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What is proctoring-as-a-service, and how does it work
Last updated on: 3 April 2026

What is proctoring-as-a-service, and how does it work

Secure online exams with Proctoring-as-a-Service. Learn how it works, its benefits, and why platforms like Testlify make remote proctoring simple.

Exams have gone online, and that’s a game-changer! Recruiters and universities are now utilizing online tests to connect with talent and students worldwide. But here’s the thing: fairness is still super important.

43% of undergraduate students admit to cheating on exams (ICAI). That’s where Proctoring-as-a-Service (PaaS) steps in. It seamlessly integrates remote proctoring directly into your existing management system, making online proctoring not only simple but also incredibly scalable.

Read on to see how Proctoring-as-a-Service secures online exams without extra staff or tech headaches.

Summarise this post with:

What is Proctoring-as-a-Service (PaaS)?

Proctoring-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a cloud-based remote proctoring solution that integrates with any LMS or ATS. It streams webcam, mic, and screen activity during online exams, uses AI to flag suspicious actions, and escalates short clips to human proctors. 

This entire remote proctoring setup operates quietly in the background, making the testing experience feel entirely natural for everyone involved. Here, Testlify really shines because proctoring is integrated into the entire assessment process rather than being an add-on.

Institutions choose PaaS because it scales remote proctoring without the necessity for hiring rooms of human proctors, reduces costs, and maintains a smooth testing experience.

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How Proctoring-as-a-Service (PaaS) works?

Below is an explanation of how PaaS works, from beginning to end, and how it can be seamlessly integrated into your existing system without posing any inconvenience to test-takers and administrators.

1. Connecting the system

Proctoring-as-a-Service (PaaS) integrates directly with your existing management system via a simple API. There’s no complex setup or extra software to install. 

Testlify, for example, supports integration with over 100 popular ATS and LMS tools, making the process even easier for teams of any size.

2. Candidate identity verification

When candidates start their online exams, they first go through identity checks. The webcam captures their photo and instantly compares it to their official ID. This ensures the right person is taking the test.

Photo capture for proctoring
Face detection: Before testing, candidates take a live photo for facial detection.

3. Exam environment check

Before online testing starts, PaaS checks the candidate’s equipment. It verifies webcam, mic, and internet connection quality. This prevents technical issues during the test, enhancing the overall testing experience.

Image showing Tesstlify's system ccompatibility check
System compatibility checks performed before every online assessment by Testlify

4. Browser lockdown

A lockdown browser kicks in right after the environment check is done. It forces the test into full-screen mode and blocks actions like switching tabs, copying and pasting, or opening other apps. 

Testlify's full screen mode

If a candidate breaks any rule, the system shows a violation warning. You can also set limits, so instead of ending the test right away, the system gives one or more warnings before termination.

Image showing the dashboard of Testlify where tolerance limit can be set.
Tolerance Limit Fucctionality – Testlify

5. Real-time monitoring by AI

Image showing Testlify warning screen fior multiple face detection
Testlify’s multiple face detection warning

During the exam, AI closely monitors the candidate’s webcam, screen, and audio. It detects suspicious behaviors, such as someone leaving the camera or extra voices/faces. It immediately warns the candidates and flags this in the admin or recruiter’s dashboard. 

Screenshot of an AI-proctoring log showing a “Face not detected” alert and an image where the test-taker’s face is out of frame.
Testlify flags a face-out-of-frame violation without human intervention.

6. Human proctors double-check

AI doesn’t handle everything alone. Human proctors review the flagged moments. If something seems genuinely wrong, proctors can handle it. This human-AI teamwork keeps monitoring fair and reliable.

testlify proctoring activity log
Automatic activity log stores each step, letting reviewers quickly spot any issues.

7. Continuous exam-session recording

The entire exam is recorded securely. This means you can review the footage later if needed. It adds transparency and helps resolve any exam disputes.

Image showing session recording dashboard in Testlify showing screen activity for various test types.
Testlify records the entire screen activity during the test, allowing hiring managers to review every interaction in detail.

8. Flexible settings and adjustments

You can easily customize the strictness of proctoring for different exams. Tighter controls for high-stakes exams, and lighter oversight for simple tests. This makes PaaS adaptable to your unique exam requirements.

Different modes of proctoring for different types of online test offered by Testlify
Different modes of proctoring for different types of online tests offered by Testlify

PaaS vs full-service vs DIY proctoring

When setting up online exams, choosing the right proctoring model is essential. Here’s a simple breakdown of the three popular online proctoring options you can consider:

FeaturePaaSFull-serviceDIY Proctoring
Setup & integrationEasy, integrates with your current management systemUses provider’s external platformFully manual setup
Monitoring methodAI with human proctors’ backupLive monitoring by humansSelf-monitored by staff
Ease of useSimple, automated, and flexibleModerate; needs schedulingComplex and time-consuming
Candidate experienceSmooth and naturalCan feel strict and stressfulLess professional
Cost & resourcesAffordable, pay-per-useExpensive due to human costLow cost but high staff effort
Security & reliabilitySecure with balanced AI and human checksVery secure (fully human)Less secure; manual checks only

In short, PaaS offers a balance between cost, ease of use, and security. Full-service works when detailed human oversight is essential, but it can be pricey. DIY proctoring saves money upfront but increases your workload and reduces exam security.

Recommended readingA complete guide to human proctoring vs AI proctoring

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Proctored test with Testlify

Testlify simplifies online proctoring by offering Proctoring-as-a-Service directly within its assessment workflow. 

Testlify’s real-time AI monitoring observes the candidates during online exams. If suspicious activity occurs, trained human proctors intervene promptly. 

You can also easily adjust the level of proctoring strictness. Visit Testlify for cost savings as well with their unique dual-camera proctoring feature. 

“Why should companies pay extra for 360° hardware when a smartphone can give you the same visibility? That’s what drove us to design dual-camera proctoring.” – Abhishek Shah, Founder, Testlify

Other providers often insist on expensive 360-degree cameras for high-stakes exams. But Testlify uses a primary webcam and then a secondary camera like a smartphone, or a tablet placed behind a candidate. It provides a clear front and back view without requiring any costly equipment.

Final thoughts

There is no need to go about building an entire proctoring system if you want to run secure exams online. With Proctoring-as-a-Service, you get the tools, flexibility, and oversight you need. 

From small assessments to online testing on a massive scale, the way exams are proctored makes a significant difference. 

Testlify thus fits into this space, not only as an assessment platform but also as a smart and cost-effective proctoring solution that can be embedded within your ATS or LMS without the usual complexities.

Ready to run secure, scalable online exams without the mess? Switch to Testlify and bring proctoring, assessments, and insights together on one seamless platform.

Start your free trial today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A proctor service monitors candidates during online exams to prevent cheating. It uses tools like webcams, screen monitoring, and human oversight to ensure exam integrity.

The proctoring process involves verifying identity, monitoring video/audio/screen activity during the test, flagging violations, and recording sessions for review.

Common types include live proctoring, automated (AI-based) proctoring, recorded proctoring, and hybrid models that combine AI with human review.

A proctoring tool is software that helps monitor and secure online exams. It may include features such as browser lockdown, facial recognition, screen tracking, and live chat.

Proctoring ensures exam fairness, prevents cheating, supports remote testing, and builds trust in the results.

Rishav Kumar
B2B Saas Content Writer

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