Online proctoring can refer to several different testing-security approaches. In some cases, it may be as simple as a lockdown browser or an AI-powered system. In other cases, it may involve human proctors, or it may use a blended model that combines software, artificial intelligence, and people. Each approach works differently, includes different tools and features, and comes with its own strengths and limitations.
This article breaks down the main types of online proctoring, explains how the features work and which ones truly matter, and shows how these solutions connect with your LMS and assessment platforms.
The basics of online proctoring
What is online proctoring?
Online proctoring is a technology-supported way to protect exam integrity and reduce cheating during online exams. It uses software, AI, and human monitoring to observe test takers’ behaviour, computer activity, and exam environment through tools such as webcams and microphones. The goal is to prevent dishonest behaviour, block unauthorized tools, and identify rule violations in real time.
What is a proctored exam?
A proctored exam is an exam supervised either by a trained proctor or by software that performs a similar monitoring role to keep the test secure and fair. Whether the assessment happens online or in person, exam proctoring helps confirm identity, prevent the use of unauthorized resources, monitor and record the testing space, and watch for possible violations of exam rules.
What exam formats can be remotely proctored?
The co-founder of a test preparation platform known as Achievable, Tyler York, told us that many types of assessments can be remotely proctored, including multiple-choice tests, written work, and performance-based tasks. Remote proctoring is used in higher education, corporate learning and development, certification programs, and licensure exams.
- Traditional online exams using multiple choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, and other common question formats.
- Written work and math problems, whether typed on a device or handwritten on paper.
- Performance-based assessments that involve hands-on tasks in coding platforms and real industry software for certification exams and pre-hire testing.
- Job interviews and virtual presentations
- Open-book or open-notes assessments, including access to digital or physical textbooks, notes, and other resources
- Assessments completed in person at physical testing centers or computer labs.
Online proctoring services and software compared
Different types of online proctoring
- Automated proctoring uses software and AI to discourage cheating and flag specific behaviours.
- Live proctoring depends on human proctors who watch multiple test takers in real time and step in when they notice suspicious behaviour or exam misconduct.
- Hybrid proctoring combines AI and human proctors; AI monitors test-taker behaviour, while human proctors review flagged incidents and may also observe behaviour directly.
- BYOP(bring your own proctor) means your internal team uses the proctoring platform to monitor exams while keeping control over the processes, rules, and exam policies.
- Browser lockdown software is an automated tool that secures the browser by limiting access to other websites and blocking keyboard shortcuts such as copy and paste.
- Record and review records exam audio and video so that either the institution’s staff or the remote proctoring provider can review it after the test is finished.
Same type of proctoring… multiple approaches… different experiences?
Two providers may offer the same category of proctoring but still create very different experiences for test takers. Here is one example of how hybrid solutions can vary depending on the company:
- Company A: AI watches the exam and pauses it whenever potential misconduct is detected, even for harmless behaviour such as sneezing or yawning, before a live proctor steps in.
- Company B: AI monitors the exam, but instead of pausing the test for every possible issue, it alerts a live proctor to review the behaviour, and the proctor only intervenes when it is actually necessary.
Which one sounds like a better test experience? Company B, unless you enjoy being interrupted during an exam. The same type of proctoring can create very different user experiences, and the same idea also applies to individual proctoring features.
Same concept applies to proctoring features, too. For example, some proctoring companies say they offer “cell phone detection,” but in practice that may simply mean hoping a live proctor notices someone using a phone while also watching around 10 other test takers on small screens. Does that really count?
Other companies, however, use proctoring technology that can detect when phones are visible during exams, flag calculators and other handheld devices unless an administrator has allowed them, and listen for voice commands such as “Hey Siri” that may activate AI assistants on devices in the testing environment.
So, when comparing proctored testing services, do not rely only on the names of the features. Look closely at how those features actually work to confirm that they meet your needs.
Online proctoring software tools and features
Standard proctoring tools
- Video monitoring uses the webcam to scan the room and monitor and record behaviour during proctored exams.
- Browser lockdown software blocks access to unauthorized websites and restricts keyboard shortcuts such as copy and paste.
- Sound detection records and flags noises that occur during exams.
- ID verification confirms the test taker’s identity before the proctored assessment begins.
Advanced proctoring features
- Cell phone detection uses AI identify when phones, smartwatches, and other devices are present in the testing area.
- Second camera monitoring, also known as dual camera monitoring, uses two cameras to provide a fuller view of the exam room.
- Exam content protection automatically searches the internet for leaked exam content and lets administrators submit takedown requests with one click.
- AI blocking uses a combination of proctoring features to block generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, along with “invisible” AI desktop assistants like Cluely.
- Voice Detection activates when phrases such as “Alexa” or “OK Google” are detected, which may suggest cheating. It records the audio, alerts a remote proctor, and provides a transcript.
Whether the tools are basic or advanced, the proctoring solution should make it simple to choose which features you want to use, disable the features you do not need, and customize the settings for each virtual assessment.
For example, instead of blocking every website during a proctored exam or assignment, you can allow access to approved software, such as Excel, Word, or coding platforms, and specific websites, such as case studies, articles, or research studies, while still restricting access to everything else. This adds another level of customization throughout the assessment process while still helping prevent cheating in online exams.
Online test proctoring services and support options
24/7/365 live support
Test takers need the flexibility to complete exams whenever they are ready, 24/7/365. Because of that, they also need access to live support at any time in case a technical or exam-related problem occurs.
Live support should not mean receiving generic chatbot replies or filling out a form and hoping a support agent responds hours later. Live support means that a real person responds within seconds to help test takers and administrators troubleshoot problems and resolve issues when support is needed.
Multi-language support
Flexible support also means helping test takers in the language they prefer. Instead of forcing test takers to struggle to understand a proctor or support agent, the service should provide step-by-step written prompts translated into their language.
This allows every test taker to understand the required steps, receive help in their preferred language, and focus on the exam instead of worrying about communication barriers.
No exam scheduling
Some of the biggest difficulties and frustrations test takers experience with live proctoring services involve scheduling and rescheduling exams.
Choose a proctoring vendor that does not require exam scheduling, because test takers should not have to arrange their exams around a proctor’s availability or deal with unnecessary scheduling complications.
Exam preparation resources
A major source of test anxiety comes from concerns about using technology, whether that means the proctoring software, a third-party testing platform, or the LMS, and whether everything will work correctly on the test taker’s device.
The solution you use for exam proctoring should allow test takers to complete unlimited practice exams and should provide additional resources, including step-by-step tutorials, system checks, and helpful articles explaining what to expect and how to prepare.
Who uses online proctoring?
Online proctoring is used in higher education by colleges and universities. It is also used in professional education for licensure and certification exams, corporate training, continuing education, and similar programs.
Higher education
Schools of all sizes use online proctoring to deliver remote exams with the same level of seriousness and rigor as in-person testing. This makes it easier to administer and complete exams in different formats while maintaining academic integrity, even when students are not physically on campus.
Professional education & corporate
Organizations use online proctoring to prevent cheating and grow their certification programs and to support other exams for corporate training and continuing education. Remote proctoring gives participants the convenience and flexibility they need while reducing travel expenses and time limitations.
What are the benefits of online proctoring?
Many people assume proctored exams exist only to catch cheating, but they can also create practical benefits that improve the overall testing experience for different users, such as:
- Test taker benefits: taking proctored exams can provide more convenience and accessibility than in-person testing, support learning and retention of knowledge, and some types of proctoring may help reduce test anxiety.
- Test admin benefits: protects test content from being shared online, provides clear evidence of dishonest behaviour, and removes the need to spend time managing in-person testing.
- Institutional benefits: lowers overhead costs related to testing centers, protects institutional reputation and credibility, and helps meet identity and attendance verification requirements for accreditation and federal funding.
Proctoring costs and LMS integrations
How much does online proctoring cost?
The cost depends on the type of proctoring software and services used, as well as the pricing model. Some providers offer a flat rate per exam or per test taker, while others may charge variable fees, such as additional costs when exams take longer than expected.
Instead of trying to estimate and manage unpredictable variable costs, look for a remote proctoring company that provides a flat-rate cost per exam or per test taker.
Online proctoring and LMS integration options
There are several ways to connect your LMS with an online proctoring platform, including direct out-of-the-box integrations, custom integrations through APIs, or a no-code integration option.
Online proctoring platforms commonly provide direct integrations with LMSs such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L, Open LMS, Intellum, and Docebo.
Conclusion
The next phase of education will be defined less by specific technologies and more by how effectively institutions help learners navigate constant change. Schools, colleges, and training providers that embrace flexibility, continuous learning, and human-centered development will be better positioned to prepare students for an increasingly complex world. As expectations evolve across workplaces and society, education’s greatest responsibility may be equipping learners with the confidence and adaptability to continue growing long after formal schooling has ended.
