In todayās digital world, keeping exams fair and secure is more important than ever. Proctored exams are a key tool in making sure that online tests are reliable and honest.
Educational institutions, certification bodies, and employers increasingly rely on online testing, highlighting the crucial role of proctoring features in safeguarding exam integrity.
In this blog, weāll explore the key features of test proctoring software, Testlify. Weāll explain how these features work and discuss their benefits.
What is a proctored exam?
A proctored exam is a secure assessment method that uses technology to monitor test-takers and ensure a fair testing environment. Key features of proctored exams include disabling copy-paste functions and tracking IP addresses to prevent cheating. These technologies help maintain the integrity of the test by ensuring that all participants follow the same rules.
Proctored exams involve various monitoring tools to oversee the test process. Online proctoring may include webcam monitoring, screen recording, and secure browsers such as Safe Exam Browser. These tools work together to enforce test rules, verify identities, and prevent unauthorized behavior, ensuring that the assessment is both accurate and fair.
Proctoring & anti-cheating features by Testlify
Testlify offers a wide array of proctoring features, including those listed below. All these features comply with EEOC guidelines to ensure fair and non-discriminatory testing.
- Full-screen mode
- Disable external copy-paste
- Tab switching
- Video violation
- Screen recording
- Session recording
- Timed tests
- Webcam snapshots
- Mouse tracking
- IP-based location tracking
- Multiple-attempt prevention
- Random question shuffling
- Logout on environment exit
- Study prevention
Full-screen mode
Testlify enforces full-screen mode during the test and alerts if the candidate exits this mode. By preventing access to other tabs or applications, ensures that candidates are not distracted or unable to seek external help while taking the exam. This maintains focus on the test environment and reduces opportunities for cheating.
If a candidate tries to exit full-screen mode, the system will display a warning. The hiring manager can set the number of violations after which the candidate will be disqualified and terminated from the test.
Disable external copy-paste
Testlify prevents candidates from copying and pasting text from the exam, including questions and answers. By disabling text selection and keyboard shortcuts for copy, Testlify ensures that test-takers cannot easily share or look up answers during the exam.
If a candidate copies and pastes content from an external resource, the hiring manager can see exactly what content was copied. The hiring manager can set the number of violations after which the candidate will be disqualified and terminated from the test.
Tab switching
Testlify tracks how many times a candidate switches tabs during the exam. It also shows how much time was spent outside the active tab. To learn more about which tabs were accessed, the screen recording feature provides a clear video record of these activities.
The hiring manager can set the number of violations after which the candidate will be disqualified and terminated from the test.
Video violation
Testlify monitors if a candidate leaves the frame or steps away from the assessment window. This helps ensure that the candidate remains present and focused.
If this happens, a notice appears, and the test screen is disabled until the candidate returns and continues the test. The hiring manager can set the number of violations after which the candidate will be disqualified and terminated from the test.
Screen recording
Testlify has a premium feature that requires candidates to share their screens before starting the assessment. This feature tracks which tabs the candidate has accessed during the exam, especially if they switch tabs or violate other rules.
Hiring managers can review all screen recordings for each test in the proctoring section of the candidate’s details page.
Session recording
Testlify records the entire duration of the candidate’s time on the computer screens (assessment window). This proctoring feature captures the test-takerās screen activity, including mouse movements, keystrokes, and interactions with the assessment interface. By documenting the complete session, we provide a comprehensive record and review of the test-taking process.
Timed tests
Testlify implements a countdown timer that runs continuously, regardless of whether the test window is in focus. This feature ensures that the allotted time for completing the test is strictly adhered to, maintaining consistency and fairness.
Timed tests prevent candidates from pausing or extending the test duration through window manipulation.
Webcam snapshots
Testlify takes snapshots of the exam takers using a webcam during the exam at certain intervals. This feature captures visual evidence of who is taking the test at different intervals.
This helps verify the test-takerās identity and can flag any suspicious behavior or unauthorized persons appearing in the camera view, ensuring the authenticity of the exam.
Mouse tracking
Testlify tracks how many times the candidate moves the mouse outside the assessment window. This feature monitors and logs instances where the mouse cursor leaves the exam interface.
By keeping track of these movements, Testlify helps identify potential distractions or attempts to access unauthorized resources during the test. The hiring manager can set the number of violations after which the candidate will be disqualified and terminated from the test.
IP-based location tracking
Testlify tracks the IP address of each test-taker to monitor and control exam attempts. By logging and flagging repeated IP addresses, Testlify helps identify if multiple attempts are being made from the same location or device.
This assists in detecting potential fraud or misuse of the testing system by providing insights into unusual patterns of test-taking.
Multiple attempt prevention
Testlify blocks candidates from retaking the test using the same email address. This feature prevents individuals from making multiple attempts to improve their scores dishonestly.
By enforcing a one-time attempt per email address, our system helps maintain the accuracy and fairness of the test results.
Random question shuffling
Testlify randomizes the order of questions for each candidate. This ensures that no two test-takers see the questions in the same sequence. Testlify uses algorithms to shuffle questions from a question bank, making it difficult for candidates to share answers or use pre-prepared materials.
It enhances the fairness of the exam by providing a unique test experience for each participant.
Logout on environment exit
Testlify automatically logs out or issues a warning if the candidate switches tabs or applications during the test. This feature helps ensure that the candidate remains within the exam environment. It reduces the chance of accessing unauthorized resources or assistance.
It maintains the testās integrity by keeping the test-takerās attention on the exam.
Study prevention
Testlify conceals the type of test until it begins. This feature prevents candidates from preparing specifically for the test in advance by hiding its details until the start of the exam.
The system ensures that all candidates face the same level of preparation and reduces the opportunity for targeted study or pre-test advantage.
Upcoming proctoring features from Testlify
Maintaining the highest standards of test integrity is crucial for fair and accurate assessments. Our planned enhancements will tackle new challenges and fix weaknesses in online testing.
We are actively developing new proctoring features to enhance security and fairness. These upcoming improvements include:
- Question Leak Protection
- ID Verification
- Multi-Device & Phone Detection
- Detect & Block Browser Extensions
- 360 Scan & Applying AI-Based Flags
Question leak protection
Testlify will prevent candidates from taking screenshots, recording screens, or printing test questions. This feature also includes monitoring for similar content online to detect and remove any unauthorized leaks. By disabling these functions and tracking content, Testlify ensures that test questions remain secure and reduces the risk of cheating.
This maintains the integrity of the assessment by preventing unauthorized distribution.
ID verification
Testlify will verify each test-taker by comparing their photo ID with their face and personal details. Candidates will show their ID via webcam, and the system will check the ID details against the test-takerās face and name.
This feature ensures that the person taking the test is the registered candidate, enhancing transparency and fairness in the assessment process.
Multi-device & phone detection
Testlify will detect if candidates use or switch between multiple screens, devices, or phones during the test. By integrating APIs to monitor device usage, Testlify can identify when multiple devices are used.
This feature helps prevent cheating by ensuring that test-takers are using only the approved equipment during the exam.
Detect & block browser extensions
Testlify will capture and block the use of browser extensions that aid in cheating, such as transcription tools, screen readers, or screen capture applications.
By restricting these extensions, Testlify helps maintain the integrity of the test environment and prevents candidates from using unauthorized tools to gain an unfair advantage.
360 scan & applying AI-based flags
Testlify will prompt candidates to perform a 360-degree scan of their testing environment at the beginning and during the exam. This feature helps detect and flag potential cheating aids like devices, books, or additional individuals in the room.
By ensuring a thorough environmental check, Testlify maintains the examās integrity and prevents unauthorized assistance.
Conclusion
Testlify offers a range of live proctoring features across all our plans to ensure a secure and fair proctored exam environment. From session recording and webcam snapshots to mouse tracking and full-screen mode, our tools are designed to maintain the integrity of your assessments. Upcoming enhancements, such as question leak protection and multi-device detection, will further strengthen test security.
To explore and implement the proctored exam features, sign up for a free trial today.
For assistance or a quick walkthrough, please contact us or schedule a demo.
