How do you take tests for online degrees?

Attending college is not a simple task. Though the stereotypical view of a "college student" is that of a young adult, lounging with their friends in the sun, books strewn to the side as they relax and enjoy the easy life - this view is not a reality in most cases! In order to assure that students are gaining and retaining the most knowledge possible in any given subject, professors ask a great deal of work from those attending their classes. This is true of both students attending traditional campus based programs, and those who are pursuing online education.

The idea of online education programs can be a confusing for some individuals, but where both traditional, campus based college degrees and online degree programs do not vary is in the amount of work they require. One can expect to do a great deal of research and writing in both programs, but in terms of testing there is a difference between the two settings. Students in traditional programs can expect tests in the stereotypical sense — study all night, have your pencils and paper ready, close your books, and begin! Fill in those bubbles with fervor, because you only have a certain amount of time allotted! But, what happens when you don't have a classroom to go to? Or a pencil and paper with which to fill in your answers? How do the professors know if your book is open or closed?

In most cases, testing for those pursuing online degrees is different from testing in a classroom. Instead of having to perform a test at a certain time during the day — students pursuing online degrees may have a deadline by which the test needs to be submitted. There may be bubbles to fill in by clicking in an online forum, but the only regulation of whether students are allowed to have their books open or closed during testing is the "honor system." The goal of any college program is to assist the student in obtaining knowledge crucial to their success when they venture into the "real world" — their career. For this reason, in most cases, students are allowed to research answers when they are testing in the online realm (though there will always be exceptions). Time limitations are at the discretion of the professor, and will be different with each class.

In rare cases, students in online education programs may be required to take a test in a specific location. This is mainly the case of students who are pursuing online degrees from campus based programs — such as the online degree program from MIT. In this case, tests are proctored, and students are supervised while completing test questions. When completing a program through an online university that is based completely in the online realm — this is most often not the case. If you are ever required to spend any time on a campus or in a testing center, you will be informed of this when applying to the program.

Whether students are pursuing an online degree, or a degree from campus based program — they will, at some point in their college career, be required to "show up" to take tests. In the online realm, however, "showing up" really means that students must visit a certain website in order to complete the tests, when in reality, they can be sitting just about anywhere with internet access!

More Online Education Questions?

If you have more questions about online degrees, go back to our frequently asked questions about online education page, or call 1-866-944-2648 to talk with an online education expert.