3 Things To Know About Remote Proctoring

Before we get into how to make your proctoring experience fool-proof and hassle-free, let us take a look at what remote proctoring is. Remote proctoring is a way in which candidates can appear for tests remotely, from any location of their choosing, instead of arriving at a traditional test center.

Instead of an in-person invigilator as in traditional tests, a person or remote interview software proctors the test virtually from another location.

Employees for the remote online proctored exams are trained to monitor students/candidates virtually, watching them work from their homes or other locations. The exams are monitored through video and audio surveillance. When done properly, online remote proctoring creates controlled and safe conditions to take examinations, while providing candidates and employers with more flexibility, and the ability to assess several candidates at once.

What is Remote Proctoring?

Remote proctoring is a method of overseeing exams conducted online to prevent cheating and ensure academic integrity. It uses technology such as webcams, microphones, and screen monitoring software to observe and record test-takers during their assessments. Proctors can monitor live or review recordings to identify any suspicious behavior. This method allows institutions to conduct secure exams for remote students, offering flexibility without compromising exam security. Remote proctoring systems can also employ advanced features like AI to detect unusual activities, making the process more efficient and reliable. This solution is particularly useful for online education and certification programs.

How Does Remote Proctoring Work?

Remote proctoring, a cutting-edge digital solution, brings the rigorous oversight of traditional exam settings into the digital realm. Here’s a basic breakdown of how it operates:

Initial setup: Candidates must typically download specific software or access a secured platform.

Identity verification: Before starting the test, candidates may be asked to show a government-issued ID to the camera, answer security questions, or even give a biometric sample (like a fingerprint or facial scan).

Environment scan: Using their webcam, candidates might be instructed to pan around their room to ensure no unauthorized materials are present.

Continuous monitoring: Throughout the assessment, software or live proctors monitor candidates using their webcam and microphone. Any suspicious activity, like looking away frequently or talking, can be flagged.

Review and reporting: Once completed, any anomalies or suspicious events are compiled and reported for review.

Types of Remote Proctoring

Online remote proctoring can be of 3 types:

1. Live:
   Live remote proctoring is a form of proctoring in which a qualified person monitors the candidate as they take an exam through live audio and video feeds. These proctors are trained to ensure authenticity, looking for any red flags such as suspicious eyes or facial movements.
2. Recorded:
   As the name suggests, with recorded proctoring, the candidate is recorded while taking the test and the recordings are then played back to look for suspicious behavior. This form of proctoring has an advantage in that there’s no need to schedule appointments since the tests can be taken anytime as convenient for the candidate.
3. Automated:
   This form of proctoring is the most advanced and requires no manual intervention whatsoever. With the help of AI, the remote proctoring software will detect any unusual movements or malpractices during the exam.

Some drawbacks and challenges of remote proctoring are –

• Complex technology requirements and stable internet connection might not be possible for test-takers in remote areas
• Heightened student anxiety especially in those who are not comfortable with technology and prefer traditional test-taking methods
• Scheduling and booking restrictions

3 Things To Know About Proctoring Remotely

1. The online proctoring market is projected to reach US$ 1,187.57 million by 2027

As remote hiring grows, proctoring has a vital role in ensuring the credibility and authenticity of the tech assessment process. The remote proctoring market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The increasing demand for remote hiring platforms since the pandemic has skyrocketed its market share – the Global Online Proctoring Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% over the next few years. The market is estimated to be worth around $1200 million by 2027.

2. The USA has the largest sales region for Online Exam Proctoring in the world

Today, the USA has the largest sales region of remote proctoring in the world. While remote proctoring has been used for years in other countries to enhance security and prevent cheating in tests, its popularity has increased throughout the United States since the 2000s.

The United States is the key developer of online exam proctoring platforms. In 2019, the US market size was valued at $114 million USD and it’s expected to reach almost $323 million by 2025!

3. AI has transformed the online proctoring market

The future of online proctoring is AI-powered. By harnessing the power of AI, you can ensure exam integrity and security by leveraging machine learning technologies. This is because artificial intelligence solutions are most suitable for addressing identity concerns as well as privacy issues in an efficient and secure way without compromising anyone’s rights or freedom. Here is how AI proctoring works-

1. API-based facial recognition can verify the candidate’s identity and prevent any misconduct
2. The audio facility allows the software to record all sound throughout the exam, including talking and background noise
3. Eye movement detection is also used as a security measure in AI-powered proctoring software
4. The facial detection capabilities ensure that there is no case of candidate switching during the course of the exam

Future of Remote Proctoring

As digital transformation continues to reshape education and hiring, remote proctoring stands at an interesting juncture. In the future, we might see virtual reality or augmented reality environments for more interactive and immersive test settings. As AI evolves, the accuracy of anomaly detection will likely improve, making automated proctoring even more reliable.

We can anticipate more features that cater to candidates with disabilities, ensuring that proctored assessments are inclusive. As more institutions and companies adopt remote proctoring, we might see the emergence of global standards and best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote proctoring secure?

Yes, when implemented with trusted platforms and adhering to data protection standards, it’s a secure method to oversee exams.

Can remote proctoring detect cheating?

While it significantly reduces the chances of cheating through monitoring and environment scanning, no system can claim 100% cheat-proof status.

Do candidates need special equipment?

Typically, a computer with a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and sometimes, specific software are required.

How are privacy concerns addressed?

Reputable proctoring services comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that personal data is collected with consent, stored securely, and used only for the intended purpose.

Make your online assessments cheat-proof with HackerEarth

HackerEarth’s remote assessments platform has built-in proctoring features that ensure exam integrity without compromising privacy and security. Here is how HackerEarth does it:

1. Random webcam snapshots:
   Randomized webcam snapshots are a great way to catch any type of malpractice attempt, like peering into another screen or verbal communication with someone in the room.
2. Custom timers :
   Timers are a great way to keep the candidates focused and discourage them from wasting time or cheating.
3. Plagiarism Checker:
   Our system automatically investigates each candidate’s code against all other applicant submissions for the same test and can track unusual similarities. You don’t need any human intervention – just sit back while this advanced software does its job and looks out for any plagiarized content that has been flagged.

Important add ons:

• To protect against cheating, you can limit access to certain IP addresses
• The Copy and Paste feature in the code editor can be disabled
• Upon leaving the test environment, the candidate will be automatically logged out
• Negative marking could be used during the MCQ questions
• Candidates can be restricted to full-screen mode for the entire assessment
• Built-in mobile phone detection plus automatic impersonation detection to ensure authenticity

Recommended read: What Recruiters Forecast For Tech Hiring In 2022

If you are looking for a more convenient and secure testing experience, remote proctoring may be the right choice for you. While remote proctoring may have some hiccups in its early days, it is now a viable and secure option for test-takers. With the right technology such as HackerEarth in place, remote proctoring can be the future of online testing.

Further Reading

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Ruehie Jaiya Karri Author 58 Blogs