Taking an exam on COLE
Learn what to expect when you write an examination using the Concordia OnLine Exams (COLE) platform
For proctored exams, you will also need:
- A web camera and microphone (built-in or external)
- Your Concordia student ID card
Useful links
For auto-proctored exams, you will need Chrome or Microsoft Edge with the Proctorio extension installed in the browser. (Note: if you borrow a computer from the Library, you may need to reboot and re-install the extension.) For live online proctored exams, you will also need the Zoom desktop application. You will not be able to access other applications, websites, or browser tabs during a proctored exam, unless specifically permitted by your professor.
Make sure you complete a practice exam before exam day to get familiar with the interface and identify any system incompatibility issues.
If you are registered with the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities, you may request your exam be configured to address your accommodation needs.
To begin your exam on exam day, navigate to cole.concordia.ca. Use your Moodle credentials to log in. If you see a waiting for Moodle dialog box before or during the exam, simply refresh the page to continue.
Proctoring is a method of ensuring the person taking the exam is who they claim to be, as well as preventing cheating or downloading questions for the benefit of future students.
Concordia uses two modes of proctoring for online exams:
- Auto-proctoring through software like Proctorio, with no human intervention. The software monitors your screen and mouse activity.
- Live online proctoring with humans invigilating via video platform, like Zoom
Your course syllabus indicates whether your course requires a proctored online final exam. If you do not wish to take a proctored online final exam, you have the option of dropping the course before the DISC deadline.
Recording
With auto-proctoring, there is nobody watching you while you take your exam, but you are being recorded.
In live online proctoring, the exam invigilator watches you via Zoom while you take your exam, but you are not being recorded. (The exception is when you are suspected of academic misconduct and the invigilator invites you into a breakout room.)
How Proctorio works
An auto-proctoring service, Proctorio uses software that functions exclusively as a browser extension within the Chrome browser (although Microsoft Edge has been supported recently). Monitoring settings are determined by your professor. The software does not have access to your local machine and operates solely using your browser’s native functionality. Proctorio is active when you log into the exam and deactivates when you log out.
During an exam on Proctorio, you may, on occasion, be asked for a password at the start of the exam. Please note there is no password; simply refresh your page and you should be able to continue.
For support
Use the chat feature under the tab marked Exam Support or call COLE's toll free toll-free phone number, as indicated at the bottom of each exam page, at 1-888-202-8615.
Please confirm with your professor whether content-related questions are allowed during the exam. If yes, ask your question via the chat feature. COLE support staff will communicate your question to the professor and relay the answer back to you.
Practice exams for non-proctored exams are available on cole.concordia.ca.
For proctored exams, your professor will grant you access to a practice exam a week or so before your exam date so you can test the system and get familiar with the exam environment. Once your instructors informs you the practice exam is ready, log into cole.concordia.ca and find it on your dashboard. You only have one trial, so use it only when you are ready to proceed.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing a practice exam, please email cole@concordia.ca.
These instructional videos offer a detailed tutorial on how to use specific features.
Login screen, dashboard, practice exams
Multiple choice questions
Essay questions
Equation editor
Navigational elements
Short answers and cloze questions
Drag and drop
Download the Rave Guardian app to stay informed of any Moodle outages. In that unlikely event, expect the exam to be rescheduled quickly. Your professor will let you know the new date and time.
If your computer crashes, try re-accessing your exam. COLE saves your answers every 15 seconds so you can continue where you left off.
In case of a persistent power or internet outage, contact your professor right away to let them know. You may request an alternate exam, if available. Otherwise, you may request a deferral.
Useful links
Proctored exams
If you lose significant time while you're taking a proctored exam, you may request extended time by contacting support staff. Use the COLE live chat help tab on the right side of your screen. Staff will verify your claim and add the time you lost to your timer.
If you are ill
If you fall sick during a midterm, exit the exam and contact your professor. If you fall sick during a final exam, exit the exam and contact the Exams Office to discuss a deferral. For further support, please feel free to contact cole@concordia.ca.
Questions? Contact cole@concordia.ca
