Exams

Winter 2026 Exam Schedule*

*Please note that the exam schedule is tentative and subject to change; students are expected to remain available for the full exam period.

Policies & Best Practices

Student Availability

Students must be available for the duration of the posted exam period regardless of their personal exam schedule. This is to ensure student availability throughout the entire final exam period, in the event that an exam must be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances (university closure, power outage, storm policy, etc.).

Accommodations and Special Arrangements

Students who require special arrangements due to a disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services.

If you need to reschedule an exam for varsity, religious reasons, or work-related reasons (for part-time students only), please contact Student Services at least 10 working days before the scheduled exam time. Supporting documentation is required.

• If you cannot attend the exam for varsity reasons, have a designated University official provide a letter on University letterhead.
• If you cannot attend the exam for religious reasons, have your religious leader provide a letter stating that you are unable to be present due to a religious obligation.
• If you are a part-time student and cannot attend due to a business commitment, have your immediate supervisor provide you with a letter on company letterhead stating that you are unable to be present due to a specific job commitment.

Examination Rules

Non-compliance with the items below may be in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.
Students not complying with these rules will be referred to instructor of record for the course for investigation.

1. Do not enter until instructed to do so. (Normally, entrance will be permitted 10 minutes prior to the exam commencement.)
2. No conversation or any form of communication between candidates is permitted once you enter the exam room.
3. Students arriving 30 minutes after the start time will not be permitted to write the exam. No additional time will be provided if a student arrives late.
4. Students must place valid McMaster student card or government issued photo identification on the desk for the duration of the exam.
5. No books, papers, laptops or instruments may be taken into the examination room unless specifically noted on the exam
6. No electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, smart eyeglasses or any communication devices are permitted at your desk. All devices must be turned off and out of reach during the exam.
7. Food is not permitted in any examination room. Water is permitted provided it is in a clear, spill-proof container.
8. Articles not essential to writing the exam are NOT to be brought into this area. (Coats, handbags and small personal belongings may be left at the designated area in the exam room.) All items are left at your own risk.
9. We do not provide pencils, pens, erasers or any other supplies – you are responsible for having the supplies required for the exam. Sharing during the exam with other students is NOT permitted.
10. No exams, pink examination books, or supplies are to be removed from the examination room.
11. Students are expected to use the washroom before or after the exam – NOT during the exam. In case of emergency, the student may seek the attention of the invigilator and be escorted to the washroom.

Leaving the Examination

No student may leave an examination during the first 45-minutes of any exam. Students must leave the room immediately after handing in their examination materials.

Deferred Exam Policy

Please refer to the Deferred Exam Policy for more information.