<p>Having someone else write the exam particularly to departmental and academic standards is an excellent way to make sure the class i covering the right information. The professor can supplement all s/he wants and give his/her own exams, quizzes and papers for the rest of the class standards. At my son’s school, 60% of the grade was based on the departmental exam. That gives 40% the teacher can play with. These ratios can be adjusted. But there should be some safeguards that the course is covering the material the student is going to need.</p>