step 10: Choose the exam document from the drop-down.
Once in the exam, students will need to click on the "Exam Document" button once in the exam. When you do that, enter the code given to you by the Law Registrar and click "Fetch" to get the exam questions. A pop-up box will appear with the exam questions. The Exam Document ID for the "Practice Exam" is D0000000.
The next step is to click "side-by-side view" so that you can see both the exam questions and exam answer entry area at the same time. You can use the scrollbar on the bottom right to make the text smaller or larger.
Play around with the Exam4 functions so that you understand how to use them.
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.
MAKE SURE YOU ENTER YOUR MULTIPLE CHOICE ANSWERS IN THE MULTIPLE CHOICE AREA OF EXAM4. Answers are saved as you enter them and you can then click the "hide" button to go back to the essay portion of Exam4.
Step 11: 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. Note: The timer is a notification that your exam time has run out. Exam4 will not end the exam for you, You must close and submit the exam as described in the steps below.
Step 12: To close your exam, select End Exam and then choose End Exam Now.
Step 13: The software will ask you to confirm your choice to end the exam. Click to confirm and then on Okay, end exam.
Step 14: 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 15: 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.
If you are taking an exam at the law school, make sure you are connected to the UCB Wireless network. Otherwise, you will not be able to submit your exam. Directions about connecting to the university network can be found here.
Exam takers should ensure their laptop is ready to go and fully charged. Have your power adapter for your laptop handy.
Exam Types
In-Person: Students must report to assigned classrooms in Wolf Law Building, likely different than the regular classroom space. It is recommended students arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in with proctors. Exams occur on specific dates listed on the exam schedule and are proctored by law school staff.
Remote-Timed Exams: Must be taken on the scheduled exam date at a time set by the Law Registrar's Office. Exams may be taken at home or at the law school. Most students do not come to the law school to take remote exams.
Take Home Exams: Must be taken on the scheduled exam date and are available from 8am to 5pm. These are 9 hour exams. Responses must be submitted no later than 5pm. They may be taken at home or at the law school.
Untimed Exams: Students take untimed exams on their own time over more than one day during the exam period. Exams are usually administered via Canvas. Students must pay attention ot the exam availability and due date.
General Exam Information
- Download the Exam4 software package ahead of time.
- Do not use a cell phone as a timer or calculator. A wristwatch is acceptable as long as it does not make noise. No fitness trackers, fitbits, or smartwatches allowed.
- 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).
- If you need to use the restroom during an exam, the time on your exam will continue to count down.
- Make sure you know what materials your professor allows 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 Law Registrar's Office, 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.
- Students must work on their 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 exam only in Exam4. Even if allowed in the exam setting, students should not copy and keep any portion of their submitted exam on their computer.
- The timer in Exam4 is a notification that your exam time has run out. Be aware that you must close and submit the exam. Exam4 will not end the exam when your time runs out!
- NOTE: The use of dual screens is not allowed for in-person exams, but is allowed for remote and take home exams. It is advisable that students who wish to use more than one computer screen do a practice test to ensure it will work with your setup. This is especially true for Mac users. Dual screens will not work with the exam modes of CLOSED or OPEN-LAPTOP. Dual screens will only work with exam mode of TAKEHOME.
Rescheduled Exams
The Registrar’s Office coordinates all rescheduled exams and communicates with students about the date and time accordingly. Exam rescheduling is governed by law school rules. Inquiries can be directed to the Law Registrar’s Office at lawreg@colorado.edu. Exam takers with approved rescheduled exams take their exams in the exam modality given by the professors. This means if the exam is originally scheduled as an in-person exam, students are expected to take the exam in-person at the date and time as directed by the Registrar's Office. Do you contact your professor asking to reschedule your exam.
Students With Accommodations
Exam takers who are registered with Disability Services work directly with the Law Registrar’s Office. Inquiries can be made to lawreg@colorado.edu.
Computer issues
See the "Getting Help" tab for how to acess help during remote exams. Help is available during regular business hours. Most IT issues can be avoided by taking the practice exam.
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. 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
- Earplugs, sound muffling earmuffs, and headphones are acceptable if you are taking exams at the law school.
- A wristwatch or little clock is okay as long as it does not make noise.
- Do not use items, materials, or resources not allowed by the professor. Remember the Honor Code.
- Make sure to use a power cord.
Starting Exams
Exam questions will appear in the Exam4 software once proper credentials have been inputted. This is when the timer for your exam begins.
1) Put in your unique, six-digit Exam ID:
2) Confirm your settings.
3) Set your timer (if desired) and view preferences.
4) Acknowledge the honor code and instructions.
5) The Exam Mode settings should be pre-populated for you.
6) The exam time begins once students input the Document ID on the next page.
7) Access your exam questions by clicking on the Exam Document button.
8) Enter the Document ID and click "Fetch" to retrieve the exam questions. Your exam time doesn't begin until you can see the questions.
Exam4 saves information for your 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. Please note that Exam4 does not send out upload notification emails. Students can close out Exam4 and go back into the software to see their confirmation by clicking on the "Select Existing Exam" and then click on "View Exam Submittal Receipt" to see their exam submission.
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.