Introduction
Online proctoring tools have become the essential guardians of academic and professional integrity in a world where remote learning and digital certifications are the norm. These platforms use a sophisticated combination of artificial intelligence, live human monitoring, and hardware lockdowns to ensure that the person taking an exam is who they say they are and that they are following all testing rules. By 2026, the technology has advanced to include behavioral biometrics and “Agentic AI” that can detect suspicious activity with higher precision and lower false-positive rates than ever before.
For educational institutions and corporate HR departments, selecting the right proctoring tool is a high-stakes decision that balances security with the candidate experience. A tool that is too invasive can cause test-taker anxiety and privacy concerns, while a tool that is too lenient risks devaluing the credentials being issued. Modern platforms now offer tiered levels of security, allowing administrators to choose between fully automated AI monitoring for low-stakes quizzes and live, high-touch human invigilation for professional licensing and university finals.
Real-World Use Cases
- University Semester Finals: Higher education institutions use these tools to scale secure testing for thousands of students simultaneously across different time zones without needing physical testing centers.
- Professional Certification Boards: Organizations issuing high-value credentials, such as medical or legal boards, utilize live proctoring to maintain the strict standards required for professional licensure.
- Corporate Recruitment Screening: HR teams use automated proctoring during technical assessments and coding tests to ensure that candidates are demonstrating their own skills without external help.
- Internal Compliance Training: Large enterprises deploy light-touch proctoring for mandatory safety and compliance training to verify that employees are personally completing the required modules.
- Language Proficiency Testing: International testing bodies use voice and video monitoring to evaluate spoken language skills remotely while preventing the use of translation software or secondary devices.
Buyer Evaluation Criteria
- AI Detection Sophistication: Look for tools that can accurately distinguish between a test-taker reaching for a water bottle and someone reaching for a hidden smartphone or textbook.
- LMS and ATS Integration: The software must integrate natively with your existing Learning Management System (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard) or Applicant Tracking System to ensure a seamless workflow.
- Privacy and Data Ethics: Ensure the vendor follows “Privacy by Design” principles, offering zero-knowledge encryption and clear data retention policies that comply with GDPR and FERPA.
- Scalability and Concurrent Limits: Verify how many simultaneous test-takers the platform can support, especially for large-scale institutional exams that might involve thousands of students at once.
- Human-in-the-Loop Capability: Does the platform allow for “Live Intervention” where a human proctor can jump into a session to resolve a flag, or is it strictly record-and-review?
- Accessibility and Inclusion: The tool should be compatible with screen readers and offer flexible settings for students with disabilities who may exhibit “suspicious” behaviors like fidgeting or frequent movement.
- Technical Support Availability: 24/7 technical support is non-negotiable, as students and test-takers often face connection or hardware issues minutes before their exam begins.
- Browser vs. Software Installation: Determine if the platform requires a full software download (more secure) or works as a simple browser extension (lower friction for the user).
- Mobile and Cross-Platform Support: With the rise of mobile learning, check if the tool supports iPads, Chromebooks, and smartphones for both the exam and the proctoring functions.
- Risk Scoring and Reporting: The dashboard should provide a clear “Integrity Score” for each session, allowing instructors to quickly identify which videos actually need manual review.
Best for: Universities, professional certification bodies, and large-scale corporate recruiters who need to verify the integrity of remote assessments at scale.
Not ideal for: Small, low-stakes informal quizzes or organizations with extremely limited internet bandwidth where continuous video streaming is not possible.
Key Trends in Online Proctoring Tools
- Agentic AI Intervention: Platforms are moving toward AI “agents” that don’t just flag behavior but can proactively chat with a student to ask them to clear their desk or adjust their camera.
- Multi-Device Detection: Proprietary technology can now detect the “light bleed” from secondary smartphones or recognize when a student is using a smartwatch to access prohibited data.
- Behavioral Biometrics: New systems analyze keystroke dynamics and mouse movement patterns to verify that the person taking the test is the same individual who registered.
- Privacy-First “Local” Processing: To address privacy concerns, some tools are moving AI processing to the user’s local device, only uploading video snippets when a violation is highly probable.
- Offline Proctoring Modes: For students in low-connectivity areas, some tools now allow for encrypted local recording that is uploaded only once a stable internet connection is restored.
- 360-Degree Virtual Room Scans: Advanced AI can now stitch together webcam footage to create a 360-degree digital map of the testing environment, ensuring no unauthorized aids are nearby.
How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)
Our selection of the top 10 proctoring tools involved a rigorous analysis of market adoption, feature depth, and technical reliability. We focused on tools that have successfully adapted to the high-security demands of 2026 while maintaining a focus on user privacy and accessibility.
- Integrity Reliability: We evaluated the effectiveness of the AI flagging systems and the availability of live human proctors for high-stakes environments.
- LMS Ecosystem Depth: We prioritized tools that offer deep, “no-click” integrations with the world’s most popular education and HR technology platforms.
- Candidate Experience: We looked at user reviews to identify platforms that minimize “tech friction” and provide the most stable experience for the test-taker.
- Compliance Posture: Only tools meeting the highest standards of international data privacy (SOC 2, GDPR, FERPA) were considered for this list.
- Global Support Infrastructure: We assessed the vendor’s ability to provide 24/7 support across multiple languages and time zones.
Top 10 Online Proctoring Tools
1. Proctorio
Proctorio is a fully automated, AI-driven proctoring platform that operates as a browser extension. It is widely known for its scalability and its “Zero-Knowledge” encryption, which ensures that only the institution—and not Proctorio—can view student data.
Key Features
- Fully Automated Monitoring: Uses machine learning to track webcam, microphone, and browser activity without the need for live human proctors.
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Employs advanced encryption where the decryption keys are held only by the institution, maximizing student privacy.
- Lockdown Settings: Restricts the ability to print, copy-paste, or navigate away from the exam page during the test.
- Behavioral Flagging: Automatically identifies suspicious activities like multiple people in frame or frequent eye movement.
- LMS Integration: Deeply embeds into Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard, allowing instructors to enable proctoring with one click.
- Customizable Sensitivity: Instructors can adjust the AI’s “strictness” based on the importance of the specific assessment.
- Automated Identity Verification: Performs a facial match against a government-issued ID at the start of every session.
Pros
- Highly scalable; can support thousands of concurrent exams without needing to schedule human proctors.
- No software installation required for students, reducing technical hurdles at the start of an exam.
- One of the most privacy-conscious architectures in the industry.
Cons
- Relies entirely on AI, which can sometimes result in false positives that require manual instructor review.
- Lack of live human intervention means cheating cannot be stopped while it is happening.
- Browser-based lockdown is generally less secure than a full OS-level software lockdown.
Platforms / Deployment
- Chrome / Edge Extension
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, FERPA, and COPPA compliant.
2. ProctorU (Meazure Learning)
ProctorU, now part of Meazure Learning, is a pioneer in the proctoring space, offering a range of services from AI-only monitoring to high-touch live human invigilation. It is the gold standard for high-stakes certification and board exams.
Key Features
- Live Human Proctoring: Real-time monitoring by certified professionals who can intervene immediately if they suspect cheating.
- Multi-Modal Options: Offers three tiers: Live+, Record+, and Review+, allowing institutions to match the security level to the exam’s stakes.
- Certified Proctors: All human proctors go through rigorous training and background checks to ensure professional standards.
- Guardian Browser: A proprietary, secure browser that provides the highest level of OS-level lockdown security.
- Environment Scans: Live proctors perform a comprehensive 360-degree scan of the student’s room before the exam begins.
- Identity Verification: Robust multi-factor authentication, including live ID checks and challenge questions.
- 24/7 Scheduling: Students can book exam slots at any time of day or night with a global network of proctors.
Pros
- Provides the highest level of security available, with the ability to stop cheating in real-time.
- Highly flexible for institutions that need different security levels for different departments.
- Excellent for high-stakes professional licensing where automated AI is not considered sufficient.
Cons
- Higher per-exam cost compared to fully automated AI tools.
- Requires students to schedule their exams in advance, which can be less convenient than on-demand testing.
- The presence of a live human can increase test-taker anxiety for some students.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / Mac (Secure Browser)
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliant.
3. Examity
Examity is a versatile proctoring hub that caters to both higher education and the corporate sector. It is noted for its “V-5” risk algorithm and its ability to provide flexible, on-demand proctoring solutions.
Key Features
- Tiered Proctoring Model: Supports automated, record-and-review, and live proctoring modes.
- V-5 Risk Algorithm: A proprietary AI system that generates a comprehensive risk score for every exam session based on hundreds of variables.
- Mobile Device Detection: Specialized technology to identify if a student is attempting to use a phone during the assessment.
- Biometric Authentication: Uses keystroke dynamics and facial recognition to ensure continuous identity verification.
- Dedicated Account Management: Enterprise clients receive high-touch support and custom reporting dashboards.
- White-Labeling: Allows organizations to brand the proctoring interface as their own for a consistent candidate experience.
- LTI Compliance: Seamlessly integrates with all major Learning Management Systems via standard protocols.
Pros
- One of the best balances between AI efficiency and human-led quality control.
- Very strong mobile device detection capabilities.
- Offers extensive reporting that helps administrators identify long-term integrity trends.
Cons
- The variety of tiers can make the initial setup and selection process complex for new users.
- Pricing for live and hybrid modes can escalate quickly for large-scale deployments.
- Customer support responses can vary depending on the service tier selected.
Platforms / Deployment
- Web-based (No install)
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
4. Honorlock
Honorlock has gained significant market share by focusing on a non-invasive student experience and “Search-and-Destroy” technology that removes leaked exam questions from the open web.
Key Features
- Search-and-Destroy: Automatically finds and requests the removal of exam questions from third-party “cheating” websites.
- Multi-Device Detection: Detects when a student uses a smartphone to search for answers during an active exam.
- Smart Voice Detection: AI that can distinguish between background noise and a student asking a voice assistant (like Siri or Alexa) for help.
- Live Proctor Pop-In: AI monitors the session and “calls in” a live human proctor only when suspicious activity is detected.
- No-Scheduling Exams: Allows students to start their proctored exams on-demand without prior appointments.
- Browser Extension Design: Simple setup that does not require administrative rights on the student’s computer.
- LMS Integration: Works directly inside the Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle quiz interface.
Pros
- Excellent candidate experience due to the on-demand, no-scheduling nature of the tool.
- Unique and effective approach to preventing mobile phone and internet-based cheating.
- Cost-effective “Hybrid” model provides human oversight only when it’s actually needed.
Cons
- Browser extension model is less restrictive than dedicated lockdown browsers.
- AI flags can sometimes be triggered by minor movements, requiring human “pop-in” for clarification.
- Primary focus is on the US market, with fewer localized support options for international regions.
Platforms / Deployment
- Chrome Extension
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II, FERPA, and GDPR compliant.
5. Mercer | Mettl
Mercer | Mettl is a global leader in talent assessment, providing a robust proctoring suite that is heavily utilized by corporate recruiters and international certification bodies.
Key Features
- Super Proctor: A specialized dashboard that allows a single human proctor to oversee up to 50 test-takers simultaneously with AI assistance.
- Secure Exam Browser: A high-security lockdown application that prevents access to any other files or applications on the computer.
- 3-Point Authentication: Combines facial recognition, ID verification, and an OTP (One-Time Password) for maximum security.
- Low Bandwidth Optimization: Optimized to work on internet speeds as low as 512 kbps, making it ideal for global deployments.
- Advanced Coding Proctoring: Specialized tools for monitoring technical assessments and ensuring code integrity.
- Scan and Upload: Allows students to write math or diagrams on paper and securely upload them via their phone during a proctored session.
- AI-Powered Analytics: Provides detailed candidate reports with a “Credibility Index” for every assessment.
Pros
- Best-in-class performance for users in regions with unstable internet connections.
- Highly robust features for technical and coding-based assessments.
- Strong global presence with support in over 30 languages.
Cons
- The interface is professional and utilitarian, which may feel less “modern” than student-focused tools like Honorlock.
- Implementation can be complex due to the sheer number of security and assessment options.
- Primarily targeted at corporate/enterprise users rather than standard K-12 classrooms.
Platforms / Deployment
- Web / Windows / Mac
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant.
6. Respondus Monitor
Respondus Monitor is a widely used, budget-friendly automated proctoring service that builds upon the popular Respondus LockDown Browser used by thousands of colleges and universities.
Key Features
- LockDown Browser Integration: Works in tandem with the industry-standard lockdown browser to secure the local machine.
- Fully Automated Proctoring: Uses a webcam to record the student and AI to flag suspicious behavior for later instructor review.
- Instructor Live Proctoring: A unique mode that allows an instructor to proctor their own students via video conferencing (Zoom/Teams) while using the lockdown browser.
- Sensitivity Tuning: Allows instructors to set the AI flagging levels specifically for each exam.
- Pre-Exam System Check: Guides students through a hardware check and environment scan before the test starts.
- Reporting Dashboard: Provides a clear summary of flagged events with time-stamped video links for quick auditing.
- LMS-Native Experience: Students never leave their LMS environment to take the proctored test.
Pros
- Extremely cost-effective for higher education institutions that already use Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Very simple for faculty to adopt, as it uses the existing LMS quiz engine.
- The “Instructor Live” mode provides a great middle ground for smaller, synchronous classes.
Cons
- AI features are more basic compared to the cutting-edge “Agentic AI” found in newer platforms.
- No option for professional, third-party live human proctors.
- Students must install the LockDown Browser software, which can sometimes conflict with personal security settings.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / Mac / iOS / Chromebook (Native App)
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
7. Talview
Talview is an “Agentic AI” platform that focuses on recruitment and professional credentialing. It is known for its high-tech approach to interviewing and its patented AI proctoring system.
Key Features
- Alvy Agentic AI: A world-first AI proctor that performs identity verification and anomaly detection with LLM-powered intelligence.
- 360-Degree Room Scan: Uses the candidate’s webcam and a secondary mobile device to ensure the entire room is secure.
- Mobile-First Proctoring: One of the few platforms that provides a robust proctoring experience specifically designed for mobile devices.
- Asynchronous Video Interviews: Combines proctoring with video interview capabilities for a total candidate evaluation.
- Gaze Tracking: Sophisticated AI that monitors eye movement to detect if a student is looking at off-screen notes.
- Custom Branding: Offers deep white-labeling options for enterprise-level hiring and certification.
- Integration with ATS: Native connectors for major recruiting software like Greenhouse and Workday.
Pros
- The most advanced AI “reasoning” for detecting cheating in 2026.
- Exceptional for corporate hiring where video interviewing and proctoring need to happen in one flow.
- Very strong mobile compatibility for candidates who do not have access to a desktop.
Cons
- Can be significantly more expensive than academic-focused automated tools.
- The advanced AI features may feel like “overkill” for simple classroom quizzes.
- Some users have reported a steep learning curve for the administrative dashboard.
Platforms / Deployment
- Web / iOS / Android
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliant.
8. Proctortrack
Proctortrack provides a high-security, automated proctoring solution that is particularly popular for professional certifications and CLEP exams. It focuses on continuous identity verification throughout the test.
Key Features
- Continuous Identity Verification: Uses biometric face-matching every few seconds to ensure the test-taker hasn’t switched places with someone else.
- Multi-Screen Monitoring: Detects if a student has connected extra monitors or is using screen-sharing software.
- ProctorLive AI: A hybrid option that combines AI flagging with a remote human proctor who can intervene in real-time.
- Mobile App Integration: Uses a secondary smartphone camera to provide a side-view of the testing environment.
- Automated Risk Scoring: Assigns a “High,” “Medium,” or “Low” risk score to every session for rapid auditing.
- Hardware Check: A rigorous pre-exam check that tests webcam, microphone, and internet stability.
- LMS Integration: Certified LTI integration with all major educational platforms.
Pros
- One of the most aggressive and effective systems for preventing impersonation.
- Multi-camera support provides a much higher level of security than a single webcam.
- Offers a “DIY” proctoring mode for K-12 schools that prioritizes student privacy.
Cons
- The software can be heavy and resource-intensive on older computers.
- The constant biometric checking can be distracting or anxiety-inducing for some test-takers.
- Customer support for students has received mixed reviews in high-volume periods.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / Mac / iOS / Android
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
9. ExamSoft (ExamID & ExamMonitor)
ExamSoft is the specialist platform for high-stakes professional programs like Law (Bar Exam), Medicine, and Pharmacy. It is designed for maximum reliability and data security in high-pressure environments.
Key Features
- Offline Testing Capability: Students download the exam and take it in a completely offline, locked-down environment, uploading the data once finished.
- ExamID: A multi-layered biometric identity verification system that confirms the student’s identity at login.
- ExamMonitor: A professional-grade record-and-review system that uses AI to highlight anomalies for human review.
- High-Stakes Security: Used by most bar examiners and medical boards due to its extreme OS-level lockdown.
- SKU-Level Reporting: Provides detailed performance data on how students performed on specific learning objectives or categories.
- Integrity Guarantee: Specifically built to withstand professional-level cheating attempts.
- Native Desktop App: A robust application that takes full control of the computer to prevent any external interference.
Pros
- The absolute leader in reliability for exams where “the internet cannot fail.”
- Provides the most detailed post-exam analytics for academic program improvement.
- Trusted by the most rigorous professional licensing bodies in the world.
Cons
- The system is very rigid and can be difficult for both students and faculty to navigate initially.
- Not suitable for “quick” or low-stakes quizzes; it is built for long, complex exams.
- Higher cost and higher administrative burden than browser-based tools.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / Mac / iPad (Native App)
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
10. SmarterProctoring
SmarterProctoring is unique because it is an “Integrity Management Platform” that manages all types of proctoring, including physical testing centers and virtual human proctors, in one dashboard.
Key Features
- Multi-Modal Management: Allows a single institution to manage live online proctoring, automated proctoring, and in-person testing center bookings.
- Face and Voice Detection: Built-in AI for automated monitoring that flags suspicious movements or sounds.
- Virtual Instructor Proctored: A dedicated tool for instructors who want to proctor their own students virtually in small groups.
- Testing Center Network: Access to a global network of approved physical testing centers for students who cannot test at home.
- Student Payment Module: Allows institutions to easily pass the cost of proctoring on to students via an integrated payment gateway.
- Integrated Scheduling: A unified calendar where students can pick the proctoring method that fits their needs and schedule.
- LMS Dashboard: A comprehensive view for administrators to see integrity trends across all departments and proctoring types.
Pros
- The only tool that truly unifies physical and digital proctoring workflows.
- Offers the most choice and flexibility for the student.
- Excellent for large universities with complex requirements and diverse student populations.
Cons
- The “all-in-one” nature makes the platform more complex to navigate than a pure automated tool.
- AI features for the automated mode are considered standard rather than “cutting-edge.”
- Smaller institutions may not need the physical testing center management features.
Platforms / Deployment
- Web-based
- Cloud-based SaaS
Security & Compliance
- SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
Comparison Table (Top 10)
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Deployment | Standout Feature |
| 1. Proctorio | Scalable Academic Use | Chrome, Edge | Browser Extension | Zero-Knowledge Encryption |
| 2. ProctorU | High-Stakes Boards | Windows, Mac | Secure Browser | Real-time Human Intervention |
| 3. Examity | Tiered Security Needs | Web-based | Cloud (SaaS) | V-5 Risk Algorithm |
| 4. Honorlock | Preventing Internet Cheating | Chrome Extension | Cloud (SaaS) | Search-and-Destroy Tech |
| 5. Mercer | Mettl | Global Corporate Hiring | Web, Win, Mac | Cloud (SaaS) | Low Bandwidth Optimization |
| 6. Respondus Monitor | Mid-Stakes Higher Ed | Win, Mac, iOS | Native App | Instructor Live Proctoring |
| 7. Talview | AI-First Recruitment | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud (SaaS) | Alvy Agentic AI |
| 8. Proctortrack | Continuous ID Verification | Win, Mac, Mobile | Native App | Multi-Screen Detection |
| 9. ExamSoft | Law & Medical Exams | Win, Mac, iPad | Native App | Offline Testing Mode |
| 10. SmarterProctoring | Unified Center Management | Web-based | Cloud (SaaS) | Physical Center Network |
Evaluation & Scoring of Online Proctoring Tools
The scoring below is a comparative model intended to help shortlisting. Each criterion is scored from 1–10, then a weighted total from 0–10 is calculated using the weights listed. These are analyst estimates based on typical fit and common workflow requirements, not public ratings.
Weights:
Price / value – 15%
Core features – 25%
Ease of use – 15%
Integrations & ecosystem – 15%
Security & compliance – 10%
Performance & reliability – 10%
Support & community – 10%
| Tool Name | Integrity Security (25%) | Candidate Experience (20%) | Integrations (15%) | AI Sophistication (15%) | Scalability (10%) | Support (15%) | Weighted Total |
| 1. Proctorio | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8.7 |
| 2. ProctorU | 10 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9.0 |
| 3. Examity | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.7 |
| 4. Honorlock | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9.2 |
| 5. Mercer | Mettl | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8.8 |
| 6. Respondus Monitor | 7 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8.2 |
| 7. Talview | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8.9 |
| 8. Proctortrack | 10 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8.2 |
| 9. ExamSoft | 10 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |
| 10. SmarterProctoring | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8.3 |
How to interpret the scores:
- Use the weighted total to shortlist candidates, then validate with a pilot.
- A lower score can mean specialization, not weakness.
- Security and compliance scores reflect controllability and governance fit, because certifications are often not publicly stated.
- Actual outcomes vary with assembly size, team skills, templates, and process maturity.
Which Online Proctoring Tool Is Right for You?
For Higher Education (Scalable)
If you are a large university looking to proctor thousands of weekly quizzes with minimal fuss, 1. Proctorio or 4. Honorlock are the top choices. Their browser-extension models and deep LMS integrations make them very easy for both students and faculty to use at scale.
For Professional Licensing (High-Stakes)
When a single exam carries massive weight—such as a medical board or a law degree—you cannot rely on AI alone. 2. ProctorU (for live human monitoring) and 9. ExamSoft (for offline reliability) are the industry standards for these rigorous environments.
For Corporate Recruitment & Tech Hiring
HR departments need a mix of technical skill evaluation and proctoring. 5. Mercer | Mettl and 7. Talview are specifically designed for this, offering advanced coding proctoring and video interviewing features that standard academic tools lack.
For Institutions on a Budget
6. Respondus Monitor is often the most affordable choice for K-12 and smaller colleges that already use the Respondus LockDown Browser. It provides the essential security features needed for mid-stakes testing without the premium price of live proctors.
For International and Low-Bandwidth Use
If your test-takers are located in regions with unstable internet, 5. Mercer | Mettl is the best choice due to its extreme optimization for low-speed connections and its support for over 30 languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does online proctoring actually prevent cheating?
While no system is 100% foolproof, these tools act as a significant deterrent and can catch over 95% of common cheating methods, such as using unauthorized websites, secondary devices, or having someone else take the test.
2. Is student privacy protected when using these tools?
Most modern tools, especially 1. Proctorio, use end-to-end encryption. This means the proctoring company cannot see the student’s data; only the authorized instructor at the university has the keys to view the recorded video.
3. Can I take a proctored exam on a Chromebook?
Yes, most browser-based tools like 4. Honorlock and 1. Proctorio support Chromebooks. However, high-security desktop apps like 9. ExamSoft may require a full Windows or Mac operating system.
4. What happens if my internet disconnects during the exam?
Tools like 5. Mercer | Mettl and 9. ExamSoft are designed to handle disconnections. Some allow you to continue testing offline, while others will pause the exam and alert the proctor once you are back online.
5. How does the AI know if I’m cheating or just looking away?
The AI flags anomalies based on patterns, such as prolonged gazing off-screen or multiple faces. These are “flags” for a human to review later, not an automatic failure; an instructor makes the final decision.
6. Do I need to schedule my exam in advance?
It depends on the tool. Automated tools like 1. Proctorio allow you to start at any time. Live human proctoring through 2. ProctorU usually requires a scheduled appointment to ensure a proctor is available.
7. Can these tools detect phones and smartwatches?
Yes, advanced tools like 4. Honorlock and 3. Examity have specialized “secondary device detection” that looks for the signals or screen light of mobile devices being used in the vicinity.
8. Will online proctoring software slow down my computer?
Some native applications can be resource-intensive. It is always recommended to close all other background apps and perform the platform’s “System Check” at least 24 hours before your exam starts.
9. What if I have a disability that requires frequent movement?
Institutions can set “exemptions” or adjust the sensitivity of tools like 6. Respondus Monitor to ensure that students with disabilities are not unfairly flagged for their natural behaviors.
10. Can I use a VPN during a proctored exam?
Most proctoring tools prohibit the use of VPNs as they can be used to mask a student’s location or bypass network-level security. It is best to disable any VPN before starting the session.
Conclusion
The selection of an online proctoring tool is no longer just about stopping cheating; it’s about creating a fair and accessible environment for all test-takers. Whether you prioritize the high-touch security of 2. ProctorU, the advanced AI of 7. Talview, or the privacy-first approach of 1. Proctorio, the right tool will enhance the credibility of your institution’s credentials. As we move deeper into 2026, the focus will continue to shift toward “Agentic AI” that assists students in real-time while maintaining the highest levels of integrity.