What is a proctored exam?

Learn everything you need about what a proctored exam is, how it works, what online proctoring exams are, and what benefits they provide.

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What is a proctored exam?

Understanding what a proctoring software is

A proctored exam is a timed exam in which there is a proctoring software or a person present to monitor and supervise students via their computer's desktop, video and audio.during the exam.

The proctors ensure exam integrity making sure that all test guidelines and instructions are being followed.

In comparision, a non-proctored exam is one in which there are no supervisors or proctors present. For eg an exam where textbooks are allowed to be referenced. 

How a Proctored exam works

Steps to conduct a proctored exam

Before the test

  • Either create a new test or use a shared template from your colleagues.
  • Choose the proctoring features you need and schedule the test with just a few clicks.
  • Before the test is about to begin, match high-resolution face photos or an identification card/passport against the student's profile.

Here is how an online proctored test works using Digiexam's remote proctoring service.

During the test

  • Lock the student’s devices to prevent cheating.
  • Notify, inform and chat with students through the open chat if any potential issues occur.
  • Monitor the student’s screen and web camera live.
  • Receive automatic notifications if any suspicious behavior occurs, bringing the specific student’s screen and web to the proctor’s view.

After the test

  • Review the credibility report to identify and filter out candidates who may have resorted to some means of cheating. 
  • Grade per student or per question through automatic and anonymous grading.
  • Co-grade with colleagues in one place.
  • Use the intuitive annotation tool for text answers and support for formative feedback.
  • Publish the results back to your LMS or directly in the Digiexam platform

Interested in knowing more?

Features of the Digiexam proctored exam platform

Online Proctoring (add on)

Combine automated and live online proctoring. Verify the identities of the students before the exam. Chat with them and monitor their activities on screen and their web camera during the exam. Download and review each student’s credibility report after the exam.

Device lockdown

Lock down the student’s device over the duration of the exam to prevent them from using anything but the chosen online resources provided.


Online & offline

In comparison to a browser-based exam environment, the Digiexam application offers full offline compatibility. Our platform can be trusted, regardless of internet connection.

Environment independent

Our platform runs perfectly both in managed environments and with BYOD setups. Digiexam is compatible with PC, Mac, Chromebooks, and iPads.

Accessibility

The Digiexam platform ensures everyone is given equal opportunities to take the exam. Our solution includes supportive features such as spell check, text-to-speech functionality, and the option to extend exam time.


Automatic & anonymous grading

Choose either to grade per student or per question. Anonymous grading and auto-correction of multiple choice and word gap type questions are also available to speed up and simplify the grading process.

What our customers say

As the University continues to pursue a remote assessment strategy for all courses, confidence in the systems we use to support exam integrity is vital.

Maggie Gibson Birmingham City University

Digiexam receives a lot of attention in the south of Germany since a lot of people share the belief that it will be the only product that will meet the regulatory and data privacy requirements for future online testing.

Dr. Martin Franzen Aalen University

We have students all over Sweden and abroad and they need to be able to complete their exams regardless of location. Digiexam's proctoring solution has become a key success factor for us at FEI.

Magnus Rolf Företagsekonomiska Institutet

Why schools are switching to online proctoring

Advantages of online proctoring

It is a resource for students, teachers, and institutions

Online proctored tests bring multiple advantages to the educational sector.

It is a common misconception that the sole reason for online proctored testing is to catch students that are cheating. However, an online proctored exam is a beneficial resource for students, teachers, and institutions alike. It ensures a fair testing environment and provides support to complete the exam if any potential issues arise. It gives the teachers confidence that their online exams are protected, and could even save time in the review process. And prevents and deters academic honesty, ensuring the value of the institution's education remains strong and protects its reputation.

Protects integrity and reputation

Reputation is everything. If the academic integrity of the online exam is not properly protected, the reputation of both the program and the institution may suffer. Many institutions face the difficult task of balancing convenience for students and faculty and protecting the security of the online exam. The online proctored exam sets institutions apart by ensuring academic integrity and providing convenience and flexibility, without having to compromise security. 

Brings flexibility and accessibility

As the world becomes increasingly digitized and global, the need for flexible solutions increases as well. Online exams allow students all over the world to participate in the exam, allowing students who can not be physically present to write the exam.