Remote Proctored Exams
Many exams have moved to online mode in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online proctored exams have become increasingly popular, allowing candidates to take exams remotely, from the comfort and safety of their own homes. However, this also brings some challenges — technical issues, privacy concerns and chances of cheating.
Online proctoring has emerged as an effective solution to these issues. It is a method of monitoring and conducting such tests from remote locations without compromising on the security and integrity of exam process. Most importantly, it verifies that the candidates are the person who they claim to be and ensure that they are following the rules and guidelines of the exam.
Online proctoring follows a multi-layer security approach, which includes both technical and human monitoring. It uses a combination of webcams, microphones, and other sensors which will be monitored by human proctors in real-time. This allows proctors to detect and prevent cheating or any malpractice.
Most online proctoring solutions use a secure browser, which is completely locked down and cannot be accessed by any other software or browser extension. This ensures that once the process is started, the test-taker can only access the exam and nothing else. This would prevent cheating methods such as screen sharing, or accessing external resources.
Although the proctoring process is different for various exams, few of these traits can be commonly observed in most exams:
1. The proctor will be communicating with the candidate over voice channel or even chat. They may ask to read a line of text over the mic to verify the audio. They will communicate only when it’s necessary, like the start of the exam, the end, and sometimes when they deem something is wrong and need to interrupt during the exam.
2. They may ask to show the original ID proof through the webcam and compare the facial features of the exam-taker to the photo in the document to verify their identity. The webcam used in this case should be able to focus well on close objects.
3. They may ask to view the exam-taker’s surroundings, desk, PC peripherals, etc. to ensure that the candidate does not have any unauthorized materials or resources in view. It is preferable to take the exam in neat and quiet room with good lighting. I was once asked to move my seating as the entry door was not visible in the camera.
4. They may ask to move around the camera from left to right, show the entry door to the room, windows and blind areas. I was once asked to show what is under the desk too. In this case it is advantageous to have an external webcam which can be freely moved.
5. During the exam, if the proctor finds any suspicious activities like the exam-taker looking away from the screen or moving around too much, the proctor may caution them or stop the exam as the case may be. It is advisable to relax, get comfortable and login to the exam before the scheduled time and so that you won’t be distracted once the exam has started.
6. Note that the session logs, computer activity and camera surveillance footage may be stored for audit purposes. Even though you have provisionally passed the exam, if any malpractice is noticed later on, your results may be withheld or your certification may get revoked.
- Check the system requirements atleast one day before the exam. Many providers give a mock exam link to test all the functionality of the actual exam.
- Test the webcam, mic and speakers beforehand. If the webcam cannot focus correctly, it is better to buy one having auto-focus capability and in-built microphone.
- Try to take exams in early morning or late night when it is less likely to have any interruptions like background noise or family members talking.
- Always have a clean desk for the exam. For example, a piece of cloth or packing material lying carelessly on the desk — it may not have any significance for the exam, but it may make the proctor suspicious and invite further scrutiny.
- Ensure to read the exam guidelines completely — this is a no brainer, but still many people would miss out some important point related to the conduct of exam.
- Ensure that you have the ID document which is acceptable to the examination body. I have had difficulty with Indian ID documents like Aadhaar which are perfectly fine otherwise, but it was not in the list of acceptable documents for some specific exams.
Share your experiences going through Online Proctored examinations, tips on how you could have done it better. Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
