Best practices for online test room scans

Learn about room scans for online exams

Ohio room scan case summary

A judge found that a “room scan” completed during an online exam violated a student’s rights under the Fourth Amendment, but a final ruling in this case has not yet been reached.

Before we jump into further details about the room scan in this situation, we want to emphasize a few things:

1. Honorlock was not involved in the room scan in this situation 

2. Honorlock does not require room scans
Honorlock’s online proctoring platform provides room scans as an optional setting that can be enabled or disabled as needed. We do advocate for clear, posted guidelines and consistent application of them across an institution.

3. Room scans are not unconstitutional, banned, or prohibited.
For more details, see the court documents in this case.

4. The problem was HOW this specific room scan was completed and reviewed

Here’s what happened during the room scan in this situation:
  • Shifting guidelines and expectations regarding the use of room scans leading up to the exam.
  • Due to health reasons, the student took the exam online at home and was only able to take the exam in his bedroom, was not aware he could have taken the exam at another location, and was not given a choice to opt out of the room scan.
  • A school employee completed the room scan on Zoom with other students present and watching.
  • Again, the room scan was not completed through Honorlock.
  • The room scan completed on Zoom was visible to other students taking the exam.

What could this school have done better?

  • Used a remote proctoring software, such as Honorlock, which ensures the privacy of room scans (only the proctor or exam administrator have access to view the room scan)In the factual summary of this case, it states that “Other students taking the remote test can see the room scans of other students.” While this may be possible if an instructor is personally overseeing a group test using any of the common video conferencing platforms, this is not possible using the Honorlock platform. At no point is the recording or room scan accessible to other students, other instructors, or any other party. The Honorlock platform operates as a 1:1 proctoring solution.
  • Used consistent remote testing policies and guidelines at both the institution and course/exam levels
  • Ensured policies were published well in advance (notice), students had access to the policies and guidelines (inform), and students consented to the practice of room scans
  • In this case, at the beginning of the semester, a course syllabus stated students were subject to a room scan before, during, or after an exam. The student objected and the room scan policy was removed by the Professor. The Professor didn’t communicate this to the school’s Testing Services. The school’s Testing Services emailed the student about two hours before the exam and informed the student of the requirement to do a room scan. The student emailed the Testing Services informing them that he did not have enough time to remove sensitive documents from his work space. Before the exam started the proctor required the student conduct a room scan, which the student performed.
  • Used a remote proctoring software, such as Honorlock, which ensures the privacy of room scans (only the proctor or exam administrator have access to view the room scan).
  • In this court’s Opinion & Order, it states that “Other students taking the remote test can see the room scans of other students.” While this may be possible if an instructor is personally overseeing a group test using any of the common video conferencing platforms, this is not possible using the Honorlock platform. At no point is the recording or room scan accessible to other students, other instructors, or any other party. The Honorlock platform operates as a 1:1 proctoring solution.
  • Provided a remote proctoring accommodation for this student who did not consent to room scans.
  • Visit our article for more information on how to provide accommodations with Honorlock.
Where do we go from here?

As the demand for online programs and distance learning continues, safeguarding online exams is a priority for schools to protect their accreditation, their reputation and the value of their programs.

Room scans are one element in creating a secure and equitable testing environment. Other important factors include things such as short test windows, clear expectations, utilizing a test bank for randomly generated test questions. 

This is a good time to review your remote testing policies and procedures and make any necessary adjustments. 

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Are your remote test security practices, policies and procedures published in advance and readily available for faculty and students?

2. Do your policies include guidelines for when to use room scans and how to conduct a proper room scan?

3. Are your guidelines enforced consistently across all online courses and exams?

Best practices for proctoring online exams with room scans:

1. Publish your remote exam policies and guidelines in advance and include a link in the course syllabus

2. Get student’s written consent to the guidelines, specifically, to the room scan

3. Provide alternative testing locations for students who do not consent to remote room scans

4. For students who must test remotely, but do not consent to the room scan, accommodate their request by notifying the Honorlock proctor that room scans will not be used with that student.

For more information on how to provide accommodations, visit our KnowledgeBase article.

5. Follow your institution’s guidelines for proctoring online exams

Your institution may have certain requirements for proctoring, such as the use of room scans. Please adhere to your institution’s policies and guidelines for remotely proctored exams. Proctor Settings and Student Guidelines for your exam are tailorable and easily adjusted. For more information on what each setting means, use this article to access the respective article for your LMS.

Prior to proctoring online exams:

1. Discuss the use of Honorlock and use practice exams

Review how to use Honorlock with your students. We encourage you to assign practice exams so students can gain familiarity with Honorlock’s LTI.

Note: you can setup the practice exams to mirror the same settings that will be utilized on the actual assessment (including a room scan).

2. Include Honorlock information in your course syllabus

Be sure that students have access to information about Honorlock in your syllabus.

  • Recommended verbiage can be found here.
  • Additional information about Honorlock for students can be found here.

3. Address any privacy concerns

Have an open dialogue with students and respond to any privacy concerns. 

  • For more information on student privacy resources, visit this link.
  • Additional information on what students can expect during a proctored exam can be found here.

4. Create awareness and understanding of room scans
Familiarize yourself and your students with what a room scan is and what they can expect from it.

5. Get a signed consent form for room scans

6. Explain what to expect during a proctored exam
It’s important for students to understand what they can expect during a proctored exam. 

Here’s what you can discuss with your students:

  • Discuss the different proctoring settings that can be used and how they work.
  • Honorlock advises using similar settings for every exam so students know what to expect and are familiar with functionality.
  • We also recommend setting up your practice exam to mimic the same settings throughout the semester/quarter.
  • An example of Standard Exam Guidelines language can be found here.
  • Explain what in-exam flags are, their purpose, and what behaviors may trigger them.
  • We recommend sharing this KnowledgeBase article. about in-exam flags with your students
  • Provide clear, unambiguous test rules and instructions for all of your exams.
  • Here’s an article with real examples of effective test rules and instructions for online exams and tips to remove any confusion.

7. Create a culture of academic integrity
Academic integrity goes beyond proctored exams. Creating a culture of academic integrity in your classroom can support positive decision-making during exams. 

Check out our blog article on some helpful tips to improve the academic integrity within your classroom. 

8. Join our educational webinars
Honorlock provides ongoing educational webinars every semester, including one for every supported LMS, be sure to register here. 

If you do not find what you are looking for, please take a look at our library of previously recorded webinars found here, or please reach out to your CSM and/or Support Chat.

Quick facts about online proctoring room scans
  • What’s a room scan?

A room scan uses a test taker’s webcam to get a 360 degree view of the room.

  • Why are room scans used?

Room scans help protect academic integrity by ensuring that there are no unauthorized resources or people in the room.

  • When are room scans used?

A room scan may be required by an institution or exam administrator at the start of the exam to ensure that no unauthorized resources or people are in the testing environment. A re-scan during the exam may be requested by the proctor should there be indications of unauthorized behavior or resources.

  • How are room scans completed?

Test takers enable their webcam and complete the room scan by panning the webcam on the device around the room.

  • Are room scans commonly used in proctored online exams?

Yes. Room scans are common and, when done correctly, generally considered as one of several best practices for proctored online exams.

  • Do all proctoring companies require room scans

No. Some proctoring companies require room scans, others provide it as an option tool to use.

About Honorlock room scans

Does Honorlock require room scans?

No. Honorlock doesn’t require room scans. Room scanning is an option feature that can be enabled or disabled.

How can instructors using Honorlock disable room scans for test-takers?

After creating the exam in the LMS, the instructor can pick which proctoring features to enable or disable for the exam, including room scanning. 

Does Honorlock allow instructors to disable room scans for specific test takers?

Yes. Instructors can provide proctor instructions that allow specific test takers to bypass the room scan.

Who can view a room scan with Honorlock?

If the institution or instructor requires a room scan, only a Honorlock-trained proctor, the instructor, and key administrators at the institution will have access to review the room scan. 

It’s important to note that a room scan is only viewed if there is questionable behavior flagged during the exam. 

At that point, the proctor may view the recording, including the room scan. The instructor or an administrator may also review the recording, including the room scan, after the exam. Instructors only receive recordings in the event of a flag.

Can other test takers or people view the room scan?

No. The room scan is never accessible to anyone other than the Honorlock proctor, the instructor, and key administrators of the institution.

The recording or room scan is never accessible to other test takers, other instructors, or any other party. 

More information about Honorlock:

Looking for more articles and information about higher education and online learning? Visit our resources section.

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

How business schools benefit from online proctoring

Top benefits of online proctoring for business schools and programs

Whether it’s a business school offering master’s degrees, undergraduate degrees, or certificates, online proctoring benefits everyone involved. This article will show you how online proctoring helps business schools and their instructors and students.

Benefits of online proctoring for business schools

What is online proctoring?

Online proctoring (or remote proctoring), means using software and services to protect academic integrity during exams and help students successfully complete exams.

Online proctoring features
  • Video monitoring: uses the webcam to monitor behavior
  • Sound detection: monitors audio through the microphone
  • Voice detection: AI listens for keywords & phrases that may indicate cheating
  • Cell phone detection: AI detects when students attempt to use their cell phones to access test bank content during the exam
  • Browser Guard: restricts access to other browsers and software
  • ID authentication: uses the webcam and/or other technology to verify the person taking the exam is the one getting credit.
Click to see the four common types of online proctoring
  • Browser lockdown: entry-level test monitoring software that prevents the use of other browsers and applications.
  • Automated proctoring (AI proctoring): exams are monitored by AI only.
  • Live proctoring: a proctor monitors multiple test-takers at once in real-time.
  • Blended proctoring (Automated + live proctoring): AI monitors test-taker behavior and alerts a live human proctor if it detects potential issues.

Note: The examples and benefits covered in this article assume that a blended proctoring solution is used because it provides the greatest amount of flexibility to cover the needs of diverse exams for business schools.

Supports accreditation for business schools

Accreditation is crucial for business schools.

Business school accreditation is crucial because it assures that the school follows (and hopefully exceeds) high-quality standards that are based on research and generally accepted industry business practices. But accredited business schools can’t just check the box that they meet the requirements every so often. They must demonstrate that they’re invested in continually developing and growing, not just maintaining existing standards.

The most common accreditation for business programs is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It’s generally considered to be the best way to guarantee the overall quality of the business school in terms of the programs, faculty, and instruction.

From an institutional accreditation standpoint, the federal government’s 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions that receive Title IV funding to verify the identity of enrolled online students by at least one of the following methods: online proctoring, new or other technologies and practices to verify ID, and secure login/passwords.

Helps protect reputation and enrollment

We’ve all heard about the “easy A” class.

The class that uses the same test questions year after year. The test questions are easily found on Google or Reddit and the instructor doesn’t use proctoring or may not have it available. While students may enjoy the bump to their GPA, these “easy A” classes can hurt your business school’s reputation and impact future enrollment.

With the right online proctoring platform, you can help safeguard your business school’s reputation by creating a level playing field for all students to demonstrate course mastery and protect your test questions from being shared online.

“We want to know that the education we are providing is one of quality. If all of our quizzes are out there on the internet where anyone can look up the answers, what kind of quality is that degree?” – Cody Moyer, Director of Learning Technology at Polk State College

Implementing online proctoring is quick and simple

With the right LMS integration and services, implementing online proctoring for business schools is quick and simple.

Some online proctoring platforms directly integrate with your LMS quickly and easily, and it also means that:

  • It’s basically the same test environment for instructors and students
  • No extra logins and passwords are needed Exam reports/recordings and support are available in the LMS
  • Exam reports/recordings and support are available in the LMS
     

Two extra tips for business schools:

1. Find an online proctoring company that offers flat-rate pricing

Variable costs can add up quickly if the online proctoring company doesn’t offer flat-rate pricing.

Imagine how much extra this scenario would cost your program:

  • You’re using a proctoring company that charges per hour.
  • You budgeted for 1,000 hours of online exam proctoring.
  • The exams take longer than expected, and you’re billed for 1,350 hours.

That’s 350 hours of proctoring that you didn’t plan for.

2. Find a proctoring solution, not just a tool

Some online proctoring companies sell a beginner tool, like browser lockdown software, which is cheap and might check the box.

Consider this: if you’re only using a browser lock to proctor exams, students can just use their cell phones to look up test answers.

So, is a limited tool really worth the investment?

You need a proctoring solution, not a tool. But what’s the difference?

Think of it this way: If your goal is to build a house, would you only buy a hammer and nails? Probably not.

A hammer and nails aren’t a complete solution; they’re part of a solution. You need additional tools and expertise to build and customize the house to your needs.

The same is true for online proctoring; find a proctoring company that partners with your business school and provides a comprehensive solution that meets and exceeds your needs.

Benefits of online proctoring for business instructors

More time teaching instead of testing during class

If instructors don’t have to deliver proctored exams during class, there’s more time for extra class activities or lectures they can explore with students.

Removes scheduling hassles

With proctoring services like Honorlock, instructors won’t have to worry about scheduling exams because students can take proctored exams AND get live support 24/7/365.

Works for different types of business exam formats

With the right blended proctoring solution, you can use customizable settings and instructions to proctor just about any question format and business-related activity during an online exam, such as:

Handwritten math problems & essays

  • Finance math example: completing calculus and statistical analysis math problems using pen and paper.
  • Economics essay example: completing short or long-form handwritten responses about the concepts of perfect and imperfect competition.

Use of real software to complete tasks

  • Accounting example: completing a balance sheet in Excel and creating invoices in QuickBooks.
  • HR talent management example: creating an explainer video of how to use specific tools within common Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as ADP Talent, Oracle Taleo, and Workday Recruiting.

Virtual presentations & demonstrations

  • MBA capstone presentation example: giving virtual presentations of final capstone projects.
  • HR demonstration example: demonstrating specific employee interview techniques through mock virtual interviews with other students in the online business program.

Open-book (access to specific physical & digital resources)

  • Physical book example: students can only use a specific textbook during the exam, while all other books and resources are prohibited.
  • Digital resource example: MBA students can access specific websites and research articles during the proctored exam while all other websites are prohibited.

Easy to use and set up

Even if you’re new to teaching online courses and online testing, the learning curve with online proctoring platforms like Honorlock is minimal.

With the exception of a few clicks, it’s pretty much the same experience to create exams because of Honorlock’s LMS integration.

This integration means that you’ll create exams in the LMS like you already do, pick the features you want to use, and review the exam results and timestamped recordings in the LMS afterward – and no extra logins or passwords needed.

Protects test questions from being leaked

Instructors spend a lot of time creating quality test questions. But, unfortunately, it’s quick and easy for students to find and share your test questions on the internet.

Luckily, some proctoring platforms can automatically identify when test questions are leaked and provide steps to have the content removed.

This protects your content and means that you won’t have to spend time reworking your test questions and creating new test question banks.

How online proctoring can help business students

Provides students with flexibility to take proctored exams on their own schedule

Students have busy lives, and they need the ability to take exams at a time that works for them without dealing with scheduling issues. Proctoring companies, like Honorlock, give students the flexibility to take proctored exams anytime – even at 1 a.m. over the weekend or on Thanksgiving day – and get live support if they need it.

The right approach to exam proctoring can reduce student test anxiety

Let’s face it, a box in the corner of the screen with a person watching students take the exam is pretty distracting (and creepy). But some AI just isn’t accurate enough and often leads to overflagging – again, more distractions and anxiety for students.

The good news is that a student survey with university students actually found that the right approach to online proctoring – one that combines AI with human review – can help reduce student test anxiety.

“The proctor popping in was different than I expected – in a positive way. I imagined them being more strict. I felt that the proctor was helpful and a lot less intimidating than I thought.” – Student quote in a post-exam survey

Creates a fair test environment

Online proctoring software protects academic integrity and creates a level playing field. You can have confidence that no one will have an unfair advantage, and you can focus on demonstrating your knowledge.

Solidifies the validity of the online business program

Students want to know that their education in an online business program is valued just as much as an in-person program. Online proctoring helps create a level playing field that protects the program’s reputation and perceived value.

“Online proctoring confirms that an online degree holds the same weight as one where students took the classes in person,” said Jordan Adair, Vice President of Product at Honorlock

The best online proctoring solution for business schools

If your goal is to check the box for online proctoring, an entry-level tool like browser lockdown software might work. But you get what you pay for.

If your goal is to truly protect academic integrity within a better testing environment that supports students, you need a comprehensive proctoring solution from a partner like Honorlock.

Instead of just selling a limited tool, Honorlock partners with your business school from the start to protect academic integrity in a supportive, noninvasive test environment that improves online teaching and learning.

How does Honorlock work?

Honorlock’s online proctoring software combines the benefits of AI with those of live remote proctors to help reduce student test anxiety, provide support, and uphold academic integrity.

  • Our exam proctoring software monitors students’ exam sessions with a variety of proctoring tools, such as: video monitoring, cell phone detection, voice detection, browser guard, and more.
  • If the proctoring software detects potential academic dishonesty, it alerts a live proctor.
  • The live proctor can review the situation in an analysis window and decide whether to intervene or not.

Honorlock’s blended proctoring delivers a less intimidating and noninvasive proctored exam experience for students because they aren’t constantly watched.

Protect your business school’s online exams and reputation while supporting students and faculty

Business schools face stiff competition. Your reputation is a fundamental aspect of growing your online programs, and your audiences are watching.

Potential students, accrediting bodies, and future employers want to know if your programs are academically sound. Honorlock’s online proctoring software and services play a critical role in protecting your reputation and online exams.

See how Honorlock can help support your business school
Please fill out the form for more information

Best Online Proctoring for Nursing Programs

Best online proctoring solution for online nursing program exams

It’s safe to say that nursing students take A LOT of exams throughout their educational journey, and for good reason–because nurses save lives.

Online nursing programs face challenges

While online education is flexible and convenient, it can be challenging to prevent cheating on exams – especially without the right online proctoring solution in place.

Without online proctoring, you may find your test questions leaked on the internet, students can use cell phones to look up answers, and they can take exams with other students.

The right proctoring solution does more than prevent cheating on exams

Online proctoring allows nursing programs to test students in more ways that show knowledge AND practical application without concerns of exam cheating.

What if you could use these exam activities in an online environment and still prevent cheating?

  • Math problems for dosing calculations using pen & paper
  • Virtual demonstrations of how to use medical equipment
  • Using real nursing charting software to document patient information
  • Open book & open notebook exams

What’s the best way to proctor online nursing exams?

The best proctoring solution for nursing exams combines AI monitoring software with human review. This type of solution is referred to as blended online proctoring or blended proctoring solution.

What’s a blended online proctoring solution?

A blended proctoring solution combines AI exam monitoring software and human proctors to monitor student behavior, prevent cheating, and support students during exams.

Why’s this the most effective way of proctoring online nursing exams?

Because AI is good, but it isn’t perfect and neither are humans. While both have strengths, they’re most effective when they’re combined.

Combining AI with human review creates a noninvasive test environment with fewer distractions, works for many different exam formats, and streamlines the review process.

What kinds of nursing exams can be proctored?

Pretty much any nursing exam can be proctored, such as: 

  • Entrance exams for nursing programs taken in person or online
  • Nursing certification exams for continuing education
  • Nontraditional online exam activities such as:
  • Completing math problems and essays by hand
    • e.g., students complete dosage calculations along with an essay about patient safety and protecting privacy
  • Virtual demonstrations and presentations
    • e.g., students identify the parts of a specific medical device and show how it works
  • Using a real nursing charting system used by hospitals and creating an explainer video
    • e.g., Students add mock patient information into the charting system and discuss each step
How does online proctoring work with a blended solution?
  • AI monitors student behavior during the exam
  • If the AI detects any potentially dishonest behavior, it alerts a live human proctor in real-time
  • After the proctor is alerted, they can intervene and address the situation
  • Some online proctoring companies even allow the proctor to review the behavior in an analysis window before deciding if they need to intervene or not. This helps create a less intimidating and noninvasive testing experience for the student.
  • After the proctored exam is complete, instructors can review detailed reports and timestamped exam recordings.

What other exam proctoring features are available?

These proctoring features are available in addition to the combination of AI and human review:

Software that automatically searches for leaked test content

Have you ever found your test question leaked on the internet?

It’s an unfortunate byproduct of homework help sites and internet forums. But online proctoring platforms have AI that can identify leaked test content.

Which option sounds the best to you?

Option 1: manually click each and every test question you want the proctoring platform to search for, wait for the results, and spend time sending takedown requests to each and every one.

Option 2: automatically search the internet for all of your test questions in a few minutes and send takedown requests in a single click

Unless you like time consuming, manual tasks, you probably picked Option 2. The best online proctoring platform provides features to protect your test content and save you time.

Video for monitoring behavior, ID verification, and room scans

The student’s webcam is used to: 

  • Verify their identity and complete a room scan prior to the exam
  • Monitor behavior during the exam
Direct LMS integration

A direct integration between your LMS and the proctoring platform is a game changer. This integration ultimately impacts the testing environment, ease of use, and data security.

The direct integration between Honorlock’s proctoring platform and the LMS creates a testing experience and environment that’s pretty much the same for educators and students with the exception of a few clicks. This integration also means no extra passwords or logins needed for students or educators.

Nursing educator proctoring experience
  • Nurse educators will create exams just like they already do. And they can customize exam settings with a couple clicks. After the proctored exams are done, educators can view reports and recordings without leaving the LMS.

Nursing student proctored exam experience

  • It’s just as simple for students taking the nursing exam. They log into the LMS they’re already comfortable with, verify ID, and launch the exam. Students can also get support during the exam without leaving the LMS.
Voice detection, not sound detection

Most proctoring platforms use sound detection instead of voice detection. The terms are used interchangeably but they’re not the same.

  • Sound detection can trigger false flags for basically any noise, like coughing or a dog barking. That means irrelevant flags for instructors to review.
  • Voice detection listens for specific keywords and phrases, like “OK Google,” to detect potential cheating and alerts a human proctor in real-time.

The best online proctoring software takes this a step further by providing a transcript of what the student said.

Browser lockdown software

Nursing educators can enable a browser lock to prevent students from accessing other browsers and applications, restrict some keyboard functions, and record the student’s desktop.

Note: browser lockdown software is an entry-level tool that really shouldn’t be used as your only proctoring solution for exams in your nursing program. They only cover a small portion of exam cheating and students can easily work around them.

Timestamped recordings and reports

The best remote proctoring software collects extensive data during the exam and provides actionable reports and time-stamped recordings within the LMS.

The proctored exam reports are in a simple format that’s easy to read and includes relevant information about student activity, like suspicious behavior and potential violations.

No scheduling required to take proctored nursing exams

On-demand proctoring services like Honorlock provide nursing students with the flexibility and convenience of taking exams and getting support 24/7/365 without leaving the LMS.

What company has the best proctoring software and services for online nursing exams?

Honorlock’s blended solution is the best online proctoring software to protect online nursing exams. It’s also the highest-rated proctoring software on peer-to-peer review site, G2.

“Through the use of Honorlock, we have been able to maintain the integrity of our classes, many of which are precursors to entry into our nursing program. It is an easy-to-use, comprehensive system that will not be intrusive to students.” – Jill M.

Why aren’t other proctoring solutions as effective?

Some proctoring solutions do very little, but some do a lot more. So, it depends on your definition of “effective” and what your goals are.

If you’re only looking for an inexpensive proctoring solution that checks the box, like browser lockdown software, just remember that you get what you pay for.

You can use AI or live proctors to monitor exams, but they both have limitations. AI covers some things, but like any technology, it needs human oversight to truly harness its effectiveness. And only using live proctors can lead to scheduling issues, test anxiety, and unexpected testing costs.

Read part 2

Read part 2 of this series to see how it’s actually applied.

We’ll show you real examples of how to proctor nursing exam activities like:

See how Honorlock works

Complete the form to schedule a demo

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

How to Proctor Real-World Nursing Exams

Examples of how to proctor exams with real nursing job tasks

Hybrid proctoring: Combines AI and live proctors. The AI monitors behavior during the exam & alerts a live proctor if it detects potential issues.

Test content protection: automatically searches the internet for leaked test questions & gives the ability to send takedown requests with one click.

Cell phone detection: AI detects when students attempt to use their cell phones during exams.

Video monitoring: uses the students’ webcam to monitor student behavior during the exam, scan the room, and verify ID.

ID verification: the webcam captures a picture of the student along with their photo ID.

Voice detection: listens for specific keywords & phrases such as, “OK Google” or “Hey Siri” & provides a transcript of what a student says. Much more effective than sound detection, which can trigger because of a sneeze or a dog barking.

Browser lockdown: primarily prevents students from accessing other browsers & applications. Some allow instructors to give students access to specific sites & applications while still restricting others.

Entrance exams (online or at a testing center)

Whether nursing entrance exams taken in-person at a testing center, for example, you can use a mix of proctoring software and human review to prevent cheating.

Protecting written components (handwritten or typed)

If the nursing entrance exam has a written component, a hybrid proctoring solution can help secure them regardless of whether they’re handwritten or typed. The section immediately after this covers how to proctor essays and math problems, but here’s a quick summary of how it works:

  • Handwritten essays and math: Choose the setting within the proctoring platform that allows students to look down at their papers without being flagged and include exam instructions that require them to only use blank sheets of paper and to show their work before and after they complete each question.
  • Typed essays: The AI and browser guard block access to other websites and applications (except the specified word processor, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs), while also disabling copy-and-paste keyboard functions and recording the test taker’s desktop activity.

Detecting phones, smartwatches, and other devices

Cell phones, smartwatches, and other secondary devices are easy to conceal during exams taken remotely or in a testing center, but some forms of proctoring software can detect when test takers try to use them.

Verifying identity before exams

Confirms that the person taking the entrance exam is the same one getting credit; typically involves using the webcam to take a clear photo of the test taker along with a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or student ID.

Scanning the room and monitoring behavior

Scans the room for unauthorized items like phones or notes, but follows the exam administrator’s instructions to allow specific items, such as scratch paper, a pen or pencil, or a glass of water. Test takers are recorded and monitored by AI throughout their exam session, with a human proctor reviewing potential academic misconduct flagged by the AI and stepping in only after confirming it needs to be addressed.

Locking the browser

Blocks access to websites and applications during exams, but allows exam administrators to permit specific ones, like a link to a nursing case study or a desktop calculator, while keeping all others restricted.

Want to see how Honorlock works?

Schedule a Demo

Essays & math problems

Example: nursing students use pen and paper to complete:

  • 3 dosage calculation math problems
  • 1 handwritten essay about patient dosage safety

Handwritten essays and math problems

Turn on “Scratch Paper Allowed”

The nursing instructor simply enables a setting called “Scratch Paper Allowed” which allows students to look down at their paper without the AI flagging them.

Block or allow specific resources

Provide the proctor with instructions that allow students to use a calculator, whether it’s a physical calculator or one on their desktop. You can also specify certain websites students can visit during the exam, such as research articles, links within your online course, videos on YouTube, etc. while blocking everything else.

Provide clear exam rules and instructions, such as:

  • Only use a black or dark blue pen and blank white sheets of paper.
  • You may use the calculator function on your desktop computer.
  • Hold the blank paper up to the camera and show each side before starting and after completing each question.
  • Upload the written responses into the LMS after showing your work.

Typed nursing essays

Allow access to a word processor

Provide proctor instructions that allow students to access word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs while blocking any other applications and websites.

Prevent copying and pasting

If remote proctoring technology isn’t used, a student could copy text before the exam, whether notes and definitions or text from an AI chatbot, and paste it into the document. Some proctoring solutions prevent this by blocking keyboard shortcuts entirely.

Block the use of AI tools during essays

Some proctor systems combine a slew of features that work together to prevent the use of AI such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. This includes detecting cell phones, listening for commands that activate AI voice assistants, securing the browser, and monitoring desktop activity.

Virtual demonstrations & presentations

Example: nursing students identify the parts of a Sphygmomanometer and show how it works.

How to proctoring nursing exam virtual demonstrations & presentations

Detect voices and get a complete transcript of what the student said

The proctoring software can detect voices and provide the instructor with a full transcript of what’s said during the exam activity. It listens for things like, “Hey Siri” and “OK Google” as well as custom lists from the instructor that include phrases like, “help me,” or “what’s the answer?”

If the AI detects any potential issues, it alerts a live proctor who can review the situation and decide to enter the session to intervene and redirect the student. A transcript allows instructors to key in on specific subjects, like the student naming the parts of a Sphygmomanometer, which can speed up the review process.

The transcript is also particularly helpful for instructors who may be deaf or hard of hearing, but still want to provide students with the ability to virtually present.

Record the presentation or demonstration

The proctoring platform records the entire virtual presentation and demo for the instructor to watch. Instructors will also have reports and recordings with timestamps of potentially suspicious behavior to review.

Scan the room and monitor student behavior

The webcam can be used to complete a room scan to make sure the student doesn’t have any notes taped on the wall in front of them or resources on their desk.

What if a student has a speech disorder?

If a student has a speech disorder, you can provide proctor instructions that provide the student with other ways to complete the virtual presentation, such as allowing text-to-speech assistive technology.

Can you remotely proctor virtual group presentations?

Example: two students in separate locations record a presentation using a common video conferencing tool, such as Zoom.

It’s basically the same process as proctoring an individual presentation, except the instructor only reviews the audio and video from one student instead of both. The proctoring platform verifies the identity of both students, scans the room, records the presentation, and provides a transcript.

Using real industry software to complete a task

Example: nursing students add mock patient information to an EMR/EHR charting system commonly used by hospitals.

How to remote proctor nursing exams that require the use of real software

Allow the charting system and prevent access to other software and sites

A browser lock can be used to only allow nursing students to access a specific EMR/EHR charting system during the exam without being flagged. While you can specify which charting system can be used,  you can still prevent students from accessing other systems and browser tabs during the nursing exam.

Record students’ screens during the nursing exam task

The students’ screens can be recorded throughout the nursing exam task. The instructor can watch each exam recording to see how students completed specific portions of the tasks within the software.

Want to make it an explainer video?

In addition to recording nursing students’ screens during the exam charting task, instructors can also record audio. This allows the instructor to watch the student complete the task within the charting system while listening to the student explain what they’re doing during the charting task activity and why.

Smart Voice Detection technology provides a transcript of what the student says during the recording. Similar to the other examples in this article, instructors can also verify ID, detect cell phone use, and complete a room scan.

Open book online nursing exams

Example: nursing students can use specific textbooks or notes during the exam.

How to conduct proctored open book nursing exams

Provide instructions that allow specific books and/or notes during the exam

Here’s an example of what an exam admin would provide to the proctor: Students may only use this text book: Evidence-based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (fifth edition) by Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, Ellen Fineout-Overholt PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Before the proctored exam starts, students planning to use the textbook will need to show it to the webcam during the room scan. The proctor will check to make sure it’s the right one.

Scan the room to make sure no other books and resources are in the exam room

During the room scan, students can have instructor-permitted books in the testing area that they can use during the proctored authentic assessment.

Want students to have access to digital notes and resources?

Instructors can allow students to access specific digital resources during the proctored exam. The instructor simply adds the exact URLs of the permitted sites in the exam setup.

Back to Menu

Honorlock online proctoring allows nursing programs to do more with exams

While many other proctoring companies struggle to protect exams that involve more than standard test question formats, Honorlock allows your nursing program to offer test questions and activities that truly test knowledge and application.

Honorlock is the best online proctoring for nursing programs, but don’t just take our word for it.

We encourage you to read verified Honorlock reviews on peer-to-peer software review site, G2, and our customer testimonials.

“Through the use of Honorlock, we have been able to maintain the integrity of our classes, many of which are precursors to entry into our nursing program. It is an easy-to-use, comprehensive system that will not be intrusive to students like live proctoring systems.” – Review by Jill M.

“The 24-7 availability to students is a real plus. I have been using Honorlock for 5 years and have never had a complaint from a student about their experience. Proctors are courteous and helpful to students.” – Review by Michael A.

“I think the best thing about Honorlock is the ease of use for our faculty and students. Getting them trained and ready was easy with the support and guidance from the team.” – Review by Amy S., Director of Instructional Technology

“Before Honorlock, our campus relied on in-person proctoring. Honorlock allowed us to move past this archaic practice and permit students to take tests honestly from their homes. Honorlock’s team reviews students’ test-taking environments.” – Review by an Administrator in Higher Education

“Honorlock, because of its ease of use, was widely adopted by our faculty and has been very effective. It is an elegant solution to a complex problem.” – Review by Tom M., Director of Learning Resources

“Honorlock is very easy for students to set up and start using. Setup for instructors is also pretty simple, they can easily pick which settings/features to turn on for their exams.” – Review by an Administrator in Higher Education.

Schedule a demo to see
how Honorlock works

13 Features of the Best Online Proctoring Companies

Compare platform software and services of the best online proctoring companies

Comparing proctoring services and software?

Finding the best online proctoring company is difficult because each offers different platforms, features, and services. We’re here to help.
Click to jump to that section.

  1. AI + humans = better proctoring
  2. Detects cell phones
  3. Blocks ChatGPT
  4. Flat-rate price protects your bottom line
  5. Easy to use ≠ less functionality
  6. Automatically searches for leaked test questions
  7. 24/7 proctored exams + live support
  8. Customizable proctoring settings + accommodations
  9. Works for traditional and alternative assessments
  10. Integrates directly with the LMS
  11. Uses voice detection, not sound detection
  12. Reports with timestamped recordings are available in the LMS
  13. Technology + company practices = security

Here are the online proctoring platforms and services we’ll refer to:

Browser lockdown: entry-level exam monitoring software prevents use of other browsers and applications.

Live human proctoring: a proctor simultaneously monitors multiple test-takers in real-time.

Automated proctoring (AI proctoring): only uses AI software to monitor behavior.

Automated (AI) + live proctoring: AI software monitors behavior and alerts a human proctor if it detects potential academic dishonesty

13 things to look for in the best online proctoring services and software

1. Combines AI and humans to improve accuracy and the user experience

When you create a document in Microsoft Word, do you accept every grammar suggestion without reviewing it first? Hopefully not.

And after you proofread and make some suggested changes, you may use assistive writing software, like Grammarly, to double-check your work.

Why do we do this? Because even though AI is powerful, it isn’t perfect, and humans make mistakes. We use AI in many ways but still review it because there are nuances that need human oversight. This everyday example highlights the value of AI and humans working together.

It’s the same situation for online exam proctoring. AI exam monitoring software and human proctors are independently good at certain things, but they’re more effective when combined.

Consider this scenario: You’re a remote proctor responsible for monitoring a dozen test-takers at once. It’d be easy to miss things, right?

But what if the AI monitors test takers’ behavior and alerts a proctor if it detects any problems? And then they can review the situation one-to-one instead of one-to-a dozen before intervening?

The best online proctoring service does that. This approach creates a better testing environment with fewer distractions and improves proctoring accuracy.

2. Detects cell phones and other devices

Most people have cellphones or other devices, which is why you need to find online proctoring that can detect when they’re being used to look up answers.

In addition to detecting cell phones, the online proctoring software should detect device sharing apps like Apple Handoff.

3. Blocks ChatGPT and other AI tools

If you’re looking to stop AI tools like ChatGPT and Transcript browser extension, you’ll need a lot more than browser lockdown software and a plagiarism checker.

A browser lock is a good start, but what if a test taker has a cell phone? And plagiarism checkers are ineffective at detecting AI generated content.

To stop ChatGPT and other AI, you need a comprehensive proctoring solution with a variety of tools such as: cell phone detection, video monitoring, voice detection (not sound detection), and a blend of AI with live proctoring.

4. Flat-rate pricing helps avoid variable costs

Variable costs can add up quickly depending on the proctoring company’s pricing model.

Consider this scenario: You’re using an online proctoring company that charges per hour.

You budgeted for 500 hours of exam proctoring, but the exams take longer than expected, and you’re billed for 650 hours.

How much extra would that cost you? Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, it’s too much.

To help protect your bottom line and estimate testing costs, find an online proctoring company with a flat rate cost per exam or test-taker.

5. The proctored exam software is easy to use and does everything you need

If you invest in online proctored exam software, make sure it gets used. Clunky software can create a bad user experience that ultimately decreases adoption and requires more time for training.

Ease of use doesn’t mean less functionality. The best test proctoring software makes it easy to use advanced, customizable proctoring features in just a few clicks – even for the least tech-savvy people.

6. Automatically identifies leaked test questions

Unfortunately, it’s common to find leaked test questions on the internet. It’s a frustrating aspect of online learning that puts your tests and reputation at risk.

“If all of our quizzes are out there on the internet where anyone can look up the answers, what kind of quality is that degree?”– Cody Moyer, Director of Learning Technology, Polk State College

But you have a few options to search for your leaked test content:

Option 1: Individually entering your test questions into an internet search tool and reviewing all of the results.

Option 2: Manually selecting each test question to be searched for by the proctoring software and sending individual takedown requests if any are found.

Option 3: Enabling the online proctoring platform to automatically search the internet for all of your test questions and sending takedown requests with a single click.

Which option sounds best? Option 3 because it’s efficient and effective.
That’s the difference between using the best proctoring software to find leaked test content versus software that checks the box.

7. Proctored exams and support are available 24/7/365

People have busy lives and need the flexibility to take exams and get live support 24/7/365.

“Having access to customer support 24/7/365 is huge. Especially when students may be taking exams at any time of day. You want them to have access to someone who can troubleshoot with them.” – Daphnee St. Val, Senior Instructional Designer, Broward College
Read about Daphnee’s experience with proctoring

Support questions to ask online proctoring companies:

  • Is support available in different ways? e.g., chat, email, phone?
  • In what country or countries are the support agents located?
  • Is support an additional cost or included in the flat rate price?

8. Proctoring settings are customizable

With some remote proctoring platforms, you’re stuck with out-of-the-box settings, whether you want to use them or not.

The inability to disable specific features of the proctored exam platform limits customization and can negatively impact the exam experience. The best proctoring platforms allow test admins to pick and choose which features to enable or disable in a few clicks.

“Instructors like how they can set different parameters in the exams. It’s a better experience for the students because instructors can be very specific.” – Paula Rodriguez, Former Director of the University Testing Center, Colorado State University.
Read about Paula’s experience with proctoring

The best proctoring services also allow admins to give instructions that provide accommodations, such as bathroom breaks, extended exam times, alternative assessment activities, and assistive devices.

9. Protects various assessment formats

Most remote proctoring companies offer at least one way to protect traditional test questions, like multiple-choice and true-or-false. But what about proctoring alternative assessment activities, sometimes called authentic assessments, like live virtual presentations or preparing balance sheets in Excel?

Browser lockdown software isn’t nearly enough. AI-only won’t cut it, and live proctoring-only could be a scheduling disaster and lead to variable costs. The most effective way to protect alternative assessments is to combine customizable remote proctoring software with live human review.

Test admins should be able to choose which proctoring features to use and provide the live proctor with detailed instructions and test rules for further customization that cover the many nuances of alternative assessments.

How to use remote proctoring tools in online alternative assessments:

Example alternative assessment activity: giving virtual presentations

  • Video: scans the room for additional people and unauthorized resources, verifies identity, and records the presentation.
  • Voice detection: detects when the person speaks and provides a transcript of what they say.
  • Accommodations: if a person has a speech impairment, for example, proctor instructions can offer alternative ways to complete the presentation, like using text-to-speech assistive technology.

Example alternative assessment activity: completing a balance sheet in Excel

  • BrowserGuard: allows the use of Excel but restricts other software, records screens, and prevents keyboard shortcuts.
  • Video: verifies ID and ensures prohibited resources, like notes, aren’t in the test room.
  • Accommodations: if the person has a physical condition that impairs the ability to type or use a mouse, proctor instructions can allow them to use an assistive keyboard and mouse.

10. The platform directly integrates with your LMS

A proctoring platform that directly integrates with your learning management system can speed up implementation, improve ease of use, secure data, and it usually means that no extra passwords or logins are required.

“You want an integrated system. You don’t want faculty and students to have separate sign-ons. That was important for us.” – Steven Daniello, Director of Assessment Services, Indian River State College
Read about Steven’s experience with proctoring

11. Uses voice detection instead of sound detection

The terms “voice detection” and “sound detection” are interchangeably used, but they’re significantly different.

  • Sound detection may flag unimportant noises like coughing or a doorbell ringing.
  • Voice detection listens for particular keywords and phrases, like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.”

Which do you think is more likely to create a false flag? While voice detection is a powerful tool, the best remote proctoring service takes it a step further by creating a transcript of what’s said by the test-taker.

12. Reports and recordings give actionable insights and help streamline the review process

The solution should provide exam reports with timestamped recordings within the LMS to help speed up review and give admins better test performance insights.

“I felt that I couldn’t trust my test scores… The analytics that come with the flags and real-time recording helped me to understand how students were approaching the course and what strategies they were using to pass the test. Honorlock helped me make sense of what was going on.” – Ryan P. Mears, PhD, Lecturer, University of Florida
Read about Ryan’s experience with proctoring

13. Online proctoring companies should take a security-first approach

From security software and technologies to ongoing training and employee onboarding, thoroughly vet the security practices of online proctoring companies because their security becomes your security.

Ask these questions about security of the proctoring platform and company itself:

Security testing and employee training

  • Does the company perform regular security testing of the proctoring platform?
  • Is ongoing employee security training required?
  • If so, how often is it conducted and what does the training entail?
  • Does the proctoring company have an incident response plan?
  • If so, how often do they practice the plan?
  • Do they have a Disaster Recovery Plan and Business Continuity Plan?

Data security and privacy

  • What type of data is collected and why is it collected?
  • How is data collected and maintained?
  • Who owns the data?
  • Is data encrypted in transit and at rest?

Tip: Review the proctoring company’s privacy policy, which should be publicly available

What’s the best proctoring software and service?

Honorlock is the highest-rated online proctoring software on the peer-to-peer review site, G2. Honorlock earned this score thanks to its ease of use, quality of support, and simple setup.

What is Honorlock?

Honorlock offers a hybrid proctoring solution combines advanced software and services to protect the integrity of online exams for higher education and professional education.

Direct quotes from Honorlock reviews on G2, a peer-to-peer software evaluation site.

See more verified G2 reviews of Honorlock’s online proctoring software and services

Get in touch to see how Honorlock works

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

Is a Browser Lockdown Worth It? Probably Not. But Why?

Is the cost of browser lockdown software worth it?

A browser lockdown may check the box for entry-level proctoring needs for some exams. But the problem is that it’s easy to work around because it only protects against one very specific aspect of cheating.

So, is it worth the cost investment? Nope.

If you’re investing in an online proctoring platform, it should be able to detect and prevent all aspects of exam cheating while remaining cost-effective.

Consider this:
If you’re only proctoring online exams with a browser lockdown, test takers are still able to do the following without detection:

  • Use their cell phones to look up answers
  • Snap pictures of test questions to share with others
  • Allow other people to take the tests for them
  • Take tests with other people in the room
  • Use books, notes, and other resources for help

The examples above are just a few of the many reasons that only using browser lockdown software isn’t enough to protect online exams and probably isn’t worth the investment.

Is the browser lock protecting academic integrity and preventing cheating in the examples above? Not really.

If the browser lockdown software isn’t protecting academic integrity, is it worth the investment? Probably not.

Are there other proctoring platforms that can comprehensively deter cheating on exams and still be cost-effective? Yes (and we’ll show you).

This article briefly explains what browser lockdown software is, provides the pros and cons, and shows you alternative options for online proctoring services and platforms.

What is a browser lockdown and how does it work?

Browser lockdown software is an entry-level online proctoring platform that helps prevent cheating by restricting access to other websites and applications and disabling keyboard functionality.

 

What are the pros and cons of browser lockdown software?

As you can see from the comparison chart below, the limitations of browser lockdown software greatly outweigh the benefits it provides.

So, what’s a better online proctoring platform option and why?

To comprehensively prevent cheating, protect academic integrity, and support test takers, you need a blended proctoring platform that combines AI with human review.

How does an online proctoring platform like this work?

The proctoring platform uses AI to monitor each exam session for potential academic dishonesty and alerts a live proctor to join the test takers’ session in real-time if it detects any issues.

What are the features and benefits of a blended proctoring platform?

In addition to a browser lock, when you use a proctoring company like Honorlock, you’ll enjoy these extensive additional features and benefits:

Cost-effectiveness and scalability

Honorlock’s online proctoring services and platform are available at a flat rate cost per exam or per test taker. This cost structure helps you accurately estimate testing costs and prevent variable costs. Our proctoring services also include implementation of the online proctoring platform, training, and 24/7/365 US-based support at no additional cost.

Protects exam questions and content

Honorlock’s Search & Destroy technology searches the internet to identify leaked exam questions. If leaked exam content is found, test administrators are given simple steps to take control of their exams’ integrity by sending content takedown requests in one click and updating exam content.

Monitors test takers’ behavior through the webcam

The webcam is used to monitor behavior throughout the exam and provides test administrators with timestamped recordings and reports afterward. The webcam is also used during the room scan and ID verification process.

Detects voices, not just sounds

Honorlock’s voice detection software won’t create endless flags for test takers coughing or talking to themselves during an exam.

Instead, the software listens for specific keywords or phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” and alerts a live proctor to intervene if necessary.

Customizes exams in a few clicks

Honorlock provides test administrators with the ability to customize proctored exams in just a few clicks. The test administrator creates the exam in the LMS like they already do and then they’ll click to choose which proctoring features to enable or disable. They can also provide the exam instructions for further customization for each exam and even specific test takers.

Proctors alternative assessments and traditional question formats

The blend of AI and human review along with the ability to provide detailed proctor instructions and test rules means that whether it’s multiple-choice questions, math problems using pen and paper, handwritten essays, or open book formats, all test activities will be protected.

Can detect the use of cell phones

Our online proctoring platform can detect when test takers attempt to use their cell phones to access test bank content during the exam.

Verifies test taker ID in 60 seconds

ID verification is quick and simple with Honorlock. The proctoring software uses the webcam to capture a picture of the test-taker along with their photo ID.

Provides 24/7/365 proctored exams and live support

With Honorlock’s proctoring services and platform, proctored exams can be taken anytime, day or night, and both test takers and test administrators can get on-demand support from live, US-based support agents.

Helps reduce test anxiety

This blended solution uses AI to monitor exams and a live proctor will only intervene if potential issues are detected. This means the live proctor won’t be watching the test-taker the whole time.

Integrates with your LMS

A direct integration between Honorlock’s proctoring software and the LMS is key because it creates a familiar test environment and there are no extra passwords or logins needed.

Proctors exams within third-party platforms

Honorlock’s platform proctors exams on third-party platforms, such as MyMathLab, ALEKS, Pearson, and McGraw Hill.

To preserve academic integrity and create a fair testing environment, use Honorlock’s online proctoring platform and services to protect against all aspects of cheating on exams, not just one.

 

Add your information to see a demo of Honorlock’s online proctoring platform

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

How to Write an RFP for Online Proctoring Services

Download the online proctoring services RFP template to save time and find the right solution.

Creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for online proctoring services can be daunting. Where do you start? Who’s involved? What questions should you ask? How do you create scoring criteria?

But don’t worry, this article details how to write an RFP for online proctoring services and you can save time by downloading a prewritten, customizable plug-and-play RFP template as a Word Doc or PDF.

How does the template work? It’s a fully customizable, plug-and-play template. We show you where to plugin your information (important deadlines, school name, number of students, etc.) and you can add, remove, and edit any questions and sections within the RFP.

Click the buttons below to skip ahead to each section
Planning
Security
RFP Intro
Services
Vendors
References
Features
Pricing
What is an RFP?
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document used to gather formal responses from vendors that offer specific products and services. RFPs provide the responding vendors with the project’s scope and goals, mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria, contract terms, and timeline.

Planning your online proctoring RFP

Better planning can help get the best responses

Determine who should be involved in the RFP process

Some institutions involve many different departmental stakeholders throughout the online proctoring RFP process, while others only include a few individuals. Determine who needs to be involved and what their expertise brings to the RFP creation and evaluation process.

When it comes to procuring online proctoring services, individual stakeholders may include instructors, directors of online learning, instructional designers, LMS administrators, testing center staff, IT, and security.

Decide what your make-or-break proctoring requirements are

With any RFP, you’ll have features, functionalities, and services that are mandatory, while others are nice to have. This will help save time during the creation process and will hopefully eliminate responses from online proctoring companies that don’t meet your requirements.

For example:

  • Mandatory item: the online proctoring software integrates with your LMS.
  • Nice-to-have item: a proctored exam report can be exported as a PDF.

Create a comprehensive list of requirements and questions

This is where the bulk of the work begins for those involved. Your team will create a full list of requirements and questions for the online proctoring companies.

Organize the requirements and questions into specific sections

Once your team compiles a list of all the requirements and questions, break them into specific sections such as proctoring features and functionality, data security, support services, implementation, references, and pricing.

Create scoring criteria for the RFP

Explain how your team will evaluate responses and select a winner.

Scoring may be subjective, such as the team reading written responses and grading them on a scale of 1 – 10. Scoring can also be very objective, such as using a list of requirements with yes or no answers and simply adding up the scores in each column.

Some use weighted scoring where each category is worth a percentage of the total score. For example:

  • Pricing: 20%
  • Technical product responses: 30%
  • Security, privacy, & accessibility 30%
  • Support: 20%

Regardless of your approach, make sure the online proctoring vendors have a clear idea of your scoring process.

Develop a timeline

Create a realistic timeline that accounts for every step of the evaluation process. Your timeline should provide proctoring companies and your institution with adequate time to review, ask questions, and develop appropriate responses.

Provide the dates and times for:

  • RFP issue date
  • Vendor question submission deadline
  • Responses to vendor questions
  • Vendor submission deadlines
  • Completion of response reviews
  • Vendor selection
  • Implementation and training
  • Ideal launch date

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Creating an RFP introduction

This is where you need to consider what information the responding vendors need to provide the best responses. Explains the expectations and goals of implementing online proctoring software and what type of information you want in the RFP responses.

Provide important information to the proctoring vendors

  • Define the expectations and goals of the RFP and implementation of online proctoring
  • List mandatory proctoring features and functionalities versus nice-to-have
  • Provide critical information about your institution and the project
  • The number of online students and/or exams you plan to proctor
  • Will the entire institution use online proctoring or just certain departments?
  • What type of tests will be proctored?
  • Traditional online tests (e.g., multiple-choice, true/false questions, etc.)
  • Online authentic assessments and alternative assessments (e.g., virtual demonstrations, handwritten essays, etc.)
  • Tests in the classroom or at a testing center
  • High-stakes assessments only or will low-stakes assessments, such as weekly quizzes, also be proctored?
  • Relevant software and hardware that are currently used
  • e.g., LMS, third-party testing software, Chromebooks or iPads, hardware, hosting, etc.

Create detailed response instructions

Having uniform RFP responses makes it easier to review, so give exact details of how you want responses provided. This can include things like:

  • Document type and format
  • Document type: WordDoc, PDF, Excel, etc.
  • Document format: electronic, physical copies, or both.
  • How detailed and complex the responses should be
  • Paragraphs? Bullet points? Yes or no only? Should screenshots be included?
  • Provide examples and/or templates you’d like the proctoring companies to use
  • Provide exact dates and times for important RFP milestones, such as submission due date, vendor question deadline, decision date, and go-live
  • Provide the vendors with the name, title, and contact information for your institution’s point of contact
  • Detail how the RFP responses will be scored and evaluated

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Vendor information

This section can be as concise or in-depth as you’d like. But the main goal is to get any information you need up front. This section can help vendors set the tone for what the institution can expect in the remainder of the RFP for proctoring services.

This can include things like an overview of features and benefits, security posture, key differentiators, recent achievements, similar customer institutions, and company history and information.

Be sure to include your own MSA or request the standard MSA from the proctoring vendor. You should also ask if and how redlining should be provided.

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Online proctoring features and functionality requirements

Types of online proctoring

What type of online proctoring does the vendor offer?

Determine which type of online proctoring software and services your institution needs.

comparison chart of different types of online proctoring

How will the online proctoring solution be used?

Each online proctoring solution has pros and cons, so it’s important to consider the number of students and assessments as well as the types of assessments.

For example, if your instructors plan to offer online authentic assessments, you’ll probably lean toward a solution that blends AI and live proctoring to cover all the nuances. In contrast, if instructors only want to prevent students from opening tabs, browser lockdown software is an option.

LMS integration

The LMS integration impacts virtually every aspect of the online proctoring experience. It’s the difference between a quick and easy implementation, or a clunky, frustrating experience.

  • Does the proctoring software integrate with your LMS?
  • How does the integration take place?
  • How long does it usually take to complete the integration?
  • Identify and describe the plan for conversion and integration with existing systems.
  • What’s the experience like for instructors and students?
  • How does it change the test creation and test taking process for instructors and students?
  • Are extra logins and passwords still needed?
  • Can instructors review exam reports within the LMS?
  • Can instructors and students access support within the LMS?

Sound or voice detection

Make sure to differentiate smart voice detection from sound detection.

  • Sound detection detects any sounds, whether it’s a cough, a doorbell ringing, or another voice.
Generally speaking, each and every sound detected will be flagged by the proctoring software. In other words, unless the student is in a completely silent environment, any sound that’s detected can create a false flag, which creates a lengthy and frustrating review process for instructors.
  • Voice detection listens for specific keywords or phrases such as “Siri,” “Alexa,” or “Answer” to identify students who may be attempting to gain an unfair advantage.
That’s why it’s important to implement proctoring software with the voice detection described above rather than sounds. Ask the following questions:
  • Can the proctoring software detect voices?
  • Can instructors provide their own list of words to flag that are specific to their exam?
  • Does the software provide a transcript of what the student said?
  • Does the software alert a live proctor to intervene?

Test content protection

Homework help sites make it easy for students to find and share test questions and answers. The proctoring technology should be able to identify when the instructors’ test questions are leaked on the internet.

A bonus is if the software allows the instructor to actually take action by removing the content and/or updating their test questions.

Third-party test proctoring

Make sure that the proctoring software can proctor exams on third-party testing platforms such as McGraw-Hill, MyMathLab, and Pearson.

Ask how the proctoring software works with the third-party platforms to make sure that it isn’t a clunky experience for instructors and students.

Some proctoring software makes it simple to proctor third-party exams; it’s just like proctoring within the LMS, just a step or two more). In a few clicks, instructors can set up proctoring and students can launch the exam.

Cell phone detection

This is especially important because most students have a cell phone or another device that they can potentially use during the exam to look up test answers.

  • Can the proctoring software detect the use of cell phones?

ID verification process

The ID verification process can seem straightforward, but you need to understand how they’re verifying it, what personal information is collected, and how it’s stored. This is especially important to understand because some proctoring services don’t perform any AI checks against IDs; they only capture ID for review by a proctor or instructor, which means an even longer review process.

What’s the ID verification process like for students?

  • What steps are needed and how long does it typically take to complete them?

During the verification process, does the software use face recognition or face detection?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re vastly different.

  • Face recognition uses biometric technology to detect a face, extract features, and match it to a name in a database.
  • Face detection is much less invasive because it simply detects that a face is present.

Browser guard

A browser guard, sometimes called browser lockdown software, is a pretty standard proctoring feature, but you should still ask how it works and what its limitations are. Keep in mind that browser lockdown software only protects one small aspect of potential academic misconduct.

Reports and recordings

You want to make sure that reports and recordings are easy to understand and quick to review.

Ask what student behavior is flagged and included in the reports and how instructors will actually access the reports. Ideally, instructors can review reports and export them without leaving the LMS.

You should also ask if the recordings are timestamped. Timestamps of important student activities are crucial for streamlining the video review process for instructors.

Accessibility

There’s a lot to consider with the accessibility of any software, and it’s the difference between having the ability to learn or being left out. Each aspect, no matter how small, makes a huge difference that can make or break the learning experience for some.

While web accessibility is a massive undertaking, we’ll provide key points to consider in this section and a full list of questions in the downloadable RFP template.

Accessibility standards

The proctoring software should be fully ADA accessible, compliant with Section 508, and developed to conform to WCAG 2.0 level AA guidelines.

Development process and testing tools

Look for an online proctoring service that accounts for accessibility in their design process from start to finish. And be sure to ask what accessibility testing tools they use as part of this process.

Support and integration with other assistive technologies

What assistive technologies does it work with? e.g., screen readers, alternative keyboards, graphic organizers, etc.

Accommodations for students

Does the proctoring service allow instructors to provide accommodations for specific students, such as bathroom breaks, specific assistive devices, and extended time limits? Accommodations like these are crucial for some students to successfully complete their online exams.

VPAT

Ask for the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, which provides a standardized reporting format for product accessibility conformance.

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Data security RFP information

Data security is one of the most important aspects for instructors, institutions, and students using online proctoring software and services. Keep in mind that their security becomes your security.

There’s a lot of information to cover in this section, but we’ll summarize it here and you can a full list of online proctoring security questions in the RFP template that you can download.

Data security and privacy

  • What data is collected and why?
  • Who owns the data?
  • Do they sell your data?
  • Is the vendor FERPA compliant?
  • How is the data collected and maintained?
  • How long is the data retained?
  • What is the cadence of the vendor’s vulnerability and penetration testing?
  • Is the data encrypted in transit and at rest?
  • Is the data classified?
Data security software and technologies
  • What data security software and technologies are used?
Disaster planning and response
  • Does the proctoring company have a disaster recovery and business continuity plan?
  • What is their incident response plan?
  • Do they have a Service Level Agreement?

Security maturity and employee training

  • Understand each proctoring company’s security approach from the ground up
  • How are employees continually trained and how often?
  • What security testing is in place?

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Proctoring services for support, implementation, and training

Features and functionality of proctoring software are great, but support, implementation, and training are equally important to your overall success.

Support

  • When is support available?
  • 24/7/365 or specific days and times?
  • What support is available for students and faculty?
  • Chat, phone, or email?
  • Where is the company’s support team located?
  • Can the user communicate with a live support representative, or is it only automated?
  • Is support included or is there an additional cost?

Customer success

 

  • Does the proctoring service provide your institution with a dedicated customer success manager?
  • If so, what does that relationship entail?
  • Is the customer success manager included in the overall cost or at an extra cost?

Implementation and training

Ultimately, you need to ensure that implementation is quick and easy and that your faculty are trained and confident.

  • What occurs during the implementation process?
  • How long does the average implementation take?
  • Implementation should take days, not weeks.
  • What’s your institution responsible for during the implementation?
  • What personnel should be included?
  • What training is provided and how?
  • Is training included or does it cost extra?
  • Are training resources available on an ongoing basis?
  • If so, what kind? e.g., tutorial documents and videos, knowledge base, webinars, etc.

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

References

If possible, you’ll want to ask for customer references that are similar to your institution’s type, size, and offerings.

Click here to return to the RFP sections menu

Online proctoring pricing

Look for an appropriate pricing model that fits your needs so that you can accurately predict and anticipate testing costs. Does the company provide flat rate pricing? If not, consider the variable costs associates for different services.

Ask for comprehensive pricing options based on the proctoring service’s various offerings and ask for anticipated additional fees based on your RFP requirements.

Complete the form & we’ll send you the RFP documents

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

How to Proctor Online Performance Assessments

Organizations offer a variety of performance assessments and job skills tests to ensure that their current and future employees are competent and prepared.

But they aren’t just asking test-takers to complete traditional online test questions like multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank anymore. Test-takers are now completing realistic online performance assessments.

What is a performance assessment?

A performance assessment measures how well a person can apply their knowledge and skills to a real job task. During a performance-based assessment, the person demonstrates their ability to complete various tasks they would encounter in the workplace.

But how can companies prevent cheating during performance assessments in an online environment?

The challenges of online performance assessment for companies
It’s easy for test-takers to use unauthorized resources during the assessment.
  • e.g., searching the internet for answers to test questions, using notes and books, or even having a friend complete it for them.
True performance assessments can be time consuming to review, evaluate, and score.
  • It takes longer to score an employee demonstration compared to automated scoring for traditional test questions, such as multiple-choice or true/false.
Designing rubrics for performance assessments and job skills tests can be tricky.
  • Depending on the desired outcome of the assessment and the activities involved to test competencies and skills, rubrics can be pretty in-depth and require planning.

Consider the performance assessment examples we’ll address in this article:

Example 1: Current employees go through ongoing company compliance training and simulated phishing attacks on a security awareness platform before taking short-answer test questions on your learning platform.
  • The wording of some test questions and mentions of specific technology can give away critical company security information – what if employees are sharing those questions on the internet?
  • How would you know if employees are completing the security tests and simulations as a group instead of individually?
Example 2: A sales rep needs to complete a mock presentation and demonstration of the product as the final step of their company training before meeting with prospects.
  • If you don’t want the sales rep to use other resources, how can you make sure that they don’t have a talk track on their desktop or a cheat sheet taped on the wall behind their computer?
  • What if you want the sales rep to have access to some resources but not others?
  • e.g., allowing access to a specific website and personal notes while prohibiting all other websites and printed resources.
Example 3: As part of a pre-employment test, a potential accounting employee has to prepare a balance sheet in Excel and explain the steps they’re taking to complete the task.
  • What if they copy and paste formulas into the Excel spreadsheet?

How can you protect the integrity of the
performance assessment examples above?

The good news is that you can use online proctoring to cover all of these performance-based assessments, and we’ll show you how in this article.

This article assumes that your organization is using a proctoring solution that combines AI test monitoring software with live human proctors. This type of online proctored testing solution is preferred because of its flexible features and capabilities that cover basically any corporate testing needs and better user experience.

Example 1: Current employees go through ongoing corporate compliance training and simulated phishing attacks on a security awareness platform before taking short-answer test questions on your learning platform.

Imagine that your company’s security training test questions are leaked on the internet.
The wording and information in some questions could give away confidential information, which may get into the wrong hands.

Example question: When should employees use ABC Software to authenticate their credentials to access our cloud-based XYZ data warehouse?

Now, others know the authentication software used and how your data is stored. Not to mention, emails and phone numbers are pretty easy to find on the internet and are often associated with people’s passwords. Potentially disastrous, right?

Then, picture some employees taking the security training assessment as a group. Some of them may miss crucial information about phishing and malware, which could lead to future data breaches.

While company security training and testing usually isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, it’s incredibly important for every company, and you need to make sure your tests and content are protected.

Here’s how online proctoring can help protect your organization’s security training assessments in this situation:

Finding leaked test content on the internet

Use a proctoring service that provides advanced technology that searches the Internet to identify when test questions have been leaked. If it finds any leaked test questions, test administrators are given quick and simple steps to submit DMCA takedown requests in one click and change test questions.

Recording computer screens during the online assessment for review

The test takers’ screens can be recorded throughout the security training assessment and reviewed after. Test settings and proctor instructions can be given to monitor their screen during the training and the actual security test.

Preventing the use of other software and resources

You can prevent the person from accessing other software and browsers on their computer during the security training assessment.

Monitor employee behavior to prevent the use of other resources

Video monitoring allows your organization to review recordings of test-takers that are timestamped with any potentially problematic behaviors. This can include things such as talking on a cell phone or with other people in the room, searching the internet, leaving the webcam, asking Siri or Alexa questions, and more.

Example 2: A sales rep needs to complete a mock demonstration of the product as the final step of their corporate sales training before meeting with prospects.

At most companies, sales reps have to prove that they know the product inside and out before they’re allowed to demo it to potential customers. And if your sales reps are in different territories throughout the country, travel costs for in-person demonstrations can be expensive.

But sales leaders need to know that the reps can complete a demo without looking at their notes or reading from a script. So, how can you be sure that they aren’t doing that in a remote environment?

Here’s how online proctoring can help with this job performance assessment:

Scanning the room for other resources

Before the demonstration for the performance assessment begins, you can require the rep to use their webcam to complete a room scan. The room scan helps make sure that their desk area is clear of any notes and other resources.

Providing a transcript of what the person said during the demonstration

Test administrators and sales leaders can use smart voice detection to provide a full transcript of what the rep said during the demonstration. This is especially useful for lengthy demonstrations because the sales leaders can just scan the transcript for key topics instead of watching the entire demonstration.

Allowing specific resources while preventing others

In some situations, you may want to allow the rep to use their notes. Whether their notes are on the computer screen or printed out, you can pick and choose what’s allowed or not.

For example, you can use browser lockdown software to allow the sales rep to use specific company website URLs but still prevent access to other sites and software. Locking a browser only covers a small portion of assessment integrity, but it can be useful in specific situations such as this.

If you want to allow the rep to use their notes, you can give those instructions to the live test proctor.

Recording the presentation and demonstration

The online proctoring software records the entire product demonstration for the test administrator and sales leader to watch. The recording also includes timestamps of any potentially problematic behavior to review, such as moving off-screen or another person in the room.

Example 3: A potential accounting employee takes a pre-employment test where they’re asked to prepare a balance sheet in Excel and explain the steps they’re taking.

Let’s face it, the hiring process is tough. It’s an investment of time and resources, so you need to know that job applicants can actually do the task before you hire them.

Here’s how to use online proctoring for pre-employment tests:

Screens can be recorded throughout the test activity and reviewed after

This is especially helpful when reviewing a test-taker’s approach to completing the balance sheet. You can watch how they prepare the balance sheet and make sure that they’re doing everything correctly.

In addition to recording screens during the pre-employment assessment, you can also use voice detection to record what the person is saying. This way, you can watch a recording of the person completing the balance sheet while listening to their explanation of what they’re doing and why.

As described in the first example, voice detection also provides a transcript of what the person said during the test.

For this example, potential employees taking the pre-employment assessment can be blocked from accessing software other than Excel. This can also prevent them from copying and pasting formulas into the Excel document.

The webcam is used to verify the applicant’s identity in about a minute. This way, your organization can be certain that the person completing the job skills test is the person you’re potentially hiring.

Online proctoring for businesses

Whether you need to validate the critical competencies of employees or job candidates or protect the integrity of your certification exam, you can trust Honorlock with all your online proctoring needs. Click here to learn more about Honorlock’s corporate proctoring features.

Here’s how Honorlock online proctoring works

Validates company performance assessments

When you’re measuring employee competencies against job requirements, compliance training knowledge, or the skillsets of job applicants, you need to validate corporate assessment results. Honorlock’s online proctoring solution uses advanced features to deter, prevent, and detect cheating, which creates a level playing field.

Provides employees with testing flexibility and convenience

Your employees and potential future employees have busy schedules and they need the ability to take performance assessments and other corporate tests when and where they want. Whether it’s at work on their lunch break or at home on the weekend, Honorlock’s online proctoring solution and user support are available 24/7/365 – no scheduling needed.

Directly integrates with your corporate learning platform

Our proctoring software directly integrates with your corporate learning platform in about an hour. This direct integration also means that the test experience is basically the same. Test administrators will create tests in the learning platform just like they already do and then simply pick which proctoring features to use. And it’s just as easy for the test-taker because they’re taking the proctored exam on the same platform they’re already familiar with and can get support without leaving it.

Protects your company’s test content

Leaked test content can have serious consequences for your company’s reputation and security. But with Honorlock, you won’t have to worry about that. Our online proctoring software identifies leaked test content and gives you the ability to take action by quickly sending takedown requests and changing your questions.
Verifies the test-taker’s ID in about a minute

Honorlock makes ID verification quick and easy by capturing a picture of the test-taker along with their photo ID. In about a minute, test-takers can begin their proctored performance assessment.

Combines AI with human proctors

Honorlock combines the benefits of AI test monitoring with those of live remote proctors. Our AI software monitors each assessment and alerts a live, US-based proctor if any potential issues are detected.

This approach helps reduce test anxiety, provides support, and upholds the integrity of corporate performance tests and skills assessments.

Affordably scales online testing

Expand your corporate training programs and certification programs by reaching online learners across the globe. With Honorlock’s online proctoring platform, you eliminate the need for a testing center, and learners can take your proctored assessment entirely online at their convenience.

Detects voices instead of sounds

Our online proctoring software listens for specific keywords or phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” to identify test-takers who may be attempting to get answers to test questions. It then alerts a live proctor to review the situation and intervene if needed. Voice detection saves review time because it won’t trigger a false flag for things like a dog barking or a person coughing.

Whether your corporate training involves employee job competency assessments, pre-employment testing, or online certification exams, Honorlock’s online proctoring software and services have got you covered.

Want to see how Honorlock can benefit your organization? Click here to set up a conversation with Honorlock to see how we can help your institution make online proctoring simple, easy, and human.

Sign up for more corporate education resources

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

AI + Human Proctoring for Securing Nontraditional Exams

Tips for proctoring alternative assessment activities and nontraditional exams

Educational technology continues to evolve, and so has the ability to offer alternative test formats in an online environment. These alternative tests, sometimes referred to as authentic assessments or nontraditional exams, include test-takers:

  • Using software, like Excel, to complete a task
  • Conducting virtual presentations and demonstrations
  • Writing essays and completing math problems by hand

Obviously, these alternative assessment activities are more complex than traditional test formats, so how can you protect academic integrity and create a level playing field?

AI is one option. But AI isn’t always perfect; it still needs human review to ensure accuracy and create a customized, improved testing experience for both test-takers and faculty.

In this article, we’ll show you how to combine AI with human review to proctor these alternative testing situations:
  • Using software to complete tasks: test-takers use Excel to prepare a balance sheet during an accounting test.
  • Conducting virtual presentations/demonstrations: test-takers complete a presentation and demonstrate how to use a related tool.
  • Completing questions using pen and paper: test-takers review a financial-related case study and then complete a handwritten essay and a budgeting math problem.

1. Using software to complete tasks

Test-takers use Excel to prepare a balance sheet during an online accounting test.

Control access to other websites and applications

For this example, students need access to Excel, but you’ll still need to make sure that they can’t access other applications and websites.

You can use a browser guard, which is a basic proctoring feature, to allow specific applications, such as Excel, calculators, and even particular websites, while still preventing access to other sites and applications. In addition, the browser guard can also prevent test-takers from copying and pasting, which ensures that they haven’t copied a formula over to the balance sheet.

Record screens during the test

The test-takers’ screens can be recorded throughout the test and reviewed by faculty to see how students completed their work and where they made errors.

Use the webcam to scan the room for unauthorized resources and monitor behavior

Prior to the test, test-takers use their webcam to scan the test room for unauthorized resources, such as notes and cell phones. The AI also monitors behavior, such as a student exiting the screen or if someone else is in the room.

But in some cases, you may want to allow certain resources during the exam, such as calculators and assistive devices, or other people in the room for test-taker accommodations. To do so, you’ll simply give instructions to the live human proctor that indicate those resources are allowed, and students won’t be unnecessarily flagged or interrupted during the test.

2. Conducting virtual presentations and demonstrations

Test-takers complete a presentation and demonstrate how to use a related tool.

Get a transcript of the presentation

Along with recording behavior with the webcam, the AI can detect voices and provide a transcript of what was said during the presentation and demonstration. This is especially helpful for saving review time and for faculty who are deaf or hard of hearing.

In addition to getting a full transcript of what was said, the AI also listens for specific keywords or phrases, such as “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” and words from a custom list provided by the instructor, such as “help me,” or “what’s the answer?”

But here’s where AI with human review is key for more complex situations.

What if the test-taker says a phrase that triggers a flag, but they aren’t cheating?

For example: a test-taker, in response to a question, says aloud, “OK, Google was founded in 1998 and Microsoft Bing was founded in 2009, so that means Google is 11 years older.”

When AI triggers for “OK Google,” a live proctor is alerted and can review the situation in an analysis window. And when the proctor reviews, they’ll be able to determine that the test-taker wasn’t cheating, and there’s no reason to intervene and interrupt them.

Scan the room and monitor student behavior

As previously described, the webcam can be used to make sure that unauthorized resources, such as notes with talking points for the presentation, aren’t being used.

If test-takers are required to demonstrate how to use a device, you can provide the human proctor with instructions to allow the specified device to be used during the test activity.

Record the presentation and demonstration

The AI uses the webcam to record the presentation for instructor review.

The recording and reports also timestamp suspicious behavior, such as the person exiting the screen.

Provide accommodations that allow assistive technology and alternative options to complete test activities

Some test-takers may have speech disorders or physical disabilities that make it difficult for them to complete a presentation or demonstration.

Instructors can provide test-takers with accommodations to help them successfully complete the test activity.

Accommodations can be used to allow test-takers with the ability to use assistive technology to complete the presentation. For example, if the person has a speech disorder, accommodations can allow them to use text-to-speech technology as an alternative way to complete the activity.

Similarly, test-takers with physical disabilities may not be able to demonstrate how a device is used. In this situation, an accommodation can allow the person to complete the demonstration on their computer by using an assistive mouse, for example. To complete the demonstration, the person would use the assistive mouse to point to specific parts of the device while speaking or typing with an assistive keyboard to explain how it works.

In addition to these accommodations for specific test-takers, accommodations can be more general, such as allowing bathroom breaks during longer proctored exams.

3. Completing test questions using pen and paper

Test-takers review a financial-related case study and then complete a handwritten essay and a budgeting math problem.

Test settings, proctor instructions, and test rules/instructions are crucial for proctored online exams that involve handwritten components.

Use proctoring settings to reduce flagging

For handwritten test responses, you can enable “Scratch Paper Allowed” and the proctoring AI won’t flag a student for looking down at their paper.

Test rules and instructions for students

The instructor provides test rules and instructions that require the student to use white paper and a black or dark blue pen. In addition, they can require the test-taker to show the blank paper before they start writing and before/after each math problem.

After test-takers complete the handwritten test activity, they can upload the written work, notes, and scratch paper to the LMS.

Additional benefits of online proctoring that combines AI with human review

Streamlines the exam review process for instructors

Using a combination of AI and live test proctors saves instructors time when reviewing results. After the proctored exams are completed, instructors can access easy-to-read reports and time-stamped recordings within the LMS.

This way, instructors can focus more on teaching instead of reviewing.

Better insights are provided from comprehensive data and feedback

The AI continually learns by collecting data from several areas, such as potential academic dishonesty and suspicious behavior, feedback from human test proctors, and information from instructors.

The online proctoring AI uses this information to learn and adapt to provide instructors and institutions with better insights about online assessments and what behavior is important or unimportant.

Helps reduce student test anxiety

Taking a proctored online exam can be nerve-racking for students, especially if a live proctor is watching them the entire time; it’s invasive testing experience that causes unnecessary stress.

The good news is that online proctoring solutions like Honorlock combine AI with humans to create a non-invasive test environment that can help reduce student test anxiety. With Honorlock’s blended proctoring solution, AI doesn’t make decisions about potentially dishonest student behavior; it flags a potential incident so that the human proctor can review and intervene to assess the situation if necessary. Only the instructor and institution make decisions about academic dishonesty.

If Honorlock’s AI detects potential academic dishonesty, it alerts a live test proctor who can review the situation in an analysis window before deciding to intervene.

Click here to set up a conversation with Honorlock to see how we can help your institution make online proctoring simple, easy, and human.

Sign up for more online learning & higher education resources

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.

Improving Online Proctoring by Combining AI with Humans

How to improve online proctoring by combining AI and humans

Many areas of online education and educational technologies benefit from AI and machine learning, including online proctoring. Although AI is advancing every day, it still needs human oversight to maximize its capabilities.

But before we show you how combining AI with humans improves online proctoring, we’ll summarize what it is and how it works. If you’re familiar with online proctoring, skip to the next section.

Online proctoring, sometimes called remote proctoring and proctored testing, protects academic integrity by using AI software and/or humans to monitor behavior during online assessments.

Generally speaking, online proctoring is accomplished in a few ways: 

  • Fully automated proctoring (only uses AI to monitor behavior)
  • Live proctoring (only humans monitor behavior)
  • Blended proctoring (monitors behavior with a combination of AI and humans)

It depends on the type of online proctoring used. For example, automated proctoring can include browser lockdown software, which is limited, but it can cover a few aspects of exam protection. 

In contrast, blended proctoring solutions are more flexible and used for traditional assessment formats and nontraditional alternative assessment formats, like virtual presentations/demonstrations, handwritten essays and math problems, and using industry software to complete activities.

Online proctoring is used to create a fair test environment and protect academic integrity.

While most assume that online proctoring is just a way to prevent cheating, some services can improve the entire testing experience for everyone.

In this article, we’ll show you how online proctoring that combines AI with machine learning and human proctors can improve online assessments by reducing distractions and test anxiety, providing better exam insights, and streamlining review.

Three ways combining AI with human oversight improves online proctoring and the testing experience:

1. AI + human proctors creates a better test experience with fewer distractions Fewer distractions mean that test takers can better focus on their exams. However, some proctoring solutions can trigger unnecessary flags that disrupt test takers because they’re overly sensitive. The downside for admins is that those flags take extra time during review. Many behaviors can trigger flags during an exam, such as an exam taker talking to themselves while working through a test question. In general, most proctoring AI can detect sounds, but some have the ability to intelligently detect voices. The terms “sound detection” and “voice detection” are often used interchangeably, but they impact the test experience in different ways.
  • Sound detection may trigger a flag for basically any sound, such as a doorbell ringing, a dog barking, and coughing.
  • Voice detection flags specific keywords and phrases, such as “OK Google” or “Hey Siri.” Exam admins can add custom lists of words and phrases that the AI listens for, such as, “What’s the answer?”

While AI voice detection is advanced, it can still be tricky in certain situations. What if the test taker says a keyword that triggers a flag, but they aren’t actually cheating?

For example:

  • “OK Google” is used as a keyword that triggers a flag.
  • During the test, the test taker says, “OK, Google was founded in 1998, so it’s older than Microsoft Bing.”

So, the AI does its job here, but review from a live proctor is key.

When AI voice detection triggers for “OK Google,” it alerts the live proctor, who can review the situation in an analysis window and determine that the test taker wasn’t cheating, so intervention isn’t required.

2. Provides flexibility to proctor alternative assessment formats and activities

AI works well for most traditional assessment formats, like multiple-choice and true-or-false questions.

But, what if exam administrations want to assess presentation abilities, which includes a demonstration?

Combining AI test monitoring with human proctors is crucial to protecting alternative assessment activities.

For this example, AI monitors for things like other people or prohibited resources in the room, voices, and the use of restricted browsers.

However, during non-traditional assessment activities, like presentations, exam admins may want to allow specific resources, such as notecards or a whiteboard.

Exam admins can adjust settings before the assessment, decide which proctoring features to use, and provide proctor instructions for further customization. Proctor instructions can provide information, such as resources permitted during the assessment and specific accommodations that provide bathroom breaks and assistive technologies, for example.

Example: The assessment requires test takers to complete math problems using a pen and paper.

The admin asks the proctor to turn on “Scratch Paper Allowed” so that test taker aren’t flagged for looking down at their papers.

Further instructions can require test takers to use specific items (blank white paper and a black or blue pen) and that they must show the paper before and after each problem is completed.

This combination of AI with human oversight is important because it provides the flexibility to proctor complex alternative assessments while reducing interruptions and flags to review.

3. Provides data feedback that makes AI smarter and streamlines reviews

AI can collect data from several areas, such as potential violations and suspicious behavior, feedback from human proctors, and input from exam administrators.

This comprehensive collection of data helps the online proctoring AI continually learn and adapt to provide individual organizations and exam admins with better insights about their online assessments. In other words, the AI makes more accurate correlations between specific behaviors that can indicate academic dishonesty and those that are false flags due to oversensitivity or other factors.

This helps proctors and exam admins focus on important behaviors and situations related to academic dishonesty and streamlines the review rather than being bogged down by reviewing unimportant flags.

Honorlock Online Proctoring

What is Honorlock?

Honorlock is an online proctoring service that monitors online assessments with AI combined with live test proctors. Our approach makes online proctoring simple, easy, and human.

How does Honorlock work?
Honorlock’s online proctoring AI monitors the exam session and alerts a live proctor if it detects any potential suspicious behavior. The live proctor can then review the situation in an analysis window before deciding to intervene.

This blend of AI and human review provides a less intimidating and non-invasive proctored assessment experience because they aren’t constantly watched as they take their exam.

In fact, a survey about test anxiety showed that Honorlock’s approach to online proctoring actually helped reduce test anxiety.

Honorlock features and benefits:

  • No scheduling needed because proctored exams can be taken 24/7/365
  • Live, US-based support is available on-demand 24/7/365
  • Integrates with your LMS in an hour
  • Use Intelligent Voice Detection
  • Can detect cell phones
  • Allows proctoring on third-party exam platforms
  • Provides easy-to-read, time-stamped reports and recordings
  • Finds leaked test content and provides steps to take action
  • Offers a flat-rate cost per exam or per exam taker
  • Secures and protects data
  • Verifies ID in about a minute

Get in touch to see how Honorlock makes online proctoring better.

Sign up for more online learning & higher education resources

Tyler Stike

Tyler is Honorlock's Director of Content and a doctoral student at the University of Florida focused on educational technology.