Testing Center General Information
Mission
The mission of The Ohio State University Testing Center is to provide examinations and resources to students, faculty, staff and the external community that supports their academic and professional advancement.
Vision
The Testing Center is committed to maintaining professional testing standards and practices and strives to fulfill the needs of students and the community by adhering to the National College Testing Association Professional Standards and Guidelines.
General Information
The Ohio State University Testing Center is located at:
281 West Lane Avenue
Student Academic Services Building
Suite 585
Columbus, OH 43210
There is a parking garage attached to the building with access on the ground level. Elevators are located in the center of the building.
Email: sae-testing@osu.edu
Phone: (614) 292-2241
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Testing Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Testing Center has evolved over the university's history. When the university was smaller, the center was part of what we would now think of as academic advising as part of an office called “University Counseling and Testing Center.” This office focused on institutional assessment and tests, including placement exams and IQ tests for incoming students. In 1922, the university’s board of trustees adopted a new grade mark of “EM” for credit by exam tests administered by the office.
In the late 1960’s, the office became stand-alone as the Office of Testing and Evaluation and in 1969 added the function of conducting the University’s faculty teaching evaluation tool called the Student Evaluation of Teaching which was replaced in 1994 with the Student Evaluation of Instruction. Since the 1980’s, the Testing Center has been part of the University Registrar.
In 1998 the office converted from a primarily paper-based environment to a computer-based testing center and began expanding its test offerings. The ability to diversify testing options was enhanced in 2010 with the construction of a new 3,500 square foot Testing Center in the new Student Academic Services Building. The Testing Center conducts University placement tests, credit by exam tests, correspondence testing, make-up exams (including some disability accommodations), exam scoring, and private contract tests. Student Evaluation of Instruction is no longer under the Testing Center, but now directly reports to the University Registrar's office.
Policies and Resources
- Students must make an appointment at testing.osu.edu.
- Students with disabilities must register through the Office of Student Life Disability Services. Visit the Office of Student Life Disability Services webpage for more information.
- All students are required to present a valid Buck ID, State ID or Passport. Digital versions or photos are not accepted.
- Proctors can only answer technical questions relating to the functionality of exams, we cannot define words or interpret meaning.
- Only items listed on the request form or permitted by exam vendor will be allowed in the Testing Labs.
- Lockers are available to store all other personal belongings, including, but not limited to: cell phones, hats, scarves, phones, fitness devices, watches, wallets, water bottles, etc.
- Cell Phone Policy
- Cell phones are strictly prohibited inside the testing
- Cell phones must be turned off in lockers and may not be accessed during exam periods, including breaks.
- Any examinee found using a cell phone may be dismissed and reported to the course instructor, COAM or appropriate testing vendor.
- Possession of any electronic or recording device is prohibited.
- Any aids not authorized by the instructor or vendor are prohibited.
- All examinees must arrive at the Testing Center on time for their appointment. Latecomers may be denied entry.
Academic and Disorderly Misconduct
Students must adhere to all policies set forth by the Code of Student Conduct.
When a proctor suspects students of cheating, students will be approached, informed of the conduct witnessed and asked to discontinue the behavior. If the behavior persists, the student may be dismissed form the Testing Center.
Violations of the Code of Student Conduct or any Testing Center policy will be reported to the course instructor, COAM and/or appropriate Exam Vendor.
We reserve the right to remove or deny access to students for problematic behavior.
Exam Security and Testing Integrity
The Testing Center is certified by the National College Testing Association and adheres to Professional Standards and Guidelines. Students are continuously monitored throughout their exam by physical walkthroughs, proctor viewing window and on-screen monitoring.
If The Ohio State University cancels classes, the Testing Center will be closed. Please contact the Testing Center or appropriate testing authority to reschedule your exam.
The Testing Center has the following schedule during the Spring 2024 Finals:
- April 24th: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- April 25th: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- April 26th: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- April 29th: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- April 30th: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Ohio State students occasionally need to take an exam or test when they're not physically on or near campus. To find a certified location that will proctor an exam or test for you, review the National College Testing Association's Proctoring Network.
For additional resources, visit the Office of Distance Education and eLearning's resource page and their resource page on Proctorio.