Proctoring

At StraighterLine, we offer proctored exams that are supervised by an approved, neutral person (a proctor) who ensures the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test taking environment. Proctoring ensures the academic integrity of the course by preventing cheating and verifying that exam guidelines are followed.

StraighterLine requires proctoring on all final exams and uses an online proctoring service called ProctorU.

ProctorU connects your computer and webcam to their website while the exam is being proctored. Proctoring sessions are taken in the comfort of the student's home (or preferred location) and require a webcam.

ProctorU is open 7-days-a-week, except for the following 8 holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

ProctorU Fees

As of November 1st, 2017.

"Same Day scheduling" pricing is listed as $12.00 (aka "Take It Now")
"within the 72 hour window" pricing is listed as $8.00 (aka "Take It Soon")

ProctorU Test-Day General Information

On exam day, students must bring the following to their ProctorU session in order to begin and complete their assessment.

Laptop or desktop computer
Webcam with a functioning microphone
- If their webcam is built into their laptop or desktop, they will need to bring a reflective surface such as a Smartphone, DVD/CD, or hand mirror. This is needed so their proctor can verify that the monitor surface is clear of any materials.
A form of ID, which must be a government-issued photo ID, as proof of identification. Valid forms of government identification are as follows:
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.
- Driver's license or ID card issued by a State provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.
- ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.
- U.S. Military card
- Foreign passport

ProctorU Multi Factor Identity Authentication Information

ProctorU uses the strongest methods of multi-factor identity authentication in the industry.

Note: Please reference the Authentication Updated PDF to review the new onboarding process for authenticating students.

Photo ID Check: Each test-taker is asked to show a photo ID and their proctor takes and saves a picture of the candidate. Before subsequent exams, the file photo is used to verify that the correct person has returned. Any government-issued ID meets ProctorU’s requirements, but the institution may designate another form of ID as acceptable.
Authentication Questions: Proctors authenticate candidates using questions derived from public and private records. Questions are generated by the same process used in the banking and healthcare industries and are typically related to previous addresses, phone numbers, roommates and relatives. Each quiz includes four random questions out of a test bank of over 120.
Exam Password Protection: Once a candidate passes the authentication quiz, they are observed logging into their Learning Management System (LMS). Each test-taker is authenticated before an exam is unlocked by the proctor, unless otherwise noted, and institution administrators can view proctoring notes through ProctorU’s administrative accounts.

Can students get exemptions from the Authentication Question or Photo ID Check?

Exemptions to the ID check are acceptable for students of High School age (who may not have a valid government issued ID).
Exemptions to the Authentication Questions are generally not allowed. If a student would like to be exempt please escalate this issue to Anissa or Keena.

Authentication and Securing the Area

After connecting to the proctor via webcam and screen-sharing software, the proctor asks to see the test-taker’s fully visible ID so that the name and picture can be clearly seen and read by the proctor.

A photograph of the test-taker is taken to help authenticate his or her identity in future testing.

Test parameters are communicated verbally and in writing to the test-taker, who acknowledges that he or she understands the instructions.

The test-taker is authenticated with a quiz that uses challenge questions based on publicly available records. Questions are typically related to previous addresses, phone numbers, roommates and relatives

Next, the test-taker is asked to pan their camera and show their complete workspace and testing area so the proctor can secure the test-taker’s surroundings. If the camera is internal, the test-taker is asked to show the proctor the edges of their monitor using a reflective surface such as a mirror, sunglasses, DVD or CD. This check ensures there are no unauthorized materials attached to the test-taker’s computer monitor.

After the proctor confirms that the monitor and work area are clear of all unauthorized materials, the proctor asks the test-taker to move any cell phones or other electronic devices away from the testing area.

Once the test-taker completes authentication, they are observed logging into Moodle and the proctor verifies that the authenticated person is logging in to their individual account and taking their assigned exam, as shown in

During the exam, test-takers are proctored by monitoring their video feed and testing environment. Screen-sharing technology allows the proctor to see everything that is happening on an test-taker’s computer. Proctors also monitor the test-taker audibly, to ensure they are not receiving verbal answers from an outside source.

During the exam, the proctors pause their video and audio so the test-taker is not disturbed, but continue to monitor the test-taker.

ProctorU engages test-takers in real time to prevent breaches of academic integrity. Any suspicious activity – including but not limited to using unapproved sources, leaving the computer during the exam or communicating with another person – is documented using photos or video and reported to the institution within two business days. Once the exam has been completed, the test-taker shows the proctor their submission screen, and the exam end time is logged

ProctorU also offers a LiveChat feature. At any point while signed in to their account, a test-taker may chat with a live representative if they have questions about the process or need general help.

Once the test-taker completes authentication, they are observed logging into Moodle and the proctor verifies that the authenticated person is logging in to their individual account and taking their assigned exam, as shown in

During the exam, test-takers are proctored by monitoring their video feed and testing environment. Screen-sharing technology allows the proctor to see everything that is happening on an test-taker’s computer. Proctors also monitor the test-taker audibly, to ensure they are not receiving verbal answers from an outside source.

During the exam, the proctors pause their video and audio so the test-taker is not disturbed, but continue to monitor the test-taker.

ProctorU engages test-takers in real time to prevent breaches of academic integrity. Any suspicious activity – including but not limited to using unapproved sources, leaving the computer during the exam or communicating with another person – is documented using photos or video and reported to the institution within two business days. Once the exam has been completed, the test-taker shows the proctor their submission screen, and the exam end time is logged

ProctorU also offers a LiveChat feature. At any point while signed in to their account, a test-taker may chat with a live representative if they have questions about the process or need general help.

Technical Requirements

Not Supported

At this time ProctorU does not support the following; however, they are working on solutions to accommodate every platform.

- - - - Google Chromebooks
        Android tablets (Nexus 7, etc.)
        iOS tablets (iPad, iPad mini, etc.)
        Linux operating systems
        Microsoft Windows 10 S
        Microsoft Surface RT

Off-Site Proctoring

In the event that students cannot use ProctorU online proctoring services provided with all courses, students should follow the below procedures to schedule off site proctoring. Note that this implies that the student has tried and failed to use web-based proctoring.

Please have a direct number for the organization or institution (no cell phones, etc.).
The proctor should be called before and after the exam.
Be sure to include the EST in the delivery time of the exam.

StraighterLine Final Exam Off-Site Proctoring Policies

Off-Site Proctoring Acknowledgement Form and Directions