What is an Online Proctored Exam?: An online proctored exam is an exam that is administered and monitored by a proctor who is located remotely. The proctor will monitor the student while they take the exam and make sure they remain in compliance with the exam regulations.
This testing method has been growing in popularity since it was first introduced to improve the quality of the exams offered at universities. It also allows students to take their exams from home, which can be beneficial for people who live in remote areas.
Who is a Proctor in an Online Proctored Exam?
A Proctor is an individual who is responsible for administering the exam and ensuring the integrity of the exam process. A Proctor may be present with the candidate in the same physical location. Alternatively, they may be remote from the candidate. The role of the proctor is to ensure that the examination process remains secure and confidential.
What are the Types of Online Proctoring?
There are different types of online proctored exams.
1. Online Live Proctoring Exam
Live Proctoring Exam is a new type of exam that uses a webcam, microphone and computer screen to enable students to take the exams in a proctored way. This type of proctoring is completely online, and you need to install a software in your computer to enable this feature.
Students are provided with an option to take the exam in a proctored way which will help them to get an authentic score. The proctoring is done by our professional proctors, who will be monitoring the student’s actions and provide feedback if needed.
2. Recorded Proctoring Exam
Recorded Proctoring Exam is another type of exam that is recorded and allows the students to take the exam at their own pace without being monitored. The exams usually record the student computer screen, microphone and webcam.
The recordings are then sent to a proctor who monitors the exam remotely, who then sends back the completed exam to the students.
Advanced Automated Proctoring Exam is an advanced form of web proctored test that is AI-enabled, automated and helps conduct online examinations without human intervention.
3. Advanced Automated Proctoring Exam
Advanced Automated Proctoring Exam is an automated and advanced version of the Live Proctoring Exam that uses AI-enabled automated software to authenticate and monitor the students without human intervention.
The exam is usually recorded, and an AI-based software only detects any unusual or suspicious activities in video to monitor the exam.
How Do Online Proctored Exams Work?
The way online proctored exams work is through a system of two-way communication between the student and the Proctor. The Proctor, also a teacher, must observe the students’ behavior and document it. As soon as the student makes a mistake or does something that violates the rules, the Proctor can report the infraction. The Proctor can use any of several methods to ensure that the student is fully engaged in the test and not cheating.
The examiner will give the proctor instructions and access credentials and then log off the exam. Once the student logs in, he or she will have the ability to take the exam, and after finishing the exam, a message will be displayed indicating that the student has passed the exam.
Here are some common steps of online proctored exams:
1. Personal Details Verification
The student needs to fill in his/her name, date of birth, age, and gender. The online proctoring system verifies the student’s personal details to redirect the student to the next page where student authorization can begin.
2. Student Authorization
The student needs to verify their identity using proper ID proof that they have been shared when registering for the exam. The student authentication can be done by facial recognition software or any proctor manually.
3. Exam Proctoring
Once the student’s identity is confirmed, the online exam proctoring begins, and the student starts taking the test under the monitoring of a proctor assigned by the institution or organization.
Who Can Conduct an Online Proctored Exam?
Online Proctored Exams can be conducted by universities/colleges, educational institutions, academic institutions, corporate entities or organizations. In addition to these entities, the examination can also be conducted by government/public agencies, statutory bodies, etc.
Why Take an Online Proctored Exam?
If you are trying to decide whether to take a proctored or non-proctored exam, the answer is simple. If you want the most accurate results possible, then you should definitely take a proctored exam.
What are the Benefits of Online Proctoring?
There are many benefits to taking a proctored exam mentioned below.
1. Quality of Testing
While there are many advantages to taking an online exam instead of a paper-based one, one of the most significant advantages is that it improves testing quality. Students can focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about what they are doing wrong. This is because students have no chance of making any mistakes on their tests.
2. Accuracy
Another advantage of taking an online proctored exam is that it increases testing accuracy. This is because a proctor can observe every student who is taking the test. The Proctor can also see if a student has cheated during the test and report them accordingly.
3. Convenience
Taking an online proctored exam is convenient in so many ways. When you take a proctored exam, you do not have to worry about getting to school early to get your test materials or even leaving home before your test.
4. Flexibility
Taking a proctored exam allows you to take it anytime you choose. You can take the test whenever you want, and you can take it at any time of day that you want. You do not have to wait for the paper-based exams to be available.
5. No Hassle
If you are taking an online proctored exam, then there is no need to go through the process of getting to a testing center. You can take your exam from the comfort of your own home. If you are not comfortable with the idea of taking your exam alone, you can always have someone accompany you to make sure that you are not cheating.
6. Less Stress
Taking an online proctored exam is much less stressful than taking a paper-based one. There is no need to worry about writing down the answers to questions or worrying about what you will do if you forget your test materials. Students simply have to answer questions on their computers and submit them at the end of the exam.
7. No Waiting
If you are taking a paper-based exam, then you have to wait until the paper is available before you can take it. If you are taking an online proctored exam, you can take it whenever you want. This means that you do not have to wait for the paper to be available.
8. Privacy
If you are taking a paper-based exam, then you have to worry about people walking into the room where you are taking the test. When taking an online proctored exam, you can take it in the privacy of your own home. This means that you do not have to worry about anyone walking in while taking the test.
What are Online Proctored Exams Candidate Guidelines?
Proctored exams are only administered via online proctoring companies affiliated with the institution or organization. Candidates must follow the guidelines of their proctoring organization for taking their exams. Online proctored exams may vary for all organizations, but here are some standard guidelines that almost every online proctoring companies ask to follow by a student.
1. Make sure your computer is compatible for online proctored exams. Like you have a 360-degree webcam, speaker and microphone ( headset are generally not allowed), and a reliable internet connection.
2. Make sure no additional webcam/camera and microphone/speaker is connected to your computer.
3. Make sure you have Valid ID proof to show at the time of authentication. Have an ID proof that you have used it at the time of exam registration.
4. Make sure there is adequate light in your room.
5. Make sure there is no background noise in the room while taking the exam.
6. Make sure you are the only person in the room while taking the exam or during the exam session.
7. Make sure your exam desk/computer desk is clean, and your sound device phone is off.
Video Credit: ProctorExam
How Do Online Proctored Exams Detect Cheating?
Proctored exams use the latest technology to detect cheating by monitoring the candidate’s computer, behavior and room activities. This is done using an automated AI-enabled software system that monitors and records the candidate’s every movement during the exam.
Online exam proctoring monitors student’s various aspects to prevent cheating. Some of them are –
Monitor Student’s Computer Screen and System
Exam proctoring software is designed to monitor the student’s system activity, including opening and closing of files, applications and websites. It will also track students’ keystrokes and mouse movements on the screen. It will also record students’ chat activities during the examination.
If any suspicious activity is detected, the software will alert the Proctor immediately. The Proctor can then take appropriate action.
Monitor Student’s Environment
The Proctor can view the student’s room environment through the 360-degree moveable webcam. This enables the Proctor to see who is in the room and what they are doing.
If the Proctor sees a suspicious activity such as someone trying to help the candidate, the Proctor will be able to see it and take action immediately. This allows for an immediate alert and helps to prevent cheating.
Monitor Student’s Behavior to Prevent Cheating
The Proctor can view the student’s face through the moveable webcam. This enables the Proctor to identify students who appear nervous or distracted. If such a student appears nervous or distracted, the Proctor may ask the student to leave the examination room for a short while. This will allow the student to relax and not cheat.
During a timed exam, the Proctor is responsible for watching the students to ensure that they do not cheat. The Proctor is also responsible for checking that the students are not using their mobile phones or other electronic devices to cheat.
FAQs on Online Proctored Exam
What is a Remote Proctored Online Exam?
Remote Proctored Online Exam (RPOE) is a computer-based test that is conducted by experts in remote location. It is usually taken by students studying for professional courses and exams. The test can be taken online from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer (equipped with a webcam and microphone). The advantage of this type of exam is that it is easier to conduct than traditional paper-based tests.
Is Online Exam Proctoring Legal?
Yes. Some states may require you to receive a proctoring license. Please check with your state’s licensing agency before you decide to use an online proctoring provider.
Can You Cheat on an Online Proctored Exam?
No! You can’t cheat on a proctored exam. You are physically in a testing facility with a proctor watching you take the exam. The Proctor will make sure that you are following the exam rules. The Proctor will ensure you don’t cheat on an online proctored exam.
The Proctor will also collect your personal information and ensure you don’t use a prohibited computer or device.
Can Proctored Exams Detect Phones?
Yes. Some remote proctoring software is equipped with a functionality that allows it to detect phones and other devices. Like, Honorlock’s remote proctoring software can detect phones.
How Safe is Online Exam Proctoring?
Online exam proctoring is safe and secure. Only the proctor can see the candidate’s screen on the remote monitor. The proctor must authorize the candidate to begin the exam. The candidate’s screen will be frozen after the candidate starts the exam.
A remote proctoring software employs some extensive security systems to secure the data and ensure the candidate privacy and exam security at every stage of the online proctor exam.