Proctored Exams: Definition, Types, and Benefits

A proctored exam is an exam that is administered under the supervision of a proctor/invigilator, who ensures that the exam is conducted fairly and securely. The proctor may be an instructor, a testing center staff member, or a remote proctor who monitors the exam using an online proctoring software. During a proctored exam, the proctor may monitor the test takers in person or remotely, and may also check identification, provide exam instructions, and monitor the testing environment to ensure that no prohibited materials or devices are present.

In some cases, an exam may be supervised completely using only specialized software that monitors for unusual activity. Afterwards, a teacher or similar reviews the credibility report and the different feeds to identify suspicious behavior. 

Proctoring software typically uses a combination of techniques such as live video monitoring, audio monitoring, screen sharing, and facial recognition to ensure that the test taker is not cheating or using unauthorized materials during the exam. Some proctoring software also uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to detect cheating behavior, such as copying and pasting answers or using multiple screens.

Proctoring software is often used in online courses, distance learning programs, and other remote educational settings where it is not possible to administer exams in person. It is also used by organizations for pre-employment testing, certification exams, and other assessments that require high levels of security and accuracy.

As a provider of online exam solutions, Digiexam understands the importance of exam integrity and the need for a secure and reliable proctoring software. Read more about how our automated proctoring works. Here are some key features of our proctoring software:

• Real-time monitoring: The Digiexam proctoring software allows for real-time monitoring of the students' activities during the exam, ensuring that all exam rules are followed.
• Remote proctoring: Students can take the exam from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection, while being monitored by AI and/or a remote proctor.
• Secure browser: Our proctoring software includes a secure browser that prevents students from accessing any unauthorized websites or materials during the exam.

One of the biggest challenges of online exams is in fact ensuring that the exam is conducted fairly and honestly. Without the presence of a proctor, there is a risk that students may cheat on the exam. Cheating on online exams can take many forms, such as accessing unauthorized materials, copying from others, or even using someone else to take the exam on their behalf.

To combat cheating, many online exam platforms, including Digiexam, provide proctoring functionalities. However, while proctoring software is an effective tool for preventing cheating, it is not foolproof. Some students may still find ways to cheat, such as by using a second device to access unauthorized materials or by collaborating with others. As such, it's important for institutions to also implement other measures to prevent cheating, such as using randomized questions, timed exams, or even utilizing remote proctors in combination with the proctoring software.

Overall, cheating on online exams remains a concern, but with the use of proctoring software and other preventive measures, institutions can ensure that exams are conducted fairly and honestly. As a provider of online exam solutions, Digiexam understands the importance of exam integrity and is committed to providing secure and reliable proctoring software to help institutions combat cheating.

All features in our proctoring solution are optional and configurable.

ID verification
Before the exam, verifying the identity of the student is possible. This means taking a high-resolution face photo or submitting an identification card/passport matched against the student's profile in the invigilation view. 

Automated proctoring
During the exam, each student's activity is recorded in a session with automatic notifications from behavioral trackers. The screen and webcam are recorded and presented in the proctor view.

In-person proctoring
In addition to the automatic functionality provided, you can also have a person monitoring for extra security. Up to 30 students can be viewed simultaneously by one exam proctor.

Additional mobile camera
Add a smartphone camera to the session in addition to the webcam. The student will connect a mobile/smartphone camera to the session using a QR code.

Open chat
The chat will log all flagged events and can also be used to notify or inform students during the exam. Students can also initiate a chat to request a break or similar.

Credibility report
In addition to the main session report you can also download a separate PDF. It includes the student’s profile and photo, a session card, distribution of events and an average rating of the exam.

It is a resource for students, teachers, and institutions