School Exams
Your course introduction will provide an outline detailing the number of supervised tests or exams you will be writing and how they will be administered. As we are in an online environment, supervised tests or exams will be administered using one of the following three methods:
EXAM REQUIREMENTS
To ensure a smooth exam experience, please have the following prepared:
- Valid Photo ID: Required for all supervised exams
- Camera and Mic: Essential for online monitoring purposes
- Appropriate Sitting Area: Examples include a desk or table
- Behaviour Expectations: Review and ensure understanding of our School Behaviour Expectations in an Online School document. Note: A student may be asked to write exams at the Calgary Campus if they do not complete acceptable room scans or have proper camera views.
Note: Students in 30-level courses must write a final exam and a diploma exam.
EXAM SUPERVISION METHODS
Students will receive automatic access to supervised tests and exams, or a campus time slot can be scheduled, once all release conditions have been met. Please see the course introduction for specific release conditions.
1. ONLINE EXAM SUPERVISION (PROCTORIO) – MOST COMMON
Proctorio is an online proctoring service that records and monitors students during exams, including:
- Audio, video, keyboard activity
- Internet activity, connection type, and location
Teachers can review footage for any suspicious activity.
For setup and guidelines, visit the Technical Support page.
2. CALGARY CAMPUS SUPERVISION
At your teachers discretion, you may need to write at our Calgary campus. Here are some things to note before booking your exam:
- Available Writing Times: Monday to Friday at 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. The exam room is open until 4:15 p.m.
- Extra Time: For students needing extra time (e.g. double time), book the 9:00 a.m. slot
- Accommodations: Notify support staff at the time of booking if you have teacher-approved exam accommodations.
- Items provided: Exam computers, approved data booklets/formula sheets, and scrap paper will be provided.
- Exam Room Protocol: Please review this document before coming to your exam Exam Room Protocol.
TO BOOK: Call 1-855-974-5333 x5317 or email vvsupport@pembinahills.ca.
- Teacher permission must be on file prior to booking
- Students must provide 2-3 school days notice to book an exam
- Same day booking are not permitted, unless requested by the teacher
3. ALTERNATE (EXTERNAL) SCHOOL EXAM SUPERVISION
If you cannot write your exam at the Calgary campus or via Proctorio, you can arrange for an external supervisor.
Step 1: Find a Qualified Supervisor
Your supervisor must meet the following requirements:
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- A certified teacher (or in some cases, a librarian or teaching assistant)
- No conflict of interest (e.g. no friends, relatives, or previous instructors)
- Able to securely supervise the exam.
Step 2: Submit the Supervisor Application
The supervisor must submit the Exam Supervisor Application Form at least 5 days before the exam. Incomplete or incorrect forms will delay exam release.
Step 3: Finalize the Exam Details
Once the exam supervisor and location are approved, students must:
- Arrange the exam time with their approved exam supervisor. Note: Fees charged by alternate writing locations are the responsibility of the student.
- Request their VVS teacher email the exam information to their approved exam supervisor.
Students can discuss exam writing options and expectations with their teacher. For more information about our exam policies, please see our Policies webpage.
EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS
We care about your success! If you are a student in need of special accommodations when writing VVS school exams, we can help. Available options include:
- Double Time: All students can have up to double the allotted time for exams.
- Additional Accommodations: e.g. reader or scribe (requires supporting documentation). This documentation must be provided before taking a school exam.
Required Documentation:
- Educational Assessments (5 years old or less)
- A School Support Plan (current or from your last school year)
- A Medical Note (less than 1 year old)
How to Submit: Send the documentation to vvsupport@pembinahills.ca. If you have already submitted these documents during registration, please speak with your teacher about your accommodations.
For more information about exam accommodations, please see our Online Inclusive Education Support webpage.
Photo ID Request
If you need a Vista Virtual School Student ID Card, follow these steps:
*Photo IDs are available for our primary students only.
- Email Request: Draft an email to vvsupport@pembinahills.ca with the subject line “Photo ID Request” for faster processing.
- Include a Photo: Attach a clear passport-style photo of yourself from the shoulders up on a plain background. 📸✨
- Address: Add your current mailing address to the email.
Important: Allow several weeks for processing to avoid delays on exam day.
Appeal Exams
If you need to write an appeal exam, please refer to our Examination Policies.