The SPEX is a proctored examination. Examinees must comply with all directions and instructions provided by the proctors. Failure to do so may result in a determination of irregular behavior. Reference materials (i.e., books, notes, papers, or other sources) may not be consulted. Examinees are not permitted to bring personal belongings into the testing area.

Test center staff are not authorized to answer questions from examinees regarding examination content, testing software, or scoring.

If staff observe examinees violating test administration rules or engaging in other forms of irregular behavior during an examination, the center staff will not necessarily tell examinees of the observation at the time of the examination. Test center staff are required to report such incidents to the PLAS program; each report is fully investigated.

Timing for each section of SPEX is computer-controlled, and a "Time Remaining" box is displayed on the computer screen. Throughout the examination, calculators, electronic pagers, watches of any type and cellular telephones are prohibited.