Every test taker starts an online exam with questions, like whether their webcam will work or what happens if they lose their internet connection. Test takers who need accommodations have even more to worry about, such as whether they’re allowed restroom breaks or their assistive device, and if they’ll be flagged for reading a question aloud.
When people refer to exam integrity, they usually just mean preventing cheating. But to Honorlock, it also means every test taker gets a fair chance to show what they know, and they can’t do that if the exam, the proctoring software, or any other technology they use to take it isn’t accessible.
Our approach to online proctoring can help answers test takers’ questions before they start.
What accessibility looks like at Honorlock
Every test taker should be able to use Honorlock, so we build accessibility into every feature.
Our accessibility-certified engineers design features with flexible accommodations, assistive technology, and compliance standards in mind, and everyone at Honorlock takes regular accessibility training.
Each year, an independent third party tests every part of Honorlock from start to finish, and we use the results to build our Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). We also audit Honorlock throughout the year to fix bugs and keep up with new WCAG standards.
Independent third-party accessibility audits
Thorough VPAT for test takers & admins
Spread knowledge across the organization
Accessibility-first approach
Constant improvement
Help for test takers before the exam
Test takers do their best when they feel prepared, comfortable, and informed, so Honorlock gives them several ways to get ready before a real exam.
Practice exams
Exam admins can set up practice exams so test takers can try Honorlock and ask questions before their first real exam. Admins can also use them to see exactly what test takers will experience.
HonorPrep guided tour
HonorPrep walks test takers through a system check, the ID verification steps, and a sample workspace scan before their first Honorlock exam. They can go through it as many times as they want.
Knowledge base
Test takers who need more help can search Honorlock’s Knowledge Base for step-by-step guides to common issues and answers to frequently asked questions.
Exam prep articles
Honorlock’s exam prep articles explain what proctoring is and what test takers can expect during a proctored exam. They also debunk myths about proctoring and share tips to reduce test anxiety.
Accommodations for all test takers
Minimal system requirements
A slow or unstable internet connection shouldn’t keep anyone from finishing their exam. If a problem comes up during an exam, Honorlock doesn’t kick the test taker out, so they can finish without the added stress of getting locked out.
When a test taker’s connection slows down, Honorlock adjusts how it records the exam session and captures still images to make up for the slower network, so the test taker can keep working.
Honorlock also doesn’t require a wired internet connection. Test takers can use Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot at any time of day, which helps people in rural areas who may not have a wired connection at home. Not every proctoring company allows that.
Screen readers
Keyboard accessible
Exam admins and test takers can use Honorlock with only a keyboard. As they press the Tab key to move through Honorlock, an outline appears around the button, link, or field they’re on, so they can always see where they are on the page.
Human proctoring and decision-making
When Honorlock’s AI flags something during an exam, a live proctor reviews it, and that person can take the test taker’s situation into account. Before a proctor intervenes, they check the test taker’s accommodations. If a test taker’s accommodation allows them to wear headphones, for example, the proctor sees that and doesn’t intervene.
Our proctors are trained in de-escalation and focus on helping test takers finish their exams. When a situation does need attention, the proctor intervenes through chat to address it.
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AI monitors the exam session
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Flag sent to a live proctor
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Proctor reviews the flag
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Proctor observes if needed
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Proctor intervenes only if needed
Accommodations
Exam administrators can enter any specific accommodations for test takers, such as additional time or breaks to complete their exams. This includes extensions enabled for assistive purposes or other assistive technology, such as dictation software. Honorlock will respect accommodations configured within the LMS as well.
Some sample accommodations include:
- John Doe is allowed to use multiple monitors during the exam.
- Jane Smith will have an interpreter in the room.
- John Doe does not have a Photo ID, please bypass ID verification.
- Jane Smith is allowed three 5-minute breaks.
Honorlock meets accessibility standards
Honorlock conforms to WCAG 2.1 level AA, and an independent third party tests it every year. The checklist below shows how Honorlock answers the questions accessibility teams ask when they review a test proctoring tool.
| Accessibility Checklist | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Is Honorlock fully ADA compliant? | Yes | |
| Does Honorlock conform with WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines? | Yes | |
| Does Honorlock's proctoring solution support and integrate with assistive technology such as screen readers, alternative keyboards, or graphic organizers? | Yes | |
| Does Honorlock have an updated Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)? | Yes | |
| Does Honorlock allow instructors to provide accommodations for specific students, such as bathroom breaks, specific assistive devices, and extended time limits? | Yes |
Not all remote proctoring solutions are alike
Not all remote proctoring solutions are alike and there are some key elements you should consider. By building out your own accessibility checklist, you can be sure that your proctoring partner is the best fit for your test takers.
Consider adding some of the questions below when comparing services:
- Is your remote proctoring solution fully ADA-compliant
- Does your proctoring software conform to WCAG 2.1 level AA or highere?
- How does your solution support accommodations available for test takers?
- Does your proctoring solution support and integrate with assistive technology such as screen readers, alternative keyboards, and graphic organizers?
- What are the system requirements and how will they impact users on lower bandwidth?
- Does the proctoring service help resolve problems or do they end sessions the moment a problem arises?
- How flexible is scheduling for test takers?
- Are there practice exams available for faculty or exam administrators to leverage?
- Can test takers access a tutorial and access FAQs to prepare for their exams?
To learn more, please review Honorlock’s Accessibility Statement. If you would like to discuss building out your own accessibility checklist or statement, get in touch today.
