Exam rules
When sitting an exam at the University of Leeds you must follow the rules and listen carefully to invigilator’s instructions on the day.
If you are caught breaking the rules, you will be reported for exam misbehaviour or cheating in exams. The University takes cheating very seriously.
Definition of cheating
The University of Leeds definition of cheating is that candidates should not, intentionally or otherwise:
- introduce unauthorised items into the exam room
- disobey the regulations relating to mobile phones – phones should be switched off and placed in the plastic bags provided (unless being used for DUO authentication during a digital exam)
- copy from other candidates or from notes
- access or copy from sources of information (except what is allowed by the examiners) or annotate or mark this authorised information (except as authorised by the examiners)
- disobey the regulations relating to calculators
- communicate in any way with other candidates or persons except the invigilators
- remove script books (blank or otherwise) from the exam room.
Conduct during exams
Do not talk in the exam room
You should not talk in the exam room unless you need to speak to the invigilator. If you need to speak with the invigilator raise your hand.
Do not speak to friends at all even to wish them good luck as it is still breaking exam rules.
What to do if you need to use the bathroom
If you need to go to the bathroom during the exam you will have to check if the invigilator is available to escort you.
It is best to go to the bathroom before the exam starts.
What to do if you want to leave the exam early
Ask the invigilator if you can leave your exam.
You can’t leave within the first 60 minutes or the last 15 minutes of an exam. If you are told you can leave your exam you must leave as quickly and quietly as possible.
If your exam lasts one hour, or is a digital exam of any duration, you can’t leave the exam early.
Late and early arrival to practical, performance-based, oral or aural exams is at the discretion of the supervisor.
Unauthorised items in exams
What you can’t take into exams
- Food or drink unless it is a clear water bottle with all labels removed
- Coats
- Bags
- Pencil cases including clear or transparent ones
- Tip-ex or things to cover ink in white. If you make a mistake in pen you should cross it out
- Unauthorised material, such as blank paper, graph paper, revision or study notes
- Any notes, however they are recorded, including on your skin or clothing
- Headwear unless it is for religious reasons
- Mobile phones (unless required for DUO authentication
- Tablets
- Bluetooth devices
- Smart watches
- Personal music players
- Pagers
- Other electronic devices
- Calculator covers or lids.
Invigilators will let you know where to put these items if you bring them into the exam room.
The area will not be watched or monitored by invigilators so we advise you not to bring these items.
What to do with your mobile phone or electronic device
For some exams such as digital exams you may be required to log on to one of the University’s systems. For this you may need to use your phone for DUO authentication.
If you do not need to use your device for authentication you must:
- switch the device off
- turn off all alarms you may have pre-set into your device
- put the device in the clear plastic bag given to you
- place the device in the clear plastic bag on your desk or as the invigilator tells you.
If you use your device or it is switched on during the exam it will be investigated for breaking exam rules.
What to do with your purse or wallet
You can put your purse or wallet under your desk or chair during your exam.
Using calculators in exams
Rules if you are late to exams
What to do if you are less than 30 minutes late for your exam
Go to your exam and let your invigilator know you are there. You must complete the exam before the end of the planned exam session.
You will not be given extra time because you are late.
The invigilator will add your arrival time to the form and send it to your school or faculty.
What to do if you are more than 30 minutes late for your exam
Do not enter the exam room.
Go to the exam sub-office for your exam venue.
What to do if you get to your exam after it has ended
Go to the exam sub-office and let someone know what has happened.
You will not be able to take your exam and will be counted absent from your exam.
What to do if you are late for an aural or audio exam
You can’t go to the exam room after an aural or audio exam has started. Go to the exam sub-office and let someone know what has happened.
What happens if you break the exam rules
Rule-breaking in exams is a very serious breach of academic integrity. Penalties are usually severe and may include permanent exclusion from the University.
For more information, see the Academic Misconduct Procedure available on the Student Cases page.