Fact Check: Are wgu exams open book?

Are WGU Exams Open Book?

The claim that "WGU exams are open book" has been a topic of discussion among students and prospective enrollees of Western Governors University (WGU). This claim raises questions about the nature of assessments at WGU, particularly regarding whether students can use resources during exams. This article will explore the available information and analyze the reliability of the sources discussing this claim.

What We Know

1. Assessment Structure: WGU employs a unique assessment model that includes both pre-assessments and final exams, referred to as Objective Assessments. Pre-assessments are designed to help students gauge their knowledge before attempting the final exams 9.

2. Proctored vs. Non-Proctored Exams: Historically, WGU has utilized proctored exams, which are monitored to ensure academic integrity. However, recent discussions suggest a shift towards non-proctored, open-book exams. For example, a Reddit post from February 2025 claims that WGU will no longer require proctored exams and will allow open-book formats 3.

3. Student Experiences: Some students have reported that while certain assessments are open book, others remain proctored and closed book. A post on the allnurses forum indicates that some exams do not allow the use of notes or books 6. Conversely, other sources suggest that some projects and assessments may functionally be open book due to their format 5.

4. Institutional Policies: The WGU Knowledge Center and Institutional Catalog are intended to provide official policies regarding assessments, but specific details about the open-book nature of exams are not readily available from these sources 12.

Analysis

Source Reliability

• Official WGU Sources: The WGU Knowledge Center and Institutional Catalog are authoritative sources, but the lack of accessible information on their pages limits their usefulness in confirming the claim about open-book exams 12. The absence of specific policies raises questions about transparency.

• Student Forums and Discussions: Sources like Reddit and allnurses provide anecdotal evidence from current and former students. While these can offer insights into student experiences, they are subjective and may not reflect the official stance or all students' experiences 36. Additionally, these platforms can be biased, as they may represent vocal minorities rather than the broader student body.

• Media and Blogs: Articles from sites like College Hacked and personal blogs provide mixed information. For instance, while one blog suggests that exams are not proctored and are effectively open book, another emphasizes the historical presence of proctored exams 59. The credibility of these sources varies, as they may not be directly affiliated with WGU.

Conflicts of Interest

Some sources, particularly those from student forums or blogs, may have inherent biases based on personal experiences or agendas. For example, students expressing frustration with proctored exams might emphasize the open-book claim to advocate for change. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the motivations behind these narratives.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence surrounding the claim is largely anecdotal, with few official confirmations. The transition to non-proctored, open-book exams, as mentioned in some discussions, lacks a clear timeline or official announcement from WGU, which complicates the verification process. Further, the reliance on student experiences means that the information may not be uniformly applicable across all programs or courses.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To better understand the nature of WGU exams, the following information would be beneficial:

• Official statements from WGU regarding current assessment policies and any upcoming changes.
• Detailed descriptions of the types of assessments in various programs, including whether they are open book or proctored.
• Surveys or studies reflecting the experiences of a broader range of students to gauge the prevalence of open-book exams.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "WGU exams are open book" is partially true. Evidence suggests that while some assessments at WGU may allow the use of resources, others remain proctored and closed book. Student experiences indicate a mix of both formats, but the lack of clear, official guidance from WGU complicates the overall understanding of their assessment policies.

It is important to note that the evidence supporting this claim is largely anecdotal and varies significantly among different programs and courses. The absence of definitive statements from WGU regarding the nature of their exams leaves room for uncertainty. As such, readers should approach this information with caution and consider the variability in experiences among students.

In conclusion, while there is some basis for the claim, the nuances and limitations in the available evidence warrant a careful evaluation. Readers are encouraged to critically assess information and seek out official sources for the most accurate understanding of WGU's exam policies.

Sources

1. WGU Knowledge Center - Assessment Policies. WGU Knowledge Center
2. WGU Institutional Catalog. WGU Institutional Catalog
3. Reddit discussion on WGU exams. Reddit
4. DegreeForum discussion on WGU alternatives. DegreeForum
5. College Hacked article comparing universities. College Hacked
6. Allnurses forum on WGU proctored testing. Allnurses
7. TechExams community discussion on WGU testing. TechExams
8. YouTube video on Study.com changes. YouTube
9. Felix Wong's blog on WGU MBA experience. Felix Wong
10. YouTube video on WGU proctored exams. YouTube