Online Exam Proctoring Services and Types of Exam Proctoring Services

Online Exam Proctoring Services ​

Introduction

The introduction of learning management systems has further accentuated the focus on online learning, e-learning, and remote learning. Similarly, the introduction of online examination management systems has brought in a significant shift in the entire remote education ecosystem. Be it setting up curated question banks virtually or conducting online exams seamlessly or automating the online evaluation process of the answer sheets; online exam management software come equipped with all the requisite features. However, remote proctoring is one of the key features that steal the show. 

Conventionally, the exams were conducted on a physical premise with invigilators. However, with the rise in demand, and unprecedented adoption of online exams, the role of online exam proctoring or remote proctoring comes to the fore. Remote proctoring is nothing but a proctor tracking the real-time activities of candidates during an online exam. 

In the next section, we will discuss why proctored tests are beneficial and if they have any challenges. 

Challenges With/Without Proctored Tests

Let’s learn about the challenges without proctored tests. 

For instance, a candidate is appearing for an online exam, which is not being proctored. In such a case, the candidate has access to the internet and runs research to obtain responses to the exam questions. The candidate can seek third-party support, run background applications, and do a multitude of things. As a result, the whole objective of the online exam gets compromised. 

The exams conducted online by using the remote proctoring technique would prove extremely competent in this case.

Remote proctoring is the process of authenticating, authorising and controlling online examination processes in a scalable manner.

This is achieved by different mechanisms or features present in the online examination platform.

Let us understand the features of remote proctoring in detail.

Live Streaming of Online Exam

Track remote exams using web camera live streaming. Remote Proctor can see remote candidate activity and can also initiate live chat.

Remote-Proctoring-Process

Exams can be paused, Resumed by Remote Proctor.

Remote-Proctoring-Process

The system can capture the photo of the Remote Candidates​.

Online-Photo-Capturing

Here is a short video to understand How Proctoring Works?

Types of Proctoring Services

1. Image Proctoring

This type of proctoring is most suitable where internet connectivity is low. Your aim is to verify remote candidates at random times. The system would capture photographs of the candidate at certain time intervals like exam start, exam end, questions attempt, after every 30 seconds or 45 seconds, etc.

You can verify those images to ensure the online exam has been attempted by a valid candidate and there is no malpractice happening. This type of proctoring is also cost-effective compared to video streaming activity.

2. Video Proctoring

This is the most suitable type of proctoring for very high stake exams where remote proctoring continuously monitors remote candidates using continuous video streaming activity.

Remote proctor has various facilities like Live Chat with the remote candidates, pause/resume online exams, and verify if the candidate environment is as per requirements and there is no malpractice happening during the online exam process. 

Remote proctors can continuously chat with remote candidates during the online exam process. It is close to physical exam invigilation. It provides a huge advantage as candidates and proctors can do these activities from remote locations. There is no need to travel to a particular exam centre. 

Video Proctoring

3. Auto Proctoring 

In case you wish to automatically do monitoring and analysis activity for the remote candidates, then auto proctoring is for you. Auto proctoring does continuous streaming activity of the candidates sitting at remote locations for online exams.

Auto proctoring analyses the images and videos to identify if the same candidate is appearing for the exam, and identifies if any kind of cheating is happening during the online exam, like the use of mobile phones, or another person assisting the candidate during the online exam process, the candidate is using notes, reference books while attempting the online exam, etc.

4. Candidate Identity Verification

The identity of the candidate can be verified using the I card verification process. In this case, prior to the start of the online exam, the candidate is supposed to show an individual identity card, and Exam Hall ticket in front of the camera. That identity card is verified by the proctor sitting at a remote / any location. Proctor then approves or rejects candidates based on available official records.

Candidate identity verification process

Videos Related to Proctoring

Here is one of the case studies of how one of the leading Institute has used Proctoring to conduct entrance exams for Executive MBA students

Why opt for Proctoring during Online Exams ?

Frequently Asked Questions About Proctoring

What is Remote Proctoring?

Remote Proctoring is a technology-driven process to invigilate online examination activity for multiple candidates in a cost-effective manner. 

Physical exam invigilation is a costly affair and it involves many manual activities. 

Physical exam invigilation can be eliminated using the remote proctoring process, as a computer with a web camera is used to invigilate candidates instead of the physical presence of the proctor.

How does it prevent Cheating during Online exams?

Remote proctoring is the best solution to prevent cheating during online exams. This technique helps the management to conduct exams in a hassle-free manner from any remote location without worrying about cheating and malpractices.

The artificial intelligence approach is one of the most useful to identify key cheating events such as a candidate taking help from another person, a candidate using a mobile phone or referring to notes during an exam, a candidate using any other electronic device, etc.

Can a remote proctor replace the physical exam invigilation process?

Currently, remote proctoring is considered the preferred mode to conduct online exams where remote candidates are located in multiple cities or diverse locations. The cost of booking a physical exam centre is high and there are a lot of coordination activities involved in executing online exams at exam centres.

Remote proctoring is helping to eliminate the need for exam centres and moving forward; we will see more exams being conducted in a proctored environment. 

What is the cost of the remote proctoring process?

Remote Proctoring cost is minimal if you decide to go only for image proctoring. For auto proctoring, there is no need for a remote proctor as the system itself monitors the candidates. The cost of auto proctoring is slightly higher as compared to image proctoring due to increased operations of video streaming, video storage and retrieval process.

In the case of manual remote proctoring, the cost of the remote proctor needs to be paid and it is charged on the basis of per examination session and the number of candidates appearing for the session.

The overall cost per session varies between 1 USD to 20 USD.

Can online proctors see your screen?

This is the whole idea behind remote proctoring. The online exam starts with the candidate performing the virtual authorisation and face recognition checks. The remote proctor has complete access to the candidates’ screens during the exam process. The exam management system records the audio, video, and real-time activities of the candidates; the background applications are disabled, and the screen is locked too. The remote proctor has the authority to terminate, pause or resume the online exam if the candidate is found involved in cheating.

How do I start a proctoring company?

Are you planning to start a proctoring company? To start with, you need to understand the current state and need of proctoring, remote and physical alike. If you are opting for remote proctoring, you need to have access to the right remote proctoring tool, which will decide the success of your business. 

Where can I find a proctor for an exam?

If you are looking for a remote proctor, you can find him/her online, or on reputed platforms.

How do I prepare for an online assessment?

If you are a remote proctor, and are going to proctor an online exam, be sure to check out all the features of the online exam management system that you are going to leverage.  Stay alert during the candidate authorisation process to curb the chances of impersonation. Track the real-time activities of the candidates through audio and video recording.

Are online exams a better way to assess?

Online exams enabled by remote proctoring are definitely a better way to conduct assessments in a scalable and highly accessible manner. These are cost-effective, convenient and comprehensive too. Be it objective, subjective, oral, viva or coding skill assessments, online examinations can be leveraged seamlessly.Â