Position Statement

Proctored Testing For Courses Taught At a Distance  

1. What is meant by proctored testing?

Proctored testing means that students are supervised by an approved proctor, provide verification of

identity, and remain in continuous line of sight of the proctor while taking a test. Frequently the proctor is

a testing official or faculty at an accredited college or university, or other sites approved by the instructor.

Electronic proctoring is an acceptable alternative to traditional proctoring. Electronic proctoring means

that students are supervised by webcam in conjunction with other measures such as a lockdown browser

and the ability of the proctor to take over each student’s computer.

2. Why require proctored testing?

To ensure the integrity of grades assigned to students taking mathematics classes taught at a distance, all

students should be required to take at least two tests in a proctored setting or complete other assessments

such as a class project that demonstrates mastery of the course material and verifies student identity.

Such controlled assessments give credibility to and respect for the grade students earn in their distance

learning courses as well as to the distance learning program itself. Some institutions may not accept

mathematics classes taught at a distance as transfer credit without documented proctored tests. When

colleges stop allowing credit transfers from other colleges without proctored tests, it is a serious indicator

of the need for authentic assessment. It is important that guidelines and position statements such as this

one are published, and that two-year colleges create regulations that verify student identity.

3. What are some guidelines for setting up a secure proctored environment?

The institution should have proctoring available for students at a campus site. Students should be informed of the proper procedure for arranging a proctoring situation that is approved by the instructor and the institution.

Any student taking classes at a distance who is unable to come to a campus site for testing has the individual responsibility to find an acceptable proctor and /or acceptable testing site, and cover any associated costs.

Proctor information must be communicated by students to faculty in an established time-frame for approval purposes.

The faculty member will convey testing information to the proctor, such as, what may and may not be used during the test by the student, the test password in the case of an online test, and how to return the test to the instructor.

4. What is the recommended number of proctored tests and how should they be weighted?

When tests are used as an assessment of student learning for classes taught at a distance, the final should

be proctored. It is suggested there should be at least two proctored tests including the final and proctored

tests should comprise a meaningful portion (50% or more) of the course grade.

Innovative Teaching and Learning Committee Adopted November 2012