The Covid pandemic that took everyone by surprise has contributed significantly to the changing ways in which we conduct exams and interviews. As a result we saw an unprecedented increase in the use of remote teaching and virtual meeting apps.

The standardized testing industry also had to adapt to the changing landscape, and all the popular tests like GRE, GMAT and SAT shifted to home-based solutions for test-taking.  One of the software that made this shift possible is called Proctorio, and it is a remote proctoring service that allows students to take tests and quizzes from their homes.

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How does the Proctorio Work?

The program works by allowing a live proctor to monitor your computer screen and your webcam feed. Security features built into the software, coupled with live monitoring, ensure a cheating-free environment.

Prior to the start of the test, you will be taken through a list of pre-checks, i.e., internet stability, operating system, camera, mic, etc. Depending on what settings your test creator has selected, you may also be asked to show a student or government id.

If your test creator has opted for real-time proctoring, a human proctor will monitor you via your webcam. They will also have access to your screen. During the test, you may be asked to do a 360-degree rotation of your laptop to show your room to the proctor.

Your browser will be locked the moment the test starts. You won’t be able to open any other tab or program. Your entire test, as well as the webcam feed, will be recorded for checking later on.

However, since this service is still somewhat new, users might have questions or concerns regarding it. Hence, below you will find a number of frequently asked questions regarding the service.

Proctorio FAQs

1. Can I read aloud to myself while using Procotrio?

No. While there is no explicit warning regarding this from Proctorio, it is advised that you do not read out loud to yourself while taking an exam. There have been instances of people receiving warnings from Proctorio due to this. Moreover, if your exam is monitored live by a proctor, they might give you a verbal warning before taking strict measures.

2. What if I put on a sticky side note on my screen in Proctorio?

You shouldn’t have anything on your computer screen when taking a test. Sticky notes or writing of any sort is not a good idea, no matter if it’s on your desktop screen or physically attached to the side of your computer screen.

3. Does Proctorio flag background noise?

It is best if you make sure beforehand not to have background noise when taking the test. Proctorio may flag you for background noise but ultimately leaves it up to your exam administrator to decide whether it constitutes a breach of exam integrity. However, it is better to err on the side of caution and take the test in a quiet environment.

4. Can Proctorio only see your face?

Yes. When you are taking the test, a live proctor will be able to see your face via webcam. However, if your administrator doesn’t call for live monitoring, then your webcam feed will be recorded for later inspection. Moreover, the live proctor may ask you to show them your testing environment before the start of the test. However, once the test is underway they will only be able to see your face.

5. Can Proctorio see or track other devices connected to my computer? 

Yes. Proctorio can detect other devices connected to your computer, such as additional displays.

6. Can Proctorio see or track other devices on a WIFI network? 

No it can’t.

7. Does Proctorio access and monitor my wifi?

No, it doesn’t.

8. Can Proctorio see your keyboard?

No. Proctorio cannot see your keyboard. The webcam only shows your face.

9. Can Proctorio detect screen mirroring?

Yes. Proctorio can tell if you mirror your screen to another display either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

10. Does Proctorio monitor or see your screen?

Yes. Proctorio not only monitors your screen live but also records it for later inspection.

11. Does Proctorio lock your screen?

Proctorio forces full screen in the browser window to prevent test-takers from accessing outside programs.

12. Can Proctorio tell or catch if you are cheating?

Yes. Proctorio used eye and head tracking to tell if a test-taker is reading something other than what’s on the screen. Moreover, since all activity is recorded, the exam administrator can go through the recordings later to confirm instances of cheating if the program has flagged you for any suspicious activity.

13. Can Proctorio tell if your cookies are cleared?

No. Proctorio cannot tell if you have cleared your cookies or your history.

14. Does Proctorio monitor cookies?

No. Proctorio doesn’t monitor cookies.

15. Does Proctorio need cookies?

Proctorio may leave cookies on your computer but doesn’t monitor preexisting cookies.

16. Does Proctorio clear cookies and cache?

No. Proctorio doesn’t require that you clear cookies, nor does it do it by itself. However, to troubleshoot connectivity issues, you might be asked to clear cookies and cache.

17. Can Proctorio track which websites you are visiting?

Proctorio locks your web browser, which prevents you from accessing other tabs during the test. It doesn’t track websites that you visited prior to the test.

18. Does Proctorio monitor web traffic?

Yes. If your test administrator has enabled the option to record your web traffic, then any site you visit during the test will be recorded.

19. Does Proctorio actually watch you live with a live person or live proctor?

If your test administrator requires live monitoring, then yes, a human proctor will be assigned to you who will monitor you in real-time via webcam.

20. Does Proctorio always use a webcam?

Proctorio only requires a webcam if your test administrator asks for it. If they have asked for it, then the webcam will be used for the entirety of the test.

21. Does Proctorio block spell check?

Yes. Proctorio You will disable any third-party plugins installed on your web browser, including the likes of Grammarly. You will not be able to use spell check of any kind.

22. Does Proctorio capture or check IP addresses?

Yes. Proctorio may keep a record of your IP address for security reasons.

23. Does Proctorio connect to your phone?

No. Proctorio does not connect to your phone.

24. Does Proctorio detect airplay?

Yes. Proctorio can detect screen mirroring services.

25. Does Proctorio detect Discord?

It may not detect Discord directly, but since your screen and audio are recorded, an administrator will tell if you are using Discord.

26. Does Proctorio detect HDMI?

Yes. If the option to detect multiple monitor connections is enabled, the program will detect HDMI connections.

27. Does Proctorio detect phones?

No. Proctorio cannot detect phones, but the webcam will show if you are gazing down or to the side to use a phone.

28. Does Proctorio detect virtual machines?

Yes. People have reported that the program can detect virtual machines. Hence, It is best not to take any chances.

29. Does Proctorio flag notifications?

Yes. Proctorio may flag notification or any activity that the test administrator has prohibited.

30. Does Proctorio flag you right away or give you a warning?

Depending on the severity of the situation, the live proctor may give you a verbal warning first. However, if instances of suspicious activity continue, then you will be flagged. A flagged exam doesn’t mean cancellation. Instead, the flagged exam and everything associated with it will be sent to a supervisor for inspection. If they confirm cheating, then your test administrator will be notified.

31. Does Proctorio have a calculator?

Yes. If your test administrator has enabled the calculator option, then you will have an on-screen calculator.

32. Does Proctorio hear you?

Yes. If your test administrator has enabled the option, your voice will be heard and recorded.

33. Does Proctorio invade privacy?

It depends on what your definition of invasion of privacy is. Since the program is designed to administer exams remotely, it has to monitor and record your webcam, audio and browser activity during the test. However, once you are done with the test, you can simply delete the extension and the program will have no control over your computer.

34. Does Proctorio gather personal information?

Any information that Proctorio collects about a test-taker depends on the test administrator’s privacy policy. Proctorio is a data processor, whereas the institution in charge of the test is the data controller. Information that Proctorio may collect includes but is not limited to: Visual identification, webcam feed, audio feed, and web traffic.

35. Does Proctorio have access to your files and system?

No. Proctorio cannot access any files stored on your computer.

36. Does Proctorio keep recordings for six months?

No. Proctorio keeps the stored data for up to 30 days after the end of the contract unless otherwise specified by the institution. At the end of the 30 days, the data is either transferred to the institution or destroyed.

37. Does Proctorio kick you out?

Yes. If your test administrator has enabled the relevant setting, a live proctor might kick you out for cheating.

38. Does Proctorio know when you switch tabs?

Yes. If your test administrator has enabled the relevant setting, Proctorio will record the sites you visit during the test.

39. Does Proctorio make you show your surroundings or scan your room?

Yes. If your test is monitored live, the proctor may ask you to show them your surroundings before the test begins.

40. Does Proctorio make you use a mirror behind you?

No. there is no such requirement. However, you might be asked to show your monitor screen by holding up a mirror to the webcam at the start of the test.

41. Does Proctorio track or monitor eyes or their movement?

No. Proctorio does not track eye movements, but it may use facial detection to ensure test takers are not looking away from their exam for an extended period of time. This simply detects the presence of a face interacting with the exam window.

42. Does Proctorio work in China?

Yes, it is.

43. Does Proctorio work on Chromebook?

Yes. It can work on Chromebooks.

44. Does Proctorio work on iPad?

No. Proctorio doesn’t work on iPads or any other tablets.

45. Does Proctorio know when you copy and paste stuff?

Proctorio disables your computer’s clipboard, which means that Proctorio turns off your system’s functionality to copy and paste stuff. As a result, during the exam, test takers cannot copy and paste anything from the exam window or into the exam window.

46. Does Proctorio Record you?

Yes. Proctorio records you during the exam. It records your video, audio, and computer screen. The recording begins immediately after you enter the exam and stops right after you submit or close your exam.