Online proctoring, also known as remote proctoring, is the process of supervising remote exams using digital monitoring technologies to verify identity, observe the candidate’s behavior and environment, and ensure exam integrity.
Online proctoring monitors the test-taker’s behavior and on-screen activity using webcam, audio, and screen monitoring tools. It detects suspicious actions like looking away repeatedly, talking to someone off-camera, using unauthorized materials, or switching tabs and apps on the device.
Online proctoring can run live or be reviewed afterward, and it may be handled by a human proctor, AI, or a combination of both.
Live proctoring, also known as real-time proctoring, is a type of online exam monitoring where a human proctor monitors test-takers in real time using their webcam, microphone, and screen activity. It closely replicates the experience of being in a physical exam room.
Proctor and the candidate can communicate through a chat box to remind the candidate of rules, warn them about suspicious activity, or help with a technical issue. If the proctor notices unusual behavior like looking away frequently, speaking to someone off-camera, or attempting to open unauthorized tabs or applications, they can issue a warning or immediately terminate the exam.
Recorded proctoring, also known as post-proctoring, is a type of online exam monitoring where the test session is recorded and reviewed later, instead of being watched live. During the exam, the system records your webcam video, microphone audio, and screen activity. After the test, a human proctor reviews the recording to look for any signs of cheating or rule violations.
Automated proctoring, also known as AI proctoring, is a type of online exam monitoring that uses AI technology instead of a live human proctor to watch over the test. It works by using your webcam and microphone to automatically detect suspicious behavior, such as looking away from the screen too often, hearing other voices in the room, or detecting other faces in the camera. AI system records and analyzes these activities in real time, then flags unusual behavior for review by an instructor.
Suspicious events are displayed on a chronological timeline with severity indicators, allowing proctors to quickly understand what occurred and when. Recorded webcam video and screen activity are shown side-by-side for efficient review.
TestInvite’s AI proctoring system categorizes detected behaviors into alert levels to distinguish clear rule violations from potentially suspicious actions.
Definite violations such as another person appearing on camera, use of a phone or device, or screen mirroring/unauthorized applications.
Potentially concerning behaviors like excessive movement, frequent gaze shifts, or environmental noise.
While the AI automatically flags these events, it does not make disciplinary decisions. Alerts can be reviewed by exam administrators, with AI serving as an assistant that surfaces high-risk cases rather than replacing human judgment.
Webcam monitoring refers to observing the test-taker through their camera during the exam. The system analyzes the video feed or periodic image captures to monitor the candidate’s presence, behavior, and surroundings.
What can you detect:
Screen monitoring tracks what happens on the candidate’s device during the exam. This may include video recording or periodic screenshots.
What can you detect:
Audio monitoring analyzes the sound captured by the candidate’s microphone to assess the exam environment.
What can you detect:
TestInvite’s built-in lockdown browser prevents candidates from opening new tabs, accessing external websites or applications, switching screens, or using copy–paste and printing functions. Full-screen enforcement and controlled navigation help maintain exam integrity without requiring additional software installation.
Yes, proctored exams can detect 2 monitors. A human proctor or AI system can notice if your eyes or head repeatedly turn toward another screen. This makes it difficult to use an additional monitor without being noticed.
Proctored exams can detect phone use, but how they do it depends on the type of proctoring. Live proctors can see you through your webcam and may notice if you’re using a phone. AI proctoring systems can detect phones by analyzing visual cues, sounds, or reflections that indicate a phone is being used.
Yes, proctored exams can detect screen sharing. A human proctor can easily notice if you’re sharing your screen with another device or person, and AI proctoring systems that monitor screen activity can also detect suspicious displays or external connections.
Yes, screen mirroring can be detected in a proctored exam. A human proctor can notice screen mirroring activity, and AI proctoring systems that monitor screen activity can also detect suspicious displays or connections.
Yes, online proctoring is legal in most countries, but it must follow privacy and data protection laws.
Proctoring systems are allowed to monitor students during exams, but they must:
Person-count detection
Face position
Identity photo matching
