Common Misconceptions About Proctored Exams

When you are studying for an upcoming exam, the last thing you want to worry about is where you are going to take the exam and if it is a secure and credible environment. You may not even be sure what a proctored exam is; the simplest way to put it is that proctored exams are administered in-person or remotely where you have a proctor there the whole time monitoring you from start to finish. Learn about why proctored exams are important in our other blog. When looking at the two options of doing an in-person exam at a testing centre or using an online service, there are misconceptions when it comes to both. We have cleared up some common misconceptions about proctored exams below.

Online Proctoring 

Misconception # 1: Less invasive 

While this may seem true as you are not in the same physical space as the exam supervisor, this is a misconception. To do an online proctoring exam you need to show the supervisor the room you are taking the exam in, allow access to your camera and microphone on your laptop, let them see your working space, and make sure nothing is on your person that could potentially lead to cheating. This ends up being way more invasive than expected. 

Misconception #2: More secure  

Whenever you are giving someone else access to your computer or laptop, you are creating a security risk for all your data attached to that IP address. No matter how secure a platform or exam technology is said to be, there is always a risk. It happened to 400,000 university students who had their data breached, and all their personal information became freely available on online hacker forums.    

Misconception #3: Most affordable option  

Yes, the cost of an online proctoring service is cheaper than the cost of an in-person exam. But that is just the cost of the exam. It does not account for any of the equipment you need including a reliable laptop or computer, a decent microphone and webcam, and a stable high-speed internet connection. Having to provide these extra necessities for an online proctoring exam can create an unintended barrier to access for many people.    

In-Person Proctoring 

Misconception #4: More noise and distractions 

If you have never done a proctored exam at a professional testing centre, your image of what it is like is probably similar to exams you have done at primary or secondary school—a loud open space with lots of people talking and desks being moved. This is a misconception. At Ashton Testing Services, we have a limited number of seats, and every candidate has access to a large partitioned desk and noise-cancelling headphones to ensure comfort and ease for your exam. 

  

Misconception #5: Doubled anxiety 

This misconception comes from the idea that you have a stressful exam that is anxiety-inducing, plus you are completing it in an unfamiliar environment causing double the anxiety. Fortunately, this has shown to be false because when you go to an in-person proctored exam, the staff are there to take care of everything such as sanitization, exam set up and dealing with any technical concerns/issues. This allows you to be able to solely focus on acing your exam. Plus, with the friendly and efficient staff at ATS, you will be relaxed as soon you enter the reception area. Before your exam, be sure to learn some tips on how to reframe your academic stress to ease some of your anxiety.   

Misconception #6: No accommodations 

There is a thought that testing centres want to fit as many bodies as possible into a room and provide no additional accommodations for anyone who needs it. This is false. Here at ATS, we accommodate students with special needs and provide them with a private room that is equipped with a height-adjustable desk. Our centres are also easily accessible and conveniently located with ample street parking and two public parking facilities nearby, as well as easily accessible via public transit.   

Next Steps 

If you have any concerns or questions about specific accommodations we can provide, do not hesitate to email us at testcentre@ashtontesting.ca. Our staff is looking forward to helping you with all your exam needs and providing you with the best proctoring services in BC. Best of luck in your upcoming exam! 

Written by: Lindsay McKay