Proctored Exam Guide: Ensuring Fairness in Online Tests

The education sector is evolving and has already transcended conventional methods, introducing emerging learning and assessment techniques. Digitization, people's inclination towards remote learning, the pandemic, etc., have added fuel to this growth, and one such element that came into the limelight is Proctored Exams.

Whether you are a student or a test taker exploring new evaluation methodologies, understanding the critical aspects of Proctored exams is significant. It is a comparatively new system where the online exam is conducted under strict supervision, preventing cheating and ensuring a fair exam policy.

Many learning management systems are integrating online exams as their services for educational institutions. Institutions must guarantee that the online exams are administered fairly and without misconduct. In other words, the trustworthiness of the online exams is correlated to the academic integrity and the institute's reputation.

We will go into the realm of remote assessments in this blog and acquaint you with a cutting-edge tool like Proctoring exams along with their related information.

What is a Proctored Exam?

A proctored exam can be defined as a type of exam that you take while any proctoring software or tools keep eyes on your desktop along with webcam video and audio. The data stored by the proctoring software is moved to a proctoring service for assessment purposes. This kind of exam requires ID verification before the appearance.

Therefore, an online proctored exam is likely any other exam but with strict online security. The most crucial step in preserving the exam room's sacredness is invigilation.

Since tests have been paperless, virtual supervision is also an option.

With software called "remote proctoring," students can take exams from designated locations or even the comfort of their homes.

In short, the lookout for preventing any kind of cheating in online exams is known as Proctoring.

Proctored testing, also referred to as remote proctoring or online proctoring, entails the use of software and services to monitor students while they take online tests with the goal of:

1. Maintain academic integrity
2. Avoid cheating and malfunctions
3. Allowing students to complete their online exams

Now that you know the meaning, we will discuss its features, benefits, types, and more in the next section. So, keep reading on.

Types of Proctored Exams

Proctored exams can be administered differently to ensure integrity and prevent cheating. The following are some common types of proctored exams:

1. In-person proctored exams: These exams are conducted on-site under the supervision of an invigilator. 
2. Live online proctored exams: With the advancements in technology, exams can now be proctored remotely in real time. In live online proctored exams, an invigilator monitors the test taker through a video call or webcam. 
3. Recorded proctoring: In this type of proctoring, the entire exam session is recorded using audio and video technology. Test takers are required to enable their webcams and audio devices, and their actions are recorded for later review. 
4. Automated proctoring utilizes AI technology to monitor test takers during an exam. Specialized software detects suspicious behavior, such as eye movements, background noise, or multiple faces in the frame. 
5. Hybrid proctoring: Different proctoring methods may be used depending on the exam's requirements and logistics. For example, a final exam may include both live online proctoring and recorded proctoring to ensure a comprehensive examination of the test taker's performance.

It is important to note that different institutions or organizations may use different methods of proctoring exams based on their specific needs and the resources available. Test takers should familiarize themselves with the specific proctoring requirements for their exams to ensure a smooth testing experience.

Proctored Exams vs. Non Proctored Exams 

Depending on the nature of the test you are going to conduct, an unproctored environment can be quite popular. However, there are a few elements that are set apart from each other.

As we discussed earlier, online proctored exams are types of exam sessions in which students’ devices get locked so that they can’t get a chance to access browsers or swap pages. In simple words, students are not allowed to move away from the proctoring software where they are logged in. 

How Does Online Proctoring Work?

These days, online proctored exams have boomed across educational institutions and corporations as exam proctoring is the only cost-effective and secure way to get things done. Now, let's look at several steps to understand its workflow. 

1. Online proctored exams are evaluation processes conducted online, while the proctored software monitors are the test taker's browser activity, video, and audio during the exam. 
2. Later, the data recorded by the proctoring software can be transferred to a group of professionals for the accurate evaluation process. 
3. If the student does any suspicious activity, the proctored software automatically shows the red flags and prevents them from cheating. 

But before the actual assessment begins, the candidate must fill in the basic details for the verification process. Students must also submit proof of ID for facial recognition or voice detection. Once they are done, the actual test begins. 

The nature of these tests will differ based on whether they are pre-recorded or live-proctored.

1. The test taker sees a series of questions (in text format) on their screen one at a time during auto-proctored exams. Because some questions have a time limit, the test taker must record their video response at the allotted moment.
2. In contrast, a certified proctor oversees the test taker's live feed and raises red flags in real-time for any questionable activity when the exam is live-proctored.

Although remote live proctoring was formerly thought to be the safest way to administer tests remotely, data security issues have made it increasingly more complex and challenging. Thus, automated proctoring has gained a lot of traction.

Benefits Online Proctoring Brings to the Table 

Online proctoring solutions have become mainstream in the education technology and corporate sectors as they streamline certification activity while saving huge costs on resources and other aspects. Let's have a look at what benefits online proctoring exam offers to test takers:

Top-notch Exam Security

Online remote proctoring software prevents students from using unfair methods to cheat, even if they can still write their examinations from a distance. This is because cameras are used to watch students, allowing for identity verification and decreasing the likelihood of impersonation. Exam security is further increased when the proctor's recorded video, which can be consulted in the event of a dispute, is saved.

Better Time Management

More students can take their online proctored certification tests whenever and wherever is most convenient for them. This saves time that would otherwise be spent on transportation and eliminates the requirement to travel to a testing center. Online proctoring solutions can help organizations manage the certification process more effectively, reducing candidate wait times and enhancing the exam experience overall.

Prevents Cheating

Exams that are proctored are meant to deter cheating. They employ a range of techniques, including web came, browser lock, and biometric lock, to ensure that the candidate cannot access any other material or talk with others.

(Create an image showing cheating prevented)

Mitigate the Risk of Cheating and Get Started with Proctored Exam Today 

While many may be unfamiliar, large e-learning institutions and international corporations have embraced online proctoring. The entire procedure is becoming more widely used, and test creators and administrators opt to conduct exams online.

When a pandemic breaks out, everyone across the globe has to act immediately. Online tests are advantageous to both the proctor and the students. Moreover, all measures prevent dishonest activity in the course of an exam. Proctored exams are timed, so students can only spend some of their time online, which lowers the likelihood that they would cheat.

Moreover, many LMS platforms offer the option to integrate with remote proctoring software, which can be accessed to monitor student activity during the exam.  

Want to learn more about how, using an LMS, you can proctor exams efficiently? Contact EdisonOS and make the entire process fair for everyone.