Can Exams be Proctored Without you Knowing: Its Pros or Cons

A Proctored exam means that you will be writing your test under the supervision of an invigilator or an online invigilation system referred to as proctor software.

The software or the invigilator will monitor the exam takers during the test and asses the examination environment. This is a process that can be achieved in person or online.

The supervisor or invigilator ensures that the examinations are conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the organization offering the test. Examinations are taken in a controlled location that the supervisor has deemed suitable.

During this period, some writing materials, such as notepads and books, are not accessed. This helps to avoid jeopardizing the credibility of the exams.

Proctoring exams online is also possible through recording and encryption using a computer and internet connection.

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Can an Exam be Proctored Without You Knowing?

An exam cannot be proctored without you knowing because examiners are required to disclose it before the exam.

Also, students will know that an exam is proctored because proctor systems have to be accessed on their PCs. Therefore, examiners cannot proctor exams without students’ knowledge.

The answer is no for both offline and online proctoring. In a physical classroom scenario, a student will be aware of exam proctoring because the supervisor or proctor is present during the exam period.

In online proctoring, the proctor checks the exam room and environment, indicating that the exam taker will know if he or she is being proctored.

Why Do Students Fear Proctored Exams

Proctored exams can be stressful for students. Those who fear this type of exam are unprepared and hoping to indulge in academic dishonesty.

When there is exam proctoring, whether in person or online, there are minimal chances of cheating.

Indeed, students cheat numerous times in online exams. Another reason students fear proctored exams is that they are an invasion of privacy.

When an online proctor has access to a student’s computer, exam takers fear their privacy may be invaded. Proctors can access running programs and browsers to check student activity.

There is also the fear that a proctor can access data and retrieve your information. However, students can take measures to ensure that supervisors access only information necessary for the exam.

Also Read: Scantron Cheating: How it Detects Cheating and Tricks Students Use

Advantages Of Proctored Exams

Proctored exams are advantageous to both candidates and the institutions in several ways, as discussed below:

• A person sitting for the exams can sit in any location and take exams if the place is well-lit to support webcam usage. If you choose to do it at home, there is more comfort, enhancing your productivity.
• Privacy can be enjoyed, especially in the absence of distractions. However, physical test centers can be annoying because of congestion.
• If you are an exam taker, select a quiet and cool environment to take your exam in a very tranquil environment.
• Exam takers can enjoy flexibility on the time they want to sit for the exams. In most cases, organizers give candidates an exam window that is favorable to the students.
• Since most students can use computers or tablets when sitting for exams, the use of pen and paper is eliminated. They can now take the exam faster and complete it within the stipulated time.
• Learning institutions no longer have to worry about finding physical test centers or hiring invigilators. Proctored exam taking is simply cost-efficient and safe. It indicates that students can take more frequent exams as opposed to long ones, which makes it easier for instructors to assess their progress.

Is Proctoring Legal?

Online exam proctoring couldn’t have come at a better time than now. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it ensured that learning was not interrupted in most schools.

Proctoring solution providers are responsible for ensuring that the entire process is credible and that information is not leaking. They perform frequent system checks to confirm that all features and tools are working.

Exam proctoring is legal because it does not violate any state or federal laws or privacy guidelines. This move has not only minimized academic dishonesty but also enhanced convenience for both the student and the supervisor.

Also Read: How to Cheat on a Math Test: 9 Tricks and Hacks

How to Prepare For Proctored Exam

Whether the exam proctoring involves a live proctor or online AI software, students must prepare adequately before the exams begin.

If you break down your revision, it will be easier to cover all topics and review the areas you did not understand.

Practical study sessions the week prior to exams can be very important.

It helps a student to retain information days before the exams.

Preparing in advance will help a student avoid last-minute cramming or forcing ideas.

For online proctored exams, prepare by finding out the topics the exam is set on so that you have adequate time to revise.

Important aspects that need confirmation include exam duration, formats, the duration it will take, and choice format.

In addition to this, find out the items that you are permitted to have during the exams. Finalize by double-checking the date of the exams and any other vital information you may be missing.

If you are taking your exams online, check and confirm that your laptop or desktop computer is working and connected to a reliable source of internet access.

Perform a test to confirm if the webcam camera and important wires are connected. This kind of preparation is essential to avoid the last-minute stress of rushing.

Finally, location is of utmost importance. Select a tranquil space that will enable maximum concentration without any distractions.