Quick Links: | Before the Exam | During the Exam | Privacy and Proctoring | Accessibility and Alternatives | Troubleshooting and Support |
This FAQ answers common student questions about using Proctorio for Canvas assessments, including technology requirements, privacy, accommodations, technical problems, and support.
Your instructor determines which Proctorio settings are used for each assessment. Always follow the instructions provided for your specific exam.
Before the Exam
What is Proctorio?
Proctorio is an online exam-proctoring and security tool that integrates with Canvas.
Depending on the settings selected by your instructor, Proctorio may apply testing restrictions or collect information about the exam session for later instructor review.
What computer, browser, and software do I need?
Use a device that meets Proctorio's current system requirements.
Depending on your device and the settings selected for the assessment, Proctorio may require:
- The Secure Exam Proctor browser extension
- The Proctorio Companion app for some advanced-security exams
- The Proctorio mobile app for supported mobile-device exams
- A webcam and microphone when required by the assessment
- A stable internet connection
University-, employer-, or organization-managed devices may prevent installation of required software.
Complete the practice assessment before exam day to confirm that your device works with the Proctorio settings your instructor will use.
Why should I complete the practice assessment?
A practice assessment lets you test the same or similar Proctorio requirements before completing a graded exam.
Use it to:
- Confirm that your device and browser are compatible
- Install or update required Proctorio software
- Test your webcam and microphone when required
- Experience the Proctorio pre-check process
- Identify technical or access problems before the graded assessment
Contact your instructor before the graded exam if you cannot successfully complete the practice assessment.
Where should I take a Proctorio exam?
Follow your instructor's directions about the expected testing environment.
You do not necessarily need a completely empty or private room unless your instructor's exam requirements specify one. Choose a location where you can complete the assessment with as few interruptions as reasonably possible.
What materials can I use?
Your instructor determines which resources are allowed.
Check the exam instructions for information about:
- Notes or reference sheets
- Textbooks
- Calculators
- Scratch paper
- Other websites or applications
- Breaks or leaving the testing area
Do not assume that materials permitted in one Proctorio exam are permitted in another.
During the Exam
What happens when I start a Proctorio exam?
Open the assessment through Canvas.
Depending on your instructor's settings, Proctorio may guide you through pre-checks before the assessment begins. These may include:
- Checking required software
- Confirming browser permissions
- Testing your webcam or microphone
- Verifying your identity
- Checking the testing environment
Complete the prompts before beginning the assessment.
Is someone watching me live during the exam?
Chico State's current Proctorio use is automated rather than live proctoring.
Depending on the settings selected for the assessment, Proctorio may collect information during the exam for later review by your instructor or other authorized university personnel.
What should I do if Proctorio will not start or a pre-check fails?
First, follow the instructions shown by Proctorio.
You may also need to:
- Confirm that your browser and device meet current Proctorio requirements
- Install or update required Proctorio software
- Allow camera, microphone, screen-sharing, or other browser permissions
- Restart the browser
- Close applications that interfere with the exam
- Contact Proctorio Support
If the issue prevents you from beginning or completing the assessment, notify your instructor promptly.
Why is Canvas asking for an access code or password?
You should not normally need to manually enter the automatically generated Proctorio exam password.
If Canvas unexpectedly asks for an access code or password, do not guess or repeatedly attempt to enter one. Confirm that Proctorio is running correctly and contact Proctorio Support or your instructor if the problem continues.
What should I do if my internet disconnects or my computer crashes?
Reconnect or restart the device if possible and attempt to return to the assessment.
Document what happened and contact your instructor promptly if the interruption affects your ability to complete the exam. Do not capture or send screenshots containing exam questions unless your instructor specifically asks you to do so.
For a Proctorio-specific technical problem, contact Proctorio Support as soon as possible.
Privacy and Proctoring
What can Proctorio monitor?
What Proctorio monitors depends on the settings selected by your instructor.
Depending on those settings, Proctorio may collect or monitor information such as:
- Webcam video
- Microphone audio
- Screen activity
- Browser or web activity during the assessment
- Identity-verification information
- Information about the testing environment
Not every Proctorio assessment uses every available feature.
Can Proctorio access everything on my computer?
Proctorio does not have unrestricted access to your personal files or normal computer activity outside the assessment session.
Access during the exam depends on the features required for that assessment.
Does Proctorio keep monitoring me after I finish?
Proctorio's exam monitoring applies to the assessment session.
After the session ends, it does not continue monitoring your normal computer activity. Information collected during the exam may remain available for authorized review according to applicable retention and privacy practices.
Does being flagged by Proctorio mean I cheated?
No.
A flag indicates that Proctorio identified activity that may warrant instructor review. It is not a determination that academic misconduct occurred.
Normal behavior, technical problems, environmental conditions, accessibility needs, or permitted activities may generate indicators. Your instructor is responsible for reviewing the surrounding context.
Accessibility and Alternative Arrangements
What if I have an approved disability-related accommodation?
Follow the accommodation process established through the Accessibility Resource Center and your instructor.
Your instructor may need to adjust Canvas settings, Proctorio settings, or the testing environment to provide approved accommodations.
Complete the practice assessment early and let your instructor know if an approved accommodation conflicts with the Proctorio setup.
What if Proctorio creates an accessibility or technology barrier for me?
Contact your instructor as early as possible.
If the issue relates to a disability-related accommodation, work with the Accessibility Resource Center and your instructor.
Other technical or equipment barriers may require campus support or an alternative arrangement depending on the circumstances.
What if I do not have a compatible computer?
Use the practice assessment to determine whether your available device works with the required Proctorio settings.
If you do not have access to a compatible device, contact your instructor as early as possible and review available campus technology resources.
Troubleshooting and Support
Who should I contact for help?
Contact Proctorio Support for technical issues such as:
- Installation problems
- Browser-extension or Companion-app errors
- Failed pre-checks
- Webcam or microphone problems
- Screen-sharing issues
- Proctorio error messages
Contact your instructor for questions about:
- Exam rules
- Permitted materials
- Deadlines
- Attempts
- Grading
- Make-up exams
- Alternative arrangements
Contact IT Support Services for:
- Canvas access
- Campus account problems
- Software-installation restrictions on university-owned computers
- Equipment questions
When requesting technical help, provide the course and exam name, approximate time of the problem, your device and browser, the exact error message, and a screenshot when appropriate.
Contact the Center for Tech Equity as early as possible if you do not have access to a compatible computer.
When should I contact my instructor?
Contact your instructor promptly if:
- You cannot complete the practice assessment
- A technical problem prevents you from starting or finishing the exam
- You need an approved accommodation or alternative arrangement
- The exam instructions are unclear
- An unexpected interruption affects your assessment
Whenever possible, address known issues before the graded assessment begins.
Related Articles
Still need help? Faculty and staff can reach out to the Technology & Learning Program. Students can reach out to the Center for Technology Equity.
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