Cloud Top G Examination Policy

Last Updated date: November 1st, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 At Cloud Top G, our examinations are designed to reflect the same standard of excellence we expect from our learners. This policy sets out the expectations for exam conduct, provides procedures for those who may encounter genuine challenges, and defines the consequences of not meeting required academic obligations.

We are committed to ensuring that every learner is assessed through a fair, consistent, and transparent process. Upholding integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all assessments safeguards the quality of our programs and reinforces our mission to prepare learners for success in cloud engineering at a global level.

1.2 This policy applies to all assessments conducted by Cloud Top G, including but not limited to:

  • Entrance Exams (objective admission tests)
  • Practical Assessments (hands-on labs, coding tasks, projects)
  • Semester Exams (module or term-end assessments)
  • Final/Capstone Assessments

2. Standards of Academic Integrity

At Cloud Top G, integrity is the foundation of our learning community. Cheating or plagiarism is not just about breaking rules — it undermines the trust and accountability that define our program. To succeed here, every learner must commit to honesty, responsibility, and professionalism in how they approach exams and assignments.

2.1 Cheating

Cheating is defined as any attempt to gain an unfair advantage during assessments by using methods or resources that are not permitted.

Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

  • Copying another learner’s assignment, project setup, or environment.
  • Sharing answers, solutions, or exam content through private chats, discussion groups, or other informal channels.
  • Using AI tools, code generators, or other automated software during closed exams, unless specifically authorized.
  • Fabricating, altering, or misrepresenting results, data, or information in projects, labs, or reports.

The principle is simple: if a resource or method is not officially allowed, using it counts as cheating.

2.2 Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when a learner presents someone else’s work, words, or ideas as their own without proper acknowledgment.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Submitting another learner’s project (in whole or in part) under your own name.
  • Copying from GitHub repositories, coding forums, websites, or other online sources without giving credit.
  • Copying or pasting content from articles, blogs, or study resources without citation.

Plagiarism weakens the value of your own learning. Cloud Top G expects learners to always acknowledge sources and demonstrate their own understanding, even when building on existing ideas.

2.3 Collaboration

Collaboration is an important part of learning, but it must be done within the boundaries set for each assessment.

  • Learners may discuss concepts during practicals, assignments, and exam preparation.
  • However, submissions must always reflect individual effort, unless an instructor has explicitly designated the task as group work.
  • In group projects, learners must clearly state their collaborators so contributions are transparent.

The line is clear: discussion is welcome, duplication is not.

2.4 Individual Work

For assessments specifically marked as individual work:

  • Learners must complete the entire task independently.
  • No sharing of files, screenshots, or solutions is permitted.
  • Any attempt to exchange or reuse another learner’s work will be treated as misconduct.

2.5 Catch-All Clause

Cloud Top G recognizes that new forms of misconduct may arise as technology evolves. Therefore, any action that undermines fairness, accountability, or the integrity of our examinations will be treated as a violation, even if it is not explicitly listed in this policy.


3. AUTHENTICITY OF SUBMISSIONS

3.1. Learner’s Own Work

All coursework, assignments, and projects must reflect the learner’s personal effort, understanding, and skills. Submitting work that has been completed by someone else, or heavily relying on external materials without acknowledgment, is considered a violation of this policy. The goal is to ensure that assessments accurately demonstrate each learner’s true ability and growth.

3.2. Submission Formats

Different tasks may require different forms of submission. For example:

  • A GitHub repository for coding or cloud infrastructure projects.
  • A PDF report or documentation file for written analysis, case studies, or technical explanations.
  • A video demonstration for presentations, walkthroughs, or proof of practical implementation.

The exact submission format will always be clearly communicated in the assignment or exam instructions. Learners are expected to follow the given format carefully, as failing to do so may affect grading.

3.3. Use of References

When learners use information, ideas, or direct wording from external sources (such as articles, tutorials, documentation, or published works), they must provide proper citations or references. This includes paraphrased material as well as direct quotes. Referencing is not meant to discourage the use of learning materials; rather, it ensures academic honesty and gives credit to original authors.

3.4. Integrity in Collaborative Work

In cases where collaboration is permitted, each learner must still ensure that their individual contribution is original. Joint projects must clearly state who contributed to which parts. For all individual assessments, submissions must be solely the learner’s own work.

3.5. Verification of Authenticity

Cloud Top G reserves the right to review submissions using plagiarism detection tools, GitHub commit histories, or manual checks to verify originality. Learners may be asked to explain their work during a review to confirm authorship.


4. CONSEQUENCES OF POLICY VIOLATIONS

4.1. Automatic Forfeiture of Points

Any learner found violating this policy will immediately lose all credit for the affected exam, assignment, or project. This means that even if the work was otherwise correct, it will be graded as a zero once misconduct is confirmed.

4.2. Additional Disciplinary Measures

Depending on the seriousness of the violation, Cloud Top G may take further action beyond forfeiting exam points. These actions may include:

  • Formal Academic Warning – An official notice placed on the learner’s record. Repeated violations after a warning may lead to stricter penalties.
  • Temporary Suspension – Removal from classes, exams, or program activities for a specified period. During this time, the learner cannot participate in assessments and may fall behind in their studies.
  • Expulsion – Permanent removal from Cloud Top G. Learners who are expelled for misconduct will lose their place in the program and will not be entitled to refunds for fees already paid.

4.3. Impact on Future Enrollment

Learners who violate the policy may also face restrictions on re-enrolling in future cohorts or programs at Cloud Top G. In severe cases, the institution may decide that the learner is no longer eligible to join Cloud Top G again.

4.4. Case-by-Case Review

While these consequences set the standard response, the Academic Review Committee reserves the right to review each case individually and decide the most appropriate disciplinary action, based on the evidence and severity of the violation.


5. FORMALLY COMMUNICATING EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

Cloud Top G understands that life can present unexpected challenges that may interfere with a learner’s ability to complete exams on time. While we hold all learners to high standards, we also recognize the importance of compassion and fairness in addressing genuine difficulties.

5.1 Formal Notification

Learners who are facing serious circumstances that could prevent them from taking or completing an exam must formally notify Cloud Top G in writing. All requests must be sent via email to learning@cloudtopg.com. Other channels (such as social media or direct messages to instructors) will not be considered official communication.

5.2 Advance Notice Requirement

Notification must be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled exam. This allows the Academic Review Committee sufficient time to assess the situation and determine appropriate support or adjustments.

5.3 Review and Decision Process

All requests will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee, which will decide whether accommodations should be granted. Possible accommodations may include:

  • Rescheduling the exam.
  • Extending the submission deadline.
  • Providing alternative assessment formats (if justified).

Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account fairness to all learners and the integrity of the exam process.

5.4 Emergency Situations

In genuine emergencies (such as hospitalization, serious illness, or bereavement), learners may still submit a request after the exam date has passed. However, these cases must be supported with verifiable documentation (e.g., hospital reports, medical notes, or official letters).

Cloud Top G reserves the right to reject requests that lack evidence or that do not fall within the definition of extenuating circumstances.


6. IMPLICATIONS OF MISSED EXAMS WITHOUT APPROVAL

Examinations are a critical part of measuring progress and readiness at Cloud Top G. Missing an exam without proper approval undermines both the learning process and the fairness owed to other learners. For this reason, strict rules apply.

6.1 Automatic Transfer to Next Cohort

Any learner who misses an exam without prior institutional approval will be automatically moved to the next cohort. This is treated as non-performance of an academic requirement, meaning the learner cannot continue in their current program timeline.

6.2 Requirement to Retake the Semester

Learners who are moved to the next cohort must:

  • Retake the full semester alongside the new group, regardless of the progress they had made in their original cohort.
  • Pay all tuition fees applicable to the repeated semester. Fees already paid for the missed term cannot be carried over or refunded.

This ensures that learners re-engage with the material fully and meet all academic requirements before graduating.

6.3 Limited Exceptions

Exceptions to this rule may be granted only in rare circumstances where Cloud Top G formally chooses to overlook the missed exam. Such decisions are made at the sole discretion of the institution, and only in cases where fairness and accountability can still be maintained.

Cloud Top G emphasizes that casual reasons — such as poor time management, forgetting exam dates, or non-urgent personal matters — will not be considered valid grounds for exception.


7. EXAM FORMAT AND DURATION

7.1. Examinations at Cloud Top G may take different forms, including objective entrance tests, practical hands-on assessments, coding projects, written reports, and capstone presentations.

7.2. Each exam will have a clearly defined completion window, which will be communicated in advance. For example:

  • Entrance exams may be timed in hours.
  • Practical and semester assessments may span several days or up to one week.
  • Capstone projects may require longer submission periods.

7.3. Learners are responsible for managing their time effectively within the stated duration. Submissions after the deadline will not be accepted unless officially approved under extenuating circumstances.


8. TECHNICAL READINESS

8.1. Since Cloud Top G assessments are conducted online and often involve cloud-based platforms, it is the learner’s responsibility to ensure technical readiness before and during the exam period.

8.2. This includes:

  • Reliable access to a stable internet connection.
  • A functional computer or device that meets required technical specifications.
  • Properly configured accounts and permissions for cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).

8.3. Technical issues such as device failure, poor internet connectivity, or account inaccessibility will not normally be accepted as valid reasons for missed deadlines or incomplete exams. Learners are encouraged to test their setup well in advance.


9. ASSESSMENT APPEALS PROCESS

9.1. Cloud Top G is committed to ensuring fairness in all assessments. Learners who believe that an exam result or disciplinary decision was made in error or handled unfairly may submit an appeal.

9.2. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Academic Review Committee with learning@cloudtopg.com within 7 days of receiving the result or decision. Appeals submitted after this timeframe will not be considered.

9.3. A valid appeal should include:

  • A clear statement of the decision being challenged.
  • Supporting evidence or justification for the appeal.
  • The specific outcome the learner is seeking (e.g., review of grading, reconsideration of penalty).

9.4. The Academic Review Committee will review the case and issue a decision. The Committee’s decision will be final and binding.


10. VARIATION OF POLICY

At Cloud Top G, we are committed to keeping our academic standards and processes aligned with best practices in education and industry expectations. As technology, regulations, and learning needs evolve, it may be necessary to adjust our examination policies.

10.1 Right to Update

Cloud Top G reserves the full right to update, amend, or modify this Examination Policy whenever required. Updates may be made to strengthen academic integrity, improve learner experience, or respond to new challenges in the educational environment.

10.2 Communication of Changes

All changes to this policy will take effect immediately once they have been communicated through any of the institution’s official channels. These channels may include, but are not limited to:

  • The Cloud Top G official website
  • The learner portal or dashboard
  • Official email notifications

10.3 Learner Responsibility

By continuing enrollment, learners are expected to stay informed about policy updates. Failure to read or acknowledge these updates does not exempt a learner from compliance.

This ensures that Cloud Top G maintains both the flexibility to adapt and the accountability to communicate changes transparently.


11. COMPLIANCE

By enrolling in Cloud Top G, learners acknowledge that they have read and understood this Examination Policy and agree to be bound by its terms.