ISE Exam Instructions

The written exam will take place in person at a designated location on the USC University Park Campus.

Before the Exam

1. Check Laptop Operating System
   You must bring a fully charged laptop that meets the following requirements:
   • Windows 10 or Windows 11 (S Mode and SE are not supported)
   • macOS 12 to 26.0+
   • iPadOS 15 + (must be compatible with Brightspace)
   • If your device does not meet these requirements, please update it or obtain another device before your exam date.
2. Install Respondus LockDown Browser
   • Download and install the LockDown Browser: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=945755274.
3. Complete the Technology Check (Required)
   Two business days before your exam, you will be added to the ALI ISE Technology Check course in Brightspace. To access and complete the Technology Check, please follow the steps below:
   • Log in to Brightspace using your USC NetID.
   • Open the ALI ISE Technology Check course.
   • Launch LockDown Browser.
   • Click Begin.
   • Complete the Technology Check.
   • Click Submit.

Please note that the Technology Check is a mandatory step that needs to be completed to ensure that you have the technological capability required to access the exam. You are strongly advised to complete the Technology Check as soon as you have access to the course.

If you have any difficulty downloading the Respondus Lockdown Browser or signing into Brightspace, please email askali@usc.edu.

On Exam Day

Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam start time to check in at the exam location. You will need to bring the following items:

• Your fully charged laptop
• Your USC ID or passport

After you check in:

• Connect to USC Secure Wireless Wi-Fi.
• Log in to Brightspace with your USC NetID.
• Wait for the testing proctor’s instructions.

You will be given 50 minutes to complete the written exam.

Important Exam Rules

During the exam:

• Follow all instructions from the testing staff.
• Turn off and put away all other electronic devices, including phones, earbuds, smart watches, and tablets.
• Keep your desk clear.
• Do not use AI tools, notes, or outside help.
• Your written exam may be submitted to Turnitin, an anti-plagiarism software, for potential plagiarism.

If you do not follow these rules, your exam may be invalidated under USC academic integrity policies.

After you finish the written exam, you will receive a Zoom link to your USC email. For more detailed information about the ISE Oral Exam, please see the video here.

To complete your Oral Exam, please follow the steps below:

• Sign in to your USC Zoom account at zoom.us.
  • For assistance logging into Zoom, visit here
• Join your Zoom meeting 15 minutes early.
• Have your USC ID or passport ready.

Please be aware of the following Oral Exam Guidelines:

• Be in a quiet room by yourself.
• Use a stable internet connection.
• Keep your camera on so your face and hands are visible.
• Earbuds and headphones are not permitted during the exam. Please be prepared to use your computer’s built-in speakers and microphone. If you have a documented medical condition that requires the use of an earpiece or other audio device, please contact the ALI office as soon as possible. All accommodation requests and required documentation must be submitted and approved before the day of the exam. The oral exam will be recorded but no outside recording will be allowed.
• Do not use pre-written notes, memorized scripts, AI tools, or receive help from another person.

If you enter Zoom and see “Waiting for the host“, please stay in the Zoom meeting room. Your examiner will join you as soon as they are available. You may need to wait up to 60 minutes.

The oral exam will take about 7–8 minutes.

IMPORTANT: It is imperative that you follow instructions and not engage in any forms of academic dishonesty which can result in exam invalidation or other consequences as stated in University policy.

Please note: If you are an International Teaching Assistant (ITA), you will not take the oral portion of the ISE Exam. You will need to take the ITA Exam instead. You can request an appointment for the ITA Exam at itatest@usc.edu.