3 Things To Know About Remote Proctoring

A version of this article has been published on The HackerEarth Blog.

Before we get into how to make your proctoring experience fool-proof and hassle-free, let us take a look at what remote proctoring is. Remote proctoring is a way in which candidates can appear for tests remotely, from any location of their choosing, instead of arriving at a traditional test center.

Instead of an in-person invigilator as in traditional tests, a person or remote interview software proctors the test virtually from another location.

Employees for the remote online proctored exams are trained to monitor students/candidates virtually, watching them work from their homes or other locations. The exams are monitored through video and audio surveillance. When done properly, online remote proctoring creates controlled and safe conditions to take examinations, while providing candidates and employers with more flexibility, and the ability to assess several candidates at once.

Online remote proctoring can be of 3 types:

1. Live:
   Live remote proctoring is a form of proctoring in which a qualified person monitors the candidate as they take an exam through live audio and video feeds. These proctors are trained to ensure authenticity, looking for any red flags such as suspicious eyes or facial movements.
2. Recorded:
   As the name suggests, with recorded proctoring, the candidate is recorded while taking the test and the recordings are then played back to look for suspicious behavior. This form of proctoring has an advantage in that there’s no need to schedule appointments since the tests can be taken anytime as convenient for the candidate.
3. Automated:
   This form of proctoring is the most advanced and requires no manual intervention whatsoever. With the help of AI, the remote proctoring software will detect any unusual movements or malpractices during the exam.

Some drawbacks and challenges of remote proctoring are –

• Complex technology requirements and stable internet connection might not be possible for test-takers in remote areas
• Heightened student anxiety especially in those who are not comfortable with technology and prefer traditional test-taking methods
• Scheduling and booking restrictions

3 Things To Know About Proctoring Remotely

1. The online proctoring market is projected to reach US$ 1,187.57 million by 2027

As remote hiring grows, proctoring has a vital role in ensuring the credibility and authenticity of the tech assessment process. The remote proctoring market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The increasing demand for remote hiring platforms since the pandemic has skyrocketed its market share — the Global Online Proctoring Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% over the next few years. The market is estimated to be worth around $1200 million by 2027.

2. The USA has the largest sales region for Online Exam Proctoring in the world

Today, the USA has the largest sales region of remote proctoring in the world. While remote proctoring has been used for years in other countries to enhance security and prevent cheating in tests, its popularity has increased throughout the United States since the 2000s.

The United States is the key developer of online exam proctoring platforms. In 2019, the US market size was valued at $114 million USD and it’s expected to reach almost $323 million by 2025!

3. AI has transformed the online proctoring market

The future of online proctoring is AI-powered. By harnessing the power of AI, you can ensure exam integrity and security by leveraging machine learning technologies. This is because artificial intelligence solutions are most suitable for addressing identity concerns as well as privacy issues in an efficient and secure way without compromising anyone’s rights or freedom. Here is how AI proctoring works-

1. API-based facial recognition can verify the candidate’s identity and prevent any misconduct
2. The audio facility allows the software to record all sound throughout the exam, including talking and background noise
3. Eye movement detection is also used as a security measure in AI-powered proctoring software
4. The facial detection capabilities ensure that there is no case of candidate switching during the course of the exam

Make your online assessments cheat-proof with HackerEarth

HackerEarth’s remote assessments platform has built-in proctoring features that ensure exam integrity without compromising privacy and security. Here is how HackerEarth does it:

1. Random webcam snapshots:
   Randomized webcam snapshots are a great way to catch any type of malpractice attempt, like peering into another screen or verbal communication with someone in the room.
2. Custom timers :
   Timers are a great way to keep the candidates focused and discourage them from wasting time or cheating.
3. Plagiarism Checker:
   Our system automatically investigates each candidate’s code against all other applicant submissions for the same test and can track unusual similarities. You don’t need any human intervention — just sit back while this advanced software does its job and looks out for any plagiarized content that has been flagged.

Important add ons:

• To protect against cheating, you can limit access to certain IP addresses
• The Copy and Paste feature in the code editor can be disabled
• Upon leaving the test environment, the candidate will be automatically logged out
• Negative marking could be used during the MCQ questions
• Candidates can be restricted to full-screen mode for the entire assessment
• Built-in mobile phone detection plus automatic impersonation detection to ensure authenticity

Recommended read: What Recruiters Forecast For Tech Hiring In 2022

If you are looking for a more convenient and secure testing experience, remote proctoring may be the right choice for you. While remote proctoring may have some hiccups in its early days, it is now a viable and secure option for test-takers. With the right technology such as HackerEarth in place, remote proctoring can be the future of online testing.