What action is considered cheating during the New Jersey State Board exam?

In the context of the New Jersey State Board exam, unauthorized assistance or materials are considered cheating because they violate the integrity of the examination process. Each candidate is expected to demonstrate their individual knowledge and skills without external support. The use of any resources or help that has not been explicitly permitted undermines the fairness and validity of the exam results. This type of behavior can lead to serious consequences, including disqualification from the exam and potential disciplinary actions.

Using authorized materials, taking the exam in a group, and receiving help from classmates all indicate communication or interaction that has not been sanctioned by the examination guidelines. However, the key point is that unauthorized assistance is specifically defined as cheating, as it directly contravenes the rules set forth by the examination authority. Ensuring that all candidates are judged solely based on their own abilities is crucial for maintaining the standards of the profession.