In-person proctoring at testing centers was the standard way to secure exams for decades. But now, more and more organizations are using online proctoring to supplement or replace on-site testing because of the additional benefits it provides. Here are seven reasons to consider making the switch or adding online proctoring to your program.
7 reasons to consider proctoring exams online instead of in-person
1. Online proctoring prevents cheating just as effectively as in-person proctoring
In-person proctoring still has a reputation for being the most effective way to secure exams, which is likely because it was the default option for so long. But there’s little recent evidence showing it is more effective than online proctoring.
Most of the available research analyzes exam scores, pass rates, reliability, and other psychometric results for both proctoring formats. Across that research, online proctoring produced outcomes similar to on-site proctoring, which suggests it can protect academic integrity just as effectively while also offering added flexibility and access.
One large scale study by Wongworawat et al. (2022) compared in-person and remotely proctored orthopedic in-training exams (OITE). The researchers concluded the overall point regarding the effectiveness of online and on-site proctoring, “There was no difference in scores and no evidence of enough cheating to change the “curve” of the OITE. Knowing that there was no evidence of sufficient cheating to change overall test psychometrics, programs and residents can be reassured that the OITE remains a valid educational instrument even when administered remotely.”
The table below summarizes studies comparing online and on-site proctoring, most were professional assessments such as licensure, certification, and training exams. The result summaries are direct quotes from each study.
Study | Exam type | Results summary |
|---|---|---|
Andreou et al. (2021) | Medical exam | “A comparison of exam results revealed that remote proctoring could be a viable solution for administering high-stakes medical exams (p.1)” |
Cherry et al. (2021) | Professional licensure exam | “No detectable pattern was observed in favour of either mode. The study provides early evidence supporting the use of [remote proctoring] in high stakes contexts. (p. 1)… Outcomes from test administered in testing centres and remotely, via [remote proctoring], are equivalent.” (p.8) |
Hartley et al. (2025) | College business exams | “There appears to be no significant difference between average student performance on in-person exams versus monitored online exams. (p.70)… Cheating is no more likely during online exams with proctoring than during exams given in the live setting.” (p. 73) |
Hurtz & Weiner (2022) | Professional licensure & certification exams | “The study examined the comparability of test scores, instances of irregular candidate testing behavior (potential cheating)… across modalities.(p.1)… Results showed no differences between online and onsite proctored exams… and suggest some benefits [of remote proctoring] in terms of positive proctor interactions and control over the testing environment.” (p.44) |
Weiner & Hurtz (2017): | Credentialing & licensure exams | “The results of the study supported the kiosk-based remote proctoring method for high-stakes test delivery, equivalent to onsite test center proctoring.” (p. 18) |
Wongworawat et al. (2022) | Orthopaedic training exam | “we were able to directly compare test performance between the two groups. We found that there were no differences in scores, and there was no evidence of cheating that was enough to change the “curve” of the [exam] |
2. Provides extensive useful exam data
Beyond basic information like the number of test takers, exam scores, completion time, and violations a proctor happened to notice, what actionable data does in-person proctoring really provide?
Online proctoring systems can aggregate data across thousands of exam sessions, which gives institutions a broader view of how exams are actually taken.
Instead of relying on a proctor’s observations from a single exam, administrators and instructors can review recorded sessions and flagged events across courses and programs. Proctoring analytics can then help identify trends in test taker violations, proctoring usage across the organization and programs, and improve efficiency of the review process, all of which help organizations investigate misconduct and improve exam security.
3. Protects proprietary exam content
Leaked exam content is more common than many organizations realize, and once questions are shared online, exam integrity and program credibility are at risk.
However, stealing content isn’t always obvious behavior like using a cell phone to take photos of questions; it can be as simple as someone memorizing questions and sharing them later (seriously, this is a thing).
While no form of proctoring can prevent that, without tools to automatically find leaked content, organizations are left manually searching for each question, which makes it difficult to catch and address the problem early.
Leaked content is typically shared or sold through:
- Third parties selling “practice exams” that are really just your exams
- Answer-sharing sites, online forums, and social platforms
- Sharing screenshots, files, and photos taken during exams
There are several recent and notable situations where content was stolen during in-person exams and shared online, such as:
- Law enforcement exams have been exposed when candidates used phones to photograph and distribute questions.
- Medical licensing exams have been compromised when candidates memorize and share questions
- Large accounting firms have faced millions in fines due to answer sharing
- A state plumbing certification exam’s questions and answers were leaked.
Online test proctoring helps prevent common ways test content gets leaked, such as screen capturing and copying/pasting the questions. There are also tools such as Search & DestroyTM, which identify when questions have been shared online and provide a one-click option to request removal.
4. Improves accessibility
The remote proctoring platform should be ADA accessible, compliant with Section 508, and it should conform to WCAG requirements for accessible use. These provide accessible testing experiences while helping organizations meet accessibility compliance standards.
In addition to meeting accessibility standards, online proctoring solutions can also give exam admins the ability to provide accommodations like bathroom breaks and bypassing certain pre-exam processes, like a room scan.
One of the most important capabilities of proctoring is supporting assistive technologies and providing accommodations that allow test takers to use tools such as screen readers and speech-to-text software, which allows test takers to complete exams independently.
Imagine taking a high-stakes exam without knowing whether the technology you depend on will be available or even allowed at the testing center. If they do provide them, are they the same ones you use? If not, how do they work?
In many situations, if the testing center doesn’t provide or allow the technology, the test taker is assigned a person to assist them. The downside is that it means directing someone through every single action needed to complete the exam, like where to move the mouse, what to click on, what to type, edits, etc. How much longer would it take you to do that accurately when you’re used to using your own assistive device?
All of those questions add unnecessary anxiety and stress, which, in nearly all situations, negatively affects exam performance.
There are a few other testing center-related challenges that can increase test anxiety:
- Invasive pre-exam admission: Before entering most proctored testing centers, candidates provide their identification along with their fingerprints or palm scan (which maps the veins and features of their hands).
- Then, you typically go through a metal detector or your body is manually scanned with a wand.
- Then, you put your possessions into a locker before rolling up your sleeves, lifting up your hair, and removing your glasses to prove that you aren’t hiding physical notes and that you don’t have information written on your body.
- But then… you’ll also need to lift your shirt up far enough to give the proctor a 360° view of your waistband. Is that something you want to show a stranger?
- Distracting environment: Testing centers don’t allow talking, but that doesn’t mean the room is quiet. Test takers are constantly entering and leaving, and you have to consider how much noise the average person makes, like coughing or just readjusting in their chair. These subtle actions can be distracting, especially for those who struggle with overly stimulating environments.
- Logistical issues: Traveling to a testing center can be just as stressful as the test because candidates have to fight traffic, find parking, and arrive on time. Any delay can add unnecessary pressure, especially for those with physical disabilities or without reliable transportation.
5. Flexible scheduling and more convenience
The travel issues mentioned above show another limitation of in-person testing, which is especially important because candidates have busy schedules. Instead of requiring them to schedule their exam and travel to the testing center, organizations using remote proctoring allows candidates to take exams where they want, and ideally, the provider won’t require scheduling.
6. Reduces costs for programs and candidates
In-person testing requires significant financial and operational resources. Online proctoring, especially with flat-rate pricing per exam or per test taker, can help organizations reduce costs whether it’s being used to supplement the existing test center operations or replace on-site testing entirely.
Taking a proctored online exam also reduces costs for the test taker because they won’t have to pay travel-related expenses or take time away from work.
7. Scales your assessments
The combination of flexible scheduling, accessibility, lower costs, and actionable data helps organizations grow their assessment programs without sacrificing security or the test experience.
Given those advantages, and the lack of evidence that on-site proctoring is more effective, online proctoring is a practical way for organizations to scale their programs with adding unnecessary challenges for organizations or test takers.
If your organization is still using in-person proctoring at a testing center simply because that’s how it’s always been done, it may be time to rethink that.
Honorlock’s hybrid proctoring solution can effectively secure any assessment, whether it’s a traditional online exam or a more interactive skill or performance-based assessment, and even virtual interviews and oral exams.
References
Andreou, V., Peters, S., Eggermont, J., Wens, J., & Schoenmakers, B. (2021). Remote versus on-site proctored exam: comparing student results in a cross-sectional study. Bmc Medical Education, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-03068-x
Cherry, G., O’Leary, M., Naumenko, O., Kuan, L.-A., & Waters, L. (2021). Do outcomes from high stakes examinations taken in test centres and via live remote proctoring differ? Computers and Education Open, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2021.100061
Hartley, P., Torres, L., & Routon, P. W. (2025). Academic integrity and exam performance in the online environment. The Journal of Business and Economic Studies (Fairfield, Conn.), 29(1), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.53462/Vol29i1A4
Hurtz, G. M., & Weiner, J. A. (2022). Comparability and integrity of online remote vs. onsite proctored credentialing exams. Journal of Applied Testing Technology, 23, 36.
Weiner, J. A., & Hurtz, G. M. (2017). A comparative study of online remote proctored versus onsite proctored high-stakes exams. Journal of Applied Testing Technology, 18,13-20.
Wongworawat, M. D., Incrocci, M., Crumlish, C. F., & Klena, J. (2022). Effect of remote proctoring of the orthopaedic in-training examination on scores. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global Research & Reviews, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-21-00225