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In an era where hybrid and remote learning are no longer optional, the integrity of online assessments has become a mission-critical challenge for edtech providers, institutions, and certification bodies. Online proctoring (sometimes called remote invigilation) offers a bridge between security and accessibility, enabling learners to take exams from any location while preserving trust in the results. But not all proctoring solutions are created equal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to evaluate, the common proctoring modalities, and a curated list of leading vendors that you should know about.

• Maintains assessment integrity. Without effective oversight, the risk of cheating or malpractice increases, which undermines the credibility of credentials and the reputation of the institution.
   
• Expands access. Students and test-takers in remote or underserved regions no longer need to travel to physical test centers—saving time and cost.
   
• Enables flexibility. Examinations can be scheduled around learners’ time zones, allowing continuous delivery across geographies.
   
• Provides data and insights. Modern proctoring systems capture metadata (e.g. timestamps, screen behavior, flagged events), which can inform future improvements in assessment design.

When comparing proctoring providers, it’s useful to understand the key modalities. Each has its own trade-offs in terms of security, cost, and user experience.

1. Live Proctoring
   A human proctor watches the test session in real time via video and intervenes when suspicious behavior is observed. This is generally the highest-security option, but also the costliest and more resource intensive.
    
2. Record & Review (with Human Oversight)
   The candidate’s session is recorded (webcam, audio, screen) and later reviewed by proctors. Some systems also use AI to flag anomalies, making the review process more efficient.
    
3. AI / Automated Proctoring
   The system uses algorithms to analyze behavior (e.g. multiple faces, suspicious motion, background noise) and flag incidents automatically. There is no live human watching the exam session. This option is scalable and lower cost, but may catch fewer nuanced cheating behaviors.
    
4. Bring Your Own Proctor (BYOP)
   In this hybrid model, the institution or organization provides its own proctors (e.g. internal staff) to monitor sessions, either live or via recorded review. This can reduce vendor costs while still leveraging proctoring infrastructure.
    

Often, providers will mix and match these modalities, allowing you to scale security to match exam stakes.

• Match security level to exam stakes.
  For high-stakes exams (e.g. licensing, accreditation), lean toward live or hybrid modalities. For formative quizzes or low-stakes testing, AI-only options may suffice.
   
• Run pilot tests under real-world conditions.
  Use real students in diverse network environments to surf performance, latency, false flags, and user frustration.
   
• Assess the candidate experience.
  A clunky or intrusive proctoring flow can discourage test-takers or lead to abandonment.
   
• Negotiate scalable pricing.
  Try to lock in tiered pricing, surge capacity, or volume discounts. Avoid surprises in per-minute or per-session overages.
   
• Ensure robust reporting and audit trails.
  You’ll want full video, event logs, and the ability to appeal or review flagged incidents.
   
• Don’t neglect support and operations.
  Even the most advanced system can falter without solid onboarding, training, and rapid issue resolution.

When evaluating options, look beyond basic descriptions. These are the dimensions where vendors widely differentiate themselves:

1. Security level (AI vs Human vs Hybrid)

• Why it matters: Determines how strictly exams are monitored.
• Watch out for: Over-reliance on AI without human backup in high-stakes contexts.
   

2. Scalability & Throughput

• Why it matters: Ability to handle large numbers of simultaneous test-takers.
• Watch out for: Vendors that throttle concurrent sessions or can’t scale for peak exam periods.
   

3. Integration & LMS/API Compatibility

• Why it matters: Seamless integration reduces friction for administrators and students.
• Watch out for: Limited connectors—verify support for platforms like Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard.
   

4. Identity Verification & Authentication

• Why it matters: Ensures test-takers are who they claim to be.
• Watch out for: Weak ID checks; seek multi-factor options such as photo ID capture or biometrics.
   

5. Screen Capture & System Lockdown

• Why it matters: Prevents cheating through external resources or switching apps.
• Watch out for: Solutions without full lockdown features.
   

6. Multiple Camera or Device Support

• Why it matters: Provides broader visibility into the test environment.
• Watch out for: Platforms that don’t allow a mobile “second camera” view.
   

7. Scheduling Flexibility vs On-Demand

• Why it matters: Students need convenience across time zones.
• Watch out for: Vendors that require rigid scheduling only.
   

8. Review Tools & Analytics Dashboard

• Why it matters: Makes it easier to interpret and act on flagged events.
• Watch out for: Vendors that provide only raw video without context or severity scoring.
   

9. Cost Structure & Transparency

• Why it matters: Pricing varies by modality (AI vs live) and exam length.
• Watch out for: Hidden per-minute or overage fees.
   

10. Data Privacy, Security, and Compliance

• Why it matters: Proctoring involves sensitive video and personal data.
• Watch out for: Vendors without certifications like GDPR, FERPA, SOC, or ISO.
   

11. Support, Customer Success & SLAs

• Why it matters: Reliable support ensures smooth delivery during high-stakes exams.
• Watch out for: Limited hours or lack of regional support; seek 24/7 availability.
   

Always request demos and trial runs to see how they perform in practice:

Proctorio

• Strengths: Strong AI-based proctoring, robust analytics, good LMS integration
• Use Case: Large-scale academic testing with moderate stakes
   

Integrity Advocate | G2 Reviews

• Strengths: Privacy-first, no invasive monitoring, compliance-focused 
• Use Case: Organizations prioritizing candidate privacy and accessibility
   

Honorlock

• Strengths: Mixed AI + human review model; good for university settings
• Use Case: Campus exams with moderate to high stakes
   

Respondus (Monitor + LockDown Browser)

• Strengths: Secure browser + AI proctoring; widely adopted in higher ed
• Use Case: Midterm and final exams in LMS environments
   

ProctorU

• Strengths: Live proctoring with flexible scheduling; deep experience
• Use Case: Licensure, certification, remote professional testing
   

ExamSoft / ExamMonitor

• Strengths: Tailored for professional exams; strong audit logs
• Use Case: High-stakes exams requiring traceability

• Behavioral analytics & anomaly detection. AI is getting better at spotting patterns beyond simple flags (eye gaze, face count, ambient sound) and correlating them over time.
   
• Mobile + multi-camera setups. Some platforms let test-takers use smartphones or tablets as supplementary angles, giving proctors more visibility into the environment.
   
• Continuous authentication. Rather than verifying identity at the start, some systems now re-check during the exam to catch impersonation mid-test.
   
• Privacy-preserving AI. Techniques like differential privacy or encrypted processing are being explored to protect examinee data while still flagging misconduct.
   
• Decentralized or proctorless designs. Some assessment designers are rethinking traditional proctoring by embedding cheating resistance in test design (e.g. open-book formats, randomized adaptive exams, collaborative tasks).

Online proctoring is no longer optional; it's a foundational component of scalable, credible remote assessment. But the right choice depends heavily on matching modality, cost, and features to your specific exam context.

For EdTechXperts, here’s how you can proceed:

• Map out your exam types and stakes first.
   
• Identify 2–3 proctoring vendors to pilot, ideally in different modalities.
   
• Run mock exams under real conditions with test-takers in varied network environments.
   
• Measure false-positive rate, candidate experience, review efficiency, and operational support.
   

Once you find a system that strikes the balance between security, usability, and cost, you’ll be well-positioned to scale your assessments confidently.