The Testing Center provides testing services to meet the needs of our students. Exams are proctored in a distraction-reduced environment and testing is monitored throughout the testing period. Test proctoring is an opportunity to provide equal access to testing and does NOT provide an unfair advantage to Access & Ability Center students. Such approved accommodations include readers, writers, extended time, and/or use of assistive technology programs.
Procedures for Testing Center: Students and Instructors
Steps to follow every semester for testing in the Access & Ability Testing Center.
For Students Planning to Use the Testing Center
Note: Appointment must be requested (at least) 2 business days prior to the test date. Students are required to follow the AAC and Instructor's Test Policies at all times.
Send your FNL (Faculty Notification Letter) in AIM to your instructor before scheduling your test appointment and make sure to select the testing accommodations you intend to use, such as extended time, distraction-reduced environment, text reader, and so-on.
Schedule your test appointment in AIM at least 2 business days prior to the test date.
To make any changes to your request before the day of the exam, modify your request in the AIM Portal. If you need to make changes on the day of the exam, contact the AAC Testing Center directly.
On the day of your exam, bring any authorized test materials and arrive to your testing appointment on time.
For any make-up exams, please email the AAC Testing Center at aactesting@cos.edu
For Instructors
AAC recommends that you submit a Request for Test Assistance (RTA) at the start of the semester for your course to provide AAC with guidance on proctoring your exam. Only one form is needed per course. You can submit an RTA even if you do not have any students who has requested testing accommodations for the course.
Note: It is the student's responsibility to schedule their exam and keep you informed of their testing arrangements. AAC will send a courtesy email reminder if we have not received the exam (the day prior to a scheduled test).
Review the FNLs in your COS email from Access & Ability or your instructor AIM Portal. The FNL informs of what services student has been approved and may use for your course.
Complete the Request for Test Assistance Form in your instructor AIM Portal at the start of the semester.
Make any modifications or add additional dates to the RTA as needed.
Submit copies of the test to the Testing Center prior to the day of the exam. Options available:
Drop off to the Access & Ability Testing Center mailbox
Drop off in-person to the Testing Center
Email the exam to aacexams@cos.edu. (Only authorized staff can access this email account.)
Upload exam in AIM
Collect the completed exams for grading. The AAC Testing Center will return your exam based on the method you selected in the RTA.
Testing Center Locations and Contact Info:
COS Visalia
- Location: Lodgepole (LRC), Room 122
- Contact: Please call (559) 730 - 3805 or email AACtesting@cos.edu
COS Tulare
- Location: Building A, Student Services Desk
- Contact: Please call (559) 688 - 3000 or email AACtulare@cos.edu
COS Hanford
- Location: Vocational Ed Building.
- Contact: Please call (559) 583 - 2515 or email AAChanford@cos.edu
