What is proctoring, and how does it work?

Education has evolved rapidly in today’s digital era, with online learning becoming increasingly popular.

As the demand for remote education grows, so does the need to maintain academic integrity. Proctoring plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and authenticity of online assessments.

This article explores the concept of proctoring, its importance in the digital learning landscape, and the various methods used to implement it effectively.

It also covers the benefits of exam supervision software, such as accessibility, as well as its challenges, including concerns related to data privacy and digital ethics.

Proctoring: definition, overview, and use cases

The term proctoring is increasingly used in educational and workplace settings, but what does it really mean? In this first section, we’ll explore the meaning of proctoring, its recent development, share some statistics, and explain its use cases.

What does proctoring mean?

Proctoring refers to the process of monitoring and supervising online (or digital) assessments to ensure academic integrity.

It prevents cheating and maintains fairness in evaluating a student’s knowledge and skills. By leveraging technology, proctoring enables educational institutions to conduct secure exams remotely.

Proctoring is here to stay, yet not everyone is familiar with this relatively new term. As more and more academic institutions seek tools that help them monitor their assessments – often without knowing the precise terminology – many students wonder what “proctoring enabled” means and what implications come with this new invigilation software.

Surge and consolidation of online proctoring

Since COVID-19, online proctoring has seen a major breakthrough, becoming a standard solution for digital exams worldwide. 

The sudden shift to remote learning and testing during lockdown accelerated the adoption of proctoring solutions. Institutions and organizations turned to these tools to maintain academic integrity while ensuring accessibility for remote test-takers during the pandemic.

Online proctoring has now become a well-established solution for digital exams and continues to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence and security measures. 

Traditional institutions, on one hand, are progressively expanding their formative offer to accommodate those students who prefer to learn online, which creates the need for scalable proctoring solutions. 

Digital native institutions, on the other hand, are embracing proctoring from the beginning. Some anticipated the demand for remote learning before COVID-19 marked a turning point. That is the case of Evidentia University (Florida), a 100% remote university founded in 2008 that relies on SMOWL.

While challenges like digital privacy concerns and technical limitations remain linked to online proctoring, ongoing advancements are strengthening these tools, making them more reliable and adaptable over time.

Online learning statistics

Online learning has grown by more than 900% since its inception and is expected to grow yearly at a rate of 8.56% until 2029, according to Statista. 

Their survey revealed that 41% of American graduate students prefer online learning to traditional education and, in the UK, a study conducted by Oxford College found that 31% of students would consider completing a university degree online. 

As the digital advancements continue to shape the future of education, it´s important that academic institutions stay ahead of the curve by embracing technology to accommodate the increasing number of students who decide to study online. 

That being said, the global EdTech market, expected to grow at a 13.9% yearly rate until 2033 (source: market.us), is not to be overlooked.

Importance of proctoring in online assessments

With the rise of online learning and testing, traditional methods of invigilation are no longer viable.

Proctoring fills this gap by providing a robust system to authenticate students, monitor their activities, and identify any signs of academic dishonesty.

It instills confidence in the evaluation process, ensuring the credibility of online education. Also, thanks to online proctoring solutions, academic institutions can now offer remote programs, expanding access to education and attracting a broader pool of students.

Corporate proctoring

Exam supervision solutions are not only used by academic institutions, but also organizations that want to supervise their staff or evaluate candidates during recruitment processes. 

With more and more companies hiring remotely nowadays, businesses are in need of solutions that help them monitor candidates during online assessments to prevent cheating and impersonation.

What does proctoring detect?

Academic fraud detection software is designed to detect a wide range of behaviors that may signal academic dishonesty. Depending on the tool used, it can monitor:

• Identity verification through biometric scans and document checks
  
• Unauthorized materials like notes or textbooks
  
• External devices such as smartphones, calculators, or smartwatches
  
• Suspicious behavior like frequent head turning, unusual eye movement, or leaving the screen
  
• Voice detection to flag nearby conversations
  
• Software and browser activity, including screen sharing or unauthorized tabs
  
• Computer activity like copying, pasting, or unusual keystrokes
  
• Environmental factors, such as another person speaking nearby

Institutions and organizations can combine various proctoring tools to strengthen exam security and minimize opportunities for cheating.

What are the main types of online proctoring?

There are different approaches to proctoring, each with its own advantages and limitations. Let’s explore the four main types of proctoring:

Live proctoring

Live proctoring involves a real-time connection between the student and the proctor via video conferencing.

The proctor monitors the exam session, verifies the student’s identity, and actively watches for any signs of misconduct.

Supervisors can intervene if necessary, making it a highly secure form of proctoring. However, it requires scheduling and coordination between the student and the invigilator. This type of proctoring solution is typically pricier and more difficult to scale than other forms of digital exam monitoring.

Automated proctoring

Automated proctoring utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to monitor the exam session.

It relies on user authentication and audio analysis to detect any academic misconduct. Automated proctoring offers flexibility and scalability, allowing multiple exams to be proctored simultaneously.

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Recorded proctoring

Recorded proctoring captures the entire exam session for later review by authorized personnel. The system records the student’s screen, audio, and webcam feed.

The recording can be analyzed to identify any irregularities or instances of cheating. Recorded proctoring provides a deterrent effect, as students know their actions are being monitored. However, it lacks real-time intervention and immediate feedback.

Hybrid proctoring

Hybrid proctoring combines automation with human review to ensure that the test-takers follow the rules and that no student gets punished unfairly if their behavior is flagged by the tool. 

Since proctoring relies on automated software, it creates a risk of false positives or, in other words, instances in which students are incorrectly flagged for cheating. 

For example, a proctoring tool could detect noise and escalate the issue as a potential cheating case when in reality, the student could simply be reading the questions aloud to concentrate better. 

The hybrid approach simplifies logistics by eliminating the need for proctors to be physically present during the exam and saves them time with detailed reports that indicate which instances require their attention. 

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the demand for human oversight grows. At Smowltech, we believe in the power of AI to handle high-volume tasks and automate processes efficiently. At the same time, we understand how human expertise can enhance user satisfaction. 

We take pride in being a leading hybrid exam monitoring tool worldwide. While we recommend hybrid monitoring for its blend of AI and human oversight, it´s not the only type of proctoring we provide.

How does proctoring work?

Now that you understand proctoring, it’s time to explore how it is implemented.

The initial authentication of the test-taker is accomplished through a visual inspection of the student’s image. The camera captures this picture when they connect to the system. Subsequently, the system compares it with the digital identification (such as a photo or IDs) that the student, candidate, or employee had previously provided.

This authentication can also be conducted using previously available images from the educational institution, the human resources department, or the company.

During the online test, user recognition is performed sequentially by capturing images through the computer’s webcam.

To ensure that the test-taker does not seek assistance from external sources, web proctoring tools conduct additional checks on individuals present in the test environment and visible in the camera footage. These checks are generally referred to as room scans, or Enviro Scan in the case of SMOWL.

Furthermore, automated proctoring monitors the test-taker´s access to online help web pages. This is done by observing the browser or computer used for the test or assessment.

Proctoring software also utilizes environment scanning techniques to provide a real-time comprehensive view of the room or space where the test-taker is situated. This is done to verify that students are not using external mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.).

This technology also ensures that test-takers do not use headphones or any in-ear devices through meticulous monitoring of captured images and supervision of external devices connected to the computer.

In some instances, two cameras are employed for remote monitoring: one on the computer and another on the test-taker´s cellphone or other devices.

Benefits of proctoring

Proctoring offers several benefits in the context of online assessments:

Maintaining academic integrity

By actively monitoring exams, proctoring ensures the integrity of the evaluation process. It helps to prevent cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct, thereby upholding the value of education.

Deterrence of cheating

Knowing that exams are proctored acts as a deterrent to potential cheaters. The presence of proctoring systems discourages students from engaging in dishonest practices, promoting a fair and level playing field for all learners. 

Proctoring solutions have become so advanced that attempting to bypass them can be more time-consuming and difficult than simply preparing for the exam, making the honest approach the smarter and more efficient choice.

Enhancing the credibility of online education

Proctoring contributes to the credibility of online education by providing an equivalent level of scrutiny as traditional in-person exams. Employers and academic institutions can trust the validity of the assessments conducted online.

Challenges and concerns

While proctoring offers significant advantages, it also presents challenges and concerns that need to be addressed:

Digital privacy and data security

Proctoring involves collecting and storing sensitive data, including biometric information and exam recordings. Institutions must prioritize data security and adhere to relevant privacy regulations to maintain trust.

At Smowltech, we take digital responsibility seriously. We adhere to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the strictest privacy and data security law in the world. This means our proctoring solution is compliant with any other digital privacy regulation that may apply in other regions. 

Accessibility and accommodations

Proctoring systems should be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or special accommodations. Institutions must ensure that the technology used for proctoring does not create barriers for learners. 

It is also recommended that organizations and institutions opt for efficient academic fraud prevention solutions that operate smoothly and don´t require overly fast Internet connections or high-end devices to run. 

This way, they will not widen the gap between the students with access to cutting-edge technology and those without. 

At Smowltech, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent access to education worldwide. 

Here is a successful story about how our proctoring solution has helped Amref International University (AMIU) with digital examinations in Africa, making education in technologically challenged environments possible. 

After trying several proctoring tools that students found intrusive and counterproductive, the Nairobi-based university turned to SMOWL. Our proctoring software can run efficiently on older computing devices and can function with basic 3G Internet connections.

Accessibility can also be tied to affordability, as learning opportunities are often determined by economic resources. REGENT Business School (South Africa) is committed to offering affordable and accessible education to enhance graduate employability. 

In October 2022, they integrated SMOWL in their new LMS, as they were looking for a scalable proctoring solution that could support an increasing number of simultaneous exams. This alliance helped them grow to offer affordable and accessible education to a larger number of graduates.

Digital ethics

Proctoring raises ethical questions regarding surveillance and privacy invasion. Institutions need to establish clear policies and guidelines that respect students’ rights while maintaining the integrity of the assessment process. 

The more transparent institutions are about digital responsibility, the more likely they will be to achieve successful adoption of their chosen exam proctoring solution.

Best practices for proctoring

To implement proctoring effectively, consider the following best practices:

Clear communication and guidelines

Educate students about the proctoring process, including its purpose, limitations, and expectations. Provide clear guidelines on acceptable behavior during exams to avoid any confusion.  

Example: Hold a training session to demonstrate how a well-lit environment and a clutter-free desk can avoid false positives during a proctored exam.

Training for proctors

Proctors should receive comprehensive training on proctoring procedures, digital ethics, and intervention protocols. This ensures they are well-prepared to handle various situations and maintain consistency in their approach.

Example: Prepare a simulation to ensure all proctors are familiar with the tool and the steps to follow to carry out a proctored exam before it takes place.

Providing support to students

Offer technical support and resources to students to familiarize them with the proctoring system. Address any concerns or queries they may have, promoting a positive and supportive environment.

Example: Conduct a test simulation and provide clear guidance on how and where to get support before and during the test. This will help students become familiar with the available resources and communication channels in advance, ensuring they don’t waste valuable time during the exam.

Continuous improvement and evaluation

Regularly assess the effectiveness of proctoring practices and request feedback from students and proctors. This helps identify areas for improvement and ensures the proctoring system evolves with changing needs (as is the case, for example, with proctoring and digital nomads).

Example: Prepare a survey for students and proctors to gather feedback on their recent experience with the proctoring tool. Send it via email after the test and share the insights with your account manager or the designated contact in the proctoring company.

So, what is the point of online proctoring?

The main purpose of online proctoring is to ensure that digital exams — whether taken on-site or remotely — are as secure and reliable as traditional paper-based tests. 

By maintaining exam integrity, institutions and companies can confidently transition to digital assessments without compromising standards. Beyond security, online proctoring offers significant advantages, including the potential for growth and increased revenue by reaching a wider pool of students globally. 

It also enables substantial cost savings by reducing the need for travel, physical testing facilities, in-person invigilators, and printed materials.

The present and future of proctoring

As technology advances, the present and future of proctoring holds promising possibilities:

Advancements in AI and machine learning

Artificial intelligence, and particularly, AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT, Copilot, or DeepSeek have marked a turning point in education. As a result, more and more institutions and organizations are demanding academic fraud prevention tools that deter cheating during online exams. 

Thanks to machine learning algorithms, modern proctoring solutions are becoming progressively better at detecting and blocking the use of emerging tools that generate automatic responses. 

Among other advanced features, the most demanded proctoring solutions offer functionalities like browser lockers that impede the use of popular chatbots or any other AI-powered source of information during online exams. 

It is expected that AI-based proctoring solutions will become more sophisticated to detect cheating behaviors, as they will continue to learn from new data to enhance their performance.

Integration with Learning Management Systems

Proctoring solutions integrate seamlessly with learning management systems (LMS), streamlining the exam process for students and instructors. This integration provides a unified platform for conducting and monitoring assessments. As technology advances, we can look forward to more compatible and easy-to-implement proctoring tools. 

The SMOWL proctoring solution is already compatible with the most commonly used learning platforms worldwide, such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle, making exams simple, safe, and reliable for both students and institutions. 

The aforementioned platforms, however, are not the only LMS our software is compatible with. SMOWL can integrate with many other learning environments, including built-in systems via API.

Personalized and adaptive proctoring

Proctoring systems will adapt to individual and collective student behaviors and patterns. They will personalize the remote monitoring process, focusing on areas where students have historically shown higher risks of cheating.   

Do you know now what proctoring is? Don’t waste a minute and request a free and personalized demo now.

Your educational and job training online supervision problems could be over thanks to our proctoring plans.

FAQ – Proctoring

Updated on 19/06/2025