Full-Class Testing (FCT) is defined as an assessment in which all students in a course section complete a computer-based exam through Testing Services over a two (2) to three (3) day period. A significant aim is to remove the necessity to schedule exams in class time and therefore increase the time available for instruction.

In addition to the guidelines listed in section 1, the following will apply to FCT:

General (Instructors)

  • Instructors should submit all requests for FCT consideration to Testing Services using the online form, at least one teaching month before the start of the relevant academic term (May 31 for Fall 
    Term; November 30 for Winter Term; March 31 for Spring/Summer term). Requests made during an academic term will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and only if capacity allows.
    • Requests will only be considered if the application form is completed and specific dates for each eligible FCT assessment identified.
    • If possible, instructors are asked to avoid booking assessments in weeks shortened by statutory holidays particularly around Thanksgiving or Easter.
  • Testing Services will notify instructors of the outcome of their application for FCT as soon as possible after the deadline and by the first day back of the term in question.
  • No changes or extensions to the approved test dates and times will be allowed once the FCT applications are accepted and approved.
  • Instructors will share all exam details with testing services, including access code, permitted resources, etc. no less than 5 days before the scheduled exam by email/software.
  • The test window for any FCT assessment will be minimum of two (2) and a maximum of three (3) consecutive working days i.e. not split up by a weekend.
  • All Full-Class Testing assessments must be computer-based. Canvas is the preferred delivery method, but other platforms are acceptable.

General (Students)

  • All Lethbridge Polytechnic policies and procedures, including those regarding Academic Integrity,apply to exams written in Testing Services. Any breaches of Academic Integrity may result in the exam being terminated, student materials confiscated, and concerns submitted for further action per the Student Rights and Code of Conduct Policy and Academic Integrity Guide.
  • Students must book exam appointments at least one (1) business day prior to their desired testing date; however, booking at least seven (7) days in advance is strongly recommended as requests for specific dates/times cannot be guaranteed. No same day requests will be accepted under any circumstances.

The following criteria will be used to determine course/exam eligibility for FCT based on available capacity following review of submitted applications. A link to the online application form will be circulated.

Exam Type

  • Only major assessments worth at least 20% of the total course grade will qualify for FCT. Assessments with a single component worth 15% may be considered eligible through recommendation from the appropriate Associate Dean.
  • Exceptions will be allowed for assessments that are prerequisites for a large percentage of the course (Safe Medication Admin, Med. Math etc.)
  • Any exam or test indicated as optional in a course outline will not be eligible for FCT as the facility would have to be booked for the theoretical class size, even although it is unlikely that everyone will sit the assessment.

Course Structure

Courses eligible for FCT will be those that are:

  • Condensed: where instructional weeks are substantially less than standard term (example: 8-10 weeks instead of 15).
  • Blended: 1h or more taught online per week.
  • Subject to a loss (more than one day per term) of scheduled classes in a single term due to statutory holidays.
  • WIL/Practicum: Students are expected to be off campus for most of the term due to WIL placements or practicums.
  • Exceptional circumstances as identified and supported by the appropriate Dean / Associate Dean and subject to capacity. The final decision will be by the Dean for the Centre of Business, Arts and Sciences.

Exam Lengths

  • Non-Final exams will be limited to a maximum length of the scheduled instructional session (e.g. 80 minutes). equivalent test / exam in class.
  • Final exams will be limited to two (2) hours except in exceptional circumstances where a specific need can be demonstrated.
  • The maximum allocated time for individual exams/tests will be reviewed if previous data collected by the Testing Centre indicates that all or most students complete in a time significantly less than the original allocation.

Note: The limitation of the time allowed for the FCT of final and non-final exams will benefit the scheduling of student accommodation with extended time.

External Certifications

Due consideration will be given to courses that are part of preparation for external certifications (CPA, CLPNA, Blue Seal, Green Certification).

Exam Bookings

Exam dates for FCT are determined at the start of the term, following review of all applications, and cannot be adjusted once the semester is underway.