Taking an online proctored exam provides the flexibility to test from an office or the comfort of your own home, but it also requires a secure and well-prepared environment. Online proctored exams are proctored remotely using live online proctoring (also known as live remote proctoring), where a human proctor supervises the exam in real time via audio and video. Some testing organizations use record and review online proctoring, where a human proctor reviews a recorded session after the exam has been completed.
Whether you’re sitting for a remote online proctored exam from your home or office, ensuring your room is set up properly is crucial for a smooth and uninterrupted testing experience. This guide will help you get your space ready using online proctoring software for a successful test.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to setting up your room for an online test with remote proctoring.
1. Choose the right location for online remote proctoring
Your testing space should be in a quiet, private room where you won’t be disturbed. Testing at home or in a private office is ideal, as long as the room has a door you can close and minimal distractions.
Before your exam, it is essential to create a secure and compliant testing environment by ensuring your space is private, quiet, and equipped with the necessary hardware to meet all technical requirements for your remote online proctored exam.
On test day, make sure that the space is free from noise, movement, or interruptions during your online proctored exam. No one else is allowed in the room with you while you are testing.
Please ensure you are not interrupted during your exam. Some testing programs may automatically end your session if someone enters your testing area.
2. Prepare the space for your online proctored exam
Clear your desk and surrounding area of any prohibited items. Only the necessary materials for your test should be present. This includes your computer, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone. Your computer equipment, such as a desktop computer or laptop, must meet the technical requirements for the exam.
Some examples of items you cannot have on your desk or in the room during an online proctored exam include:
- Mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, or other electronic devices.
- Headphones or in-ear devices.
- Food, drinks, or tobacco products / vapes.
Unless explicitly permitted by your test sponsor, the use of paper, notes, reference materials, or calculators is not allowed during your exam. Please review your Test Sponsor’s guidelines carefully.
Be aware that your background items (such as bookshelves) are not an issue as long as you do not access them during the exam.
3. Ensure proper lighting for your online proctored exam
Good lighting is essential for the online proctoring software to clearly see you and your environment. Ensure that the room is well lit, with artificial lighting if necessary. The camera should be able to capture the full view of the room, including your face and surroundings. Your webcam must be functional and accessible to the proctoring software for monitoring during the exam.
Avoid harsh or uneven lighting that may cast shadows or cause glare. Ideally, place the light in front of you, pointing in the direction of your face, rather than behind you.
4. Set up your webcam and microphone for online remote proctoring
For the online proctoring software to function smoothly, you will need a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Audio and video feeds are used by the exam proctor to monitor your exam session and ensure integrity – either in real time for live online proctoring or through a recording with record and review proctoring.
- Ensure your camera is placed head-on, capturing your face clearly. The angle of the camera should not obscure your face or eyes.
- Test your microphone in advance to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Make sure your hands are always visible to the camera during the exam.
5. Be prepared for a room scan during check-in
Be aware that before your online proctored exam begins, you will be asked to conduct a room scan. Compliance with exam rules during check-in is enforced to ensure exam security, so this is a crucial part of the check-in process.
Here’s what you will be asked to do:
- 360° room scan: Move your webcam to show all four walls of the room.
- Desk scan: Show your desk surface, including under your laptop or keyboard.
- Floor to ceiling scan: Starting from the floor beneath your test space, scan upwards to the ceiling.
- Self-scan: You will also need to show your wrists, ears, and any accessories like glasses.
Watch a short video explaining the online proctoring check-in process.
6. Avoid distractions during the online proctored exam
Once your online proctored exam starts, you must remain focused on your test and avoid any communication with others. No talking, mouthing words, or receiving help from anyone else is allowed. If you exit the camera view or use another device, your exam may be terminated.
The online proctoring software is designed to help the online proctor continuously monitor your actions to maintain test integrity and test security throughout the exam session. The proctoring software may also attempt to detect your face during the exam. To ensure your face is recognized, prepare for test day by avoiding anything that could block the camera view, like long hair covering your eyes or large glasses.
7. Prepare for possible technical issues
Sometimes, technical issues can arise during a remote online proctored exam, such as connectivity problems or browser errors. Make sure to:
- It is important to have reliable internet service, run a system test, and verify that your operating system is compatible with the proctoring software. Perform a system compatibility check and bandwidth check before your test to ensure a stable internet connection and to check your equipment is suitable.
- If you experience any issues during online remote proctoring, use the chat tool to contact a proctor for assistance.
- Do not have any mobile devices or electronic devices on hand during the online proctored exam, this includes using your phone for troubleshooting.
8. Final checklist before your online proctored exam launch
- Make sure all prohibited items are removed from your desk.
- Ensure the room is well-lit and your camera is positioned correctly.
- Confirm that your computer meets the technical requirements for the test (secure browser, webcam, microphone).
- Before launching your online proctored exam, be prepared for the entire exam session and take time to familiarize yourself with the exam process to ensure a smooth experience.
- Take a deep breath and focus on the test ahead – you’ve got this!
Online proctoring preparation is important
Proper room setup is essential to ensure a smooth, secure, and stress-free remote proctored exam experience. By following these steps and checking your environment before your exam, you can help ensure your testing process goes as smoothly as possible.
Additionally, if your testing organization provides this option, take time to familiarize yourself with the testing platform to avoid any surprises during the exam, and remember to review your exam results through official channels after completing your test.
For more information on the testing process and troubleshooting, be sure to refer to the guidelines provided by your test sponsor or contact the support team.