How Do Proctored Exams Work?

Why Proctored Exams Matter in Online Education

In this post, we will answer one of the most asked questions: “How do proctored exams work?” We will discuss everything you should know, from the basics of a proctored exam to the different types of available proctoring and how to best prepare for and succeed in them.

From universities offering full degrees online to platforms that let you learn new skills at your own pace, online education is booming. But with this convenience comes a big question: How do colleges and universities ensure students aren’t cheating?

If you’ve ever taken an online course, chances are you’ve encountered proctored exams. But what exactly are proctored exams? And most importantly, how do proctored exams work? They are a bit like the digital version of having someone stand over your shoulder while you take a test.

But why are online proctored exams necessary in the first place? Firstly, proctored exams exist to ensure that the test-taker is who they say they are and that the test is taken honestly. As online education grows in popularity, proctored exams play a very important role in maintaining academic integrity. These educational efforts ensure that the online classroom experience is as trustworthy as the traditional one by ensuring that all students follow the rules.

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What Is a Proctored Exam?

So, what is a proctored exam?

It’s basically a way to supervise exams remotely, using software, live proctors, or a mix of both. The goal? To keep things secure and make sure everyone’s following the rules.

So, how do proctored exams work?

Before the exam, online proctoring systems will check your ID to make sure the right person is taking the test. This can be done in two ways:

1. Auto authentication: Usually, you’ll start by proving your identity with a photo of your ID and face, answering a few challenge questions, or using a biometric signature.
2. Live authentication: Alternatively, a live proctor can verify your identity by comparing your face to your ID photo. This process will ensure that everything matches up in real-time.

After you verify your identity, they will check your surroundings for anything you shouldn’t have—like phones or notes. Then, with remote proctoring software, they monitor your video, lock your browser, and track your activities to prevent any sneaky moves. All this ensures that the test is fair, credible, and trustworthy for everyone involved.

But proctored exams aren’t limited to online classes. You might also encounter them in in-person courses, particularly for professional certifications or high-stakes exams.

Types of Proctored Exams

There are different ways to monitor exams, and the methods are only getting more high-tech. Let’s explore the four main types of proctored exams:

Live Online Proctoring

Live online proctoring is when a real person watches you through your webcam during the exam. They’re there to make sure you’re not cheating or doing anything shady. Plus, they can chat with you if anything comes up in real-time.

Advantages:

• Real-time monitoring: A live proctor monitors you, so if anything looks fishy, they can act immediately.
• Human judgment: Proctors can read the situation and understand the context of what’s happening, making things feel a bit fairer than if AI were in charge.
• Interactive: If you run into trouble or need help, you can contact the proctor during the exam.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Hiring real proctors isn’t cheap so this method can be expensive.
• Privacy concerns: Even though companies are careful with your data, it can still feel a little uncomfortable knowing someone’s watching you live.
• Proctor-dependent: The whole process is dependent on the proctor’s attentiveness, so if they miss something, it could affect the results.

Automated Proctoring

Not into having a person watch you? This one’s for you. AI takes over, tracking things like where you look, whether you’re sneaking a peek at notes or if there’s someone else in the room. Think of it as a digital detective—minus the trench coat.

Advantages:

• No live proctor: AI doesn’t feel as intrusive as having someone watch you live, making it less stressful.
• Efficient: AI can monitor multiple students at once, making it faster and more scalable.
• Constant vigilance: The AI continuously tracks eye movement and room activity, ensuring fair play throughout the exam.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of flexibility: AI might miss some tricky situations or not always understand what’s really going on.
• Over-surveillance: Some people aren’t fans of AI watching them so closely, especially when it comes to facial recognition and tracking their every move.
• Technical issues: Like any tech, AI can glitch, and when it does, it could cause problems with your results.

Recorded Proctoring

With this method, your whole exam is recorded, and a proctor reviews it later. No one’s watching you live, but if there’s any doubt about cheating, they’ll check the tape.

Advantages:

• No live monitoring: You can take the exam without someone watching you in real-time, which reduces exam stress.
• Reviewable evidence: If suspicion of cheating arises, the recorded session can be reviewed to clarify any doubts.
• Flexible: You can take the exam at your own pace, knowing that a proctor will check it afterward.

Disadvantages:

• Delayed review: Since the proctor reviews the exam afterward, addressing any concerns or issues might take longer.
• Missed moments: Small suspicious actions might go unnoticed in the recording or be hard to interpret after the fact.
• No immediate help: If you run into trouble during the exam, you can’t contact a proctor for real-time assistance.

In-Person Proctored Exams

Sometimes, you just have to show up in person. For these, you go to a testing center or campus, and a proctor makes sure everything’s on the up and up. It’s more common for things like certifications or big standardized tests.

Advantages:

• Highest level of security: A live proctor is physically present, ensuring tight supervision and immediate action if necessary.
• Instant verification: Your identity is checked on the spot, making it hard to fake who you are.
• No technology issues: There’s no risk of tech glitches like AI errors or webcam problems.

Disadvantages:

• Inconvenient: You have to travel to a testing center, which adds time and effort.
• Stressful environment: Being in a controlled, in-person setting can add pressure and discomfort for some students.
• Limited availability: Not all exams offer in-person proctoring, so it may not be an option for every test.

When it comes to comparing a live proctored exam vs. automated proctoring, many students find themselves weighing convenience against security. Here are key notes:

• Live proctoring gives you that human touch. It’s reassuring but can add a little pressure.
• Automated proctoring is less stressful, but it can feel a bit cold and might miss some things that a human would catch.

How to Prepare for a Proctored Exam

Here are a few important guidelines for preparing for remote proctoring for college students.

Check the technology requirements.

The first step to success during your proctored online tests is to make sure that you can actually take the exam smoothly from a tech perspective. You first need to check the technology requirements. Here are a few tips:

• Computer: Use a laptop or desktop with one monitor. Make sure all cables are visible and accessible for inspection.
• Laptop Setup: Plug your laptop into a power source, not a docking station.
• Webcam: Use an external webcam with 360-degree view capability.
• Monitor: For best clarity, use a 19-inch or larger monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
• Internet Speed: Minimum 3 mbps. Avoid other internet-heavy activities during the exam.
• Internet Connection: Use an ethernet cable for a stable connection. If you are using Wi-Fi, ensure a strong signal.

Set up an appropriate testing environment (quiet space, good lighting).

Next, you’ll need to set up a space where you can take the exam. Here are more important tips on how to prepare for a proctored exam:

• Privacy: You need a private room with a door. If there’s no door, cover the entrance with a sheet. No people or animals should be in the room during the exam.
• Lighting: The room must be well-lit.
• Quiet: Ensure the room is free from background noise.
• Workspace: Use a clutter-free desk or table. No testing on your lap.

Understand exam rules and restrictions.

Before your exam, ensure you’re clear on what’s allowed and what’s not. Different exams may have different rules, so always check ahead. Common things to consider:

• Allowed Materials: Some exams may allow reference materials, while others won’t. Know if you can use things like notes, textbooks, or a calculator.
• ID Verification: You’ll likely need to verify your identity, either with a photo ID, a face scan, or even a palm scan. Be ready to show your ID at the start of the exam.
• Prohibited Items: Know what you can’t have in the room, such as phones, smartwatches, or extra monitors. Violating these rules could result in disqualification.

Common Concerns About Proctored Exams

Proctored exams can raise some valid concerns. Here’s how to handle the most common ones:

1. Privacy and Security

Proctored exams privacy concerns have been the top concerns of many students. It can feel invasive to have a camera on you during an exam. However, platforms value privacy. They use encryption to provide data security so only approved proctors can see it. To fully understand how data is used in your proctored exam, you should read and fully understand privacy policies.

2. Technical Issues

What happens if the internet stops working or the computer freezes unexpectedly? You are typically allowed to pause or extend your exam on every platform if issues arise. The rules, however, can vary. Just know the process for reporting any issues ahead of time.

3. Accessibility Accommodations

Many online proctoring software offer special accommodations, such as more time or specific resources, for people with disabilities. To guarantee total readiness, frequently contact your school or exam provider well beforehand to confirm that they have everything prepared.

Tips for Success in Proctored Exams

Now that you’re prepped and ready to go, let’s take a look at a few last-minute tips for taking proctored exams:

1. Practice with a demo test: Some platforms let people try complete demo tests to get familiar with how the whole proctoring thing works. If available, use these!
2. Follow all instructions carefully: During the exam, concentrate intently on all instructions, especially if a proctor is observing closely. Display each of the surroundings by moving the camera without delay when told. They’re just doing their job.
3. Minimize distractions and avoid suspicious behavior: Before you dive into a proctored exam, it’s up to you to make sure everything works with your system. Here’s the deal:

• One screen only: If you typically use a laptop with an extra monitor, disconnect that second screen and stick with the laptop’s display only.
• Close all programs: Close any other programs or windows you might have open. This includes email, social media, or anything else that could distract you.
• No extra tools: You can’t use programs like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or communication tools like Skype.

Conclusion: What to Expect After a Proctored Exam

After you finish your proctored exam, the proctor will typically review the session and verify that everything was done according to the rules. In most cases, this means you’ll receive your results once the review is complete.

If you encounter any issues—whether it’s a technical problem or something you feel wasn’t handled fairly—make sure to reach out to the exam provider. They usually have procedures in place to address disputes.

The key to succeeding in proctored exams is preparation. Follow the guidelines, stay calm, and remember that these exams exist to protect you as much as they protect the integrity of the test.