Clinical Symptomatic Testing

COVID-19 testing information for those who are showing symptoms

Who is Eligible for Testing?

PCR (swab) COVID-19 testing at our Durant site is available for UCB students, faculty, or staff who fall into one of the following categories. Results are generally available in 24-48 hours.
  1. symptoms concerning COVID-19, which may include NEW:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you think you have been exposured or a close contact, you can now use the free COVID-19 PCR Home Tests in the vending machines on campus.  See Surveillance Testing page for more details and locations. 

What is the Cost of Clinical Testing?

For students with SHIP

  • COVID testing and office visits are covered at 100%.

For students without SHIP

  • The upfront cost for COVID testing ranges from $60 to $150, depending on the type of test used. There may also be a $15 copay for a primary care provider telehealth visit or a $35 copay for an urgent care provider visit.
  • Charges are billed to the student’s CalCentral account and students may obtain an itemized receipt by contacting the Cashier’s Office via eTang message to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. Please note, each health insurance company covers the COVID-19 test differently.
  • The Cashier’s Office will help any student navigate the reimbursement process. For assistance, please contact the Cashier's Office at 510-642-8450, email uhscashier@berkeley.edu, or currently enrolled students may send a secure message through the eTang portal.

Tang Center Testing Hours & Location

Testing is performed on the Durant side Monday - Friday 9am-4:00pm (closed for lunch 11:45am-12:30pm). Saturdays 10-2.

For Students

UC Berkeley Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should:

  • Schedule a COVID test on eTang 

  • If your sypmtoms are moderate to severe, you can call the 24/7 UHS Advice Line at (510) 643-7197 for medical advice.

If you think you have been exposured or a close contact, you can now use the free COVID-19 PCR Home Tests in the vending machines on campus.  See Surveillance Testing page for more details and locations. 

Students do NOT need to be enrolled in SHIP to get tested UHS. Students not on SHIP can get a receipt for testing charges to submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

For Faculty & Staff

UC Berkeley Employees interested in testing at UHS should:

  • If mild symptoms: schedule a COVID-19 test on eTang OR

  • If ill: please call your own health care provider first for advice or go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.  You are welcome to call Occupational Health as above for testing if advised by your provider.

  • If you have tested positive already, please send a message to the COVID Response Team through eTang and upload a copy of your results to eTang. 

If you think you have been exposured or a close contact, you can now use the free COVID-19 PCR Home Tests in the vending machines on campus.  See Surveillance Testing page for more details and locations.