What Is An Online Proctored Examination?

 

Online remote proctoring is the process of invigilating an online test from any location to eliminate any unwanted candidate behavior. This makes your virtual examinations safer than paper and pen tests, ensuring fraud-proof behavior and zero chances of cheating.

In online exam proctoring, a candidate is monitored through the duration of the test through an audio mic, webcam, and screen sharing. There are various ways to conduct proctored examinations. Organizations should scan their internal environment and check what works best for their examination structure. The three main methods of proctoring remote examinations are:
Live Online Proctoring:
In a real-time proctored test, an experienced and qualified human proctor monitors the candidate. Typically, the remote examination service provider will have trained proctors who facilitate student authentication and prevent cheating. Presently, research has shown that human proctoring is the prevalent method; however, we can expect a seminal shift towards AI-driven tools in the coming future.

The most significant advantage of live proctoring is that it encourages the remote examination model as the proctor can effectively monitor tests from any location. Also, a single proctor can monitor more than one candidate simultaneously, making the process operationally productive.

Live proctoring involves a heavy amount of human effort, making it expensive and non-scalable in the long run. This is the prime reason most proctoring service providers are transitioning to automated methods that save time and money.
Auto Proctored Tests:
Many online examination providers are using artificial intelligence-enabled technologies to proctor tests objectively. These advanced methods involve audio/video access and screen sharing techniques to ensure the candidates do not indulge in any aberrant behavior.

With artificial intelligence-driven proctoring, an automated algorithm is used to detect irregularities, and a human review can be conducted to take a specific action. Research reveals that AI algorithms need constant monitoring to ensure assessment accuracy and fairness.

Auto-proctored examinations are generally beneficial when tests are conducted for many candidates as a single human proctor may not monitor bulk testing effectively. AI-powered tools utilize face recognition, audio analytics, and anti-cheating mechanisms to ensure fool-proof structured examinations.

Auto-proctored tests do not need to be scheduled in advance and remove location constraints for organizations. It does not require any human involvement, making it a fast and reliable proctoring technique that drives operational efficiency.
Recorded Proctored Tests:
Post-proctored tests or recorded proctoring is a method where a candidate is not monitored in real-time; instead, a representative plays back recordings to check for any suspicious online activity. The proctor views the audio and video recording at any convenient time and identifies any red flags that may compromise the integrity of the examination.

This method is not as safe as live or automated proctoring as there may be certain loopholes that candidates can exploit. It also requires a human proctor to conduct the examination review, making it an expensive and non-scalable process for organizations.