Automated online proctoring is software that monitors a student or test taking candidate's remote exam session using the webcam, microphone and screen, then flags possible integrity issues for an instructor to review. Students can test on demand, at any hour, without booking an appointment. For colleges or any organization with high-volume peak testing surges, it is the most scalable way to protect online exams.
As online and hybrid enrollment keeps growing, institutions need a way to verify who is taking an exam and whether they followed the rules. Automated proctoring answers both questions without the cost and scheduling limits of a testing center.
How does automated online proctoring work?
Most automated proctoring follows similar steps:
- Launch from the LMS. The student opens the exam inside Canvas, Brightspace, Moodle or another learning management system or test delivery engine. Proctoring starts automatically.
- Verify identity. The student shows a photo ID and their face to the webcam. The system records both for comparison.
- Check the environment. Many settings ask for a room scan and confirm the webcam, microphone and internet connection work.
- Monitor the session. During the exam, the software records video, audio and screen activity. AI may analyze the recording for behavior that may signal a problem.
- Report to the instructor. After the exam, the instructor or test administrator gets a report with flagged moments and timestamps. A person makes the final call.
That last step matters. A flag is not an accusation. It points the instructor to a moment worth a second look.
What does automated proctoring flag?
Common flags include:
- A second face in the frame, or the student leaving the frame
- Talking or other voices in the room
- Opening other browser tabs or applications
- Use of a phone or second device
- An ID or face that does not match the registered student
Instructors usually choose which behaviors matter for each exam. An open-book quiz needs different rules than a final exam.
Automated proctoring vs. a testing center
|
Factor |
Automated online proctoring |
On-prem testing center |
|---|---|---|
|
Scheduling |
On demand, 24/7 |
Limited hours, booked seats |
|
Required Travel |
None |
Required |
|
Scale |
Unlimited simultaneous exams |
Limited by scheudling, available seats and staff |
|
Cost Per Exam |
Lower |
Higher (physical space, staff, hours) |
|
Review |
Instructor reviews flagged moments which can include additional human auditor review |
Proctor observes live based on a proctor-to-candidate ratio of 1-to-many |
When should a college or organization use automated proctoring?
Automated proctoring fits best when:
- Students and candidates are spread across time zones or work full time and need flexible test windows.
- Course sections are large, and live proctoring would be too expensive.
- Exams are mid-stakes, such as unit tests, midterms and finals in online courses.
- Budgets are constrained. Removing testing-center staff and student travel cuts cost.
For the highest-stakes exams, many programs add a human layer. ProctorFree offers both Fully Automated Proctoring and Human-Assisted Proctoring, so one platform covers the full range. (Our next blog post will offer a side-by-side comparison.)
What do students need to take an automated proctored exam?
- A computer with a webcam and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A government or student photo ID
- A quiet, private space
Good vendors also offer a system check before exam day and support when something goes wrong. ProctorFree's offers world-class technical support 24/7/365.
How ProctorFree delivers automated proctoring
ProctorFree provides on-demand proctoring with no pre-scheduling or appointments. It integrates with Canvas, Brightspace by D2L, Moodle, Jenzabar, Skilljar, Gauge and other platforms. Students start their exam when they are ready, and instructors get clear, timestamped reports.
"I hope all is well! Everything is great (thus far) on this end. For sure, ProctorFree has been a GAME CHANGER! It's the first time in the past three years I've actually reviewed the content, in the quizzes, and felt like there's some authenticity in what I'm seeing. Incredible!"
- Higher Education Professor using ProctorFree for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Is automated online proctoring accurate? Automated systems are good at spotting events like a second face, second voice, a new browser tab, and attempts to circumvent the rules of an exam session. Final integrity decisions should always be made by an instructor reviewing the flagged footage.
Does automated proctoring require scheduling? No. Students and candidates can start a proctored exam on demand, any time the instructor's exam window is open.
Which LMS platforms does ProctorFree work with? ProctorFree integrates with Canvas, Brightspace by D2L, Moodle, Jenzabar, Gauge, Skilljar and several others.
Is automated proctoring cheaper than live proctoring? Generally yes, the cost per exam and per user is lower, especially at scale.
Can automated proctoring be used for certification exams? Yes. Many certification bodies use automated or human-assisted proctoring for remote delivery. We will have an upcoming post about this with more details soon..
See how ProctorFree works. Schedule a call with a Proctoring Expert.