Introduction: Why Online Proctoring Matters
Before diving into tips for finding affordable online proctoring, let’s start with the basics. First, what even is proctoring? Proctoring is when someone watches over people taking an exam to make sure they don’t cheat. This person, called a proctor, is usually a trained and unbiased person who checks the test-takers identity before the exam and monitors them throughout to enforce the rules. This professional has three main tasks:
- Watch over remote exams.
- Make sure candidates follow the rules.
- Stop and report any rule-breaking.
Online proctoring is helpful for more than just the organizations running the exams. It also benefits students who need flexible exam options, busy professionals who want to learn new skills and remote learners who need accessible tests.
They come in various types, each offering unique benefits:
Featured Programs
Live Proctoring
It uses both human proctors and AI to monitor exams in real-time, ensuring fairness and detecting violations as they occur.
Post-Exam Review Proctoring
Records the exam for later review by proctors, with AI sending notifications during the test. It’s cost-effective and thorough but lacks real-time monitoring.
Automated Proctoring
Employs only AI for monitoring, offering a hands-off approach to maintaining exam integrity with minimal human involvement.
Overall, online proctoring helps make exams easier and more secure for everyone, meeting modern needs while keeping exams fair.
A common question is whether there’s a fee for online proctoring. The answer is yes. Most services, including online proctoring, usually come with a fee in college. So, be prepared for additional costs.
The cost of a proctored exam ranges from $4 to $29 per exam, depending on its length and type. College students are said to take between 6 and 12 exams per year, and these costs can add up significantly over time.
For instance, if you take ten exams a year at an average fee of $15 each, you’re looking at $150 annually just for proctoring fees. If you’re on a budget, using affordable online proctoring services is a good idea.
In this post, we will list the top most affordable online proctoring services in the United States. We will also give tips on preparing for and completing proctored exams; as you know, both human and AI proctors have keen eyes for detecting irregularities.
Affordable Online Proctoring Options
When it comes to choosing budget-friendly proctoring services online, there are several considerations you need to think about.
- Essential Features. Make sure the service covers the basics, such as identity checks, screen monitoring, and session recording, without adding unnecessary extras that could drive up costs.
- Scalability. Look for options that can grow with you. Services with tiered pricing can be a great fit if you have varying needs or a lot of exams.
- Privacy and Compliance. Ensure the service follows privacy regulations and provides a secure environment, adhering to standards like FERPA or GDPR.
- Pricing Models. Different services offer various pricing structures, such as pay-per-use or subscriptions. Choose the one that best fits your budget and exam volume.
- Reviews and Reputation. Most importantly, look at what other users and institutions have to say. A service with a strong track record for reliability and customer satisfaction is usually worth considering.
After checking online for affordable proctoring services, we found that the cheapest options that meet high-quality standards are the following:
ExamOnline
When it comes to reliability, ExamOnline always ranks highly. ExamOnline offers a wide range of online proctoring services for different types of exams and provides free mock tests for students. Many student reviews have indicated that ExamOnline offers the most value for money.
- Pricing: You may need to contact ExamOnline.
- Valuable Features:
- Facial recognition for auto-authorization
- Alerts for unusual activities (e.g., incorrect faces, device detection)
- Lite, auto, and human proctoring modes
- 360-degree view via secondary camera
- Desktop screen capturing
- Multiple question types with randomization
- Various marking systems and difficulty levels
- Fixed exam start and end times
- Encrypted question bank
- Secure browser
- Online evaluation for descriptive questions
- Various and custom reports
- Downloadable answer/evaluation sheets
Dugga Digital Assessment
Dugga Digital Assessment is a great online tool for securely taking and managing exams. It has strong security features to prevent cheating and works seamlessly on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The platform is really user-friendly, making it easy to set up, run, and grade exams, even if your internet connection isn’t the best.
- Pricing: You should also contact the company for tailored pricing. They also offer free trials.
- Key Features:
- Strong Security Measures
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- User-Friendly Interface
- Automatic Grading
- Question Bank
- Offline Capabilities
- Customizable Exam Settings
- Analytics and Reporting
- Support and Resources
ProctorU
ProctorU is one of the best in the biz, offering reliable but low-cost proctoring options. In the ProctorU Live+ service, both a human proctor and AI software monitor your exam. AI-detected issues are reviewed by authorized Griffith staff.
During the exam, the live proctor may need remote access to your computer with your explicit permission, facilitated by remote access software. All proctor activity is visible, recorded, and logged. Proctors cannot access personal files; any attempt to do so would be visible to you.
- Pricing: Starts around $15-$30 per exam.
- Key Features:
- Live proctoring and AI software monitoring
- AI-detected issues reviewed by authorized Griffith staff
- Remote access with explicit permission
- Proctor activity is visible, recorded, and logged
- Proctors cannot access personal files
Respondus Monitor
Respondus Monitor is another cost-effective solution that’s well-regarded in the online proctoring space. It works in conjunction with Respondus LockDown Browser to ensure a secure exam environment by restricting access to other applications and websites during the test. The software uses AI to flag suspicious behavior and provides detailed reports for review.
- Pricing: Typically ranges from $10 to $25 per exam.
- Key Features:
- AI-based monitoring of exam sessions
- Integration with LockDown Browser
- Automated flagging of suspicious behavior
- A secure testing environment with restricted access
- Comprehensive reports for instructors
- Easy integration with various Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Support for a range of question types and formats
TestGenius
TestGenius offers a straightforward approach to online proctoring with an emphasis on affordability. It provides proctored exams tips along with essential proctoring features while maintaining a simple user interface that administrators and test-takers will find easy to navigate.
- Pricing: Starts at approximately $10 per exam, with discounts for bulk purchases.
- Key Features:
- Basic identity verification and monitoring
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface
- Video and audio recordings of exam sessions
- Real-time monitoring with alerts for suspicious activities
- Secure login and session management
- Basic reporting tools
Tips for Success in Proctored Exams
One of the most controversial topics today in higher education is remote proctoring for exams. The main purpose of online exam proctoring for students is to avoid cheating and ensure academic integrity.
However, the method has sparked debate due to concerns over privacy, accessibility, and the effectiveness of the technology.
Here are a few practical tips when preparing for proctored exams:
Prepare your identification beforehand.
Before starting the test, you must present a valid government or institution-issued photo ID. Ensure you have your ID ready or obtain one well in advance of your exam date.
Make sure that the software is compatible with your hardware.
Don’t risk getting locked out of your exam or having to reschedule! After all, you’re seeking proctoring on a budget. Rescheduling will incur additional fees.
Make sure your device meets system requirements and that you’re in a place with a solid internet connection—ideally, with at least 2Mbps upload and download speed.
Set up the space where you will take the test.
Before your live proctored exam, set up your space so it’s clear of food, drinks, extra monitors, printers, and phones. Only have what you’re allowed according to the exam instructions on your desk.
Ensure you’re alone in a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off all notifications on your phone, email, and messaging apps. Also, check the exam rules to see if you can leave the room for breaks so you can handle those before the exam starts.
Ask questions early on.
Feel free to reach the support team or your exam administrator if you have questions or need help with anything related to your exam. They are usually available 24/7 via live chat, email, or phone.
To prepare for your exam, make sure you know:
- The exam date and time
- The allotted time for the exam
- Whether it’s open-note or open-book
- Any specific rules
Understanding this information ahead of time can prepare you for a successful exam day.
Maximizing Your Proctoring Experience on a Budget
You’re now in college. You need to be strategic with your every move, including how to maximize the services you’re paying for. Even if it’s free, you should still maximize the services offered to ensure you get the best value and support for your academic journey.
Even the most seemingly expensive services can transform into the most cost-effective proctoring for students when approached with the right mindset and strategies. Here’s how:
Choose the best value for money.
Finding the right proctoring service isn’t just about picking the cheapest option. Sometimes, the least expensive choice might not offer the quality or features you need, which could leave you dissatisfied.
Instead, focus on finding a proctoring service that offers the best value for your money. This means getting good online test security without high costs. Look for a service that balances affordability with the features you need to ensure your exams are secure and well-monitored.
Explore bundled services.
One of the best strategies for saving money on proctored exams is to avail of bundled services. Consider proctoring services with packages that include multiple exams or additional resources at a discounted rate. This strategy could save you money in the long run.
Exhaust all services includes in the package.
Doing so will ensure you’re fully utilizing all the resources available. Some proctoring packages might come with extra perks like exam prep materials, technical support, or even tutoring services. If you’re getting these extras, make sure you use them!
Free or Low-Cost Alternatives to Traditional Proctoring
You should contact your school before availing yourself of any of the advertised best proctoring services for students. Some colleges actually have partnerships with proctoring companies or provide subsidies for certain services.
Here are a few questions you should ask your school before paying for any online proctoring services:
- Can I use campus facilities for proctoring?
- Does the school support any alternative proctoring methods?
- Can I use any free or open-source proctoring tools?
Here’s a list of free/low-cost proctoring services:
- TCExam
- Kaldin
- TAO on-site proctoring
- R-Exams
- PESofts
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Quality in Proctoring
Cost is only one of the factors you must consider when choosing an online proctoring service. You should also ensure that you’ll be able to get your money’s worth. How would you do this?
- Ensure that the proctoring service you choose offers robust support and security measures.
- Choose a company with customer support and technical assistance.
- Explore what’s included in the package. Among the most useful features is mock tests.
The best way to evaluate its quality is to read user reviews. You can find them on the proctoring service’s website or independent review platforms. Best of luck on finding affordable online proctoring!
Another great way to save money is to create an affordable study setup!