School of Medicine exams
Certain School of Medicine exams and other assessments are administered through online assessment platforms called risr/assess and the Prescribing Skills Assessment via the British Pharmacological Society website.
What you need to know
From Semester 1, 2026 exams and assessments requiring face-to-face supervision require students to bring their own device (i.e. a laptop) for use during these exams.
Minimum BYOD requirements
- Deakin WiFi network Eduroam : You must test Eduroam at one of the Deakin campuses or medical schools before the exam period commences.
- Operating system: Refer to Deakin’s computing requirements for further information.
- Updated browser: (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) in its latest version. Test you can access the online assessment platforms on your device before the exam period commences.
- Refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines for more information on how to prepare yourself and your device for study at Deakin.
Please also note the following regarding BYOD exams
- Bring a fully charged laptop device and a compatible charging cable or portable charger to your exam, as these will not be supplied by Deakin.
- External mouse (USB connected or Bluetooth) is allowed.
Equipment not permitted in the exam
- Mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets and iPads, are not supported by the University for exam use and are not permitted in the exam.
- Other IT peripherals including external monitors, keyboards and USB devices are not allowed to be brought into the exam venue.
No suitable device?
- If you are experiencing financial difficulties, explore financial assistance options. You may also access support through the Dell Student Purchase Program and Interest-Free Loans (pending approval of application).
- Refer to IT support and systems for further information.
- If you are still experiencing difficulties with sourcing a suitable device, please contact Student Results and Assessment Services via assess-on@deakin.edu.au.
An exam supervisor will always be present during the exam.
It's important that you familiarise yourself with the following face-to-face supervised exam procedures to ensure your exam experience is positive.
Exam location
Your campus and Deakin Medical School exam venue and seat number details will be confirmed on TimeEdit approximately one week prior to the start of the exam period. If you are not familiar with the exam venue, we suggest you visit the location/room prior to your exam.
View exam location maps for each campus
View Deakin Medical School – Ballarat–Grampians map
View Pyrenees House, Ararat map
Exam duration
You have a fixed time to complete the exam. risr/assess exams have an additional 30 minutes (15 minutes reading + 15 minutes technical support time) included in the exam duration. The Prescribing Skills Assessment exam duration is set for 2 hours by the British Pharmacological Society Assessments Team.
Students with approved alternative assessment arrangements by the Disability Resource Centre will have various exam durations based on their adjustments.
Arrival time
You must arrive at your exam room 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam start time to ensure you can log on to your computer, connect to eduroam and be ready to start on time. If you arrive after the scheduled exam start time you will not be admitted to your exam.
What you will need
Identity check
The exam supervisor will check your Deakin Student Card or another accepted form of ID such as a driver's license, passport or official national identity card before entering the exam venue. If you do not have a Deakin Card, visit our Deakin Card webpage or drop in to Student Central before your exam day.
Exam login credentials
You will need to connect to the Deakin WiFi network Eduroam. You must test Eduroam at your Deakin campus or medical school location before the exam period commences.
The risr/assess login requires your student number as both username and password.
For your Prescribing Skills Assessment, you will need to know your Deakin email and the BPSA password.
Please also ensure you know your Deakin credentials in the event that you are required to use a Deakin backup laptop to complete your exam.
Communication
On the timetable release date, you will receive a notification via SMS and your Deakin email informing you that your personal exam timetable is now available on TimeEdit. It is essential that you check your exam date and time once the timetable has been released.
Approximately one week before the exam period, you will receive an SMS/email reminder that includes important exam information such as your exam venue details and seat number. It is crucial that you carefully read and understand the contents of the communication leading up to your exam/s.
How to prepare
You can help to make your exam as smooth as possible by knowing what to expect. Before the exam period commences, you should:
- Ensure your device is up to date and in good working order.
- Know what to do on exam day.
- Read the exam rules.
- Read the frequently asked questions.
- Read this helpful exam preparation guide.
When you arrive
Arrive at your exam location 30 minutes before your scheduled exam start time.
- Locate your exam room as per your timetable venue details on TimeEdit.
- If you have not already confirmed on your exam timetable, check your seat number on the seating list outside the room.
- Present your Deakin Card to the room supervisor for identification and confirmation of your attendance.
- Know your student number to access risr/assess and your Deakin email and log on details for your Prescribing Skill Assessment.
In the exam room
- Take the seat assigned to you.
- Place your Deakin Card on the right-hand side of the desk.
- Log in to your laptop and connect to the Deakin WiFi network Eduroam.
- Open Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge internet browser. Refer to the student handout for directions on the best browser to use for your exam platform.
- In your browser, go to your relevant URL for your exam provided on your Exam Instruction Sheet located on your exam desk.
- Once you are in the relevant Exam Platform home page, please follow the Instruction sheet for login instructions.
- After you are logged in prepared for your exam, your room supervisor will provide you with further instructions about five minutes before the scheduled exam start time.
- If your laptop is not working or you are having trouble logging in, raise your hand to notify the exam supervisor.
- Phones must be turned off or on silent mode and placed under your desk with all bags, purses, wallets.
- All watches, including smart watches and fitness trackers are to be removed and placed at the front of the desk.
During the exam
- Your answers are automatically saved to the server.
- If you 'log off' by mistake during the exam, you will not be able to log back in by yourself. Please raise your hand for assistance from the exam supervisor.
- Toilet breaks are allowed during the exam; please raise your hand to alert the exam supervisor. You will need to minimise your browser before leaving your seat.
- risr/assess has a countdown timer at the top of the exam screen that will guide you as to how much time is remaining in the exam. There will be a 5-minute remaining reminder on the screen. The room supervisor will make an announcement when there is 10 minutes to the end of the exam duration.
- Prescribing Skill Assessment students can track their time using the clock on their laptop. The room supervisor will make an announcement when there is 15 minutes to the end of the exam duration.
- If you complete all your exam questions early, you can submit your exam as per the submitting instructions on the Exam Instruction Sheet. Please notify the supervisor that you have finished, close the browser and log off your device. You are required to remain in the room for the first two hours, if this period has elapsed then you may leave the room quietly with any belongings. No working out sheets should be removed from the exam room.
End of exam
- You will be prompted by the exam supervisor once your exam time has finished.
- Once the exam time is over and you cannot answer any further questions, you must submit your exams as per the instructions on the Exam Instruction Sheet.
- You can then close the browser and log off your device.
- No working out sheets should be removed from the exam room.
- Remember to collect your personal belongings before leaving.
The following rules apply to on campus and rural health site exams:
| Compliance | You must not access any reference materials including printed, written or online reference materials unless it is an authorised resource as part of your exam. If you arrive after the exam start time at the venue you will not be permitted to start the exam. You must not access unauthorised websites or content including email, search engines, translation tools, collaboration tools, GoogleDocs, SharePoint or Cloud storage platforms. You must not capture, record, store or share exam content or questions. You must remain in the exam room for a two hour duration (except for toilet breaks) even if you have submitted the exam early. You are expected to act with academic integrity in accordance with the Deakin student academic integrity policy and procedure. |
| Collaboration | You must work alone. You must not view another student's computer screen. You must not communicate with any other student or unauthorised person during the exam. |
| Required identification | Bring your Deakin Card (Student ID) or another accepted form of photo ID such as a driver’s licence, passport or official national identity card. |
| Materials not permitted during the exam | Headsets, earbuds or ear pods. Electronic devices other than the computer used to complete the exam, including external monitors and keyboards. Devices with AI capabilities (such as smart pens and smart glasses) must not be used during the exam. Pencil cases are not allowed. A small, clear plastic bag should be used instead. Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent and placed under your seat with your belongings. All purses/wallets and keys must be kept in your bag. Bags are to be placed under your desk and must not be accessed during the exam. All watches including smart watches and fitness trackers must be removed and placed at the front of the desk out of reach. All alarms and alerts must be switched off. |
| Materials permitted during the exam | Deakin supplied ear plugs upon request to supervisor. A simple calculator is allowed not Scientific. There is an online calculator for the Prescribing Skills Assessment. Only devices whose primary function is that of a calculator are permitted for use (phones/tablets/iPads etc must not be used as calculators). Paper will be provided for making notes or calculations. Pen or pencil – you will need to bring your own. Bottled water and limited food are allowed, provided they do not cause distraction to other students. e.g. noisy packaging or with a strong smell. |
| Materials not to be removed | Notes and calculation sheets are to be left on the desk; these will be collected by the exam supervisor at the end of the exam. |
| Exam adjustments | Authorised rest or medical breaks are allowed by prior approval from Disability Resource Centre. |
Alternative arrangements
Special assistance required to complete an exam
If you require special assistance to sit an exam on campus or at your designated Clinical School, contact our Disability Resource Centre at least 2 weeks before the exam period. If adjustments to your exam are approved, you will be advised via email.
Additional information and help
- For any inquiries related to your assessment, please contact your Unit Chair.
- Applications for special consideration must include current supporting documentary evidence. Successful applications will, in most cases, result in a special exam. Your school will notify you directly of any special exam. Be aware that consideration in marking is not an outcome of special consideration. For more information, please visit our Special consideration webpage.
What if my computer fails?
If your laptop encounters an issue, raise your hand to notify the exam supervisor. The supervisor will provide support where possible. If the problem cannot be resolved, you may be provided a backup laptop. If the problem cannot be resolved, then you may be instructed to conclude the exam.
I am in the virtual waiting room – do I need a PIN?
No, you do not need a PIN. The exam will start automatically at the designated exam start. Just wait here.
After I submitted, I realised I missed a question. If there is time left, can I get back into it?
No. Once you submit your exam, you cannot access it again.
How can I save my questions?
All your answers are automatically saved to the server.
I forgot to check if I have answered all the questions before submitting the exam.
When you click the 'finish' button and the 'ready to finish' box appears, it will indicate if you have answered all the questions. You can elect to either click the 'continue exam' button if you still have any unanswered questions, or the 'submit exam' button if you are ready to submit.
I cannot log into risr/assess front screen. I keep getting an error message.
Please make sure you have typed in the correct URL and there are no typos.
How do I log into risr/assess? I am trying to use my Deakin credentials and username.
risr/assess only needs your student number as both the username and password.
How do I know my exam is submitted successfully?
Once the 'submit exam' button is successfully clicked the exam will end and you will be logged out of risr/assess. This is confirmation that the exam has been successfully submitted.
I cannot remember my Prescribing Skills Password.
Notify your exam supervisor. They will contact the CaSE Team who will organise for your password to be reset.
How do I log into the BPS Platform?
- Go to URL https://hub.bpsassessment.com, enter your email address and password.
- Under eAssessment you will see the assessment you have been registered for. Choose Start – this will take you to the introduction/holding page where you will wait until you receive the password.
I’m on the Introductory page, when will I receive the password?
The exam supervisor will provide the password to you just prior to the exam start time.
I’ve been disconnected from the exam.
- Raise your hand and notify the supervisor immediately.
- The supervisor will provide you with further instructions for re-entering the exam.
Once you have logged back in, resume your exam. You will find your answers automatically saved.
After I have clicked on the 'Exit Assessment', I realised I missed a question. If there is time left, can I get back into it?
No. Once you click on 'Exit Assessment', you cannot access it again.
I have lost time because of technical issues. Can I get extra time?
This will be at the discretion of the exam supervisor who will advise you if you are allowed extra time for technical issues.
How can I save my answers?
All your answers are automatically saved to the server.
Has my exam submitted successfully?
If you clicked on the ‘Exit Assessment’ button, then your exam has been successfully submitted and saved.
Can we use control/command + F to find text in AMH in the exam without reading large blocks of info?
Yes, you can use control/command + F to find text.
Can we use command + F to split screens?
Yes, you are allowed to split your screen.
If you are required to sit a further assessment exam you will be notified of your exam date/time and venue details by your respective Unit Chair.
These details will not be displayed on TimeEdit.
risr/assess exams will be on campus or at the Deakin Medical School – Ballarat-Grampians or Pyrenees House, Ararat with in-person supervision.