Your Survival Guide to Online Proctored Exams
Your laptop’s charged. Your notes are reviewed. You’re ready to take your exam.
Until you realize there’s one more step: the proctor.
Proctored exams are a standard part of online learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While they might sound intimidating, they’re actually designed to protect you and keep the testing process fair.
How It Works
Before you begin your test, you’ll connect with a live proctor who verifies your identity, checks your testing space, and stays online with you throughout the exam.
“In a traditional classroom, students would be monitored by the instructor, but in an online environment, they’re not able to do that,” says Mike Williams, instructional technologist with UL Lafayette’s Office of Distance Learning.
“A proctored exam allows students to be monitored using an online webcam and proctor, so test security can be maintained.”
Most UL Lafayette online courses use ProctorU, a live online proctoring service. You’ll access it through a link in your Moodle course, which signs you in and connects you to your exam. First-time users will create an account and schedule their testing appointment.
Be sure to pay attention to the testing window. For example, if your exam window runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you start at 1:30 p.m., you’ll only have 30 minutes to finish before it closes automatically.
5 Ways to Make Test Day a Breeze
Williams works with online students every day and says a few simple steps can prevent most of the problems students run into during a proctored exam.
1. Prepare Early
Preparation really is everything. Take a few minutes to review the ProctorU guide or videos so you know what to expect.
Your proctor will ask to see your testing space on camera — that means clearing your desk, removing notes or papers (unless your instructor says they’re allowed), and making sure you’re in a quiet, private spot where no one will interrupt you.
“Make sure you are aware of what to expect, and you’re not just showing up and hoping for the best,” Williams says.
2. Check Your Tech
Your computer setup can make or break your testing experience.
“It shouldn’t be a mobile device or iPad,” Williams says. “It must be a desktop or laptop computer that’s a newer model — four years old at the most. Older than that, students run into problems.”
Google Chrome and Firefox are the preferred browsers to use for the test, but they should be updated.
ProctorU has equipment testing procedures. Students should run that test on the computer they intend to use well before their testing appointment.
If you can, plug in with a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. It’s more stable and less likely to cut out mid-test. And if you have antivirus scans that run automatically, turn those off during your exam.
3. Review the Exam Rules
Double-check your instructor’s exam instructions before test day.
Can you use your notes? What about your textbook or calculator? Every course is different, so make sure you know what’s allowed before you log in.
4. Pick the Right Spot
Choose your testing spot wisely. Public spaces like coffee shops or bookstores aren’t approved for proctored exams.
The best setup is a private, quiet space where you can focus, like a study room at home or in a library. Turn off your phone, mute notifications, and let anyone nearby know not to disturb you.
If someone walks into the room during your test, your proctor has to mark it as a testing incident, so it’s best to plan ahead.
5. Know What to Do if Problems Come Up
Technology isn’t perfect. If you can’t connect or something goes wrong during your exam, ProctorU support is available 24/7.
“The proctor is their friend. The proctor tries to help them fix whatever is going on during the exam, and technical support people will also try to resolve the issue,” says Williams.
Students should email the class instructor and copy distancelearning@louisiana.edu to let them know what happened. The instructor will investigate the problem in case it has affected more than just one student.
“Most issues could be avoided ahead of time with better preparation,” he adds. “Have the support phone number next to you. Work with your proctor. If you need help, reach out.”
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