Templated Proctoring Policy

copy and paste template for higher education remote proctoring policies

This page gives you a templated remote proctoring policy that can be copied and tailored to suit your needs.

The template below contains all the information needed to help inform instructors and students about remote proctoring, what it is, how it works, and what to expect.

Swap your information (institution name & abbreviation, etc.) out with the italicized text.

Remote proctoring policy

Academic integrity speaks to the reputation of Full Institution Name (Institution Abbreviation). Ensuring academic integrity in an online environment is just as important as ensuring academic integrity in a campus environment. Taking measures to protect this integrity is in the best interests of Institution Abbreviation and its students, alumni, and faculty.

In addition to existing policies regarding academic integrity, students enrolled in an online or blended learning course will follow additional policies and procedures that specifically apply to online or blended learning courses, such as remote proctoring.

General remote proctoring information

What is remote proctoring?

Remote proctoring, sometimes called online proctoring, uses software and/or live proctors to monitor students’ online exam sessions.

What remote proctoring service is used by Institution Abbreviation?

Institution Abbreviation uses Honorlock to proctor exams online. Honorlock provides remote proctoring services that use a combination of AI software and live proctors to support students during exams and protect academic integrity.

This blend of AI remote proctoring software and live proctors aims to protect academic integrity and to support students through a successful completion of their exam while

 reducing test anxiety.

How does Honorlock work?

Honorlock is a browser extension that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor each student’s online exam session. If the AI detects potential issues, it alerts a live test proctor to review the situation and intervene if needed.

Remote proctoring information for instructors

The student is responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary system requirements (computer hardware, software, and Internet connectivity) necessary for the completion of the online exam. Additionally, students must check the online course within the Learning Management System (LMS) to determine if any additional software or hardware is needed. 

Instructors will provide students with the opportunity to complete online exercises, such as practice exams, to ensure that students meet the system requirements and have access to complete the online exam. 

Before you proctor exams online:

1. Discuss the use of Honorlock and offer 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 Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI).

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

2. Include Honorlock remote proctoring 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 student privacy concerns

Have an open dialogue with students and respond to any privacy concerns students may have about remote proctoring.

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

Instructors are encouraged to have their students sign a room scan consent form at the beginning of the course. Before students can log into the exam and take the online exam while using Honorlock’s remote proctoring services the student must acknowledge and accept Honorlock’s Exam Taker Privacy Notice and Honorlock’s Exam Taker Terms of Uses, which both contain notice and consent that the student’s surrounding workspace may be recorded by video and audio.

6. Explain what to expect during a remotely 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:

The different proctoring tools for online exams and the various settings that can be used and how they work

  • Use similar settings for every proctored exam so students know what to expect and are familiar with functionality.
  • Set up your practice exams to mimic the same settings throughout the semester/quarter.
  • An example of Standard Exam Guidelines language can be found here.

What in-exam flags are, their purpose, and what behaviors may trigger them

  • Share this 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 proctoring exams online. Creating a culture of academic integrity in your classroom can support positive decision-making during exams.

Read this article for some helpful tips to improve the academic integrity within your classroom.

Remote proctoring statement for instructors to share with students

The remote proctoring statement below can be provided to students in the course syllabus, in the course LMS, on the school’s website, and in an email:

Institution name instructors are given the discretion to require proctored exams, providing three options for students to test: on campus via the Institution name testing center, at a designated testing center, or through online proctoring. Institution name provides one option for remotely proctored exams through Honorlock. Online proctoring includes video monitoring and requires a room scan as part of the test session, which may be used in cases of academic misconduct. The room scan provides an opportunity for students to display their testing space, free of any unauthorized materials or persons, to ensure the integrity of the test session. The entire testing session will be recorded. A Google Chrome extension plug-in must be installed to use this proctoring service.  

Student nonadherence to the school’s online testing policies and procedures may include consequences including but not limited to: insert potential consequences, such as: email warnings with corrective actions or a grade penalty (e.g., 10% reduction) on the exam.

Addressing potential academic dishonesty

It’s up to the instructor to determine whether academic dishonesty has occurred during the proctored exam. Honorlock is a tool to assist you in making this determination. If academic dishonesty is suspected, please proceed according to the following information: [link to any pages with information for faculty on academic dishonesty]

If a student does not consent to be proctored online by Honorlock, instructors will provide alternative testing venues, such as:

Campus Testing Center: Instructors must provide students with advance written notice of date(s) and include links to institution-specific academic support services and how to access these services (e.g., location of testing center and/or proctored test sites, hours of operation, phone numbers, and email addresses for key personnel).

Off-campus Testing Center: For at-a distance students who are unable to test at an on campus testing center, instructors may offer proctored exams at an approved off-campus testing center. Students are responsible for identifying a testing center in their location and for providing the necessary information to the instructor so materials and instructions can be submitted to that site. Students may access the National College Testing Association for help identifying a testing center in their area. The instructor will provide the necessary test materials and instructions to the approved test location along with instructions for the return of the materials.

Supporting students’ accommodations

When using Honorlock’s remote proctoring software, you can specify any accommodations certain students may require. Notes in the Accommodations section are only visible to Honorlock proctors and support staff. Students cannot see the accommodations set for them.

Please note that only accommodations that relate to remote proctoring or authentication (Student Photo, ID Verification, Room Scan) should be listed here. Accommodations concerning exam availability, time extensions, number of attempts, and extended due dates are all managed within the LMS Name exam settings.

Please review Honorlock’s Accommodations page for more details.

Instructor support

Honorlock provides 24/7/365 support for faculty:

Remote proctoring information for students

What to know about Honorlock’s remote proctoring process:

Installing the Honorlock Google Chrome extension
Students don’t need to download software to use Honorlock. Instead, students only need to add the Honorlock Google Chrome extension plug-in, which can be removed after the exam. 
Get the Honorlock Chrome Extension here.

Checking the test environment
Remote proctoring requires a room scan, which means students use the webcam to show that their testing space is free of any unauthorized materials or persons. 

While the entire testing session will be recorded, only the Honorlock proctor or exam administrator have access to the recording. Furthermore, this means that no other students, instructors, or faculty members have access to the recording.

Exam scheduling isn’t required
Students can take proctored online exams 24/7/365 (within the allowed dates/times provided by the instructor) without scheduling an appointment with Honorlock in advance.

What software and hardware do students need to use Honorlock?

To take an online proctored exam with Honorlock, students need a functioning webcam and microphone and the Honorlock Chrome extension. Students do not need to download any software to use Honorlock.

System requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10, macOS 10.14+, Chrome OS
  • Browser: Google Chrome (93+)
  • Internet Speed: Speed: 1.5 Mbps download, 750 Kbps upload

Recommendations for students

Take the proctored exam in a suitable environment
Students should take the proctored exam in a well-lit room with a computer on a clean surface that’s clear of any notes and prohibited items like: cell phones, headphones, hats, or smart watches. 

Discuss any access limitations and accommodation needs with appropriate faculty and administrators before the exam
Students with limited access to the testing resources and environment for remote testing (e.g., access to reliable internet service, preventing test access or completion, a suitable environment for remote testing – sitting on a bed or in a car with their laptop, or difficulty preventing interruptions due to other household members and/or pets that are noisy or distracting), or who need accommodations due to absences, bathroom breaks and other emergencies and/or interruptions, should discuss with their appropriate administrators or instructors to explore solutions and accommodations.

 

Student responsibilities:

  • Make sure that you’re able to meet the technical requirements to use Honorlock.
  • If you anticipate technical issues completing any exams through Honorlock, notify Honorlock Support via Live Chat for further assistance.
  • Be aware of the specific exam dates and times and allow adequate time to take the exams.
  • Follow all exam instructions and guidelines.

Student support:

  • Student support is available on-demand through Live Chat or email at support@honorlock.com.
  • If you encounter issues with LMS Name during regular college hours, contact the LMS Name Support team via the Help link on the Global Navigation Menu in LMS Name.

Student privacy information

Institution abbreviation is committed to ensuring that all student information is handled securely and privacy is protected. 

Please review Honorlock’s Student Privacy Statement.

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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:

What could this school have done better?

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.

3. Address any privacy concerns

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

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:

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Preparing for a Proctored Exam & What to Expect

How students can prepare for a proctored exam

What is a proctored exam?

A proctored exam uses AI software and/or live proctors to monitor a student during an online exam to:

  • Prevent cheating and protect academic integrity
  • Support students as needed throughout the exam 
  • Verify student identity
  • Create a fair testing environment for all students

Tips for preparing for an exam monitored by a proctoring platform

  • Make sure your webcam, microphone, and Internet connection meet the system requirements
  • Review the online exam instructions ahead of time
  • Take a practice test if available
  • Set up your test room for success (clear your desk, turn the lights on, remove distractions)
  • Have your ID ready for identity verification
  • Write down important support information such as the phone number, email address, and any links

How do I set up an online proctored exam?

Setting up a proctored exam is pretty simple.

Generally speaking, you’ll need to install the proctoring software, app, or browser extension, scan your room, verify ID, and get started.

Here’s how it works with an Honorlock proctored exam:

  • Install the Chrome browser extension
  • Pre-test checklist: We’ll walk you through a quick 60-second pre-test checklist to make sure you’re ready to go
  • Scan your test room using the webcam: This ensures that no one else is in the room with you and that you’re not using any external resources like a cell phone, textbooks, or notes
  • Verify your identity: Using your webcam, take a picture of both yourself and your photo ID to verify that you are the student enrolled in the online course (this typically takes less than a minute)
  • Begin the exam: show what you know!

How do I prepare my test room?

  • Take your exam in a room that’s comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions
  • The room should be well lit and clear of any clutter around you and on your desk
  • No other people should be in the room with you (but if someone does come in accidentally, don’t worry! Our technology and proctors can help.)

What forms of ID are acceptable for ID verification?

You can typically use any government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) or a student ID that has your photo.

How does Honorlock work?

Here’s a quick summary of what you should know:

  • Honorlock combines AI technology with live human proctors
    You aren’t constantly being watched. We use AI test tools to monitor your exam session and if something is wrong, it will trigger one of our live proctor to pop-in. The proctor will assess the situation and help you get back on track via chat as needed.
  • Our test proctors don’t assume that you’re cheating; they’re a resource to help you
    Our full-time test proctors are trained by a nationally certified counselor and educator on how to support students experiencing exam frustration and test anxiety.
  • Support is available 24/7
    Our US-based support team is there to troubleshoot issues with you and help make your testing experience as smooth as possible.
  • We don’t sell your data and we don’t have access to your cell phone or other devices

When can I schedule a proctored exam?

With Honorlock, you don’t have to schedule your exam. Just log into your LMS and take your proctored exam anytime you’re ready, 24/7/365, as long as it’s within the exam time frame set by your instructor. 

What do I need to take a proctored exam using Honorlock?

You need a computer, a functioning webcam and microphone, the software or browser extension, and appropriate Internet speed.

Minimum requirements for an online proctored exam with Honorlock
We provide a simple single-click test to check your system requirements.

  • Operating System: Windows 10, MacOSX 10.13 and higher, ChromeOS
  • Browser: Google Chrome (minimum version 84)
  • Internet Speed: 1.5 Mbps download, 750 Kbps upload

Does Honorlock have access to my cell phone?

No. Honorlock’s proctoring software does not have access to your cell phone or other devices.

Does Honorlock sell my personal data?

Honorlock does not sell your personal data. Ever.

What information does Honorlock collect?

We gather as little as possible about the test taker such as:

  • The IP address through the Chrome extension
  • Name and email address using the school’s LMS
  • A screen recording and a webcam recording
  • A photo of the student and ID to verify identity

How is my personal data protected?

Your privacy is our priority. All data in transit and data at rest is encrypted and stored within Honorlock’s private cloud in an Amazon (AWS) data center. Learn more about our commitment to student privacy and data security here.

The goal of our proctoring service is to make online testing as comfortable as possible for you

Best of luck this semester!

Resource links for students:

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How Online Proctored Exams Help Students

Millions of students took their first online exams last year as a result of the pandemic. Some never took an online proctored exam before and expressed concerns about privacy and the discomfort of being “watched” during the exams.

Overall, the first year of widespread use of online testing went better than expected. This blog will share how proctored online exams benefit students.

Schedule and take exams anytime

Students have busy lives and scheduling an online exam can be a challenge. That’s why our live proctors and AI are available at any time.

You don’t have to schedule a time in advance, and there are no fees for changing your plans—even at the last minute. Simply log on during the exam window set by your instructor and get started — even if it’s two in the morning on Thanksgiving!

A less invasive proctored exam experience

In the early days of online proctoring, a proctor’s face might appear on your screen for the entirety of the exam, which many students found intrusive and distracting. We aren’t fans of that either. Our proctored exams combine AI software with live proctors for a better testing experience with a human touch.

Our AI proctoring software monitors you during the exam and if a possible incident happens—say you leave the camera, or a second voice appears in the room—the AI will notify one of our live remote proctors. The proctor can then enter the exam session through a chatbot (again, no faces on your screen) to make sure that you’re OK and help you get back on track.

We assume that you need help, not that you’re cheating. For instance, there’s no need to worry if you like to read questions aloud to yourself. Your instructor will receive a report after the exam, and they can decide if any exam standards were violated. 

Our remote proctors are a resource to help you, not to catch you cheating.

In fact, Honorlock’s full-time remote proctoring team is trained by a nationally certified counselor and educator on support during moments of assessment frustration and anxiety to assist students and help them feel supported in their test-taking environment.

Easy to set up and use

Taking an online proctored exam with Honorlock is easy and quick to set up. It only takes a few moments to install, and it connects with the LMS, which means no additional logins or passwords.

Identity verification only takes about a minute, and then you do a quick room scan of your testing area. After that, you can start your exam.

Rewards honesty and ensures a fair testing environment for all

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.

Online proctored exams are accessible for all students

It’s one thing to get ready for an important exam, but it’s another thing to face additional accessibility obstacles.

Web accessibility compliance standards and best practices help create an inclusive learning environment, regardless of disability or condition. Online proctored exams help students who require specific accommodations, such as extending time limits, adjusting due dates, and allowing assistive technology.

Support is always available

Just like we offer on-demand online proctored exams, we also provide 24/7/365 US-based support. We want you to focus on your exam, not technical difficulties.

Our support agents provide quick and consistent help. Whether you’re testing at four in the morning or over a holiday, you can get help from an actual human being. They’ll troubleshoot issues with you and help make your testing experience as smooth as possible.

We protect your privacy

Privacy is important to you and Honorlock. But how do we protect student privacy and what data do we collect?

  • We don’t sell or monetize your data
  • We don’t have access to your cell phone or other devices 
  • We don’t monitor your network
  • Our proctoring software only collects basic information such as your name, email address, and IP address
  • Honorlock does not use facial recognition, fingerprints, voiceprints, or other biometric technologies to identify test takers
  • All data is encrypted and stored within Honorlock’s private cloud in an Amazon (AWS) data center

We’re here for you

More and more exams will be remote proctored in the future, so you want to know that the virtual part won’t cause more stress. Honorlock gives you the most convenient and least stressful online proctoring experience.

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Speak to a representative who will walk you through the ways Honorlock’s online proctoring services can benefit your company and test-takers.

How to Take an Online Proctored Exam

Tips for taking an online proctored exam:

  • Ensure that your webcam, microphone, keyboard, and Wi-Fi are working correctly
  • Review the exam instructions ahead of time
  • Set up the room for success (clear desk, well lit, no distractions)
  • Log in, verify your ID, then launch the proctored exam

The 2020-21 academic year will be like none that has ever come before. Millions of students will be starting their formal college experience in circumstances that only a few infectious disease experts ever predicted could be possible. But the educational spirit is strong, and schools and professors are eager to deliver an optimal experience for everyone. If you are entering the world of online education for the first time, you may take a while to get used to the environment. And, no sooner will you have made the adjustment than you may be required to take your first online exam. Such an exam is likely to incorporate a remote proctoring solution chosen by your school. We provide background information and steps to success for your upcoming online proctored exam. Read on.

Online Exams aren’t Going Away

Your job as a student is to learn as much as possible however your classes are delivered, and then to demonstrate your acquired knowledge in formal assessments. These assessments may include term papers, lab reports, group projects, and, of course, online exams. By now it shouldn’t be a surprise that online testing platforms are here to stay and will play an important role in higher education for decades to come. Your first college exam is bound to be exciting, perhaps even intimidating, but there’s no reason to think that it should be any more so because you’re taking an exam that uses remote proctoring software. 

But Why is This Really Happening?

The Federal government requires your institution to “verify the identity of students to ensure those who register for an online course are the ones who participate.” It makes sense, right? You want to receive proper credit for the work that you do and both your school and our society in general also want you to receive that credit. Consider it from another angle: in many fields you are in competition with others. Remote proctoring software helps provide the level playing field so that you can do your best in your online exam, content in the knowledge that no one else is going to be able to gain an unfair advantage over you.

Make Sure You Stay Connected

The internet works most reliably when it’s plugged in! Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots can be perfectly OK, but if you can get yourself hooked up to a broadband connection, you can reduce your chances of being kicked off during your exam. You’ll also want to ensure that your webcam and microphone are working properly, as both are integral to a successful web proctored exam. If you use a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may also wish to check their batteries—every click and tap counts!

Know the Online Proctored Exam Instructions in Advance

Countless exam-takers wait until the last minute to read the directions for online proctored exam. Keep out of this group. Instead, take the time to become familiar with your instructor’s guidelines in advance. Learn what they will allow you to have with you (a separate calculator, for example), and what will they completely forbid (also possibly a separate calculator—get the idea?). Knowing what will be expected of you will help you relax. You’ll be able to focus on the test material rather than find yourself in a sudden panic at the last minute because the directions surprise you.

Set Up Your Room for the Online Proctored Exam

Make sure that your testing environment is ready for your online proctored exam as well. Is the room sufficiently lit? Will it be quiet enough for you to concentrate? Have you cleared up around your study area? Is it possible to lock or otherwise block the door so as to protect your space from wandering parents, siblings, or housemates? When it comes time to sit down and take your exam, you want your face to be seen, your desk to be clean, and your mood to be serene. 

Logging on to Your Online Proctored Exam

Honorlock remote proctoring is meant to make your online exam experience as seamless as possible. Honorlock’s proctoring software is a simple Chrome browser extension that will take you moments to install and then seconds to delete, should you choose to do so following your proctored online exam. Once you’ve taken care of your room, desk, and computer, you will be ready to begin. Make sure you have your Student ID, as you will hold it up to your webcam so that the proctoring AI can match it to your face (this is the government-mandated identity verification part noted above). You’ll then do a 360-degree sweep of your testing area with your webcam so as to demonstrate that the only materials in your immediate vicinity are the materials approved for use by your instructor in the course.

During the Online Proctored Exam

And you’re off! Intently focused on showing your instructor that you know your stuff. With Honorlock, a remote proctor’s face won’t be hovering in a corner of your screen, potentially freaking you out. 

Honorlock remote proctoring was actually created by students for students. We didn’t like that sort of online proctoring where students feel like they’re being watch – and we figured that you wouldn’t either.  Instead, you’ll be monitored by proctoring software artificial intelligence. Should a potential incident occur (say you get up from the computer unexpectedly, or suddenly start speaking with someone else who has come into the room), the AI will notify one of our always available remote proctors, who may then “pop-in” via chat box to make sure everything is going fine and that you haven’t breached the guidelines set down by your instructor. If you are someone who likes to read exam questions aloud to yourself, you will not have to worry that you’ll be accused of cheating. Your instructor receives a report immediately following the online proctored exam and he or she is the person who will determine whether any breaches of academic standards have taken place.

The process, and the goal, is always to provide you with the most convenient, most secure, and least stressful online exam experience. Good luck with your studies!

If you’re a student and you are looking for support on how to use Honorlock remote proctoring, please chat with one of our ready support specialists here.

If you’re a faculty member who is looking for a remote proctoring solution and you would like to speak to an Honorlock representative, please click on request a demo here.

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Read more relevant articles

A Message to Students New to Online Education and Remote Proctoring

A Message to Students New to Online Education and Remote Proctoring

To students new to online education and proctored exams:

We know you are navigating some very unique circumstances brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. Your college life has been completely disrupted. You miss your friends, you miss your professors, you miss your college life. You no longer attend class on campus but have been thrust into new online education methods which include online proctored exams. You’re required to use technology that you didn’t sign up for and it feels uncomfortable.

Honorlock is immensely privileged to provide online proctored exams at your institution. We will support you to the best of our abilities and we promise to be trustworthy stewards of your data and respectful of your privacy

We’ve compiled your questions and specific issues of concern that you’ve expressed and addressed them below.

What is online proctoring?

Online proctoring, sometimes referred to as remote proctoring, uses AI and live proctors to monitor your exam session to support you and provide a fair testing environment. Proctored exams typically use video, audio, and other AI to detect potential academic dishonesty.

How do proctored exams with Honorlock work?

Our proctored exams are quick and easy to begin

You’ll just need to install the Chrome Extension and after that, it only takes about 60-seconds to scan your room, verify ID, and get started. You can find a list of system requirements here.

You aren’t constantly being watched during the exam

  • Honorlock combines AI with live human proctors which means that you aren’t constantly being watched.
    • Our AI monitors your exam session and if something is wrong, it will trigger one of our live proctor to pop-in
    • The proctor will assess the situation and help you get back on track via chat as needed

Schedule and take your proctored exam anytime

As long as it’s within the timeframe given by your instructor, you can schedule and take your exam anytime – even if it’s at 2 am on a holiday weekend.

Support is available 24/7/365

You can access support without leaving the test environment. Our US-based support team is there to troubleshoot issues with you and help make your testing experience as smooth as possible.

Honorlock and your computer

Honorlock’s proctoring software is a Chrome extension, which means it is enabled through your Google Chrome browser thus it does not access your computer, your Operating System, or your network. We do not read, change or modify data on your computer, identify storage devices, or manage your apps, extensions, and themes.

Honorlock does have access to the information within the Chrome browser (your IP address, your email address and your name via your school’s LMS). This information is only available while you are actively in your exam as indicated by the flashing red indicator on the extension.

After your exam, Honorlock can be removed from Chrome in a matter of seconds. Simply navigate to the extension in the toolbar of Chrome, right-click and remove. You can reinstall the extension for your next exam in less than 30 seconds

Honorlock and your mobile/secondary devices

Honorlock does not have access to your mobile devices or other devices. Ever.

If you attempt to search test questions on the internet, on another computer, or on a mobile device during your proctored exam, Honorlock can detect your search using our patented process. Honorlock is not “in” any of your devices nor do we have access to any of your devices or network. The information about your search activity comes from the unauthorized websites you may visit. Please don’t search for answers on the web while taking your exam. Study hard, rest well and be prepared for your exam and you won’t have to worry about this.

Honorlock and your webcam and ID

While you are in your online exam, Honorlock will record your screen and webcam via Chrome. We will verify your identity by asking you to take a photo of yourself and show your student ID.  Additionally, your school may require you to do a 360-degree room scan. Once your proctored exam has ended, our access to your screen and webcam ends. If you want, you can delete Honorlock from Chrome in a matter of seconds. Simply navigate to the extension in the toolbar of Chrome, right-click and remove. You can reinstall the extension for your next exam in less than 30 seconds.

Honorlock protects your data

Because Honorlock is not an app you download, we do not require you to set up an account or create a password. You sign in via your school’s LMS.  We collect as little information as possible and only what is required by your school to verify your identity and ensure academic integrity.

Honorlock does not sell your personal data. Ever.

Honorlock securely stores your data for your school. Stored data is encrypted and secured using industry standards with AES-256 block encryption. As an AWS partner, Honorlock follows federal NIST 800-88 guidelines for proof of data/drive destruction.

Honorlock AI proctoring software

Honorlock uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor your test. If the AI detects unusual activity – such as another person in the room – it automatically generates a flag and alerts a live virtual proctor. Depending on the type of flag, a live proctor may pause your exam and open a chat with you to discuss the incident and resume your exam. When your proctored exam is completed, your instructor is able to review the flag recording to determine if there was a possible act of academic misconduct.

Our proctors are a resource for you

Our proctors don’t assume you’re cheating – they assume you need help. Honorlock approaches online proctoring in a way where what’s good for the institution is also good for you. In fact, our full-time test proctors are trained by a nationally certified counselor and educator on how to support you during times of exam frustration and test anxiety.

In Closing

We take this extremely seriously. We welcome your questions and encourage you to provide us with feedback. Our goal is to make this new online testing environment as comfortable as possible for you. We wish you good health and good grades. You can find more student privacy information here.

Stay well,
The Honorlock Team

What Your Proctor Wants You to Know: 4 Keys to Student Exam Success

Whether you’re new to the format of online exams or just need a refresher, you may have questions about how Honorlock proctored exams work and how you can be your very best for testing. Two of our proctors, Corey and Sa’ed, are here to answer your questions and give you some of their top online test taking tips!

How does the exam work?

You’ll start the exam from your school’s LMS. Keep in mind, all exams have different levels of security, which are customized by your instructor. If you are taking a high stakes exam (like your midterm or final), you can assume that as soon as you begin, your browser will be locked so you can’t access unauthorized information. You’ll be asked to present an ID so we can verify your identity, and then we’ll have you complete a 360 room scan to make sure there aren’t any notes left out or friends in the room. At this point, you’ll be off to the races! The only reason we’ll interrupt you with a Live Pop-In is if our system detects that something might be amiss. 

What is a Live Proctor Pop-In?

Live Pop-In is how our proctors connect with you if our artificial intelligence software detects a potential incidence of academic dishonesty. This could be another person in the room, the use of a secondary display or mobile device, your face going off-screen, or wearing hats, headphones or hoodies. When our proctors pop in, your exam will pause and the exam content will be hidden from view and then a chat box will open so you can communicate with your proctor. We chose to interact with students via chat versus face-to-face video based on student feedback that video felt invasive and creepy. Don’t worry, if you would rather just communicate with us verbally you can do that too. 

Can my proctor see and hear me during the exam?

Yes, they can. For the most part, however, you will be monitored by technology that will alert a proctor if a problem arises. 

When can I take my exam?

Whenever you’re ready! (Well, within your instructor’s deadlines, of course.) Our solution is available on-demand, so there’s no need to schedule a proctor to take your exam. If you’re ready to go at 3 am on Thanksgiving, all you need to do is start. We’ll be ready for you! Because of our deep integration with your LMS, our proprietary algorithms are able to predict the number of exams, the number of students and the time of day exams will be taken, which allows us to ensure we are always adequately staffed.

Do you have any exam tips?

  1. Trust us. We are on your side. We know what it’s like to be a student, and we know how stressful exams can be. Our goal is for the testing process to be as smooth as possible—from the comfort of your own home.
  2. Don’t start your exam at the last minute. There’s always a possibility that you’ll run into technical difficulties, and that can add to the stress. Give yourself enough leeway before the due date to take the exam.
  3. Study your material. Our artificial intelligence (and our proctors) are pretty smart—you’ll have a hard time getting much of anything past them. Your best bet when preparing for an exam is to study hard so you don’t have to resort to academic dishonesty and risk getting caught.
  4. Pay close attention to the exam guidelines. Live Pop-Ins can be disruptive to your exam experience and we try to keep them to a minimum, but we need your help in following directions. Make sure you’re in full view of the camera and make sure you’re alone in the room. (We’d hate to interrupt you because our system detects someone talking in the background when it’s just a roommate or sibling walking behind you.) Following the rules will help ensure that you don’t invite any unnecessary interruptions.

What if I’m having technical difficulties?

You can access our support team 24/7/365. You also have access to Support from the chat window before, during, and after the exam. The way we build our tool, once you log in we have access to who you are, your device info, and where you are in the LMS or Exam. This helps us troubleshoot the issue quicker, which means we get you back focused on your exam faster. We wish you all the best on your exams!

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