Bring your own device

using your private laptop for exams

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. In short, it means you bring your own laptop to take a digital exam. Starting from block 2 this academic year (2025/2026), you’ll be able to take exams on your own laptop. On this page, you’ll find all the key information. To make this possible in a safe and secure way, AUAS uses the software tool Schoolyear.

The Schoolyear software makes it possible to securely take a digital exam on your own laptop. It ensures that your exam runs full screen and blocks all other programs and websites during the exam. More information about Schoolyear.

To prepare properly for your exam, make sure to go through the following steps:

  1. Run the laptopcheck at home and make sure your laptop is up to date. Do this well in advance. Want to be sure your laptop passed the check? Visit this page.
  2. Make sure your laptop is fully charged and bring your charger just in case. Also don’t forget your (wireless) mouse if you prefer working with one.
  3. Check rooster.hva.nl/schedule for your exam location and arrive on time.
  4. Bring a valid ID.
  5. Connect to the AUAS wifi network before your exam starts.
  6. Open the exam application (such as Ans) to start the exam. Don’t worry if your laptop restarts automatically; this is part of the process and only takes a minute. For more information on what to expect, check the manual.

Most laptops will work with Schoolyear. Here you can find the minimum requirements for your laptop.

Note: Schoolyear does not run on Chromebooks, and if you own a MacBook, you can’t use Safari. However, Schoolyear does work with browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

If your laptop doesn’t meet the requirements, you can request a loan laptop from your faculty’s exam or education office (see contact details).

Important: Requests must be made at least two weeks before the exam. Numbers are limited, so be on time. Don’t forget to explain in your request why you need one.

If you don’t have a laptop, or if yours doesn’t pass the laptop check, you can request a loan laptop from your faculty’s exam or education office (see contact details).

Loan laptop request form

Important: You must request a loan laptop at least two weeks before your exam. The number of loan laptops is limited, so be on time. Don’t forget to explain in your request why you need one.

Yes. During the laptop check, Schoolyear will download the software on your laptop. This is very straightforward, the program will guide you step by step. Make sure to do this well in advance.

Check the Schoolyear website for solutions to common problems. Still not working? Then you can request a loan laptop from your faculty’s exam or education office (see contact details).
Important: Request it at least two weeks before the exam. Numbers are limited, so be on time. Don’t forget to explain why you need one.

Schoolyear only processes personal data that’s needed to securely run your exam. Because it’s only used as blocking software on AUAS locations, it never makes audio, webcam or screen recordings. AUAS has a data processing agreement with Schoolyear to guarantee the security of your data.

Privacy Statement Schoolyear

No, Schoolyear does not make any screen, webcam, or audio recordings. Check: “How does Schoolyear handle privacy?

Published by  Facility Services 26 September 2025