Online exams can feel like stepping into the unknown—for both candidates and test sponsors. For candidates, it’s a moment of high-stakes performance. For sponsors, it’s a question of trust and security. But what happens on the other side of the screen? Who’s watching, and how? Let’s lift the curtain on the world of Kryterion’s online proctors to reveal the safeguards, tech, and real people working behind the scenes to keep your exam secure and fair.
Meet the Proctor
At Kryterion, our live proctors are trained professionals dedicated to maintaining a secure and seamless testing experience. Each proctor can monitor multiple candidates simultaneously through our advanced Webassessor® platform. But don’t worry—each session is given individual attention, aided by sophisticated tools and real-time visual and audio feeds.
When a proctor logs in, they access a central dashboard featuring a live video feed, audio levels, testing rules, session notes, and specialized tools like the AI Proctor Assist. It’s a cockpit designed for vigilance and swift response.
Eyes Everywhere: The Power of Dual Cameras
Candidates may be asked to use a dual-camera setup —usually their computer’s webcam plus a mobile device showing a wider room view. This dual feed allows proctors to see both the test-taker and their surroundings. If anything appears off—such as a second person entering the room or materials that shouldn’t be present—proctors can take action immediately.
With Kryterion’s Dual Camera solution, there’s nowhere to hide unauthorized behavior, and that’s exactly the point: to ensure a level playing field for every candidate, everywhere.
Real-Time Monitoring (and What Happens if Something Goes Wrong)
Proctors use color-coded session indicators to monitor the exam status:
- Blue means all is well.
- Yellow means an alert has been issued.
- Green means the session has been escalated for further review.
Alerts can be triggered for more than a dozen predefined reasons—like “Test- Taker Left Area,” “Poor Lighting,” “Multiple People in View,” or “Unauthorized Test Aids.” When an alert is issued, the exam is paused, and the candidate must acknowledge it before continuing. Each alert type has a threshold set by the test sponsor—if it’s crossed, the exam may be suspended.
When issues persist, the session can be escalated to a Kryterion Customer Support Agent (CSA), who works directly with the candidate to resolve the problem according to test sponsor policies.
What AI Does (and Doesn’t) Do
Kryterion’s AI Proctor Assist is just that—an assistive tool, not a decision –maker. The AI can detect faces, phones, or missing candidates and flags the session when something seems off. But proctors are still fully responsible for evaluating and responding to all behavior. It’s human judgment—enhanced by technology.
Not Just Watching—Documenting Everything
Every action a proctor takes is notated in the session transcript. From initial login to alerts, escalations, or environment changes, all observations are documented with time stamps. This not only ensures transparency but also provides a thorough audit trail for sponsors and candidates alike.
What Sponsors Should Know
For test sponsors, this rigorous system means peace of mind. You set the policy. We enforce it. And your candidates receive a fair, secure, and professional testing experience that reflects your brand’s standards.
Our proctors aren’t just watching—they’re upholding your integrity.
Final Thoughts: Not Just Security, But Support
At Kryterion, proctors do more than catch cheating—they’re also trained to support candidates in real time, helping to troubleshoot issues like audio problems or lighting that might otherwise derail an exam. Their goal is simple: to make sure that every candidate gets the chance to demonstrate their knowledge in a distraction-free, secure environment.
Because behind every secure exam is a dedicated professional—and sometimes, a second camera.
About Kryterion Inc.
Kryterion Inc. is a global leader in innovative testing and credentialing solutions, helping organizations across various sectors develop and manage their assessments with our advanced test development platform and multi-modal delivery solutions. Established in 2001, Kryterion offers secure, integrated services and extensive support, empowering candidates to demonstrate skills and achieve success in world-class careers.
