Information: Inspera Recorded, Record & Review, and Live Proctoring require activation. If you would like to find out more, please ask your Inspera account manager.
This article is for Candidates.
Preparing for your proctored test
In addition to this article, please ensure that you read the Proctoring Guidelines for Candidates prior to taking a proctored test.
On your candidate dashboard, you will see a message that indicates the type of proctoring that will be used for your test. Proctoring falls into one of two categories:
1. Recorded Proctoring:
Your online exam session is recorded through your laptop’s camera and screen. AI monitors the recording for any suspicious behaviour, and after the exam, the footage is reviewed to ensure everything was done fairly.
2. Live Proctoring:
During Live Proctoring, a proctor monitors your exam in real-time through your webcam. Either the proctor or the candidate can initiate a conversation if needed. The session is recorded, with AI monitoring for any irregularities. Afterward, the proctor provides an integrity report on the session.
Download the Secure Browser
A Secure Browser is a specialised application designed to enhance the integrity of online exams and assessments. It creates a controlled testing environment by limiting browser functionality, such as disabling keyboard shortcuts, restricting access to only whitelisted websites, and preventing screen captures. This ensures that candidates cannot access unauthorised resources or distribute test content.If your institution requires you to use a Secure Browser for taking the proctored test then you will also be informed of this in the test’s description. A link is included in this message which directs you to the download page for the Secure Browser. To save you time on the day of your test, we advise that you download and install the Secure Browser
Read the section ‘When a Secure Browser is Required’ to learn how to install it. Read more for system requirements.
Setting up for a proctored test
Taking a proctored test involves a few extra steps to get you set up and ready. Generally the onboarding steps take about 10 minutes to complete but we would recommend that you read through the process below so you feel prepared come the day of your test.
The setup process differs slightly based on whether a Secure Browser is required. In addition, your institution may choose to require Dual Camera Proctoring (read more) and/or a Room Scan (read more). Below are the steps for each scenario.
When a Secure Browser is not required
The following flow is relevant when a Secure Browser is not required to take the test.
When your test's start time arrives, click 'Start test'. This will initiate the setup and candidate onboarding steps for proctoring. Each step is outlined below:
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Terms of Use: you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions for the use of the proctoring system and click ‘Proceed’
- Proctoring instructions: providing guidance on how to conduct your proctored test
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Hardware checks: you will be asked to give the proctoring system access to your microphone and camera.
Important: at this point your session is now being recorded. You should see your webcam feed in the bottom left corner of the screen (as seen in screenshot for step 4 onwards)
- Proctoring notifications: you will be asked to allow notifications
- Screen sharing: you will be required to share your entire screen
- Add mobile phone as a secondary camera: if your institution has set this as a requirement for the test then you will be asked to scan the onscreen QR code and complete the set up steps on your mobile phone. A video is provided to guide you through the process. Read more about Dual Camera proctoring.
- Photo ID verification: you can either take a picture of your photo ID using your webcam by holding up your ID and clicking ‘Capture’ or uploading an image by using ‘Select file’. The following forms of photo identification are accepted: driving licence, passport, or Student ID. Please ensure that the photo is of you and is clearly visible. Once you have added an image that you are happy with then select ‘Next’
- Face capture: you will be asked to then take a picture of yourself using the proctoring system. This picture is compared against the photo ID to allow verification. If it is not clear enough then the proctor may request that you retake the photo (Live Proctoring only).
- Audio Check: Set up your microphone and record test audio by reading phrase that is displayed onscreen. You’ll move past this step as soon as the system detects the required audio level—often within the first word or two. If your microphone doesn’t register a strong enough level, you may need to repeat the phrase a few times.
- Environment test: also known as a Room Scan, if your institution has set this as a requirement for the test then this involves you recording a 360 view of the room in which you are taking the test. You will be provided with onscreen instructions for successfully recording and submitting this video. Read more about conducting a Room Scan.
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Onboarding completed: you will see the following screen once your set up steps have been successfully completed.
Once you have completed your set up steps, what happens next depends on the type of proctoring that is to be used for/applies to your test.
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Recorded Proctoring
- You will immediately see the test’s contents and be able to proceed with the test in the Inspera Assessment platform as per standard functionality.
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Live Proctoring
- For Live Proctoring tests the first 30 minutes of the test are dedicated to candidate onboarding. This initial time period is to ensure your proctor has sufficient time to review your ID and Room Scan (if applicable). Please be aware that the proctor is also monitoring and supporting several other candidates at the same time, so you may expect to wait up to 10 minutes before the proctor can verify your identity. You will not see the test contents (question set) until that 30 minute window has elapsed. Once you have completed your onboarding steps you will be held on a waiting screen displaying a countdown timer.
When a Secure Browser is Required
- Click ‘Start test’ for the test in Inspera Assessment (in your web browser)
- You will be redirected to the Secure Browser webpage where you will either be prompted to open or download and install the Secure Browser app
- If you already have the Secure Browser downloaded and installed on your computer then click ‘Launch Secure Browser’. Secure Browser will open, automatically log you in and direct you to your test. Click ‘Start test’ again and navigate through the onboarding steps described above.
- If you do not already have the Secure Browser on your computer then you should select the version you require Windows or Mac from the webpage to download the file and install it. Once installed, navigate back to the Secure Browser page and launch the Secure Browser by clicking the ‘Launch Secure Browser’ button. Secure Browser will open, automatically log you in and direct you to your test. Click ‘Start test’ again and navigate through the onboarding steps described above.
Note: When using Windows, the Secure Browser will automatically open on installation. For security it will close your web browser. Please close the Secure Browser after the installation has finished and restore your web browser tabs to recover the Secure Browser webpage and then proceed with launching the Secure Browser again using the button.
Taking a Proctored Test
The proctoring has been designed to be as unobtrusive and non-invasive as possible. From a candidate’s perspective, the test is almost entirely a regular Inspera Assessment test. There are only a few changes that you may notice as part of the proctoring experience.
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Webcam feed
You will see a preview of your webcam in the bottom left corner of the screen. If you prefer not to see your own webcam feed, simply click the red camera icon to hide it from your view. Please note that even though the feed is hidden on your screen, the proctor will still be able to view your webcam recording throughout the exam.
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AI-Generated Proctoring Flags
When you take a proctored exam, the system uses AI to monitor your behaviour throughout the test. This AI is designed to detect any unusual or potentially suspicious activities that could indicate a breach of exam integrity. Here’s how it works:
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What Are Proctoring Flags?
During your exam, the AI is constantly analysing the video feed from your webcam, your screen activity, and sometimes additional camera angles if Dual Camera is enabled. If the AI notices something out of the ordinary, for example if you leave the frame or pick up your mobile phone, it will generate a “flag.”
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How Are Flags Used?
These flags are markers that highlight specific moments in the recording where the AI detected something worth noting. Each flag is colour-coded based on severity—some might indicate minor concerns, while others could point to more significant issues. The flags help the test reviewers quickly find and examine these moments to determine if any rules were violated.
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Notifications During the Exam
Whenever a flag is raised, you’ll be notified right away. An on-screen prompt will appear, informing you of the specific behaviour that triggered the flag. This notification is also a reminder to avoid repeating the flagged action. These prompts are there to help you stay on track and maintain the integrity of your exam.
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What Happens After a Flag Is Generated?
After the exam, the flagged moments are reviewed by either a proctor (for Live Proctoring) or a designated reviewer (for Recorded Proctoring). They will watch the flagged sections and decide if the behaviour was innocuous or if it requires further action. -
Why Are Flags Important?
The flags are there to help maintain a fair testing environment for everyone. They ensure that any questionable activities are thoroughly reviewed, but it's important to know that not all flags indicate wrongdoing—sometimes, they simply mark moments that need a closer look.
By understanding how these AI-generated flags work, you can feel more prepared and focused during your test, knowing that the system is there to ensure a fair and secure exam process.
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Offline rules
To protect the integrity of the test, if you lose internet connection for more than 1 minute, you will be required to close the test and reconnect once your internet is restored. When you rejoin the test, you will need to go through the onboarding setup steps again, as described in the 'Setting up a Proctored Test' section.
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Two-way chat with your proctor (Live Proctoring only)
If you are taking a Live Proctoring test, you can contact the proctor directly using the inbuilt text messenger. Simply click the green chat icon in the bottom left corner of the screen and type your message. Please note that proctors can only assist with issues related to the management of the proctored test, such as rules for security and integrity or certain technical problems. They cannot answer questions about the test content or grant you extra time; such inquiries should be directed to your institution.
Proctors can also communicate with you during the session, either through the messenger or by calling you via the assessment platform.
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Proctor intervention
In cases where a clear breach of the test’s integrity or security is detected, the proctor has the ability to end that particular candidate’s session with immediate effect. If this action is taken, it would only ever be after sufficient warning is provided by the proctor and in line with what proctoring rules are in place for that session.
Completing the test
You can now proceed with your test taking in Inspera Assessment.
Once you have finished answering the questions of the test, click ‘Submit’. The test and proctoring session will then close and your recordings, as well as your question responses, will be made available to your institution.