Taking a PSI online proctored exam on our secure online exam platform can feel stressful, especially if you’re worried about unexpected warnings, paused exams, or termination due to accidental behavior. You can stay focused and confident by taking the time to understand:
- How our online proctoring system works.
- What you can expect from a modern and secure exam experience.
- Why online exam monitoring is essential.
- What behaviors to avoid to help you stay focused and confident.
With the right preparation, you can navigate your online exam smoothly and demonstrate your knowledge without distraction. This blog will help you have a successful online testing experience and establish a strong security start before exam day.
How our online proctoring system keeps your exam secure
Online proctoring systems are designed to maintain fairness, uphold test security, and support a level playing field for every candidate who takes a PSI online proctored exam. By monitoring the online exam environment via audio and video feeds, proctors ensure that:
- Each test taker is treated consistently and fairly.
- Exam rules are applied uniformly, protecting the value of your hard-earned credential.
- The testing process stays secure, ensuring that only qualified candidates earn their credentials.
Our online proctoring system blocks actions such as copy-paste, searching the web, and accessing unauthorized desktop applications during the exam. AI-based tools are used to flag potential misconduct, including blocking AI chatbots and monitoring for AI-generated content, to ensure a secure testing environment.
PSI is committed to upholding privacy and fairness for every test taker. Our system is systematically tested for biases to ensure equitable treatment and protect student privacy throughout the proctoring process.
Remember, the purpose of online proctoring isn’t about trying to trick you or catch you doing something wrong, but to ensure a fair exam for everyone. Understanding how to avoid warnings or test interruptions during online exam monitoring can help you focus on what matters most, demonstrating the knowledge and skills you’ve worked hard to earn.
What are the common behaviors that can trigger online proctoring flags?
Proctors flag behaviors that may compromise exam integrity. By understanding what behaviors might trigger flags in the online proctoring system, you can focus on your exam rather than worrying about interruptions. While the specifics vary between testing programs, here’s a general guide.
Behaviors that generate a warning or trigger exam termination:
- If you look down and the proctor’s view is primarily of your forehead, or if you look left/right far enough so that only one eye is visible. This could show you are looking at unauthorized resources.
- Using unauthorized devices or applications (e.g., mobile phones, additional computers).
- Interacting with another person in the room or talking aloud to yourself.
- Covering your camera or leaving the room without permission.
- Displaying prohibited materials in your workspace.
- Ignoring repeated warnings from an online proctor.
Tip: Exact rules and consequences can vary by program. Always check the rules specific to your exam.
What should I do if I receive a warning during my online proctored exam?
Warnings are not automatic failures. If your online proctor issues a warning:
- Stay calm and read any instructions provided.
- Check your environment for potential issues (e.g., lighting, camera angle, background distractions).
- Correct the behavior promptly and continue your exam.
Tip: If you receive a warning, following these steps can prevent escalation and help ensure your exam session continues smoothly.
Checklist to minimize flags during your online proctored exam
Preparing your testing environment before your exam can reduce the risk of flags:
- Choose a quiet, private space with no distractions. This means:
- The space must be enclosed i.e., a walled room.
- You cannot test outside or in a vehicle.
- You will need adequate lighting.
- You will need to be dressed as if you are in public (as you would to attend a testing center).
- You MUST not have anyone enter the room during the session, including children/infants/babies/pets.
- Clear your workspace of any items not needed for testing.
- Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection meet the system requirements for online proctoring and are working.
- Keep your ID and any allowed materials ready.
- Inform household members to avoid interruptions during the exam.
- Review your program’s exam rules on permitted and prohibited behaviors.
Taking the time to prepare can make a big difference in both your confidence and your test performance.
In addition, taking some simple steps during your exam will also minimize the risk of interruptions:
- Keep all prohibited items out of reach – Only the items allowed by your program should be present.
- Stay in camera view at all times – Make sure your face is clearly visible.
- Follow the program rules for materials – For example, scratch paper or other resources needed for testing, everything else should be removed from the testing area.
Common misconceptions about online proctoring
Many test takers worry that online proctors are watching for mistakes and trying to catch them out. In reality, proctors are trained to see behaviors that could compromise exam integrity, ensuring that all candidates are treated equally. Minor technical glitches or inactive devices that aren’t within reach are typically ignored, so there’s no need to stress over minor, non-disruptive issues.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with preparation, unexpected issues can arise. Here are some tips:
- Internet disconnection: Stay calm. There are protocols for reconnecting and resuming your exam.
- System errors: Follow the on-screen instructions and contact technical support if needed.
- Unexpected warnings: Review your setup and adjust as necessary.
Knowing what to do in advance reduces anxiety and keeps you focused on completing your exam successfully.
Key takeaways for your online proctored exam
Online proctoring is designed to protect fairness and ensure that only qualified candidates earn their credentials, so understanding the rules and preparing your testing environment is essential.
Avoid behaviors that could trigger warnings or exam termination, take a few minutes to set up your space, and approach your exam with a calm, focused mindset. Always check your program’s rules, as actions and consequences may vary. Remember that a bit of preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and successful testing experience.
A bit more about pre-exam preparation
A successful online testing experience starts well before exam day. With online proctoring, you have the flexibility to take exams from home or the office, but this convenience comes with the responsibility to prepare in advance.
First, you should verify that your computer, internet connection, and browser meet the technical requirements for the proctoring solution. This includes checking that your webcam and microphone are working properly, and that your device can reliably access the online exam platform. Reviewing the system requirements and running a demo or system check can help avoid last-minute surprises.
Familiarity with the proctoring solution is also key. Learn how the secure browser works, what applications or websites are blocked during the exam, and how monitoring features like webcam and screen recording help maintain exam integrity. Understanding these settings in advance will allow you to focus on the assessment itself, rather than worrying about technology during the exam.