In this article, we will cover what online proctoring is, how it works, and the many benefits of proctoring for your certification program.
What is online proctoring?
Online proctoring is a remote monitoring system used during certification exams to ensure the integrity and security of the exam process. This technology allows for remote supervision of candidates via live video feeds, AI-powered monitoring, and other features. Online proctoring is designed to prevent cheating, maintain test security, and provide a convenient and flexible testing experience for candidates.
How does online proctored testing work?
Online proctored testing works by administering an exam’s delivery virtually. This is what the online proctored test experience can look like for a test candidate in 4 steps:
Registration and scheduling: The student registers for the exam and schedules a time slot that suits their convenience.
Pre-exam requirements: Before the exam, the student must fulfill any pre-exam requirements, such as installing the necessary software and testing their computer’s compatibility with the online proctoring tool.
Exam authentication and set-up: On the day of the exam, the student logs into the online proctoring tool and authenticates their identity using a webcam, ID card, or other forms of identification. They also set up their exam environment as per the proctoring guidelines, which may include a clear desk, a quiet room, and no mobile devices.
Exam-taking: Once the set-up is complete, the student takes the exam. Depending on the proctoring type, the student’s exam session is monitored to varying degrees. With live proctoring, a human proctor monitors the exam session live. With recorded proctoring, the exam session is recorded for later review by the test sponsor.
What are the benefits of online proctoring?
Online proctoring can enable scalability and growth of a certification program. Let’s take a closer look at the top benefits that test sponsors can experience by implementing online proctoring:
Increased access and convenience: Online proctoring makes it easier for candidates to take exams from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and reducing scheduling conflicts. This can attract more candidates and increase participation in the certification program.
Enhanced exam security and integrity: Online proctoring tools that use advanced authentication and monitoring techniques can deter and detect cheating. This can help to ensure the integrity of the certification program. Online proctored exams can provide a more secure testing environment when compared to remote, unsupervised testing.
Faster turnaround time for results: Online proctoring tools can enable quick review and reporting of exam results, reducing the time and effort required for manual grading and processing.
Cost-effective and scalable: Online proctoring can eliminate the need for physical exam centers and on-site proctors, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for certification programs of any size.
Improved candidate experience: Online proctoring can provide a smoother, more streamlined exam experience for candidates, allowing them to focus on the exam and reducing stress and anxiety associated with traditional in-person exams. This can lead to higher satisfaction rates and increased positive word-of-mouth, attracting more candidates to the certification program.
What are the types of online proctoring?
There are several types of online proctoring. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 most common types of online proctoring: live proctoring, automated proctoring, and recorded proctoring.
Live Remote Proctoring: In this type of online proctoring, a human proctor monitors the exam in real-time through a video conferencing tool. The candidate logs in to take the assessment authenticating themselves with test delivery staff remotely. Then, they are assigned to a proctor who monitors the session, intervenes to enforce test taking rules, and if necessary, ends the session prematurely should the candidate violate test taking terms.
Automated Proctoring: In automated proctoring, software uses algorithms to detect and flag any irregular behavior during the exam. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be employed in this proctoring method. The software’s automated tasks can include facial recognition, eye-tracking, and keystroke analysis, providing a detailed report of the test candidate’s behavior. If misconduct is detected in the report, it can only be addressed after the fact.
Recorded Proctoring: This type of online proctoring involves recording the exam session for later review by the test sponsor. If misconduct is detected in the recorded exam session, it can only be addressed after the fact.
What is the difference between live proctoring and recorded sessions?
Live proctoring vs. recorded sessions, how do each stack up? Here we will examine the benefits of live proctoring and the risks in recorded sessions.
Online live proctoring can offer test sponsors a higher level of test security and credibility. Here’s how:
- Live proctoring offers an immediate-response strategy for protecting your certification’s reputation as well as your considerable investment in your credentialing exam.
- A professional proctor is trained to spot misconduct. The online, live presence of a proctor is an effective deterrent to exam cheating and theft.
A recorded video of a test session can be a useful resource, but it does not replace the benefits of online live proctoring. Here’s how:
- Catching misconduct with an after-the-fact video recording of a test session give the test sponsor no advantage to stop exam cheating or theft.
- Recorded session videos are best suited as a review tool after an online-proctored exam with live proctors. Certification managers can observe the candidate behaviors that violated test rules and resulted in a suspension of the exam.
Kryterion’s approach to secure live online proctoring
With 20+ years of expertise in online delivery, Kryterion’s comprehensive and secure live remote proctoring service can scale with certification programs of any size.
Features of Kryterion’s approach to online proctored testing include:
- A secure browser to lockdown apps, URLs, and commands.
- Highly trained proctors for monitoring and protection against cheating and item harvesting.
- A three-tier support system to enhance security and candidate experience.
Kryterion’s approach to online proctoring includes assigning a live, well-trained professional proctor to the testing session. Our higher standard of online live proctoring (OLP) can help to ensure the credibility and security of the certification program, while deterring exam cheating and theft.
Want to learn more about Kryterion’s test development and delivery solutions? Click here to connect with our team.
