For Students…
All Major Field and Senior Exit exams are administered in Testing in the Center for Academic Achievement.
Every year, seniors graduating in specified majors are required to take tests related to their major coursework. Tests are administered on a walk-in basis on scheduled dates and times.
What is the purpose of the major field test? The tests evaluate students’ knowledge in their major. Test results help the university and the department to evaluate the curriculum within the major. Each program participates in major field testing at least once every 5 years. Some majors establish the test as part of their graduation requirements.
When do I take the Major Field Test? The following majors are being tested during the 2011-12 calendar year. If your major appears and you do not know when you are to take the test, contact your department or Cheri Clavier in Assessment and Teaching.
What tests are happening in 2012-13?
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Media
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
The state of Tennessee requires that all seniors take a proficiency exam before graduation. The exam tests basic skills expected of all students graduating from our institution. The test we use is the California Critical Thinking Exam (CCTST), which measures critical thinking skills.
Students completing 96 hours of coursework receive an email notifying them that they are to take the Senior Exit Exam as a requirement for graduation.
What kinds of questions are on the CCTST? The California Critical Thinking Skills Test consists of 34 multiple choice questions. “Different questions progressively invite test-takers to analyze or to interpret information presented in text, charts, or images; to draw accurate and warranted inferences; to evaluate inferences and explain why they represent strong reasoning or weak reasoning; or to explain why a given evaluation of an inference is strong or weak.” http://www.insightassessment.com/About-Us/California-Critical-Thinking-Skills-Test-Family) Sample questions: http://www.insightassessment.com/CT-Resources/node_1487
Who has to take the Senior Exit Exam? The senior exit exam is a graduation requirement. Therefore, every senior (with very few exceptions), must take the exam before they can graduate.
Where do I take the Senior Exit Exam? You will take the exam in the Center for Academic Achievement, located on the first floor of Sherrod Library, during regular testing hours. If you are an online or off-campus student, you can pay to have your test proctored elsewhere.
When do I take the Senior Exit Exam? You will receive an email from our office when you have completed 96 credit hours. You can take the exam any time after that, but must take it before you graduate. You will not receive your diploma until this and all other graduation requirements are met.
How long will it take to complete the exam? It will take about one hour to complete.
What do I do if I need disability accommodations? Contact Testing Services - 423.439.6708 for information.
What do I do if English is not my primary language? Contact Testing Services or testing services - 423.439.6708 for information.
What do I do if I am a second degree student? Contact Testing Services for information and possible exemption from the exam.
What do I do if I took the exam as part of my Associate’s Degree or other degree program in Tennessee? Contact Cheri Clavier for information and possible exemption from the exam.
What do I do if I am an off-campus or online student and I want to take the test somewhere near where I live? You should contact Testing Services at 423.439.6708 to make arrangements. There will be a handling fee for off-campus proctoring.
How do I sign up for the Senior Exit Exam? You don’t have to sign up. Just come to the CFAA and take your test during posted hours.
Why should I do my best on the Senior Exit Exam? Employers and graduate programs value the ability to think clearly, solve problems, and evaluate arguments. You can use your score to show prospective employers and graduate schools that you have these abilities. Also, by doing your best on the exam, you help raise ETSU’s institutional score. The better ETSU looks, the better you look.
How will I get my score? Since you will be taking the exam online, your score will appear on the screen along with standards showing how well you did, when you complete the exam. You will be given a sheet of paper and pencil with which to write down this information.
What do I bring to the Senior Exit Exam? Bring your ETSU ID. Testing rules require that you check all items as you enter the CFAA. Your cell phone must be turned off, and you cannot have gum, food or drink in testing. You will also be asked to remove hoodies or hats. These rules help maintain security for other tests given in the CFAA.
I took the Senior Exit Exam—Why do I still have a graduation hold? There is a time lag between when the Office of Assessment and Teaching inputs names of those who have taken the test and when the graduation office removes the holds. Your hold will be removed the next time the graduation office runs its next update. This may take 2-4 weeks, but it is always completed before the final deadline for graduation.