As test security threats evolve, maintaining exam integrity requires more than a proctor and a password. Organizations must rely on a sophisticated ecosystem of test security tools that can adapt to new forms of fraud, impersonation, and content theft.
This A-Z guide brings clarity to the technologies and techniques that underpin modern test security. From biometric identity verification and real-time data forensics to lockdown browsers and deepfake detection, these tools work together to protect your programs, your reputation, and the test takers you serve.
Advanced ID verification
Combines a variety of methods to verify a test taker’s identity and enhance test security. This can include biometric authentication, AI-powered document verification, and global database checks. As deepfakes become more sophisticated, liveness detection is also becoming a key component of advanced ID verification, helping confirm the registered test taker is physically present and not an AI-generated forgery.
Find out how AI can strengthen your test security strategy.
AI-assisted test content generation
AI holds incredible potential to grow item banks, thereby reducing item exposure and increasing test security. However, human involvement is essential to maintain the quality and rigor of AI-assisted test content generation. After item generation and evaluation by AI, human feedback and approval ensure quality and accuracy.
AI-enhanced online proctoring
AI video indexing is used during online proctoring to support human proctors by flagging behaviors that might indicate cheating during a test. AI can match background noise to speech patterns, detect multiple faces on the screen, or utilize eye movement detection to identify unusual behavior. AI is more accurate and efficient at spotting these micro-behaviors and anomalies that are harder for the human eye or ear to detect.
Discover the latest developments in quality assurance for online proctoring.
Audits and investigations
Targeted test center audits, surprise inspections, and mystery shopper visits are used to proactively identify security vulnerabilities and fraud risks. An audit report makes recommendations to strengthen controls and improve security. Following a potential incident, whether with test centers or online proctoring, structured investigations apply the most effective tools for uncovering an issue. This may include data forensics, session recordings, interviews, and formal escalation.
Authenticity detection
Advanced AI systems can analyze responses to detect content similarity, identify generative AI-created content from tools like ChatGPT, and recognize mechanical speech patterns that deviate from natural human expression. These technologies excel at processing large, complex datasets quickly and accurately, making them far more efficient and reliable than human reviewers.
Biometric identity verification
Confirms the test-taker’s identity using facial recognition, speech similarity, or keystroke (typing) similarity detection. AI can detect multiple points of similarity – and difference – that a human ear or eye is unable to distinguish. When combined, they are almost impossible to replicate.
Data forensics
Applies psychometric and statistical techniques to analyze patterns in exam data and recognize anomalies that might indicate proxy testing, collusion, item harvesting, or pre-knowledge. Data forensics can include analysis of answer similarity, timing irregularities, and response patterns. Identifying suspicious patterns in the data helps detect misconduct that may not be observable by test proctors. The move towards real time data forensics is a crucial element of not only detecting potential malpractice but also acting faster.
Discover how to ensure the ethical interpretation of data forensics.
Deepfake Detection
Advanced AI tools identify manipulated audio or video content, helping prevent identity fraud that uses synthetic face generation or altered video streams. Deepfake detection algorithms identify anomalies in specific facial features or movements. For example, freckles, unusual head movements, lack of blinking, or lack of micro-expressions. These inconsistencies can be tiny and barely noticeable to the human eye.
Learn about the rise of AI-driven test fraud and why we need new defenses.
Global database search
An added layer of security that addresses the issue of professional impersonators and cheating rings. An extensive global database is searched for test takers with matching biometric profiles, but non-matching personal information, such as name and date of birth.
Incident response
Supports a testing organization in understanding a test security incident, its implications, and the most appropriate response. Security incident response support from a testing vendor allows organizations to draw on the expertise of a dedicated test security team to protect the credibility of their programs.
Linear-On-the-Fly Testing (LOFT)
Linear on the Fly Testing (LOFT) is a test form construction method where each candidate receives a unique and equivalent test form, assembled from a comprehensive item pool. This reduces the potential for item harvesting, proxy testing, and pre-knowledge. Maintaining fairness in assessing candidates’ knowledge by standardizing the testing experience and upholding consistent passing standards.
Lockdown browser/secure browser
Downloaded by a test taker to their device before a test, a secure browser prevents access to unauthorized resources during online testing by disabling printing, copy/paste, screen capture, and other functions, and restricting web/app access.
Online proctoring
Monitors candidates remotely via webcam and microphone using live proctors or record-and-review technology. Online proctoring increases security by including ID verification and environmental checks such as room scans.
Discover how to address privacy concerns with online proctoring.
Risk assessment
Expert-led threat modeling that proactively assesses program vulnerabilities and high-risk areas across the assessment lifecycle. Outputs from a security risk assessment typically include prioritized recommendations and tailored security plans to reduce risks and strengthen test integrity.
Room scans and AI-enabled room scans
A room scan by an online proctor is a critical element of the check-in process for a remote proctored test. Enabled by AI, pre-test scans can now check for room similarities. Detecting and raising a flag for multiple test takers with different identities who have the same picture on their wall or ornament on their shelf is an effective way to combat proxy testers and cheating rings.
Secure item bank
Implements strict access controls, tamper-resistant workflows, and audit logging to secure high-stakes test items from development through delivery. Item banks also ensure streamlined workflows for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and test developers.
Test center security
Facilities designed with in-person security protocols such as ID validation, surveillance by an in-person proctor (viewing window or CCTV), Bluetooth wanding, physical checks, and professional proctors to ensure exam integrity.
Learn about best practices for test center improvements.
Test Security as a Service (TSaaS)
PSI’s modular test security model, TSaaS, offering services such as data forensics, web monitoring, and risk consulting as standalone solutions, even if test delivery occurs elsewhere.
Web & dark web monitoring
Web crawling uses automated systems to search public and hidden corners of the internet for unauthorized test content, leaked questions, or evidence of item harvesting and resale. Advanced algorithms can enable AI to autonomously scan websites, forums, social media platforms, and dark web marketplaces for unauthorized postings of test items.
Zooming out: the big picture on test security
Exam integrity isn’t protected by a single solution. It’s upheld by a coordinated, multi-layered approach. Whether you’re delivering high-stakes licensure exams or professional certifications, today’s test security tools offer a flexible, scalable, and proactive defense against misconduct.
At PSI, we combine decades of expertise with innovative technologies to help organizations secure every stage of the testing lifecycle. Through our Test Security as a Service (TSaaS) offering, we deliver custom, standalone solutions – from web monitoring to risk assessments – to meet your needs, regardless of where or how you administer your exams.
Use this glossary to evaluate your current toolkit, identify potential vulnerabilities, and explore new strategies for staying ahead of emerging threats.