Proctoring Options for Online Exams

Last modified on 

November 17, 2025

 by 

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Maintaining academic integrity in all UConn courses is important. Key concerns include:

  1. Authentication: Ensuring that the student enrolled in the course is the same individual completing the assessment.
  2. Cheating Deterrence and Detection: Ensuring that the assessment administration adheres to the faculty-prescribed rules.

To help faculty administer online exams securely and effectively, UConn provides several proctoring solutions varying in level of monitoring, automation, reporting, integration, and recommended use case.

Proctoring Options

Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor

Students take the exam using LockDown Browser, which restricts access to unauthorized resources. Respondus Monitor records students’ webcam and screen activities and flags potential incidents of academic misconduct for instructor review, making it suitable for larger classes where live monitoring isn’t feasible. This option is fully integrated with HuskyCT.

Respondus LockDown Browser + Live Proctoring

This option combines LockDown Browser with live proctoring using video conferencing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex). Students take the exam while being monitored by the instructor or TA in real-time. Though LockDown Browser is integrated with HuskyCT, the live-proctoring component requires additional set-up for the video conference and webcam recording. This option is recommended for smaller classes (fewer than 25 students) due to the need for manual oversight.

Proctor U

A live, professional proctor monitors and records students webcam and screen activities throughout the exam and may intervene if suspicious activity is detected. Instructors have access to detailed exam analytics, incident reports, and session recordings. ProctorU is not integrated into HuskyCT and requires separate set-up and management across both platforms. This option is only available for courses taught in Online Synchronous (OS), Online Asynchronous (OA), and Online Blended (OB) modalities.

Comparison of Proctoring Options

When selecting the right proctoring method, consider the class size, nature of the exam, and the level of monitoring required. The following table provides a detailed comparison of the three proctoring options available:

FeatureRespondus LockDown Browser + MonitorRespondus LockDown Browser + Live ProctoringProctorU
OverviewStudents’ webcam and screen activities are recorded. Incidents are detected and flagged by the software for later review.Students are monitored in real-time by the instructor using video conferencing software.Students are monitored in real-time by a professional proctor using webcam and screen-sharing technology. Students’ webcam and screen activities are recorded. Incidents are flagged by the proctor for later review.
Course EligibilityAvailable to all courses using HuskyCT.Available to all courses using HuskyCT.Available only for courses taught in Online Synchronous (OS), Online Asynchronous (OA), and Online Blended (OB) modalities.
Browser LockdownLockDown BrowserLockDown BrowserGuardian Browser
Live ProctorNo live proctor.Instructor serves as live proctor through video conferencing software.ProctorU provides live proctor.
Webcam & Screen RecordingWebcam and screen recording options through Respondus Monitor.Webcam may be recorded through video conferencing software.Webcam and screen recording.
AuthenticationThe start-up sequence prompts the student to take a picture of their ID. After the exam, the instructor verifies the student’s identity by comparing the their recorded webcam presence with their ID or roster photo in Student Admin.The instructor verifies the student’s identity by comparing their live or recorded webcam presence with their roster photo in Student Admin.Before the exam, the live proctor verifies the student identity by comparing their webcam presence with their ID.
Incident FlaggingRespondus Monitor uses algorithms to detect and flag incidents for instructor review.No automated flagging; the instructor is responsible for identifying potential incidents.The live proctor flags incidents, which are emailed to the instructor for review.
Incident InterventionWhen Respondus Monitor detects incidents, it prompts (but does not require) students to resolve the issue.The instructor is responsible for intervening and disrupting incidents.The live proctor may intervene to disrupt the incident; intervention is not guaranteed.
Exam ReportingClass results dashboard — student exam sessions are automatically given a review priority based on incident flags.No reporting.Exam analytics dashboard, which includes incident reports for instructor review.
HuskyCT IntegrationFully integrated within HuskyCT.LockDown Browser component integrated within HuskyCT; requires separate video conference session set-up.Not integrated — requires set-up and management in both HuskyCT and ProctorU.
International CompatibilityMay not work in all countries.May not work in all countries.May not work in all countries.
Recommended UseSuitable for larger classes, self-paced exams, and automated monitoring.Best for small classes (fewer than 25 students) due to manual monitoring requirements.Suitable for high-stakes exams or specific needs for live intervention.
Campus SupportSupported by Educational TechnologiesSupported by Educational TechnologiesSupported by eCampus

Additional Resources

Related Resources

Related Posts