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Exam Rules & Policies

The pages below provide all exam-related information. Please read through these pages before asking questions on Piazza - we want to keep information consolidated.

Quick Reference

Item Details
Duration 3-4 hours (announced on release day)
Window Several days to start; once started, ends at timer expiration OR window close (whichever first); one attempt
Submissions Unlimited during attempt - submit after each exercise (plan on 10+ submissions)
Format Open-book, open-note, open-internet
Proctoring Honorlock (GT) or Proctortrack (VMM) - test setup beforehand
Camera required GT only - side-view camera; external webcam or phone required (setup guide) | VMM - regular forward-facing webcam
Devices Single computer, single monitor, one keyboard/mouse only
Copy/Paste Disabled - time limit accounts for manual typing
AI Tools Prohibited (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, etc.); search engines allowed but don't exploit AI features
Collaboration None. No working with AI bots, humans, or anything interactive.

Related Pages:

Honor Code Requirements

Academic Misconduct Warning

These rules pertain to Honor Code violations, which will result in you being reported to the Georgia Tech Office of Student Integrity and likely receiving a 0 on the exam, at a minimum. Academic misconduct in graduate programs is treated seriously.

Summary: You must complete this exam within the time limit without collaborating with other people or using prohibited AI. Any attempts to circumvent this policy will be considered an Honor Code Violation.

Prohibited: Human Collaboration

  • Working with any person via any means of communication
  • Receiving or sending exam solutions (including code fragments specifically related to the exam)

Prohibited: AI Tools

  • ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, and similar AI assistants
  • Auto-complete features in IDEs beyond basic syntax completion
  • Any tool where you provide problem context to get solutions

Prohibited: Online Help Services

  • Seeking direct help via making posts or engaging bots
  • Attempting to use any homework help service (e.g., Chegg)
  • Searching for exam solutions

Prohibited: Public Discussion

  • Do not discuss, share, or post about any aspect of the exam (including its content, structure, question order, difficulty, or anything about the exam) on any public or private platform until after the official solutions have been released

Proctoring Requirements

  • Single Device: You may only use one computer with one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse
    • If proctoring footage reveals any additional active devices, we will flag your session
    • Multiple monitors may be plugged in but unused ones must be deactivated
  • Side-View Camera (GT/Honorlock): Your camera must be set up to show a side angle of you and your workspace. This requires either an external webcam or your phone (iOS/Android). See the Honorlock side-view camera setup guide for detailed instructions. Set this up well before your first exam.
  • Webcam: Must be positioned to clearly show your face and immediate surroundings throughout the exam
    • If your workspace is not visible for the entirety of your testing window, we will conduct a manual review
  • Recording: Must clearly show you completing the work - it should be clear that you are the person typing and clicking, producing a result on the screen

AI Usage Policy

Status Tools
Prohibited ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Perplexity, and similar AI-first tools; auto-complete beyond basic syntax; any tool where you provide problem context to get solutions
Allowed Standard search engines (Google, Bing) that are not AI-first, such as Perplexity; basic AI overviews in search results (use as you would traditional search - do not attempt to exploit); reference websites and documentation

Search Engine AI Restriction

You may use Google, Bing, and common search engines even though they have some AI integration. However, you may not attempt to exploit the search engine AI or use it differently than a pre-AI Google search. Typing large chunks of the exam question into Google to get AI-generated solutions is prohibited. Working interactively to get Google AI Overview to write custom code for you is not allowed.

Syllabus AI Explanation and Context: Syllabus - AI Collaboration Policy

Exam Rules - Detailed

Timing and Submission

  • Test Window: The exam is only available during the window specified in the course schedule
  • Submission Deadline: Your exam concludes automatically at the earlier of:
    • Your personal timer expires (typically 3-4 hours after you begin)
    • The overall exam window closes for all students
    • Example: If you start at 1059 UTC Wednesday and the window closes at 1200 UTC, you only have one hour
  • No Copy/Paste: Copying and pasting code into the exam environment is forbidden. The allotted time accounts for manual typing.

Environment and Workspace

  • Private Space: You must take the exam in a private, quiet space. No other individuals may be present in the room. No talking permitted.
  • Incidental Interruptions: Brief appearances by family members or pets are understandable. Sustained presence or interaction is not allowed.
    • If a family member has a quick question or you get an urgent call, respond quickly and return to your test
  • Other Technology: No phones, tablets, or other computers around you. Everything must be visibly off and not in use.
  • Unusual Circumstances: If something happened that won't be obvious during review, make a private Piazza post after the exam with a brief explanation.

What IS Allowed

The exam is open-note, open-book, and open-internet. You may use any resources that don't involve collaborating with another person, using AI tools, or directly asking for help.

Course Materials

  • Notebooks and solutions (yours + instructor)
  • Practice exams and solutions
  • Bootcamp materials including Colab notebooks, TA solutions, videos, chat transcripts
  • Notes (hand-written, digital, etc.)

Internet Resources

  • Google search and general coding forums (read-only)
  • Piazza posts (read and search only, no posting, except privately if you have a technical issue)
  • Sites like regex101, pythontutor, etc. (interactive sites without collaboration)

Software and Tools

  • Local IDEs (warning: copy/paste disabled makes this impractical - see FAQ)
  • Non-collaboration software (note apps, music apps, screenshot tools, etc.)

During the Exam

  • Short breaks (<5 minutes; if longer, speak into camera with explanation)
  • Eating/drinking
  • Music with headphones (no speakers)

General Rule: If it doesn't conflict with the "no collaboration" and proctoring/tech requirements above, it's generally allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Info

Use CTRL-F or the site's search function to find answers. For technical questions about grading, proctoring setup, or getting help during the exam, see Taking the Exam.

Exam Basics

  1. How do exams work? - Review the Taking the Exam guide, course syllabus, and exam release notes.

  2. When does the exam open? - Check the course schedule. Exams are released at 1200 UTC on the listed date.

  3. Can I take the exam earlier/later? - No. We develop and test until release, and need to close promptly for solutions. If circumstances prevent you from taking it, make a private Piazza post ahead of time.

  4. The time limit is X hours but the schedule says 5 days? - You have X hours once you start, or until the window closes, whichever is first. The timer starts when you enter and cannot be paused. Starting at 2:06pm Sunday = ending at 6:06pm Sunday (for a 4-hour exam).

What's Allowed

  1. What is "open-book, open-note, open-internet"? - You can use any physical book, notes, course materials, and internet resources. You cannot communicate with another person or view posted solutions.

  2. Can we see old exams? - Yes. Practice problems are posted ~2 weeks before each exam.

  3. What is allowed during the exam? - See the "What IS Allowed" section above.

  4. Can I google the whole question? - Technically allowed, but if you're trying to trick Google AI Overview into solving it or hunting for answers, that's prohibited. With copy/paste disabled, there's no reason to type full questions anyway.

Proctoring

  1. What happens if I cause a flag in the proctoring software? - Many allowed behaviors cause flags (leaving camera view, noise, looking at notes). We review them, but unless there's evidence of collaboration or viewing solutions, we don't raise violations. We've used these services for years without false positives.

  2. I saw someone discussing the test - Report it via private Piazza post with screenshots. You're not penalized for stumbling upon anything.

Communication

  1. Can I reach staff via Canvas, Email, LinkedIn, etc.? - No. Piazza is the only monitored platform. Ensure private posts are visible to "instructors" (not specific individuals).

Exam Release Notes

Exam duration, exercises, and scoring cap are announced shortly before each exam opens: