Tips and Strategies for Proctored Exams

What Are Proctored Exams?

This post will guide you through preparing for proctored exams. It covers what to expect from different types of exams, helpful tips for success, and common challenges you might face.

College can be one of the most challenging times in life. Balancing classes, projects, extracurricular activities, and sometimes a part-time job can quickly feel overwhelming. To cope with this stress, some students may turn to cheating. In fact, a 2022 research study by the University of Kentucky found that 75% of students admitted to cheating on tests.

Many colleges and universities have enforced more strict proctored exams to maintain academic integrity. In the past, proctored exams were mostly used in traditional, in-person educational settings. Now, with the rise of online education, they’ve made their way into the virtual world, too. In fact, online proctored exams have become an essential tool for online courses. This ensures that students are actually completing the work themselves and not outsourcing it to someone else.

Types of Proctored Exams: What to Expect

Before delving into how to prepare for a proctored exam, you need first to understand the different types. Here are the main types of proctored exams:

Live vs. Automated Proctored Exams

Live proctoring is just what it sounds like. A real person—either a staff member from your school or an outsourced proctoring service—watches you take the test in real-time. You’ll be monitored through your webcam and sometimes through audio, too, to make sure that everything’s on the up and up. The proctor might even give you instructions or ask you to adjust your camera if they see anything suspicious.

Automated proctoring, on the other hand, is a bit like having a robot watch over you. This type uses software to monitor your behavior during the exam. The AI looks for signs of cheating, like unusual movements, suspicious noises, or even eye movements that could suggest you’re looking at something you shouldn’t be. If the AI notices something, it might flag it for a human proctor review later.

AI Monitoring and Human Oversight (Hybrid)

This type of proctored exam combines both live and automated proctors. It is the most commonly used proctoring method by prestigious colleges and universities.

So, how does hybrid monitoring work?

The AI handles most of the monitoring, looking for things like background noise or movement, and then flags anything out of the ordinary. Although AI is great, it isn’t always flawless. That’s why involving a human proctor is crucial to catching anything the AI might miss. If something is flagged, a human proctor will review the footage to find out if it violates the exam’s rules.

In-Person Proctoring

In-person proctored exams are very easy to understand. You’ll show up at a testing center, and a proctor will oversee you while you take the test. They’ll make sure you don’t have any unauthorized materials and that you’re not communicating with anyone during the exam. While it’s not as common for online courses, in-person proctoring is still used for some exams, particularly if they’re high-stakes or involve certifications.

How to Prepare for a Proctored Exam

Proctored exams can increase stress for students, and this stress is even higher for those who already experience test anxiety. To reduce stress, here are important proctored exam tips:

Check if your device is compatible.

This is the most basic but most important tip: check the proctored exam requirements ahead of time and make sure you know what kind of equipment you’ll need.

Will you need a camera and microphone? Do you need to verify your identity somehow, like showing a photo ID? What software do you need to download, and is it compatible with your system?

Some proctored exams require you to use specific software; if you don’t have it set up correctly, you could run into problems when it’s time to start. So, take a few minutes to double-check the requirements and make sure you’re all set.

Secure a strong and stable internet connection.

Nothing ruins a proctored exam faster than a laggy or unreliable internet connection. Imagine your connection cutting out in the middle of an exam. Yikes!

To avoid this, make sure you’re taking the test somewhere with a stable, strong internet connection. Test your connection before the exam to make sure everything’s working smoothly.

Find a quiet, distraction-free environment.

This is especially important for online proctored exams. You want to make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Many online proctored exams involve live video feeds, and any background noise can be distracting to you and the proctor.

So, find a place where you can be alone, ideally with a door you can close to keep people out. Most importantly, don’t forget to turn off any notifications on your phone or computer—this isn’t the time to get distracted by a text from a friend.

Familiarize yourself with the proctoring platform.

It’s also a good idea to get familiar with the proctoring platform ahead of time. If your exam is going to be monitored by AI or a human proctor, you’ll likely have to use a specific platform or software.

Try to run a test before your exam so you’re comfortable with the interface. Knowing how to navigate the platform will help you feel more relaxed when the time comes.

Prepare your workspace.

Set up your workspace beforehand before the exam to ensure it meets all requirements. Ensure everything needed is readily available and completely remove any forbidden materials from the desk.

Also, make sure that the camera is in the correct position and that the microphone and speakers are fully functional. This will lessen any interruptions while guaranteeing full preparedness as the exam starts.

Important Note: Proctored exams usually do not allow built-in webcams. You should use an external webcam instead, as it provides better stability and a clearer view.

Best Practices During a Proctored Exam

Knowing proper in-person and remote proctoring strategies will help you do your best on the test and ensure that you don’t accidentally break any rules.

Take these tips and strategies to mind:

Follow all instructions carefully.

It might seem obvious, but make sure you follow all of the instructions given by the proctor. If they tell you to show your ID, do it. If they ask you to adjust your camera, do it. You don’t want to risk getting flagged for not following directions.

Avoid suspicious activity.

Remember that the proctor is watching you. Make sure you maintain proper posture, sit up straight, and avoid slouching. You also always try to maintain eye contact with the screen—looking around too much can make you seem like you’re distracted or trying to cheat. It’s best to stay calm and composed throughout the test.

Be prepared for technical difficulties.

Technical difficulties are inevitable. Even after strong measurements and several test runs to ensure the perfect exam setup, things can still go wrong. Having a backup is one of the most important online test-taking strategies to avoid failure.

If an issue occurs with your camera, microphone, or internet connection, immediately contact technical support through the proctoring platform’s messaging system or support number. Make sure you know how to reach them before the exam starts.

Remember that phone devices are usually not allowed during proctored exams. You should have a second computer or tablet as a backup. But remember to inform the proctor if you’re planning to use a backup device, just in case. It’s always better to be transparent about any potential issues so they can guide you on the best course of action.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

After reading the best practices for online exams with proctors, it’s time to know the most common challenges and how to avoid or deal with them.

Handling Unexpected Internet Disconnections

Internet connection problems are the most common challenges both test takers and live proctors face.

Here are a few tips to improve your internet connection speed:

1. Make sure you are not sharing the internet while you’re testing.
2. Restart your router and modem: Unplug for 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait 60 seconds, and then plug in the router and wait 2 minutes.
3. Restart your computer after resetting your network equipment.
4. Switch to an Ethernet cable if possible, or move closer to the router.
5. Close background applications that might be using the internet.
6. Use a mobile hotspot as a backup if needed.

If the issue persists, contact the proctoring support team immediately. They’re used to dealing with these situations and can help you get back on track.

Managing Test Anxiety And Staying Focused

Test anxiety is real, and it can feel even worse when you know someone is watching you. The best way to manage anxiety is by preparing ahead of time—both academically and mentally. Here are important tips on how to lower test anxiety:

1. Use school resources, study regularly, and practice the material.
2. Spread out your studying and practice in test-like environments.
3. Follow consistent steps before every test to reduce stress.
4. Clarify test content and share your anxiety for advice.
5. Use deep breathing and muscle relaxation to stay calm.
6. Get enough sleep! Sleep is key to doing your best.

Addressing Privacy Concerns with Proctored Exams

Remote proctoring makes online testing easier but can be intimidating for students. The biggest avenue for concern? Privacy. Some of the most common privacy concerns are:

1. Room scan videos: Scanning the room may expose private details or people who haven’t consented to be filmed.
2. Government ID and security: Showing an ID raises concerns about identity theft and privacy, especially for vulnerable students.
3. Lack of trust: Students worry the software could still access devices or webcams after the test.
4. Data security: There are concerns about storing and using personal data, especially without strong data protection laws.

One of the most common mistakes in proctored exams students make is not thoroughly reading the privacy policies or terms of service before taking the test, which can make them paranoid. If you have privacy concerns, make sure to read up on the proctoring service’s privacy policy. They should outline how your data is handled and what security measures are in place. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions before the exam.

How Proctored Exams Impact College Success

One of the biggest challenges in higher education, especially with online learning, is ensuring academic integrity. Studies show that between 50% and 70% of students admit they have cheated at some point in their academic careers. With the growing availability of AI, these numbers will not likely decline.

Proctoring has become one of the most widely used methods to ensure honesty during exams. It helps minimize cheating and maintain fairness. Colleges and universities are doing this not only for their own sake but also for their students.

Employers like it, too!

Proctored exams show you can handle responsibility, which is something they definitely look for. So, bottom line? These exams can seriously boost your credibility in school and the job market.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Success

Yes, proctored exams can be overwhelming. However, if you come prepared, you won’t be dealing with as much stress as you would unprepared. From ensuring you have the right equipment to following the best practices during the test, a little bit of effort ahead of time can make a huge difference.

Our best advice? If you can take a mock exam before the real thing, do it! It’ll help you get comfortable with the platform and reduce any anxiety you might feel.