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Introduction
Proctorio is an online exam-proctoring and security tool that instructors may use with quizzes and exams in Canvas. The features used can vary by course and assessment, so always follow the instructions provided by your instructor. Preparing your computer and testing environment before an exam can help prevent technical problems and give you time to get assistance if something goes wrong.
Prerequisites
Before taking a Proctorio assessment, you should have:
- Access to the Canvas course containing the assessment.
- A computer and browser that meet the Proctorio system requirements.
- The Proctorio browser extension installed when required.
- A reliable internet connection.
- A webcam and microphone if required by the assessment.
- Any accommodations or alternative testing arrangements discussed with your instructor in advance.
Student Proctorio FAQ
What is Proctorio?
Proctorio is an online exam-proctoring and exam-security tool that works with Canvas. Depending on the settings selected by your instructor, it may restrict certain computer functions or use your webcam, microphone, screen, or other exam-session information.
Not every Canvas quiz uses Proctorio, and different assessments may use different Proctorio settings.
How do I know if my exam uses Proctorio?
Read the assessment instructions in Canvas before exam day. A Proctorio-enabled assessment will normally indicate that remote proctoring or exam-security features are being used.
Your instructor should also tell you which assessments require Proctorio. Do not assume that every quiz in a course uses it.
What should I do before my first Proctorio exam?
Several days before the exam, make sure your computer and browser meet Proctorio's requirements, install or update the required extension, and test your webcam and microphone if they will be used.
Complete a Proctorio practice quiz if your instructor provides one. A practice quiz is one of the best ways to identify browser, camera, microphone, permission, or network problems before they affect a graded exam.
Also start graded exams early enough to leave time for troubleshooting before the assessment closes.
What computer, browser, and software do I need?
Use a computer and browser that meet the current Proctorio system requirements. Supported desktop browsers include Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Opera.
Most desktop and laptop exams require the Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor browser extension. Some assessments may require additional Proctorio software when advanced security settings are enabled.
University-, employer-, or organization-managed computers may prevent installation of browser extensions or other required software. Test a managed computer before exam day.
Do I need a webcam, microphone, or ID?
It depends on the settings selected by your instructor. An assessment may require access to your webcam, microphone, screen, or identification.
If your exam requires a webcam or microphone, test them before exam day. If a device is not working, close applications such as Zoom or Teams that may already be using it and check your browser and operating-system permissions.
If identification is required, follow the instructions provided by your instructor or presented during the Proctorio setup process.
Where should I take a Proctorio exam?
Choose a quiet location with a stable internet connection where interruptions are unlikely. A completely empty or private room is not automatically required unless your instructor's exam instructions say otherwise.
If you cannot reasonably meet the testing-environment requirements, contact your instructor before the exam to discuss available options.
What am I allowed to use during the exam?
Your instructor determines which resources and devices are permitted. Check the exam instructions for rules about notes, textbooks, calculators, scratch paper, phones, smartwatches, additional websites, other applications, and AI tools.
Do not assume that something is permitted simply because Proctorio does not technically block it. If the instructions are unclear, ask your instructor before starting the assessment.
Some Proctorio settings also prohibit multiple monitors. If your assessment requires a single display, physically disconnect additional monitors before starting.
What information can Proctorio record?
What Proctorio records depends on the settings selected for the assessment. Those settings may include webcam video, microphone audio, screen activity, identity-verification information, browser activity during the exam, or information about the testing environment.
Proctorio does not have unrestricted access to personal files on your computer or continuously record your normal computer use simply because the browser extension is installed.
For more information, review the Proctorio privacy policy.
Is someone watching me live during the exam?
No. Proctorio uses software to collect information according to the settings selected for the assessment. Information from the exam session may later be reviewed by your instructor or other authorized university personnel.
Does being flagged by Proctorio mean I cheated?
No. A flag means Proctorio identified activity that may warrant review. It is not a determination that academic misconduct occurred.
Normal events such as looking away from the screen, background noise, someone entering the room, movement, or technical problems may result in activity being identified for review. Your instructor, not Proctorio, determines whether follow-up is necessary.
What should I do if Proctorio will not start or a pre-check fails?
First, confirm that you are using a supported browser and that the Proctorio extension is installed and enabled. Update and restart your browser, close unnecessary applications, check camera and microphone permissions, and verify that your internet connection is stable.
Other browser extensions, VPNs, proxies, or additional monitors may interfere with some Proctorio assessments.
If the problem continues, contact Proctorio Support. If the problem prevents you from beginning or completing the exam, document the error and notify your instructor.
Why is Canvas asking for an access code or password I was never given?
Students normally should not need to enter Proctorio's internally generated exam password. An unexpected password prompt may mean Proctorio is not communicating correctly with the assessment.
Refresh the Canvas page, confirm that the Proctorio extension is installed and enabled, update and restart your browser, and reopen the assessment. If the prompt continues, contact Proctorio Support and notify your instructor.
Do not repeatedly guess passwords.
What should I do if my internet disconnects or my computer crashes?
If possible, reconnect to the internet or restart your computer, return to Canvas, and try to resume the assessment.
Document approximately when the problem occurred and save a screenshot of any error message when possible. Do not capture or send screenshots containing exam questions unless your instructor specifically asks you to do so.
Notify your instructor if the interruption affects your ability to complete the assessment. Proctorio Support cannot grant additional attempts, change grades, extend deadlines, or add exam time.
What if I need an accommodation or cannot use Proctorio as configured?
Contact your instructor before the exam if you have a barrier to completing a Proctorio assessment.
For disability-related accommodations, work with your instructor and the Accessibility Resource Center. Assistive technology, required breaks, additional time, testing-environment needs, or other accommodations should be addressed before the assessment whenever possible.
Alternative testing arrangements depend on the circumstances, applicable university procedures, and approved accommodations.
Who should I contact for help?
Contact Proctorio Support for problems with the Proctorio extension, pre-checks, camera or microphone access, screen sharing, or Proctorio error messages.
Contact your instructor for questions about exam rules, allowed resources, dates, deadlines, grading, additional attempts, academic integrity, or what you are permitted to do during an assessment.
Contact IT Support Services for Canvas access, campus account problems, university-owned computers, software-installation restrictions, computer labs, or equipment questions.
If you do not have access to a compatible computer, contact the Center for Tech Equity as early as possible.
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.
Troubleshooting
Most Proctorio problems can be avoided by testing your equipment and completing a practice assessment before a graded exam. Make sure your browser and Proctorio extension are current, verify your camera and microphone permissions, use a stable internet connection, and review your instructor's assessment instructions before starting.
For Proctorio-specific technical problems, use Proctorio Support. If a technical problem affects your ability to start, complete, or submit an assessment, document what happened and notify your instructor as soon as possible.
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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