Centralized Testing Center (CTC)

Welcome and Overview

Welcome to the Office of Accessible Education's (OAE) Centralized Testing Center (CTC), a multi-phase pilot project established by the Vice Provost of Student Affairs (VSPA).

In the 2025-26 academic school year, the CTC proctoring pilot will continue to facilitate a limited number of OAE accommodated exams. Specifically, the CTC will address both the proctoring and academic accommodation requirements of students who are both (1) enrolled in a participating AIWG Proctoring Pilot course; and (2) approved for specific exam accommodations. Students will be notified by course staff if they are scheduled to test at the CTC.

Please review the details below so you know what to expect when testing at the CTC as part of the AIWG Proctoring Pilot. 

Location

408 Panama Mall, 2nd floor

Take the elevator or stairwell to the 2nd floor, then exit and turn left.

Prepare in Advance

The CTC is a fragrance-free and nut-free facility

• Avoid using perfumes, colognes, body sprays, or scented lotions on the day of your exam
• Do not bring nuts or nut products to the CTC

Bring photo identification

• A photo ID is required to take a test at the CTC: your Stanford ID card, Stanford Mobile app ID, or anything government-issued (e.g., driver’s license)
• Screenshots or pictures of a photo ID are not acceptable

Arrive early

• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your exam's start time to complete the CTC check-in process.
• This will allow you time to meet the staff, check-in, and secure your belongings in a locker (if needed)
• Late arrivals will result in reduced exam time
• No adjustments will be made to extend your exam window - any time lost due to a late arrival cannot be recovered

Check-In Process

• CTC staff will check your ID and direct you to store your personal belongings in a locker
• The CTC exam proctor will take you to your assigned exam seat

Allowed items in testing space

• Writing utensils
• Permitted aid (as explicitly designated by the instructor for your exam)
• Items specifically approved in your OAE Accommodations Letter
• Non-smart watch (must not have an alarm)
• Water bottle
  • A drinking fountain and refill station is right outside the testing space
• Food - only if approved as part of accommodation (snack items only; no strong smells or crinkly wrappers)
• If needed, lockers are available to stow excess items and backpacks

Non-permitted items in testing space

• Any electronic devices, such as cell phones, smart watches, laptops, iPads, tablets, headphones or pagers
• Note: All devices must be turned off and stored in a locker
• Food or drinks

Lockers

When possible, bring only what is allowed in the testing space for your exam. In case you are coming directly from somewhere else, there are a limited number of lockers in the hallway immediately outside the CTC. 

• Items stored in the lockers must stay in the locker for the duration of the exam
  • If you have an accommodation for food/snacks or medication, take these items into the CTC
    • Avoid food/snacks that smell and wrappers that make loud sounds
• Turn off mobile phones and smart devices before leaving them outside the testing space

Proctoring at the CTC

In a standard classroom or lecture hall, in-person proctors have unobstructed lines of sight to each student. To give a single proctor at the CTC similar lines of sight to students testing in partitioned spaces or separate rooms, cameras will provide realtime video feeds that can be monitored during exams.

No Recordings

• Video feeds will be turned on and monitored - in realtime - by a proctor at the CTC during the exam period only

Closed Circuit System

• All cameras are hardwired and access is limited to the proctoring station in the CTC

During the exam

• If you have a question, please speak with the exam proctor at the reception desk

Exam questions/corrections

• If you have an exam-specific question, the CTC coordinator will contact the course instructor or TA for clarification
• If the course instructor provides an update or correction, it will be shared with you in printed format

Breaks

• Turn over your exam and leave it on your desk before leaving your exam space
• Inform the exam proctor that you'd like to take a break
• Lockers may not be accessed during breaks
• Breaks will be sequestered within the CTC testing space

Restrooms

• Accessible and all-gender restrooms are immediately outside the testing space
• Inform the exam proctor that you'd like to go to the restroom

CTC Responsibilities

• Provide approved exam accommodations and in-person proctoring for OAE students enrolled in courses participating in the AIWG Proctoring Pilot
• Observe university policy and adhere to exam parameters set by course instructors
• Report potential Honor Code violations to course instructors

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact oae-testingcenter@stanford.edu.