Do's and Don'ts of Online Proctored Exams

Whether you're a student sitting an online proctored exam for the first time, or an institution rolling out remote assessments, the rules of the room have changed significantly since 2020.

AI-powered proctoring platforms today flag behaviour automatically — so what you don't know can affect your exam result. Here's a clear, updated guide for both candidates and exam administrators.

For Candidates: What To Do

Before the Exam

• Check your device early. Most modern proctoring software (including MonitorExam) is browser-based and requires no installation — but confirm this with your institution. Test your webcam and microphone at least 30 minutes before start time.
• Set up your room. Sit in a well-lit space with a plain, uncluttered background. Face a window or lamp so your face is clearly visible.
• Be alone. Proctoring systems detect additional faces in the frame. Inform family or housemates that you cannot be disturbed.
• Keep your desk clear. Remove phones, books, notes, second monitors, and headphones. Only what you're explicitly permitted to keep should be on your desk.
• Join early. Enter the exam session 10–15 minutes before start time. This gives you time to complete identity verification steps without rushing.
• Read the exam rules. Every institution configures proctoring differently. Know whether your exam allows rough paper, calculators, or any other resources.

During the Exam

• Stay visible in the frame. Keep your face clearly in the webcam view at all times.
• Use your permitted rough paper. Hold it up to the camera if instructed to during setup.
• Contact support if something breaks. If you face a technical issue, use the in-exam chat (if available) or the emergency contact your institution provided — don't close the exam window.

For Candidates: What Not To Do

• Don't switch tabs or open other windows. Proctoring software detects and logs tab-switching activity. Your invigilator will see it.
• Don't look away from the screen repeatedly. Eye-movement tracking and gaze detection flag sustained off-screen attention.
• Don't cover your face. Masks, scarves, and hats that obscure your face can trigger alerts.
• Don't use a second device. Phones, tablets, and smartwatches near you during an exam are a red flag.
• Don't eat, drink, or wear headphones unless specifically permitted.
• Don't attempt to retake the exam without explicit instruction from your invigilator. Most proctored sessions are single-attempt.
• Don't share exam questions — via screenshot, message, or any other means. This is an academic integrity violation regardless of whether the exam has ended.
• Don't close the exam browser before time is up. Wait for the official end instruction.

For Exam Administrators: What To Do

• Communicate technical requirements in advance. Share minimum device specs, browser requirements, and any setup steps (like face verification) at least 48 hours before the exam.
• Configure proctoring levels appropriately. MonitorExam offers 7 proctoring levels — a certification exam needs different settings than a classroom quiz. Match the level to the stakes.
• Enable the live invigilator dashboard. Automated AI proctoring catches most violations, but a live dashboard lets your staff intervene in real time — and reassures candidates that someone is watching.
• Set a clear room-requirements checklist. Lighting, background, cleared desk, webcam placement. Send this as a pre-exam checklist to candidates.
• Brief candidates on what gets flagged — not just what they can't do. Transparency reduces anxiety and reduces false positives from nervous behaviour.
• Plan a support channel. Have a support email or live chat active during the exam window for technical issues.

For Exam Administrators: What Not To Do

• Don't mandate a webcam if your candidates are mobile-first. Platforms like MonitorExam support camera-optional proctoring using behavioural signals and FIDO2 identity verification. Forcing webcam on a shared-device population creates dropout, not integrity.
• Don't treat all alerts as violations. AI flags are signals, not verdicts. Review flagged recordings before taking action on a candidate.
• Don't forget to test the exam before publishing. Run a full dry-run — from candidate invite to result — before the live session.
• Don't reuse exam links or test codes. One exam = one secure session. Recycled links are a common source of leaks.
• Don't rely on copy-paste blocking as your only integrity measure. Copy-paste and tab switching are detected and logged, but a multi-layer approach (timed questions, randomised question banks, FIDO2 verification) is always stronger.

What Modern Proctoring Actually Tracks

It's worth being specific, because misconceptions on both sides cause problems:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rough paper during an online proctored exam? Yes, in most cases. Check your institution's specific rules. If permitted, you may be asked to show your rough sheets to the webcam during setup.

Does tab switching get you flagged in an online proctored exam? Yes. Proctoring software detects and logs every tab switch with an exact timestamp. Your invigilator can see this activity in real time on their dashboard.

Is a webcam required for online proctored exams? Not always. Platforms like MonitorExam support camera-optional proctoring using behavioural signals and FIDO2 identity verification, making exams accessible on shared or mobile devices.

What happens if I face a technical issue during a proctored exam? Use the in-exam chat (if your platform provides one) or contact your institution's support channel. Do not close the exam window without guidance.

Can I retake an online proctored exam if it crashes? Only if your institution explicitly permits it. Most proctored sessions are single-attempt. Contact your invigilator or administrator immediately if a technical failure occurs.