The best online proctoring software is the one that matches your exam stakes, works inside your LMS, protects student privacy, supports accommodations and fits your budget. Rather than looking for a single "best" product, compare vendors against the eight criteria below. Then pilot your top choice with a real course or exam before you sign.
1. Does it offer the right proctoring models?
Look for a vendor that covers more than one model, so you can match security to stakes. At minimum, you want fully automated proctoring for routine exams and a human-reviewed option for high-stakes ones.
(See Post 2 in this five-part series - Automated vs. Live vs. Record-and-Review Proctoring: Which Fits Your Exams?)
2. Does it integrate with your LMS?
Faculty adoption depends on it. Confirm a native integration with your LMS, such as Canvas, Brightspace, Moodle or Skilljar, and ask specifically how students launch the proctoring experience.
3. Is testing on demand?
Scheduled proctoring creates bottlenecks at midterms and finals. On-demand proctoring lets students test whenever the exam window is open, which matters for working adults and students in other time zones.
4. How strong is exam security?
Ask about identity verification, a secure or lockdown browser, screen and audio monitoring, second-device detection and how flags are reviewed. For certification programs, ask about psychometric analysis.
(See Post 4 in this five-part series - Remote Proctoring for Certification and Licensure Exams: A Security Guide)
5. How does it protect student privacy?
Require a FERPA-compliant agreement, a written data retention period, encryption, and configurable settings for room scans and audio.
(See Post 3 in this five-part series - Online Proctoring and Student Privacy: FERPA, HEOA and Accessibility Explained)
6. Is it accessible?
Ask for a VPAT or accessibility statement. Confirm support for extended time, breaks, assistive technology and adjustable flag settings.
7. What is the student experience like?
A confusing setup creates support tickets and anxiety. Ask for a student demo. Check the system requirements, the pre-exam system check, and the hours and channels for student support.
8. What does it really cost?
Compare total cost, not just the per-exam price:
- Per-exam, per-student or flat licensing
- Setup, training and integration fees
- Charges for human review or retakes
- Staff time saved on testing centers and scheduling
Quick-reference vendor scorecard
| Criteria | Questions to ask | Weight (suggested) |
| Proctoring models | Automated and human-reviewed options? | Medium |
| LMS integration | Native integration with our LMS? | Medium |
| On-demand testing | Any scheduling required? | Medium |
| Security | ID check, secure browser, review process? | High |
| Privacy | FERPA agreement, retention, encryption? | High |
| Accessibility | VPAT, accommodations, flag settings? | High |
| Student experience | Setup steps, support hours? | High |
| Total cost | Pricing model, extra fees? | Medium |
Questions to ask
- Which proctoring models do you offer, and can they be mixed within one course?
- Which LMS platforms do you integrate with natively? Is there a Proctoring API available or can you work in an unintegrated fashion?
- How long do you keep recordings, and how are they deleted?
- Who reviews flagged sessions, and how fast?
- What accommodations can instructors set per student?
- What support do students get, and when?
- Can you share references from institutions like ours?
Why institutions choose ProctorFree
ProctorFree offers Fully Automated and Human-Assisted Proctoring, a Secure Browser, ID check, and room scan in one platform. Testing is on demand, with no scheduling or appointments, and it integrates with Canvas, Brightspace by D2L, Moodle, Skilljar, Open LMS, Gauge, Jenzabar and more. ProctorFree serves higher education, certification and licensure bodies, corporate training and government clients, operating 24/7/365.
Frequently asked questions
Question: What is the best online proctoring software?
Answer: The best choice depends on your exam stakes, LMS, privacy requirements and budget. Compare vendors on proctoring models, integration, security, privacy, accessibility, student experience and total cost.
Question: How much does online proctoring cost?
Answer: Pricing varies by model. Fully automated proctoring usually costs the least per exam. Human-reviewed and live proctoring cost more.
Question: Should we pilot proctoring software before buying?
Answer: Yes. Run a pilot with one or two courses or exams to test the student experience, faculty workflow and support.
Question: What questions should be in a proctoring RFP?
Answer: Ask about proctoring models, LMS integration, data retention, flag review, accommodations, student support and references.
Questions about Proctoring? Contact a Proctoring Expert Below