Proctorio for Students

Proctorio is an online proctoring system integrated into Sakai that is used in some classes to ensure a fair testing environment.

Exams that use Proctorio are labeled "Proctorio required" in Sakai. On these exams, Proctorio records you (via webcam) and your computer screen while you are taking the exam. It also limits your ability to use other materials or to share exam content with others.

After the exam, Proctorio's automated software analyzes each student's recorded test session and flags any suspicious activity for the instructor to review. Only the instructor (and their supervisor and Sakai support staff, if needed) can view recordings.

Proctorio provides the convenience of taking a proctored exam from the location of your choice, without having to come to campus for proctored testing.

What you need to use Proctorio

Important: Contact your instructor if any of the requirements below may prevent you from using Proctorio.

Equipment and software required

• Laptop or desktop computer (PC, Mac, or Chromebook) - You cannot use a smartphone or tablet.
• Webcam and microphone (internal or external)
• Google Chrome browser - You cannot use any other browser besides Chrome.
• Proctorio Chrome extension – download Proctorio extension

If you do not have access to the required equipment:

• Notify your instructor as soon as possible and at least 2 weeks before the first proctored exam.
• View Durham Tech's info on low cost and loaner computers for students: Computer and Internet Assistance for Students

Consent required - for students under 18

You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to use Proctorio.

If you are under 18 years old:

• Your parent or guardian must submit the Durham Tech Proctorio Consent Form in order for you to use Proctorio.
• The consent form must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the first proctored exam.
• Notify your instructor so they can confirm that the consent form has been received before the first proctored exam.

How to take an exam with Proctorio

[insert video & step-by-step handout here]

Privacy and Data Security

Proctorio has built-in protections to ensure student privacy and security of personal data.

• Proctorio works using a Chrome browser extension that you install on your computer. It has access to the Chrome browser only and cannot access files stored on your computer or change settings on your computer.
• Proctorio runs only during an exam. You can tell when Proctorio is “on” because the extension's icon will turn green. It stops running and stops recording when you submit your exam.
• After a proctored exam, you can choose to disable or remove the browser extension if you like.
• All data is encrypted before transfer to Proctorio's systems and remains encrypted on Proctorio's systems.
• Proctorio uses Zero-Knowledge Encryption, which means Proctorio employees cannot access encrypted data on their systems.
• Only the instructor (and their supervisor or Durham Tech Sakai support staff, if needed) can "unlock" and view encrypted student data.

Proctorio has been certified by The IKeepSafe Coalition for meeting the highest data security and privacy standards. Proctorio is FERPA compliant (proctorio.com/ferpa) and GDPR compliant (proctorio.com/gdpr).

For more details, see Proctorio Privacy and Proctorio Data Security.

Cost

Durham Tech students are not charged any additional fees to use Proctorio.

Accessibility

Proctorio certifies its software to be compatible with major screen readers including JAWS, VoiceOver, NVDA, and ChromeVox. For details, visit proctorio.com/accessibility

However, Proctorio may flag the use of a screen reader or other assistive devices as “suspicious”. Also, Proctorio captures head and mouth movements, talking to self, and pacing, and may flag these as “suspicious”.

If you are a student with a disability that may manifest in these activities and/or you require accommodations, please contact your instructor and Durham Tech's Accessibility Services office.

FAQs

Why do I have to use Proctorio?

For some courses, proctored testing is needed to validate that students can demonstrate the course learning outcomes. Without proctoring, some students may be tempted to cheat. For an in-person class, your instructor is in the room and serves as proctor; Proctorio allows this to be done for online tests. Increasingly, external accrediting bodies expect (and for some programs, require) colleges to use proctoring to ensure the academic integrity of online testing.

Is anyone watching me while I take my exam?

No. When you use Proctorio, you will be recorded via your webcam and microphone, assuming the standard Durham Tech settings are used for your class. However, there is no person observing you in real time. The recording can be viewed only by your instructor (and by their supervisor or Durham Tech Sakai staff, if needed).